Tattoo Design for Daria
Snake alive/dead
POSITION: Left thigh
DESCRIPTION: Daria came to me with a vision for a tattoo for her hip and thigh: something deeply symbolic, rooted in themes of rebirth, renewal, and the dualities of life and death, destruction and transformation, mortality and protection, solitude and return. The piece was meant to express a a very impactful personal journey—coming back to herself after experiencing profound loss—and to serve as a reminder that she is protected by those she has lost.
In a very short span of time, Daria lost four close family members. Thus, she wanted the number four to be present in the design in some way, a kind of memorial for her loved ones woven throughout the piece.
At the heart of the design is a snake as the central symbol. It is rendered part alive, part skeleton, as a reflection of life and death being interconnected, two sides of the same coin. From the skeletal portions of the snake, delicate flowers bloom, visualizing the idea that from death and destruction, beauty and new life can emerge. This contrast of fragility and resilience runs through the entire piece.
Another important element for Daria was the mourning cloak butterfly, which holds special significance for her. We decided to incorporate four of them in the lower left area of the composition, each representing one of the family members she lost. The number four appears again in the upper right portion of the design, where four ornamental rays extend outward. Aside from their symbolic meaning, this element also serves to accentuate the natural flow of her body.
The design also includes subtle geometric background elements and a slender blade of grass with four leaves intertwined with the snake. Overall, the design is a complex one with high amount of detail that balances feminity with strength. Deep shading contrasts with use of negative space, bringing layers of depth and dimension to the tattoo.
Aside from offering the concept and a few meaningful elements, Daria placed her full trust in me to interpret her ideas and translate them into a visual representation of her story. That kind of openness always feels like a gift. She traveled from Los Angeles twice to complete the tattoo, and over the course of our sessions, we got to know each other well, shared some deep conversations, and more than a few bursts of laughter and hilarity.
Daria’s bright, childlike energy, her curious spirit, and the unique way she sees the world were a joy to be around. The friendship that grew from our time together is something I deeply cherish. It's also one of the reasons I love tattooing so much: not just for the art itself, but for the people I meet, the stories they share, and the genuine connections that are formed in the process.
For Inquiries, please feel free to reach out via email: contact@danielmeyertattoo.com
I look forward to working with you on your next story.
