Memorial tattoo idea?

I've been trying to find a good tattoo forum, to get advice on an upcoming design... but I can't find anything, so maybe my fellow herp folks can help! After all, don't tattoos and snakes kinda fit together? :D Here's the story:

It's been a rough year, as I have recently lost a few loved ones... I would like to commemorate them with one tattoo, incorporating symbols to represent each person. The problem is, I can't figure out how to tie them all together! They do fit into an overall nature/animal theme, and I would also like some essence of spirituality (Jewish, Eastern or New-Age). Here are the items I want to include, with a * next to the ones that are mandatory - the rest are optional, as I realize this can't ALL be in one tattoo.

Purple & green butterfly *
Bluebird *
Turkey (don't ask, LOL) *
Roses *
Pansies
Rainbow
Tree of Life (the Jewish symbol)
Dove

Any ideas on how to put these images together?? I could also use help on where to place it... I already have ink on the following body parts: Upper left arm, upper right arm, upper back, left breast, hip, left anklet, back of left foot/ankle, and inner right ankle. I was thinking of putting it on the outer right ankle, or trying to squeeze it onto an upper arm. Unfortunately I can't really go below the elbow, otherwise I'd love to go with the inside lower arm. I'm not too picky on size, but probably can't afford anything ginormous.

P.S. I already have an artist (the same guy who's been doing my backpiece), so I really just need a concept - at least something to put into words, when I go see him next month. I'm completely useless and laughably bad at art, and therefore can't sketch a darned thing for him. Thanks for any help!!

Sounds like you should be doing a "scene"
Since it sounds like your back is taken up already, how about o your side/ribs?
Colors are key for a good scene.

Depending on how big you want it you could do the tree of life with the various animal in it, or around it. The roses, panseys and rainbows could be incorperated into the base, the turkey around those, and the other various fliers sitting on branches.

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Originally Posted by Bleepr

Depending on how big you want it you could do the tree of life with the various animal in it, or around it. The roses, panseys and rainbows could be incorperated into the base, the turkey around those, and the other various fliers sitting on branches.

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Yeah, that's kind of what I was imagining... do you think that would work together? And not look really weird or crowded? I guess I'll have to go BIG on this one, or everything will just get jumbled together. :oops:

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Originally Posted by Corvid

Sounds like you should be doing a "scene"
Since it sounds like your back is taken up already, how about o your side/ribs?

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Hmmmmmm. That would look cool, but I'm a 32 year-old woman who might want kids eventually... so it's probably best to avoid the mid-section, or I could end up with a very stretched out tree. :D

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Colors are key for a good scene.

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True... my artist does amazing color, and I think he'll have fun with this one. :) He's been working on a cover-up for me for the last 2 years, and it's impressive what he's done so far.
Here's a link to his portfolio (Aaron Hodges of Idle Hand): http://idlehandsf.com/section/39376_tattoos.html

Wow... look at this one I found in his portfolio: http://idlehandsf.com/artwork/381373.html
I want a bluebird in mine, so clearly he can do that! :gj:

That's an awesome bluebird! I like the originality of it. Not like all the other bluebirds you see on every other persons shoulders now-a-days!

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

That's an awesome bluebird! I like the originality of it. Not like all the other bluebirds you see on every other persons shoulders now-a-days!

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He does REALLY nice work, huh? I originally went there hoping for a tattoo from Holly (the owner), but she was booked for the next 18 months... I'm too impatient for that, so they suggested Aaron instead. He's done 3 sessions on my backpiece cover-up, and I'm very impressed so far - except for his heavy hand. Youch. :cool:

He really does! I just looked through his whole portfolio and his tats are so detailed and original! Normally I could just tear through a portfolio but his had me looking at each tat for a min or two.

I know what you mean bout not wanting to tattoo anything in the mid section.. I am 32 too and I have a teen age daughter and let me tell you pregnancy was not nice to me :mad: I also have a back piece and I have one hip tattooed from the top to about mid thigh. I would take all your ideas into your artist and and have him draw up some options and put it on your hip/upper leg this way you will have a good amount of area and you will be able to get more detailed work.