Watercolor is one of the most requested styles at our shop. I wasn't comfortable. My brain doesn’t work that way. The style is totally different…and that’s how I knew I should learn it.
Cortni West’s style is best described as perfectionistic. She is known for her Realism pieces and she is hyper-focused on her line work, her detail and of course, the finished piece being everything her clients hoped for. So to take on Watercolor tattoos was completely out of her comfort zone.
I was overwhelmed. Since I learned how to draw, all I did was Realism work. I turned so many Watercolor tattoos down because the expectations were high. But I knew I had to learn it so I worked with Russell, one of the best in the business. He gave me a lot of tips and tricks. I feel way more comfortable now. I really love it.
Watercolor is really about creating a tattoo that looks like a painting. The colors bleed, there are splatters and it’s artistically imperfect. It’s also freeing for the tattoo artist.
The style is very loose. Someone gives you an idea and you make it your own. You don’t have to worry about the lines being perfect, straight and even.
One of the first pieces Cortni did was a fox. To this day, it might still be her favorite.
A girl came in who wanted a Watercolor tattoo of a fox. It was my first one and I was so nervous. On top of that, I was her second pick. She wanted Russell to do it and he wasn’t available. So the pressure was on.
It came out great, of course.
I love the way it came out. When she saw it in the mirror, her eyes lit up and she said it was better than she ever imagined. It made my heart flutter. It was the simplest little tattoo but there was so much meaning behind it. I’ll never forget that.
Cortni’s favorites also include a flower and a mermaid. But she has several in her portfolio to look at.
One of the tips she has for anyone interested in this style is to get it from someone who knows what they’re doing. Seems like common sense for any tattoo, but Watercolor pieces can fade fast if not applied properly.
Watercolor tattoos must be done the right way. They need lines that anchor them because the color can spread and fade. I’ve seen pieces I’ve done and ones created by Russell that come back in the shop 6 months later and still look new. Look for quality and experience in the artist’s portfolio.
Although her portfolio is full of work that sets the standard, Cortni will continue practicing and learning. For Miss Wild West, it’s just in her nature.
Watercolor tattoos must be done the right way. They need lines that anchor them because the color can spread and fade.
I’ve seen pieces I’ve done and ones created by Russell that come back in the shop 6 months later and still look new. Look for quality and experience in the artist’s portfolio.
Although her portfolio is full of work that sets the standard, Cortni will continue practicing and learning. For Miss Wild West, it’s just in her nature.
