From idea to a stencil your artist can use

Symmetric wings: flip the preview to check both sides sit level on the arm before you commit.

The stencil keeps outlines only — dotwork shading is added freehand by the artist.

A solid crescent with thin stars. Keep the smallest star above about 1 cm so it heals clean.

Long horizontal lines suit the ankle and collarbone — measure around the curve first.

At 10 cm wide the lowercase letters stay above about 5 mm — readable for years.

Long tail feathers taper to a point — at 7 cm the finest lines still have room to heal clean.

Koi swim upward by tradition — check the direction on the try-on before the stencil is printed.

Bold traditional lines hold up at smaller sizes than fine line — 10 cm keeps the petals readable.

Straight geometric lines show any distortion — preview it where the arm curves least.

Centre it on the spine in the try-on, then let your artist add the dot shading by hand.

Spread wings need width — the calf gives room without wrapping the feathers.

The snake follows the forearm — rotate the try-on a few degrees to match the arm line.