How to Draw Animal Tattoos:
A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Draw Animal Tattoos is a step-by-step guide to mastering one of the most powerful and visually impactful genres in tattoo design. Focused on bold lines, strong forms, and timeless symbolism, this book introduces you to the visual language of animal tattooing through 40 iconic designs, including tigers, wolves, snakes, eagles, panthers, koi fish, ravens, and more.
The Vault Editions 12-Step Drawing Method
At the core of How to Draw Animal Tattoos is the Vault Editions 12-Step Drawing Method, a tried-and-tested framework designed to make even the most complex skull drawings feel manageable and achievable.
Each drawing in the book follows a consistent 12-step process that takes you from the initial construction lines all the way to a refined, finished artwork. You’ll learn how to break down forms, understand proportion and perspective, and gradually layer in detail and stylistic flourishes.
Whether you’re a tattoo apprentice, professional artist, or drawing enthusiast, this guide will help you develop anatomical accuracy, dynamic composition, and stylistic flair.
Here’s what makes this method so effective:
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Clarity: Every stage is illustrated clearly so you can follow along at your own pace
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Progressive Learning: Repetition across multiple skull types reinforces core principles like structure, symmetry, and shading
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Versatility: Once you've mastered the method, you can apply it to anatomical studies, tattoo flash, fantasy illustrations, and more
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Confidence Building: By the time you finish each drawing, you won’t just have a finished piece, you’ll understand how you got there and why it works
Whether you're tackling a roaring panther, creating a ferocious lion, or drawing a dynamic shark, this method gives you a clear roadmap to follow and is perfect for artists who want a reliable system for developing technical drawing skills.
Download Included
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A custom set of Procreate brushes (liners and shaders) optimised for tattoo drawing
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A free digital copy of the book – perfect for drawing on your tablet or on the go
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A printable gridded practice workbook to support your drawing progression
What You’ll Learn to Draw
Wolf · Panther · Leopard · Bat · Tiger · Bear · Bull · Doberman · Ape · Lion · Cockerel · Ram · Death’s-Head Moth · Butterfly · Koi Fish · Alligator · Boar · Black Cat · Eagle · Eagle vs Snake · Elephant · Fox · Goat · Toad Playing the Lute · Owl · Horse · Peacock · Rabbit · Raven · Scorpion · Seahorse · Shark & Harpoon · Snake · Spider · Stag · Swallow · Turtle · Whale · Vulture
Who This Book Is For
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Beginners looking for a step-by-step introduction to tattoo art.
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Art and design students who want to expand their creature design library
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Tattoo artists and character designers seeking bold animal forms
With symbolic meanings paired with each design, this book offers not just technical instruction but also cultural and artistic insight into animal imagery in tattoo art. It’s both a practical resource and an inspirational reference for artists looking to deepen their skills and understanding of this rich tradition.
Ready to Start Drawing?
If you’re looking for the best how to draw animal tattoos book, this is it. Packed with expert guidance, unique designs, and practical tools, How to Draw Animal Tattoos is not only an inspiring resource, it's a complete system to help you unlock your artistic potential.
Start your journey into animal tattoo illustration today and immerse yourself in the dynamic poses, bold compositions, and rich symbolism that define this art form.
