Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Today’s tattoo of the day is this amazing piece by Mike Stockings. Stockings has only been tattooing for about five years, yet his signature neo-traditional style has gained him a huge reputation in the industry. Currently based in the United Kingdom, you can find Stockings typically working out of Legacy Tattoo in the town of Haverhill.

Today’s piece is a classic neo-traditional sloth by Stockings. One of Stockings’ most well-known subject matters is personified animals in modern day clothing. However, unlike most personified animals you might come across in tattoos, these critters typically aren’t done in an animated New School style and typically are dressed in more everyday wear rather than dapper clothing.

Take a look at the cute little guy you have before you. Like with most traditional pieces, he features bold black outlines and bright, solid color blocking. However, Stockings added a lot of highlighting and detailing into this sloth to give him not only more depth, but also a sweet facial expression. You can’t deny this sloth has some of the sweetest eyes out there.

Another fun thing about this piece is the color palette. By focusing on the dark colors of the sloth’s hat, the muted colors of his fur and face, and the deep red in his shirt, the bright robin’s egg blue in the background is used to make the entire piece jump out at the viewer and ensure you won’t forget such a cool piece.

For more amazing pieces by Mike Stockings, make sure to check out his artist’s profile right here.