The real deal

Let me just start off by saying that this tattoo was one of the most roller-coaster like tattoo i've ever done. The first session was on a whim, the second session was totally frustrating and discouraging, and the final session was one of the best ever.
Now that I got that out of the way, this tattoo was a powerful stepping stone in both the life of the recipient as well as my own. This is the first real tattoo of size that I have completely finished on my own from start to pau.

O ka pueo ka hoailona

In Hawaii there are legends told of powerful Pele, magestic 'aumakua, and mystical hoailona. The pueo is both one of the many 'aumakua protecting and watching over the people of Hawaii nei but also one of the most powerful and beautiful hoailona or "signs". The pueo represents protection and knowledge, traits similar to the bird itself. Many people look to it in times of uncertainty and struggle with hopes that the pueo will guide them through.
This pueo once finished will do the same for it's wearer with designs that incorporate family and strength through this new chapter in his life.