Judge Dredd or an Eagle?
Last year, Mike from the 2000ad forum asked for someone to design him a Judge Dredd Eagle tattoo... I had a go at designing something for him and this was one he chose from several options I showed him:
He tweaked it a little from the originals:
All was well until recently. Before taking the plunge and permanently marking himself, he asked for some last minute opinions... a wise decision as it turns out!
As soon as the word Nazi was mention, I did a quick google image search for "Nazi Eagle" and was thoroughly shocked to discover that I had inadvertently designed something that was pretty close to one of their emblems... I immediately offered to design something else for Mike.
I began by sketching ideas out and very quickly hit on the Eagle-head & wings forming the visor section of Dredd's helmet (bottom right above). It was serendipity I reckon, to have created Dredd's visage and an Eagle in one emblem, I was pretty chuffed.
Before showing anything to Mike, I worked in photoshop and created the top left one below.
Mike asked for some alternatives, possibly with Dredd's badge or with the Eagle's legs (top middle and top right) but I didn't like that it made Dredd look like Chad and a bit beard-y respectively).
After this, Mike decided that he like to see some alternatives based upon my original again, but trying to work more of the Eagle's chest into the design. I showed Mike a few more variations than I've shown in the middle row above. There was a bit more discussion before I presented the final two in the bottom row. He selected the one at the top of the posting and we're gathering opinions now before Mike does actually go ahead and get himself branded!
11 comments:
These are great Kev!
great design work ,they all look fab
Holy shit that's a great design! Really clever. The small thumbnail looked like an eagle - it was only when I clicked on the linkto view it on your blog that I realised how clever it is. Been thinking about finally getting a tattoo myself actually...now I know who to call.
I saw Dredd before the eagle. What does that say about my psyche, Professor? I'm worried... Maybe it means I'm less in tune with nature... or something. Great design though!
Kev, it's outstanding! When you described it to me over the phone I couldn't quite see how it would work. But it's better than anything I imagined. Great work Kev!
Excellent work - a fiendishly inspired design. A true triumph from adversity.
Between this and the Zarjaz logo a great future could beckon in this kind of work. That shield design is just asking to be used as part of the Dredd film promo art somewhere.
Oh and I saw the Eagle before - I've struggled to make out Dredd but seeing all the designs together it clicked.
Saw the Eagle first. But once I saw Dredd, it was wow!
Kev, I've already said how much I love this on FB and the 2K forum, but I just have to say it again...!
If I was ever going to get a tattoo, this is what I'd choose!
Hey KeV it's Mike here. I've had a pretty shit day today, as you know from working with us we help a lot of charities out and one of them has really amen advantage of our generosity today and I feel quite shafted.
So feeling low I hop onto facebook and folks comments about your design and the fact it will be my tattoo have really made my day. Mate coming from one designer to another you are a genius, this design is a beaut and I will really treasure this feeling for the rest of my days. I really cannot wait to get this permanently on my arm.
Folks thanks for all the comments, on the board, here and FB I feel very honoured.
As I mentioned on the board the great reveal will be at BICS and they'll be a round on me with Kev not dipping in his pocket all night.
Cheers KeV
Mike
Possibly one of the best tattoos I have seen in a long time. Arsom!
It took me a second read to spot the eagle head. That is such a genial design!
Those darn nazis... ruining timeless and powerful symbols. The swastika is a Buddhist symbol I believe.
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