Alright, so I finally got that Hades and Persephone tattoo I’ve been sketching for months! Let me walk you through the whole process, from initial idea to the final ink.
It all started with just, like, a general vibe. I’ve always been drawn to the Hades and Persephone myth – the darkness and the light, the forced relationship that evolves into something real. I knew I wanted something that captured that duality. So, first thing’s first, I started gathering inspo. Pinterest became my best friend for a week straight. I saved everything: paintings, other tattoos, even just random images that evoked the right feeling.
Next up, sketching! This was the messy part. I grabbed my sketchbook and just started scribbling. I had a few key elements in mind: pomegranate seeds, representing Persephone’s tie to the underworld; maybe Hades’ helm of invisibility; and definitely some dark, thorny roses. The initial sketches were, honestly, garbage. Stick figures, weird proportions, you name it. But that’s okay! It’s all about getting the ideas out.
After a bunch of rough drafts, I finally landed on a composition I liked. I decided on a half-and-half design: one side representing Hades, dark and imposing, with the helm and roses; the other side representing Persephone, a bit more vibrant but still with that hint of underworld darkness, with the pomegranate seeds scattered around. I spent a good few hours refining the linework, making sure the balance felt right.
Then came the color! I originally planned for a full-color piece, but after playing around with some digital mockups (using Procreate on my iPad – highly recommend!), I realized a black and grey design would be way more impactful. It would really emphasize the contrast between the two figures and give it a more classic, almost gothic feel.
Finding the right artist was crucial. I wanted someone who specialized in black and grey realism and who understood the kind of vibe I was going for. I did my research, scrolled through tons of Instagram profiles, and finally found an artist whose work I absolutely loved. I reached out, sent her my design, and we booked a consultation.
The consultation was super helpful. We talked about the placement (I chose my upper arm), the size, and any potential issues. She gave me some great advice on shading techniques and how to make the design really pop. She also warned me it would be a long session – this thing was pretty detailed!
Finally, tattoo day arrived! I was nervous as hell, but also super excited. I showed up to the studio, got all prepped, and then… the buzzing began. Honestly, the pain wasn’t as bad as I expected. It was more of a dull ache, with occasional sharp stings. I just focused on breathing and tried to relax.
The artist worked her magic for about six hours straight. We took a few breaks, but mostly she just kept grinding. I watched as the design slowly came to life on my arm. It was seriously mesmerizing.
And then, it was done! I looked in the mirror and… wow. I was absolutely blown away. It was even better than I had imagined. The detail was incredible, the shading was perfect, and it just captured everything I wanted it to. I paid, tipped generously, and left the studio feeling like a brand new person.
The aftercare is super important, so I’ve been following the artist’s instructions religiously. Gentle washing with antibacterial soap, keeping it moisturized with unscented lotion, and avoiding direct sunlight. It’s been healing really well so far.
Overall, this was an amazing experience. It was a long process, but totally worth it. I absolutely love my Hades and Persephone tattoo. It’s a reminder of the duality of life, the beauty in darkness, and the power of transformation. I even bought some aftercare products off amazon, you know, the basics.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, my advice is to do your research, find an artist you trust, and don’t be afraid to put in the time and effort to create a design you truly love. You won’t regret it!