Allen Tattoo Fonts - Compiled Dingbats

We always make a point to add our own take and spin into the final tattoo design. But this is my frequently requested images starting point. Dang, that's hard to say. Having been compiled over the last few months, it's ready for use. Freeware fonts were scoured, eyes ran tired, and I finally just created two fonts so I can use it easily.

Hopefully, I won't get in trouble for aggregating these together... so, um, feel free to contact me if there are any problems with usage.

Of note: I picked based on quality of image, accuracy when enlarged, and how the image will transfer into a tattoo.

DOWNLOAD the Font Compilation (70kb) - ZIP, 2 TTF files for PC
PDF Font Reference (140K) - Two pages of font letter references for print

sample_set01.gif

How do I install these fonts in Windows? Well, unzip them, then go here.

sample_set02.gif

Quick Outline Tip
Some of these are already outlines. Some are not. For those that are not, It may seem obvious, but all I do is type the letter in Photoshop, enlarge it, then I change its color to white - the same color of the paper. This effectively hides it so we'll be able to see our upcoming outline.

Now, make sure the layer is selected in the Layers palette; it needs to be dark blue (if its not, just click it). Then, use the top menu: Layer > Layer Style > Stroke. Then I mess with the options: size= around 5 pixels, position is usually "inside", and color=black. Hit OK and enjoy your outline.

Comments

David - did you use Fontlab to compile these dingbats together?

Marcus   on July 20, 2007 10:26 AM

Yep. I like Font Lab, Studio 5.

David Allen   on July 20, 2007 1:08 PM

Font Lab rules.

Chris   on July 21, 2007 3:01 PM

an easier way might be to shift click the layer, and then go contract the selection.

of course, not sure if that makes things end up pixelated or not.

... and you're the expert.

Greg   on July 21, 2007 6:53 PM

No, you're completely right. And that's how I do it. Then, after having the layer selected, I just apply a stroke to it (from the top menu) either inside or outside, based on what I need.

But often, I try to post the easiest route to explain through this blog.

And actually, I find the concept of Shift+Click and what to do after it a bit harder to explain.

I've also found that most tattoo artists don't have a ton of Photoshop experience, so I try to think along those lines.

David Allen   on July 21, 2007 8:56 PM

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This entry was published on
July 19, 2007 8:20 PM
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