Balanced: Creating Gizem's Mandala Tattoo

Every sunrise and sunset, every cast of light and shadow, signifies the endless cycles of growth and transformation. In this eternal dance, we find our balance, drawing closer to our true selves and letting our energy flow in harmony with the universe. This concept inspired the first tattoo I created for Gizem—a beautiful expression of her journey toward self-discovery and balance.

Gizem wanted her tattoo to be a constant reminder of important principles:

1. Juggle your personalities in balance. Support your own flow.
2. Never stop showing love and spending time on yourself.
3. Remember to slow down when needed. Roads give you experiences; don’t rush to finish them. Enjoy the journey!
4. Enlightenment is seeing the light in all things. Every light, every sunrise, and every connection creates new paths. The possibilities never end. Focus on your frequency.
5. The universe responds to who you are, not who you pretend to be. The vibration in your cells carries a message that speaks louder than words. Don’t bend yourself to fit others’ expectations. Trust whatever weirdness wants to come out. Your authenticity is your currency.

The design of this tattoo is a lady floating gracefully at the center of a mandala, composed of the different phases of the moon. Below her, a half sun sets, accompanied by a third eye, symbolizing enlightenment and higher consciousness. This intricate piece was placed on Gizem's upper back, perfectly centered to reflect her journey of finding her own center. The visual keywords guiding this creation included sun, connections, fractals, mini explosions, and different phases and perspectives of one thing.

Creating this tattoo was a deeply involved process, one that spanned weeks of research and countless sketches. Gizem and I collaborated closely, refining each detail to ensure the final design truly resonated with her. The mandala, with its lunar phases, represented the cyclical nature of life, while the third eye beneath the sun and the lady symbolized awakening and inner balance.

The day of the tattooing was a memorable one. As the machine began to hum, a serene calm settled over us. Gizem entered a meditative state, breathing deeply and steadily as the needle danced across her skin. It was a beautiful bonding experience, each moment bringing the design to life and deepening our connection.

The process was smooth and filled with a sense of mutual trust and understanding. As the final touches were made, we both felt a surge of joy and satisfaction. Seeing the completed tattoo on Gizem’s back was a powerful moment, a visual representation of her journey and a celebration of her inner strength and balance.

This tattoo is more than just an image; it’s a testament to Gizem’s growth and her continuous journey toward self-realization. It reflects the cycles of life, the dance of light and shadow, and the beauty of finding one's center. Watching her wear this piece with pride brought smiles to both of our faces, a reminder of the powerful connection between artist and canvas, and the transformative power of tattoo art.