The ferns and maori shapes like curles are ready now. Then I start sketching and filling the empty spaces in the design. I like to use triangles, squares and repeating shapes, so the tattoo will have some rythm and flow to it.
To make the tattoo design fit around the upper arm, I have to make sure the two sides of the drawing line up exactly and make a seamless fit.
This can be done like this: First design one side of your shoulder tattoo. Just make the tribal shapes and lines you wish. Then scan this and print it to a sheet of paper. Cut the shape and put the printed paper on the other side of the design, aligning with the other border.
Tomorrow I will illustrate this drawing technique with an example image.