Wow, really went down the rabbit hole and enjoyed my time on this challenge! I spent ages looking at different types of tattoos, because I really know nothing about them, and debated for most of the week whether to pursue the irezumi and watercolor styles that were mentioned...
My original idea was to make a sort of Yin Yang with Redd vs. Tom Nook as sort of representing fiscal responsibility and irresponsibility, with a ring of their respective leaves outlining the circle, or having them reach toward each other from opposite angles:
But I am absolutely terribad at drawing animals and I was never satisfied with my tanuki/raccoon. Plus by the time I had the idea, there was only 5 days left to finish the piece.
Once I started cleaning up Redd, the struggle was trying to make him more like a Japanese kitsune fox than a dog, but I'm not sure I succeeded. I'm in that stage where something looks wrong but I can't identify what it is, which is frustrating.
Another thing I like about tattoos is the floral intricacy. I love Ginkgo leaves and I am very happy with how they look free-handed on the background. I decided to show 9 leaves as a reference to the 9 tails, and gave the fallen leaf a separate color (which changed from green to red to finally gold).
I started the coloring process, but I didn't like the color palettes I tried and chose to shade with a default texture instead. I was enjoying the process so much, I think I may have found a new passion. I'm so glad I tried this!