Help with plasma cutter and complex pattern…

I have a 4' high x 2' dia. cylinder and want to cut a very complex
pattern into it… i.e. a " Decorative French Ironwork Design"… usually
when using a template with the plasma cutter I just deduct the edge of
the tip to where it cuts and am good to go… but here I am dealing with
a lot of negative space with a fare amount of detail… ? how to
transfer the pattern… I would love to create a stencil and just spray
paint it white and cut out the white, but I know that will not work so
what to do, what to do… you all have been good in the past… Michael