(Click the image to see larger images)
Being a long-time tattoo enthusiast who has probably seen millions of different tattoos, it takes quite a tattoo to draw my attention and get a verbal “whoa!” when I uncover it. When I found this tattoo last night in the portfolio of Hayley Lakeman from Charlotte, NC , I did just that… I was amazed.
One of the things that immediately drew me to this tattoo was the lack of other tattoos evident on the wearer — the contrast of the black and gray masterpiece on an empty canvas was incredible.
I know tattoo artists are frequently frustrated by clients who want highly detailed images tattooed in a small space… the result is usually not nearly as clear and detailed as they’d like. Such is not the case here… the detailed image of one of the most recognizable bomber aircraft from World War II — The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress — is as detailed as an illustration on paper thanks to the enormous size!
It must have been such a challenge to tattoo with all the straight lines and compound curves found in the B-17; and needing to create it on a canvas with curves of it’s own! Despite these challenges, this tattoo turned out amazing and the placement is both interesting and perfect for the image.
Bravo Hayley, you have truly made an amazing tribute to the B-17 here with this outstanding tattoo!
If you like what you see and want a tribute of your own… see Hayley Lakeman currently at Fu’s Custom Tattoos in Charlotte, NC. Her website notes that she’s in a state of transition and may be opening a studio of her own, so stay tuned! Just make sure to come up with your own idea, as I am sure the wearer would appreciate being the only person with this design!
Please click on the image above or the link below for two larger images.
Click the above image for the full-size photo.
Join the Tattoos In Flight Army! - If you have or find any aviation-themed tattoos on the web, send the photo to us along with the name of the artist, studio, location, and a website! Send them along to tattoosinflight@gmail.com, or use the “submit” tool at the right.
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P. Sull Says:
Wow!! That’s a fantastic tattoo, but the PLACEMENT is so singular.. I think that’s what makes it stand out most to me. I love seeing variety in tattoos, which can be hard to come by. Looks like the artist really had fun with this!
Posted on April 8th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Scott WRG Editor Says:
That is truly an amazing piece of work! Might have to plan a trip to NC.
Posted on April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Tattoo Artist Says:
This is a totally stunning tattoo. Good work. Fine detail. What’s the coloring? The pics don’t tell it too well.
Posted on April 13th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Hayley Lakeman Says:
i had such a great time working on this tattoo! it was a challenge with all the curves of the body…but he was an absolute trooper. his first tattoo, and no easy spot to deal with.
i love doing realistic black and grey. (the first picture is right after we did the tattoo, so the redness is there. the second photo is after its healed to show the true tone) i do plan on putting a bold outline on it at some point, which i think would help it pop even more.
i am very honored to be a part of tattoos in flight!
thank you!
hayley
Posted on May 26th, 2009 at 9:46 am
longjonSF Says:
Wow, my grandfather flew in one and is a huge inspiration for me.. thinking about getting one myself. But damn couldn’t top this.
Nice work!!!
Posted on April 6th, 2010 at 3:44 pm