Welcome aboard.There are patterns available and they offer the advantage of a mirror image but I follow the freehand persuasion to add individuality.I don't care if the left side matches the right as long as it's close and every job is a little different.It's not hard woth some practice.Just grab a pen and paper and start laying them.If you have a real hard time lay a magazine in front of you with an example to follow.Once you're happy with the proportions you can change the style or create your own version.THere's been some odd paterns done and but some are awesome.I have a hard time with the short fat flames of the 50's,but I think they're an ugly pattern compared to the long thin licks.I just did my bike and every piece has a different version just for the individuallity.I also ghosted them more than normal to be intriguing.If you want an even pattern from side to side just fold a pice of paper in half and lay out the flames.then cut them out or use the pounce wheel method described in previous older posts.Unfold the paper and you have a symetrical pattern after you center it on the workpiece.
