---
title: "Custom Surreal and Symbolic Tattoo Design Concepts | Ankita Art"
description: "Get custom, hand-drawn surreal tattoo designs featuring nature, myth, and symbols. I provide high-res files and stencil guides for your tattoo artist."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/surreal-symbolic-designs
last_updated: 2025-09-02
---

# Custom Surreal and Symbolic Tattoo Design Concepts

Tribe Verified · Hand-drawn surreal art from Bareilly

By [Ankita Bhattacharya](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart) · Available online; Studio in Bareilly · ₹1,500 per design (estimate)

Part of [Tattoo Design](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/gallery)

I create detailed, hand-drawn tattoo concepts where nature, symbols, and surrealism meet. From initial pencil sketch to final stencil, let me turn your personal story into ink-ready art.

## Photos and videos

- ![A sketchbook piece exploring the connection between the mind, represented by the skull, and the natural, trippy experience symbolized by mushrooms. The entire design is built from a foundation of an anatomical heart, perfect for a surreal chest tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9534471b-20cd-4d16-8fe0-951e352d2e91)
- ![A finished ink drawing showing the duality of life and death, with a feminine face and a skull intertwined with mushrooms and roots. This circular composition would work well as a tattoo for the thigh or upper back.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0357a37f-1fd7-4ba5-9d0a-cf76db17986d)
- ![The final version of my "Tree of Eyes" concept. This piece imagines a gnarled, ancient tree whose fruits are seeing eyes, a surreal concept that would make a striking and thought-provoking back tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5577cae5-8274-44ab-9288-46c3b6e1e3f1)
- ![A finished design exploring themes of consciousness and altered states. It features a figure with a third eye, surrounded by mushrooms and feathers, representing a spiritual journey. This would be a powerful symbolic tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e86cb236-62de-4995-aabf-3de83e7ca68d)
- ![The complete "Trip" design, showing a skull overgrown with mushrooms and rooted in an anatomical heart. This piece is full of flowing lines and intricate details, making it an ideal concept for a full-sleeve tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8599a32-cd1b-4218-af3e-ffc8bda8702f)
- ![A finished piece depicting a figure in a state of repose, intertwined with a skull and organic, root-like textures. It speaks to the temptation of rest and the connection between our physical and unconscious selves.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a40cb2a9-888f-41f4-bd45-b5b83fbbe1e2)
- ![A finished ink drawing of a death's-head moth, reimagined with a skull face and intricate, flowing wings. This design combines elements of nature and the macabre, perfect for a bold tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/87670f67-7eaa-4924-872e-e18c65646931)
- ![A finished design blending a demonic figure with natural elements like a sunflower and the Fibonacci spiral. It represents a "short-lived romance" between beauty and darkness, a complex theme for a custom tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4c98fffd-95bc-409f-9e93-8103f88c5507)
- ![A finished piece showing a skeletal spider emerging from a crack in reality. This surreal design, titled "Soul Searching," plays with themes of hidden depths and discovery, making for an intricate and symbolic tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/15187f02-3c54-42c5-8be4-e03bc6dc2a89)
- ![The final version of a piece called "State," which explores mental health and consciousness. It shows a figure with an open brain and multiple eyes, holding onto detached eyeballs, symbolizing a fragmented perception of reality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28bafb55-6d05-4eb7-a903-a8493a267bfc)
- ![A finished symbolic design within a circle, featuring a winged, fanged eye. This piece combines elements of flight, aggression, and sight into a compact and powerful image, suitable for various tattoo placements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bbd530f7-53e4-4189-a01c-d80b3db218f3)
- ![A finished surreal self-portrait, depicting a face with a single eye, sharp teeth, and tentacle-like appendages. This is an example of my deeply personal and abstract work, which can be adapted into a unique tattoo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/78856f95-1ec6-4e80-96df-0d218b7aa442)
- [Video: A sketchbook drawing in progress, showing multiple faces emerging from a swirling mass of lines and organic shapes. This is how many of my more abstract and surreal ideas begin to take form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d6b5b1c7-1778-45b2-996a-3cd47a3d029c)
- [Video: This video shows the process of inking a complex piece about motherhood and nature. You can see me working on the fine details of the figures and the surrounding organic textures on my rooftop workspace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a3ef4c6-6a47-492a-9852-7fa7467d8936)
- [Video: A glimpse into some of my darker, more demonic character designs from my sketchbook. These faces, full of teeth and eyes, are born from abstract doodling and would make for intense, dark art tattoos.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93b7f651-ae08-4a4e-bcd0-31d8da037210)
- [Video: The creation of a surreal tortoise, with mushrooms and smoke-like tendrils emerging from its body. This shows how I take a familiar animal and infuse it with fantastical, trippy elements for a custom design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91a712d1-3426-41d8-b831-6ddb0054820b)
- [Video: A time-lapse of me inking a piece about creation and destruction. It features hands holding a broken sphere from which an eye and serpentine forms emerge, all done with fine-line pen work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2e261c3-ec72-445f-bd04-d3718cbf08dc)
- [Video: This commissioned tattoo design tells a story of life and death, with a grim reaper figure holding a newborn baby amidst a field of skulls. It shows how I can translate a client's personal story into my unique visual language.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18e7afcd-0d83-4ebf-ba50-ab8881410d98)
- [Video: A quick sketch showing the development of a yin-yang concept using eyes and leaves. This is an example of how I play with traditional symbols and give them a surreal, organic twist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc182835-8f45-4d75-82ff-3a54f560cf54)
- [Video: A sketchbook session where I'm creating a symmetrical, mask-like face from abstract shapes, eyes, and tentacles. This meditative process of drawing is where many of my most intricate patterns are born.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f336cc75-6c5b-4684-b666-2a6dc808821c)
- [Video: Watch as I build up a complex scene with an octopus-like creature using stippling and line work. The process starts with a simple eye and expands into a full-page illustration with a dark, textured background.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be10fb93-838a-4f77-802b-0a7c177124e7)
- [Video: A quick doodle session showing how simple circles and lines can evolve into a surreal face with cracked textures. This is part of my daily practice to explore new shapes and forms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36785d3b-3d09-4c94-a404-e9faf0e2465e)
- [Video: Another random doodle, this time evolving into a smiling, abstract face. This process of free-form drawing is how I develop many of the unique characters and patterns you see in my finished work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b613ca83-50db-4bc3-9b48-af5f1c1f1542)
- [Video: A simple animation I created from one of my multi-eyed portrait drawings. It shows the eyes blinking and the image cracking, bringing the surreal concept to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91cfe14b-feea-4cc2-918f-99dac62b29db)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for a multi-eyed portrait. This is the foundational stage where I map out the composition and basic forms before committing to ink.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c29183ec-371a-4dc9-9bde-56fd491fa109)
- ![A duplicate image of the initial pencil sketch for the multi-eyed portrait, showing the first lines.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec5a4a33-0ada-48a8-a540-9fa78cd9f996)
- ![The finished ink version of the multi-eyed portrait, done with heavy stippling for shading. This piece explores themes of perception and inner vision.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/661d6675-fef7-4930-ba8e-0c4768ef90d0)
- ![A close-up, high-contrast version of the finished multi-eyed portrait, highlighting the deep blacks and detailed shading.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3fdbe676-3b68-4a05-a7d8-a7fda48d4623)
- ![Another high-contrast shot of the finished multi-eyed portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/880889d7-a8fb-4581-a9c2-8599785a4ec5)
- ![The portrait in a more advanced ink stage, with most of the line work and some shading complete. This shows the piece just before the final deep shadows are added.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/63d84e97-968e-410c-a34e-f75dd915892a)
- ![A duplicate of the advanced ink stage of the portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84a8f0c1-c87a-47e5-a287-a6ce214eb677)
- ![An in-progress shot of the multi-eyed portrait, showing the initial layers of ink and stippling being applied over the pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/57b2da03-5007-4faf-b0fd-2810d704df9c)
- ![A different angle of the portrait during the inking process, focusing on the upper eyes and hair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/367fa699-237b-469c-a6f5-6138da8ccb45)
- ![A duplicate of an in-progress shot, showing the first layers of ink.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6111523e-487b-47c7-bfb2-ef92dd7207a9)
- ![The final, clean, black and white version of the multi-eyed portrait, ready for use as a tattoo stencil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da2c6c04-e31b-4689-b79c-934b4f3a3e53)
- ![Another in-progress shot of the multi-eyed portrait, showing more detail in the eyes and hair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9165898a-4808-4a46-8d55-38a018206c9c)
- ![An in-progress shot of a symbolic tattoo design featuring a vampire mouth and an all-seeing eye within a geometric frame.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4fc0fe5e-44d8-48fa-b0b2-80804308b2a6)
- ![The finished version of the vampire eye design, with the triangle background filled in with organic textures. This is a great example of a geometric and surreal tattoo concept.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82016808-8657-43f4-9e17-ca3a1100f213)
- ![The very beginning of the inking process for the vampire eye design, with just the central eye and some surrounding texture detailed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b10eb6ed-a1a1-4956-ab9a-5968608a23fa)
- ![The vampire eye design with more of the circular element filled in, showing the contrast between the sharp teeth and the soft, wave-like patterns.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b8a868f5-08b3-4b3d-83a4-009db04b58ce)
- ![A nearly complete version of the vampire eye design, before the outer triangle is filled.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd0ee3a5-d8e5-4e97-a2ee-703b6e2b0242)
- ![The initial geometric sketch for the vampire eye design, showing the underlying structure of the circle and triangle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8fd81f09-de68-4317-af97-3b19759dd2e5)
- ![A duplicate of the nearly complete vampire eye design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c26c4ebc-7feb-4878-af98-af8702d27e8d)
- ![Another shot of the nearly complete design, showing the clean lines and detailed stippling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2afac411-257a-4e44-90a6-92b1cf0a5ede)
- ![The design at an early stage, with the basic outlines inked and the central eye partially shaded.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d987e8bd-c2bc-4f6a-ad5f-46be3277e02a)
- ![A close-up of the finished vampire eye design, focusing on the intricate details within the eye and the texture around the fangs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da6caac8-8edc-4d72-aebe-d7ecf15efc41)
- ![A duplicate of the nearly complete design, showing the clean lines and detailed stippling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0987424f-ef75-49e0-ba54-fcddc7de026a)
- ![A duplicate close-up of the finished vampire eye design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e77aa17e-c178-4b2b-af3b-329653406dd3)
- ![A duplicate of the initial geometric sketch for the vampire eye design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6db7aa00-3adb-4691-acff-d2fa2e0ffe66)
- ![A duplicate of the finished vampire eye design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f009a9ee-8ae3-40a0-8391-ebc9d8e4aad3)
- ![A duplicate of the design at an early stage, with the basic outlines inked.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/654337db-a660-4406-9f45-0376804fc668)
- ![A duplicate of the very beginning of the inking process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b7fa3f0-0e21-4833-a516-71d43240c8b3)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the "woman and skull" piece, capturing the pose and the general flow of the composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fea97e3f-981c-4de0-ad6c-c241f192f8b3)
- ![An in-progress ink version of the "woman and skull" piece, where I'm starting to build up the details in the skull and mushrooms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/07da3004-ca00-4f24-8fc2-fd77f32c90bc)
- ![A slightly different pencil sketch for the "woman and skull" piece, exploring a variation of the composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0cd1e492-de33-438e-9979-e4bc7e9a00dd)
- ![The piece further along in the inking process, with more texture added to the hair and background elements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a67f964-e87e-45ec-b86c-5c32e83c652c)
- ![A close-up shot of the inking process, showing the fine lines and dotwork used to create depth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f097a34-772c-4e15-9864-db40658fbc5a)
- ![The final, clean, black and white version of the "woman and skull" design, ready to be used as a tattoo stencil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/737c91a3-8c65-4bbc-b8c7-e59b7387204b)
- ![A duplicate of the in-progress ink version, showing the skull details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bb40cc2-986b-4ba4-8c66-f3647d8f42e3)
- ![A duplicate of the final, clean version of the design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89c52c53-8bd8-4675-a6e0-8ab4136cbc58)
- ![A high-contrast shot of the finished piece, emphasizing the intricate line work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9623b7d3-47c7-4347-9a79-3efcb36bfda7)
- ![A duplicate of the initial pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3293b3d-c5c6-4484-ba34-8995b201abf1)
- ![A duplicate of the finished ink drawing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2e55994-6057-4bbc-ae6a-7104add82926)
- ![A duplicate of the alternate pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/efdf5fa5-da38-44dc-8a2d-1ec0dfe304b5)
- ![A duplicate of the close-up shot of the inking process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd4bb153-1915-46b7-92dd-89ed1b21aa7b)
- ![A pencil sketch exploring the theme of "Natural State," with a sleeping baby juxtaposed against a large, root-covered eye.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a572fcf-d380-486d-a382-e5e82882daf3)
- ![A duplicate of the "Natural State" pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c108c33b-dac4-41f4-9f72-c4b6b11a41c1)
- ![An earlier, more geometric version of the "Natural State" concept, with the baby and eye framed by circles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c78f9811-96ae-417a-840b-bfc8d5b3e1b2)
- ![The "Natural State" concept with initial ink work, defining the lines of the baby and the background eye.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/99d7ebfa-484c-4eab-81ac-d0ef19145325)
- ![The final, fully inked version of the "Natural State" design, with deep shading and intricate root details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eee959e7-8832-4a1a-ad14-9c692a7c7f4f)
- ![A close-up of the finished "Natural State" piece, focusing on the textures of the rock and the eye.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30907dea-a95a-4f0c-a3e4-821bb22ecc32)
- ![A duplicate of the earlier, geometric sketch of the concept.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a81bee07-50a9-407d-9e9b-4cca0d1cfc53)
- ![A duplicate of the close-up of the finished piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31e5de60-f850-4371-aa5d-b601dddbb292)
- ![A clean, high-contrast version of the finished "Natural State" design, suitable for a print or tattoo stencil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/360124d1-131e-4a7b-bd06-a47e25275c1a)
- ![A duplicate of the initial ink work stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d0a74e20-7138-46e9-9bb5-7e83ad6f3dc0)
- ![An in-progress shot of my surreal self-portrait, focusing on the central eye and nose ring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa6729cd-03a7-4a9c-8643-3afce209e03e)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the surreal self-portrait, mapping out the placement of the eye, teeth, and tentacles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/250f0a7b-cd82-4199-9149-67b6c5004297)
- ![A duplicate of the final, clean version of the surreal self-portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d6e01d35-8ea0-4743-ab7c-4b9a702ba0de)
- ![A duplicate of the initial pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f76024dd-403a-4592-8282-0f37c2849017)
- ![The finished surreal self-portrait, with full shading and detail on the tentacles and teeth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb43c7bd-09ec-478e-994a-4d4ac9d7f555)
- ![The portrait during the inking phase, with the main forms defined and shading beginning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb39b283-289f-49dd-8485-3fad0569bda4)
- ![A duplicate of the finished portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a6763cfd-a389-43fc-a350-f0875708c49f)
- ![A duplicate of the in-progress shot focusing on the central eye.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/25f9fa56-561e-443c-8bc7-3ef8f27b272e)
- ![A duplicate of the portrait during the inking phase.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0042fbf4-8975-4d9d-a068-84e327b63031)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the "Tempting" piece, showing a figure and a skull.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04cb0ec6-aa72-4c73-9e44-8f3706676bbc)
- ![The "Tempting" piece in an early ink stage, with the skull and some of the surrounding organic forms being detailed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da0a527d-ad60-4c89-b829-1cd780f739ab)
- ![A close-up of the finished "Tempting" piece, highlighting the dense, intricate textures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4daeb05b-110d-47b8-9f85-015931603340)
- ![An alternate pencil sketch for the "Tempting" piece, exploring a different pose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d3202123-a56a-4bfc-9c00-fcb9d20031ab)
- ![The piece at a more advanced stage of inking, with most of the line work complete.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f3990e0a-5ba9-423f-9f55-de4847745cd7)
- ![A duplicate of the initial pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b5c0d1d-d4e3-418e-bfd3-3909124840c2)
- ![A duplicate of the alternate pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47e2104b-95e4-4842-9a98-2980979d70f5)
- ![A duplicate of the early ink stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37803a14-22fd-48c8-ae68-98adfe61185f)
- ![The final, clean version of the "Tempting" design, ready for use as a tattoo concept.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea3cb743-1ec2-427c-973c-62b4ab1c8aa5)
- ![A duplicate of the advanced inking stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26593565-072e-40d6-9fb0-19467d260946)
- ![A duplicate of the final, clean version of the design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2cc47c78-9580-4936-87d7-c596b8d6b278)
- ![An in-progress shot of the "Tree of Eyes" drawing, with the main trunk and some of the eye-fruits inked.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a314331-bcf1-4778-8af4-b9a6c8cf893f)
- ![A duplicate of the in-progress "Tree of Eyes" shot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cd996cbc-b986-4800-8c00-2c532ca485a0)
- ![A close-up of the "Tree of Eyes" during the early inking stage, showing the fine line work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d9626b75-37bb-479c-aab6-8e26a958c8f8)
- ![The "Tree of Eyes" at a more advanced stage, with more of the branches and background eyes sketched in.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fd21f51-e8b8-4a2d-95ee-44649d18f877)
- ![A duplicate of the advanced stage of the "Tree of Eyes."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d2911343-58ec-4cfd-ae31-fd7a593e7593)
- ![The very beginning of the inking process for the "Tree of Eyes," showing the first few lines.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/835100f3-eb44-4d4f-a361-871791a53067)
- ![A duplicate of the early inking stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f12eb899-c84e-415c-8b17-7254471cc9a9)
- ![A duplicate of the close-up showing the fine line work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/80f9041f-607e-4b3d-a098-41688639c610)
- ![The final, clean version of the "Tree of Eyes" design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad7fe55f-3da9-45ff-8087-a603367d6d39)
- ![A pencil sketch of the "State" piece, exploring themes of mental health and perception.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/41d6b3bc-d7ac-40e7-ac83-a125af1fdc22)
- ![A duplicate of the "State" pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5c96ab1c-f3d8-4b56-8d9e-a6c7a8d6ff4a)
- ![The "State" piece with more of the root-like nerves sketched in, creating a sense of being overwhelmed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad8bddf7-3594-41d6-9714-ffc17807b840)
- ![The piece with the main figure and roots fully inked, before the background shading is added.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f258deb-53e2-418a-9ebc-88c58daf4755)
- ![A duplicate of the final, clean version of the "State" design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91c8a34f-e1a1-442f-93e9-ff05c7c0a2ef)
- ![A duplicate of the fully inked figure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/76864e41-2f65-4568-918f-ff655b5edb3e)
- ![A duplicate of the piece with more roots sketched in.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f004def6-baca-41cc-8248-74eee5aa2d4f)
- ![The "Consciousness" design with full shading and detail, but before the background feathers are fully rendered.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/938a7efc-6b5d-44a0-bf27-98bb20e949fd)
- ![The finished "Consciousness" piece with detailed feathers, ready as a tattoo concept.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a2e19085-ba84-49b3-9ecc-3aeecdcdc84b)
- ![A close-up of the finished "Consciousness" piece, focusing on the eye and feathers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/288ccd50-a1fa-48a0-babc-0ccc59914d2a)
- ![The design at an advanced stage, with most of the line work complete.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23308352-0f34-4f05-8fe1-915b3fffb149)
- ![The initial rough pencil sketch for the "Consciousness" design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0221f395-0e9d-428a-86cf-bd4caaaf73f5)
- ![The refined pencil sketch with the first touches of ink on one of the eyes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d3e2917c-75f4-4f55-8d65-824727c9f11b)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the death's-head moth concept.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11d166e6-a851-4517-9925-3674589405e7)
- ![The moth design in an early ink stage, with one wing and the central skull detailed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4de2d470-1dc0-4eef-9dec-5500904ea13b)
- ![The moth design nearing completion, with the wings and background circle almost fully inked.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bee09d03-42c6-41ab-9bfd-8df8ec48c48e)
- ![Part of a larger piece featuring floating, octopus-like eyes, showcasing my abstract line work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/beaf445e-37b1-420e-8306-47b2fbc9f68f)
- ![The full two-page spread, showing the connection between the screaming octopus creature and the floating eyes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/269f2a34-acd3-4c3e-8b98-ad5a6642ab8a)
- ![The two-page spread at an earlier stage, showing the contrast between the finished right side and the in-progress left side.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/becbaae5-a0d8-4c48-911b-f89d7402a0d1)
- ![A close-up of the screaming octopus creature, focusing on the texture and detail in the face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a0267bf1-f513-4bd6-9476-d822762c0216)
- ![The finished design of the screaming octopus creature, a piece about noise and fear.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3cd664b-9f1e-4c11-a88e-014f3291d025)
- ![An in-progress sketchbook drawing of a totem of skulls and a bird, emerging from a tangle of roots.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c6b4cca4-792d-488e-ad77-74a11abafca9)
- ![The final, clean version of the skull and bird totem tattoo design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eda0fee0-c27b-41bc-8773-4c1e1634f216)
- ![The initial pencil sketch and early inking of the skull totem.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b7ddc96-f019-43d9-bf30-623d5ae4a936)
- ![The skull totem at a more advanced stage of inking, with more texture and detail added.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/133b9b63-9eae-421d-8a7d-b8b822df8689)
- ![An early inking stage of the winged, fanged eye design, focusing on the top half.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f65c45e-bbff-410f-9609-08b9e14d8290)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the winged, fanged eye design, showing the yin-yang-like composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28b03aa3-79fb-4c5e-9ea4-d86c950d81c6)
- ![The design with the top set of wings partially inked.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9440509f-a8de-49e0-b8ea-6715eaf59da4)
- ![The design with both sets of wings on the top half fully inked, showing the detailed feather work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33a29bb0-b04c-4578-8cc9-88c51da821d8)
- ![The design nearing completion, with the central abstract pattern filled in.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3c91672-3582-4355-ac4b-a75da1944cc6)
- ![A close-up of the "Trip" design, focusing on the skull and the mushrooms growing from the eye sockets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1ecba442-a80c-43a4-9db2-bf300b745457)
- ![The initial pencil sketch for the "Trip" design, mapping out the skull, hands, and mushrooms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b330281f-4163-4fd3-8067-92dc304f9a88)
- ![The "Trip" design at an advanced stage of inking, with the heart still in pencil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f261289d-7885-46e7-843a-9725863d2383)
- ![A close-up of the anatomical heart at the base of the "Trip" design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/464efe32-de3c-40ed-b82e-4f44bfd25775)
- ![A close-up of the "Short-Lived Romance" piece, focusing on the Fibonacci spiral and claw-like hands.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f5d5e97-8ce6-459a-a9bf-849a48d8a5cc)
- ![The design at an advanced stage of inking, showing the contrast between the detailed mask and the hands.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a127518-eea9-43cf-a390-6cfc316a9cee)
- ![The initial rough pencil sketch of the "Short-Lived Romance" concept in my sketchbook.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c07d6f1-4216-432f-9d19-e3919d99834f)
- ![The refined pencil sketch with the first ink details being added to the sunflower eyes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/185c509f-9d20-46c6-b7ec-7eef7384357c)
- ![The finished piece with a dark, circular background, highlighting the demonic figure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5f54a4c1-048f-40f2-9eaa-a370e2caa975)
- ![The "Soul Searching" spider design at an advanced stage of inking.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/08d3524f-ec43-4a94-8d50-7d1968903af7)
- ![The design with more of the background elements, like mushrooms, being added.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e59676a2-567e-4434-9640-c63462b77443)
- ![A close-up of the spider's body, which is also an eye, showing the detailed stippling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a6098ab9-fce7-4c6d-ab2b-cae2f80568af)
- ![The initial pencil sketch of the spider design, with my fineliner pens for scale.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d17ada3-5be7-4e5e-97ce-f384e5c6b10d)
- ![A close-up of the top part of the design, showing the mushrooms emerging from the void.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eed0d581-a558-416c-99b3-417939d641a8)

## About Surreal & Symbolic Designs

When you choose a custom design, I provide more than just the concept art. You receive both a high-resolution digital file for your tattoo artist and a separate, clean line-work stencil. This ensures that the transfer process is straightforward for whoever applies the ink.

My process is rooted in the physical. I don't use digital shortcuts or filters to fake textures; every design starts with pencil, fineliner, and paper. I work in the space between the real and the imagined, blending blackwork, stippling, and fine lines to create designs that feel organic and fluid.

Whether you are looking for a small, detailed piece featuring eyes, mushrooms, and roots, or a larger composition for a sleeve or back, the approach remains the same. I focus on high-density dotwork and multi-element designs that tell a story. For larger projects, we start with a preliminary sketch to ensure the composition flows correctly with your body's anatomy before I finalize the details.

I am currently a design specialist. I provide the artwork, the composition, and the stencil guide. You take these files to your preferred tattoo artist to get the design inked. This collaborative approach allows you to combine my specific surreal, myth-inspired aesthetic with the professional application of a local artist. If you have a specific symbol, animal, or personal memory you want to translate into a piece of art, send me a message and we can start mapping it out.

## About Ankita Bhattacharya

Hi, I’m Ankita. I live in the space between the real and the surreal, sketching mythic creatures, nature, and symbolic stories. My art is my way of understanding the world, and I’m here to draw yours.

[See all of Ankita Bhattacharya's services](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart)

## More from Tattoo Design by Ankita Bhattacharya

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/featured)
- [Mythological & Fantastical Creatures](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/mythological-fantastical-creatures)
- [Nature-Inspired Art](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/nature-inspired-art)
- [Goddesses & Guardians](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/goddesses-guardians)
- [My Journey into Tattooing](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/my-journey-into-tattooing)
- [The Artistic Process](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/the-artistic-process)
- [Abstract Explorations & Sketches](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/tattoo-design/abstract-explorations-sketches)

## More services by Ankita Bhattacharya

- [Custom Illustrations & Fine Art](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/custom-illustrations-fine-art)
- [Wall Murals](https://mytribe.in/abstractlifeandart/wall-murals)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Surreal & Conceptual Digital Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/art_with_agantuk/fantasy-surreal-art/surreal-conceptual-illustrations) by Agantuk · Fantasy & Surreal Art · Available online globally
- [Detailed Ink Illustrations and Custom Pen Art](https://mytribe.in/color_addicct/custom-portraits-illustrations/detailed-ink-illustrations) by Kalaa Rahasya · Custom Portraits & Illustrations · Available Online; Ships across India
- [Symbolic and Conceptual Art That Tells Your Story](https://mytribe.in/art_by_jagpreet/custom-digital-art-illustrations/symbolic-conceptual-art) by Jagpreet · Custom Digital Art & Illustrations · Available online; Delivers digital files across India
- [Intricate Ink Art: Mandalas & Stippling](https://mytribe.in/themessyhand/custom-commissioned-artwork/intricate-ink-work-mandalas-stippling) by The Messy Hand · Custom & Commissioned Artwork · Available online; Ships across India & takes projects in Delhi NCR
- [Surreal Pattern Design & Custom Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/cookshop_ruin/illustration/product-pattern-design) by Noopur Choksi · Illustration · Available online globally
- [Intricate Hand-Painted Nail Art Designs](https://mytribe.in/paint_nail_studio/nail-art-enhancements/intricate-hand-painted-designs) by Paint Nail Studio · Nail Art & Enhancements · Visit studios in New Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata & Moradabad

## Book

To book Ankita Bhattacharya, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Ankita%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Surreal%20%26%20Symbolic%20Designs%20portfolio%20and%20would%20love%20to%20chat%20about%20a%20custom%20tattoo%20concept.)