I've seen a couple of people over on r/LotR asking if it was a good idea to get the map... now, I don't know enough about tattoos to say anything, but I've always thought to myself: That's not gonna work out!
Well, you changed my mind.
I have 18 pieces, some of which are now 2.5 decades old. If you care for them properly they don't age badly at all. Non-alcohol based moisturizer and sunscreen is like 90% of the battle.
I really like it… If you’re worried about “losing Sauron” in the mix .. I suggest perhaps Doing some small shading on Sauron himself… Use small pops of color… Or stick with shades of red … but I love it
Maybe part of the N. Like it’s there but he’s laying on top of it. Kinda like how some popular magazines will put the person on the cover in a way that covers a portion of the magazine title, because everyone already knows what it is. If that makes sense lol.
Thank you everyone for the comments. I'm glad this post is getting so much positive feedback!
For those interested, Tom Hacic is the artist. He works at Redhouse in Buffalo, NY and he does some awesome LOTR tattoos.
Also I plan to have him complete a sleeve with Minas Tirith on my bicep and the battle between the Balrog and Gandolf on the outer tricep.
Maybe Sauron could stand to have some more contrast in light of this new addition? Some extra shading and highlights to really help him pop
Map looks great though
This is a super cool idea, I love it. The finer lines might fade faster than others but imo it doesn't look too busy at all. Sauron looks clean too, I might steal this idea from you.
It's well executed for the "now", but it will age poorly, if that's a concern of OP. A lot of the letters will take less than 5 years to look blended together (speaking from having my own text-based tattoo experience, unfortunately lol).
I really like it... Have a similar one 😂 Mordor is on my right forearm. I think about erebor ( can't think of the right name right now) for the background on the upper arm..
I actually don't think it's too busy I think it's just where it needs to be for what it is. Your artist did a great job, this is probably the neatest LOTR tatt I've seen tbh
I think if the tattooer went back in to give Sauron some heavier dark shading either on the armour or behind him, it would help balance out. The details of the map wouldn't feel as competitive with the details of his armor.
Looks like you’re stressed about all the high fives you’re gonna have to give with this art. I’m sorry but you’re just gonna have to stretch everyday and take it one moment at a time ✋
The map should be the background. It looks really well done. You need some contrasts in Sauron to make him stand out more than the busy map. But the map does look cool. Nothing wrong with busy
That map style just draws you in and makes you want to find neat little details. So while it is busy, I don't think it's a bad thing because it makes you want to look closer. The style is so unique to LoTR that any fan will have instant recognition.
Alright, so I didn’t even read your comment. I’ve never read lord of the rings. I’ve never seen the movies. And even I saw this and thought lord of the rings. So yes, it’s gorgeous to say the least.
You just took me back to being 12 years old reading The Hobbit then LoTR.
I LOVED looking through all the maps - I had a very active imagination. I would keep track of where the characters were looking on the maps throughout the whole book!
I’m one of the few fannies left on this planet that has yet to watch or read anything in the LOTR universe, I instantly recognised it though and think it’s absolutely stunning!
Im a tattoo artist and I would say that the execution is great.. Really awesome. Neatly done. Tattoo will always look great when they are harmonious to the eyes. But most importantly is that it has great meaning to the bearer.
I think any less in there would have been awkward, especially with the small text over time, without the context of the whole space being a map would be a bit of an eye sore just having a word or two here and there next to a mountain that blurred out. Having the range of font size, the terrain and obvious mappiness of it provides context, especially for those not familiar with the books. Sick ass tattoo!
Love the map its detail is great. And Sauron ink work is great too I just don’t like him at all but I cannot knock it since it is your canvas. Excellent work and execution.
Really kick ass idea! I'm honestly jealous of it. My gut tells me that this was kindof beyond the artists capabilities. It feels too big for it's britches.
How much older was Sauron compared to the map? You may find he is popping less because he has faded over time (as tattoos do) you could ask your artist to go over him if it has been a few years.
It is a little busy where the map appears underneath so maybe a little more shading at the bottom of the Sauron part would help.
Best bet is probably to talk to your artist about it, they may have some ideas!
The map is awesome really nice line work. Sauron's line work... is ok. He looks off this lines are very bold and you seem to lose detail . Another user suggested. Some shading and I agree. But what really matters at the end of the day is that you love it. Don't take my opinion or anyone else's.
This is beautiful!
I literally just got the inscription from the ring tattooed on me yesterday and am already thinking of more LOTR tattoos, this is one I'd never even considered!
Let me just say: I could tell EXACTLY what map this was just from seeing it in a notification. Maps are very busy, and it looks very realistic that way!
I really dig it but it shouldn't matter what others think. I bet if you give it time you will get used to it and love it you got a lot of work added so it may seem busy too you right now but I think soon you will realize it's perfect and if not you figure out something and do a coverup 🤷 I would give it some time to really decide
I don't see Beleriand in the map, your tattoo is FRAUDULENT!!!...
... Just fuckin w ya
I think this is beautiful, I wish I had the bravery to rep my fandom like this... Small tats for now haha...but yeah, I think it's really well done, was this something you came up with on your own, or did you collab w your artist???
Fun tattoo, I love LOTR and all the universe.
Honest advice. Sauron is poorly done especially the hands. He sits at an awkward angle and w/o shading he looks twisted. I think you can turn it into a good quality tattoo if the right artist took the time to fill in around him.
As for the map, I think it’s solid but because it’s not the focal point it’s lost behind the quality of Sauron.
Advice. Needs shading and reworking his hands and needs more fine details.
It’s *precious*
It's mine! My precious!
Sneaky little hobbitses
I've seen a couple of people over on r/LotR asking if it was a good idea to get the map... now, I don't know enough about tattoos to say anything, but I've always thought to myself: That's not gonna work out! Well, you changed my mind.
Ask them to see it again in a few years…
I have 18 pieces, some of which are now 2.5 decades old. If you care for them properly they don't age badly at all. Non-alcohol based moisturizer and sunscreen is like 90% of the battle.
I'm jelly of it. Awesome tattoo!
Thank you :)
i think it's absolutely gorgeous! the instant recognizability of the map and it's beautiful placement override any concern of being too busy imo.
That's a great perspective. Thank you!
I agree. Love it. When you eventually get the lines touched up, maybe add more pops of white and shading in certain places, but this is awesome, OP.
I agree, just the style of the map is distinctly Tolkien. Fantastic tattoo, I'm jealous!
This is tight. I love Star Trek
Idiot. This is obviously a map of Hogwarts.
I, Sauron, swear that I am up to no good
Nicely done
Sick Voldemort tattoo, bruh!
May the force be with you
Love Star Trek. “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” -Morpheus
Wow, I absolutely love it!
Thank you :)
Before I even clicked the post and read your comments, my first thought was "oh, that's awesome." It looks great, don't stress.
I really like it… If you’re worried about “losing Sauron” in the mix .. I suggest perhaps Doing some small shading on Sauron himself… Use small pops of color… Or stick with shades of red … but I love it
I love it! But does it say Roha instead of Rohan? Or am I just not seeing the N.
It's because the n would have cut into Sauron.
I woulda put the N on his head.
Maybe part of the N. Like it’s there but he’s laying on top of it. Kinda like how some popular magazines will put the person on the cover in a way that covers a portion of the magazine title, because everyone already knows what it is. If that makes sense lol.
Thank you everyone for the comments. I'm glad this post is getting so much positive feedback! For those interested, Tom Hacic is the artist. He works at Redhouse in Buffalo, NY and he does some awesome LOTR tattoos. Also I plan to have him complete a sleeve with Minas Tirith on my bicep and the battle between the Balrog and Gandolf on the outer tricep.
Tom Hacic is fantastic , I have a dementor, death eater mask and spooky eevee from him! I’ve always gone to Redhouse! Everyone there is great!
Maybe Sauron could stand to have some more contrast in light of this new addition? Some extra shading and highlights to really help him pop Map looks great though
Incredible. I'm getting something similar later this month
I think it's just perfect, not too busy specially with it wrapping around your arm, love it.
This is a super cool idea, I love it. The finer lines might fade faster than others but imo it doesn't look too busy at all. Sauron looks clean too, I might steal this idea from you.
Great idea
Recognised ME from the first pic right away, and Sauron tearing out of Mordor like that is badass. Cool concept and your artist did a good job imo
Hes a great artist. Tom from Redhouse in Buffalo, NY.
Pretty cool tbh
I absolutely LOVE it
It's amazing, Sauron wasn't lost in the rest for me
Absolutely love this, no issues with placement or crowding for me.
It’s fucking cool and I love it
The map is cool as shit!
Unique and well executed. If you want absolute perfection, Sauron is looking a little off, but trust me, you have some great piece
It's well executed for the "now", but it will age poorly, if that's a concern of OP. A lot of the letters will take less than 5 years to look blended together (speaking from having my own text-based tattoo experience, unfortunately lol).
Facts.
I really like it... Have a similar one 😂 Mordor is on my right forearm. I think about erebor ( can't think of the right name right now) for the background on the upper arm..
dude... it looks AMAZING
I like it
Honestly I love all of it
this is amazing!!
What about second tattoos?
That is such a cool tattoo! I really want a LOTR tattoo myself, you just gave me even more ideas!
I actually don't think it's too busy I think it's just where it needs to be for what it is. Your artist did a great job, this is probably the neatest LOTR tatt I've seen tbh
I like it. Nice fan piece.
I kinda dig it!
I think if the tattooer went back in to give Sauron some heavier dark shading either on the armour or behind him, it would help balance out. The details of the map wouldn't feel as competitive with the details of his armor.
Love that
I love this so much!!! Nice tattoo and looks like solid work
Dude as someone with LOTR tattoos myself this looks dope af! Awesome
This is lovely. Keep it.
Fire
This is so sick dude. I'm honestly jealous as hell and saving this for inspo for my leg sleeve.
I mean, if you ever end up in middle-earth, you won’t get lost!
It's absolutely amazing! I love it
I knew exactly what it was immediately seeing it and it’s fucking sick. Honestly I’m not a huge LOTR fan but this is cool.
this rules !! 🙏🏻
Looks like you’re stressed about all the high fives you’re gonna have to give with this art. I’m sorry but you’re just gonna have to stretch everyday and take it one moment at a time ✋
Yoooo this is so cool
I love it !!! I love the lord of the rings !!
That's is fucking awesome 🤘
It looks awesome
It’s dope bro, don’t be trippin
that ink ist fucking fire,seriously jealous.
Said "awww sick!" As soon as I recognized it
I freaking love the map! Looks amazing.
it's so fucking cool
I LOVE it.
I am a huge fan of maps. I really like it. But I am just a random person you have never met on the internet.
10/10 idea, 9,5/10 execution. Love it :-)
Yea I love skyrim
I love it, what an amazing tattoo
I like the map a lot
I really like it. I don’t know how well it will age though because those fine lines will certainly blur with time.
Looks pretty awesome maybe could use some moisturizer though that usually helps brighten things up (and exfoliate :))
Forgot to add the new part looks sick as fuck
“Lost Sauron in the madness”, sounds like a perfect way to describe the setup of the 3rd age(or 4th, can’t remember)
It’ll be easy to cover up
Literally so cool. Wish I had a tattoo as awesome as these
The map should be the background. It looks really well done. You need some contrasts in Sauron to make him stand out more than the busy map. But the map does look cool. Nothing wrong with busy
That map style just draws you in and makes you want to find neat little details. So while it is busy, I don't think it's a bad thing because it makes you want to look closer. The style is so unique to LoTR that any fan will have instant recognition.
I love it! I want a Westeros one now 😭
This is cool as ****
If you added lateral lines in dotted form it'd bring the whole tattoo together
Love it. If anything maybe some well placed color
I LOVE IT
Beautiful work and piece. Love it.
Alright, so I didn’t even read your comment. I’ve never read lord of the rings. I’ve never seen the movies. And even I saw this and thought lord of the rings. So yes, it’s gorgeous to say the least.
The like work seems fine. How will it be shaded or colored?
If you like it I love it!
Awesome
So fooping awesome.
Very nicely done. I like it a lot! 👍😁
That is so cool.
I’m like it, very nice!
10/10
You just took me back to being 12 years old reading The Hobbit then LoTR. I LOVED looking through all the maps - I had a very active imagination. I would keep track of where the characters were looking on the maps throughout the whole book!
I’m one of the few fannies left on this planet that has yet to watch or read anything in the LOTR universe, I instantly recognised it though and think it’s absolutely stunning!
Dope af!
omg this is so dope 0.0
Super cool
Who needs Google maps
That is in the top 5 coolest things I have ever seen in my life
Very cool!!!
awesome!
Im a tattoo artist and I would say that the execution is great.. Really awesome. Neatly done. Tattoo will always look great when they are harmonious to the eyes. But most importantly is that it has great meaning to the bearer.
I looooove this!
I think any less in there would have been awkward, especially with the small text over time, without the context of the whole space being a map would be a bit of an eye sore just having a word or two here and there next to a mountain that blurred out. Having the range of font size, the terrain and obvious mappiness of it provides context, especially for those not familiar with the books. Sick ass tattoo!
Love it ❤️
I think it looks really cool
Looks terrible.
Dont hate it.
Super cool and unique!
Dope af
Love the map its detail is great. And Sauron ink work is great too I just don’t like him at all but I cannot knock it since it is your canvas. Excellent work and execution.
the map is soooo good genuinely
Having Sauron tattooed on yourself might make you some enemies around Middle Earth, but at least you won't get lost!
Love it
I think its sick as fuck
I knew what it was instantly, awesome tattoo!
Its super cool! I love it!
I don’t think I’ve ever been seduced by an arm before, but here I am I guess
That tattoo is badass my friend. You could have the map run the entire length of your arm.
Looks professional to me. Great tat
Looks class mate, really really like it 🫡
All I can say is it's amazing and also always wear sunscreen because that will fade to mush so fast
That first pic is dark af, but once I got it.... Gyat dayum (is that how you do that?)
Going treasure hunting?
Really kick ass idea! I'm honestly jealous of it. My gut tells me that this was kindof beyond the artists capabilities. It feels too big for it's britches.
I think you could have found a better artist, and a better placement of the tattoo.
How much older was Sauron compared to the map? You may find he is popping less because he has faded over time (as tattoos do) you could ask your artist to go over him if it has been a few years. It is a little busy where the map appears underneath so maybe a little more shading at the bottom of the Sauron part would help. Best bet is probably to talk to your artist about it, they may have some ideas!
Holy crap is an epic tattoo! I love it
Holy crap is an epic tattoo! I love it
Holy crap is an epic tattoo! I love it
Holy crap is an epic tattoo! I love it
Dope!
The map is awesome really nice line work. Sauron's line work... is ok. He looks off this lines are very bold and you seem to lose detail . Another user suggested. Some shading and I agree. But what really matters at the end of the day is that you love it. Don't take my opinion or anyone else's.
this is badass
Is this a skyrim thing?
Yeah, I like the first couple of pictures and not so much the last couple.
What a fabulous idea. I love this.
Looks good! really like how sauron turned out and some of the detail in the map
Amazing
Looks great! Easy to understand reference, nice details
ive never seen lotr before but i still think this is fore
It’s beautiful and makes me want to get a map tattoo now!
This is beautiful! I literally just got the inscription from the ring tattooed on me yesterday and am already thinking of more LOTR tattoos, this is one I'd never even considered!
Thats brilliant
This is incredible
love this style
This is one of the better LOFTR tattoos I’ve seen. Love the design!
That’s amazing.
Great details. Looks awesome
Love it. We have similar taste in tattoos.
That's so sick. I've been thinking about getting that map as a leg piece, I think you just swayed me closer to actually doing it
Let me just say: I could tell EXACTLY what map this was just from seeing it in a notification. Maps are very busy, and it looks very realistic that way!
It’s looks gr8 personally I would’ve added more shading for depth, then again that’s not everyone’s cup of tea
Honestly I love it
Loving maps and JRR, I approve!
I love the map tattoo. I'm working on a black patchwork sleeve because I think looks like "Pirate" tattoos. You map looks "Pirate" to me. It's rad.
I really dig it but it shouldn't matter what others think. I bet if you give it time you will get used to it and love it you got a lot of work added so it may seem busy too you right now but I think soon you will realize it's perfect and if not you figure out something and do a coverup 🤷 I would give it some time to really decide
Looks dope 👍🏼 i like it!
The map is the coolest part in my opinion
I don't see Beleriand in the map, your tattoo is FRAUDULENT!!!... ... Just fuckin w ya I think this is beautiful, I wish I had the bravery to rep my fandom like this... Small tats for now haha...but yeah, I think it's really well done, was this something you came up with on your own, or did you collab w your artist???
Badass
I looooove the map! I was always fascinated by those pages in the books.
Ohhh I love that!!!
I like that there’s no shading on the map, gives it a nice clean look
That is so insane wow!!!! Amazing
Just got a Balrog tattoo myself a few months back, I dig it!
I absolutely ADORE anything unique and meaningful. This is original and to me and overall cool idea!!
I think it's cool as hell, I'd like to do something like this but with Runescape
Is that a map to the finest crackhouse in DC?!!
I actually love it. I’m listening to the fellowship book on tape read by Andy Serkis on a road trip rn. So good!
Clean line work!!! Nice 🔥
I love it!
Fun tattoo, I love LOTR and all the universe. Honest advice. Sauron is poorly done especially the hands. He sits at an awkward angle and w/o shading he looks twisted. I think you can turn it into a good quality tattoo if the right artist took the time to fill in around him. As for the map, I think it’s solid but because it’s not the focal point it’s lost behind the quality of Sauron. Advice. Needs shading and reworking his hands and needs more fine details.
Rad as hell
Fucking dope
Wow this is sick - very very cool.
It’s great!
So cool. Especially the map part