This piece marks the first session of a full sleeve — a roaring bear etched into skin, mid-snarl, caught in a frozen moment of wild defiance. Every line, every strand of fur, was carved with intention to breathe power into the figure. The challenge was not just in the realism, but in the emotion: that raw, primal energy behind the eyes, the tension in the open jaw, the depth of its roar.

We started by building contrast in the fur — layer by layer — using slow, deliberate shading to give it that lifelike texture. The wrist section fades into a soft edge, where the fur dissipates like smoke, hinting at the transition into future elements yet to come. It’s a foundation, but it already stands strong on its own.

Tattoos like this aren’t just about detail; they’re about story. This one tells of strength, instinct, and survival — and we’re only just getting started.

More to come in the next sessions.