"Per Aspera Ad Astra" Nautical Illustration

This is my nautical illustration for Harbor Tattoo Gallery in Brookings, OR. I’ve made a few changes to the original design (see website) that keep it more inline with the tattoo theme and add some dramatic effect…

My inspiration for the piece was the latin phrase “Per Aspera Ad Astra” – Through Adversity To The Stars. I had planned on placing the phrase in the border of the original draft, in a tacked brass plate like you might see on the frame of an old nautical masterpiece. Instead, I balanced the weight of the flag trailing to the right with the phrase on a free flying banner. I also added an additional bright star outside the original border to emphasize the “To The Stars” idea.

Next, I changed the waves from what was my own illustration style to those you would find in a nautical or Japanese style tattoo. I actually like the look of them with this piece and it was much less line work. I then shortened the bow beak, and removed the bowsprit mast from the bow of the ship to make room for the lighthouse now in the background – I think it’s my favorite addition to the piece!

Finally, I tore open the bindings on the lower foresail to let it flap loose and shred in the wind to emphasize the storminess and “adversity” theme. It also covered a good portion of fine detail in the other sails, shrouds and rigging in the original drawing, saving me an hour of work!

2013, Pen & Ink, 18x24" Strathmore 300