08/03/2026
Wrap around upper arm cobra from 2025. There are multiple different ways to illustrate the texture of scales. Depending on the species of snakes, scales come in variety of smoothers and light reflection.
Smooth scales are often seen in pythons and boas. They are even, flat, easily reflect light and often do not have a clear “edge definition”.
Keeled scales have a more aggressive look due to the formation of raised ridge in the middle of the scale. This allows the snake grip to rough terrain. A good example of these kinds of scales can be found on vipers.
Granular scales are small, bumpy and no not overlap. Altho the shape of the scale varies significantly, with the elephant trunk snake having dense small grid versus the cobra having more larger and easily defined grid.
How you choose to illustrate a scale can tell a lot about the species you are tattooing. Its habitats and evolutionary route to get there.
