Where I'm from dosn't define where I'm going

An old friend of mine approached me to design a tattoo for him.  If I had a dollar for every person who asked me to draw a tattoo but never got back with me to disccuse design I'd be much better off than I am now.  But this friend knew exactly what he wanted, he had been thinking about it for awhile and had already decided that he wanted me to draw it. 

I grew up with this friend in Nisqually Valley located just North of Olympia WA.  He had just gotten the Rainier beer logo, essentially a giant red "R" inked on his arm and wanted the Nisqually glaicier side of Mt. Rainier partially wrapped around his arm as the background behind the logo. 

Now Rainier beer is not the best of beers, but it is well know in these parts.  It definitely defines Nisqually and he is after all one of my oldest friends.  So I sat down and completed his image the day before his birthday.  I'd say it was a successful birthday present and am looking forward to seeing the completed tattoo.

My first rough draft looks like a cow

I'm no fool, I put my light table to good use.

Pencil drawing turned into ink drawing.

Ready for the tattoo artist!