Tattoo Designs

When choosing a tattoo design there are several factors that a person needs to take into consideration before they even begin the process. First off they have to find a reputable tattoo parlor. They should have experienced tattoo artist in their employment and you should to get references on them. The parlor or studio should also use disposable needles. Once a tattoo design has been inked into a person’s skin the needles should go in the trash. Another factor to consider before having ink done is whether you want to use the ready made tattoo flash or you want something custom made. The latter usually adds a bit more to the price tag, so that’s something you should take into consideration. Finally before the tattoo needles even gets pressed to your skin you have to consider how you’ll feel about this tattoo a few years from now. A tattoo that is purely for humor’s sake or that was done in the spur of the moment may later lead you to tattoo regret. Then your only recourse is too have the tattoo covered with another design or have it surgically removed. The latter can be a time consuming and expensive process.

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian Tattoos come in many different types and styles. Some of the more popular Hawaiian designs could be put either in the naturalistic or abstract genres. Of course the abstract designs are almost exclusively of a tribal nature. But, that’s because tribal designs actually originated in the Hawaiian Islands. Look at the Hawaiian tattoo listed here. On one side of the design is a traditional tribal design, something that you see on a fairly regular basis. I especially like the dark colors and the thin quality of the lines. You don’t see that too often in tribal tattoos but it’s something that is very commonly seen among Hawaiian tattoos. Most tribal designs have thick and heavy strokes to the lines, which makes them appear heavier. But, these pencil thin lines have a light and almost airy quality to them. Now, the design element on the right is something I’m not too familiar with. It could be some kind of ancient religious artifact or maybe even a medallion for protection. I’m not entirely sure. But, it does seem to blend in very nicely. I can surely see adding other elements to this design, however. Maybe some sea turtles or flowers. That would be a nice touch.

The Hawaiian tattoo in the picture is very dramatic and stylistic. But, is that the type of design you think of when someone says Hawaiian tattoo? Probably not. In most peoples minds, Hawaiian tattoos consist of flowery or colorful designs. What a lot of people don’t realize is that Hawaiian tattoos can also contain a tribal element. As a fact, tribal tattoos were most likely invented by the inhabitants of these Pacific islands. Most of the Hawaiian body tattoos were from tribal traditions, as is the case in the picture. Actually the Hawaiian tattoo in the picture is probably more characteristic of these type of designs. The floral and flashy designs are often the result of designs inspired to attract tourist and not be representative of the Hawaiian culture. So, if you fly over to the Islands then venture away from the tourist trap tattoo parlors. Strike out on a less traveled path. Find a traditional Hawaiian tattoo artist and let him give you a design that is rich in culture and heritage and is a true representation of Hawaiian culture and society. That way when you get home you have something truly unique and quite special.

Celtic Tattoo

If your looking for a unique tattoo then check out the Celtic tattoo in the picture. It’s a shield knot that was common among the ancient Celtic tribes. The Celtic people have a long and proud history of Celtic tattoo meanings. From ancient times the Celts have pursued their artistic ability and have created complex works of art with various Celtic tattoo meanings for each individual design. A tattoo cross may be an indication of faith. Knot work may allude to the greater spiritual aspects of the universe. And shield knots may be a symbol that helps the bearer receive protection against his or her enemies. And there are also many designs that were used to ward off evil spirits or demonic forces. As you can see from the previous examples, Celtic tattoos have meanings to the religious from pagans, to atheists and even Christians. And they also allude to a proud heritage or racial lineage. So, if your of Irish heritage then show your pride in your ancestry by sporting a Celtic tattoo like the one in the picture. Heck, even if your not of Irish heritage you can still get a cool design that is really cool. There’s a variety of awesome designs that you could work up based on this motif.

This is one killer celtic tattoo, it gives off the impression you can open this up and go right inside the persons body. Wow what a great tattoo design. The details are totally awesome and the visual effect of being open on the body is something I have never seen before. It’s like a gateway to someone’s soul. If you look closely at this celtic tattoo, it looks very similar to something of Arabic origin. I could see this same design on a palace window somewhere in the middle east.
There must be a relationship between Arabic art and celtic art. I have never noticed the closeness of these two different cultures before. Over all this celtic tattoo is pretty close to being perfect when it comes to an original design that mixes two designs in one. I bet if you read up in history books, the Arabic styles and designs from the 7th and 8th century were brought to Europe by traders and travelers. That’s probably where the first celtic tattoo had it’s beginnings. This tattoo has a very bright and colorful pink that stands out with the aqua blue. Both colors are fantastic when it comes to this tattoo.

Demon Tattoos

This tattoo is out of this world, it is Elm Streets Freddie and he is coming to get you while you are sleeping. Pretty funny but the tattoo is totally awesome. The artist really did a great job at designing this wild tattoo. I am a die hard demon tattoos junkie, I love to see the ghouls come out to play on someone’s arm or leg. This tattoo really does the job in making people say wow when they see it. The claw is very radical and Freddie is just as sinister as he is in the movies. Who doesn’t like to see some wild demon tattoos when they go to a scary movie. The guy next to you in the theatre has demon tattoos and every time you look his way, his arm moves a little making the tattoo seem like it’s alive, watching you closely. Just thinking about some of the demon tattoos I have seen at some conventions would blow your mind. I love the gore and the blood, the meaner looking the better. If you love the crazy tattoos like I do, then go for a good demon on the skin, you won’t regret a moment of the fun.

If your interested in getting a demon tattoo, like the one in the picture you should keep a couple things in mind. In many different cultures and societies throughout the world, the demon tattoo is a representation of an entity that is the single most embodiment of pure and unrelenting evil. There was a time when the mere mention of the word demon would put you under public scrutiny and perhaps subject you to trial as a witch. But, fortunately those days are long past and the demon tattoo has gained other connotations besides being evil. Thus, demon tattoos are in great demand now. Many people now sport demon tattoos to show that they have no fear of the dark side of life. He demon tattoo represented here is not what I would call your ordinary design. It does have the black and white design that was once common for these tattoos, but I’m afraid that times have changed. Demon tattoos nowadays often depict these vile entities with lots of bold and bright color. More times then not you will see demon tattoos that have been inked with red, blues and even sometime green shades. And this one also looks more like a cartoon character then an embodiment of evil, doesn’t it?

Girl Tattoos

Ever since women started getting tattoos there have been a debate over what are male tattoos and what are girl tattoos. While I’m not naive enough to think that I can resolve this debate to everyone’s satisfaction, I would like to make a few comments on girl tattoos in general. Many people consider anything that has a softer touch to it, to be a girl tattoo. These include the ever popular flower designs, birds, stars and butterflies. But, I have a real problem with this definition. You see, I have seen many of my male friends sport many of these same tattoo elements. Does it make them anymore masculine? No, so maybe we can move these out of the girl tattoo category. Another problem is that common tattoos that were popular among men, such as skulls, dragons and tigers are now being sported on women’s bodies. Does this make them girl tattoos? I really don’t think so. So, what can we consider a girl tattoo. Maybe like the image in the picture, we should consider lower back tattoos as being girly. I haven’t seen too many men with ink there. Well, hopefully that solves, to an extent, the whole debate. Or does it?

They put this tattoo into the category of girl tattoos but I can see where just about anybody might want to get a tattoo of flowers on a stem like this one. There’s certainly nothing wrong with it. And there is nothing wrong with being a guy and liking flowers. Not that I can see anyway. This picture is kind of dark but we can still see that it appears to be a nice looking tattoo that goes up the right side of this girl’s back. A stem with pretty flowers spouting off it it as it goes. One almost expects to see a butterfly or two flying around the flowers, but you can’t always have everything.
I don’t really like calling any group of tattoos, girls tattoos because I’d like to think that every one looks at tattoos in their own way and makes up their mind to get one or not in their own way so breaking them off into girls tattoos and boys tattoos just does not seem like the right thing to do. I say just let it be everybody’s tattoos and we just leave it at that. Sounds like a deal to me.

Gun Tattoos

This is one of those gun tattoos that would make most men take a second look. And the biggest reason for that is because it’s on this slender girl’s hip. And it is a very good tattoo as well. A more modern gun, something like a 9mm placed right on the hip as if it can be grabbed by the right hand and shot at any time, just like a gunfight in the old west. And this girl is probably a really good looking girl who knows she is going to go around for a long time breaking hearts, so her meaning here is. Careful, because I’ll shoot you in the heart.
I ma not sure but I would think the very idea behind having a gun as a tattoo would be some sort of empowerment. It gives a person a sense of having a certain power over others if you will and I think that’s what these gun tattoos is really all about. The only other thing I can come up with is that it gives a person a sense of safety. As if it were a way of protecting themselves, if needed. Mush like carrying a real gun.

Gun tattoos are often associated with violence and power. But, what many people don’t realize is that they are also phallic symbols or representations of the male member. It is therefore considered primarily a male choice. While the gun tattoo would seem to be a largely male choice, more women are ‘packing’ as a statement of their own freedom and independence, or as a reminder of the tougher aspects of their own complex personalities. As an emblem of strength and security, the gun tattoo serves as a talisman for protection. The gun tattoo in the picture is reminiscent of the classic style. It has two guns crossed with a rose between them. While the guns represent self determination and power, the rose stands for love. The playing cards added beneath the crossed tattoos adds a further depth to the symbolism of this tattoo. It represents chance and the gun tattoo motif pictured here, when taken as a whole represent chance in love and war. Nothing is certain except our own determination and passion. But, the bearer of this tattoo could have gotten it for another reason. And that may be because it simply looks cool. I guess we’ll never know.

Frog Tattoos

Frog tattoos may not be as widely sought out as some other tattoo designs, but this may very well be a good thing as you are certain to make a unique statement with this piece. Frog tattoos are as varied and different as the many species of frogs that they visually represent. Frog tattoos also can represent the brilliance and color of the natural world. They may be made with a plain outline, or you can let your imagination run wild with bright, bold colors and more intricate designs. Frogs can be combined with flowers, vines, water lotus’ and more. Poisonous frog tattoos may add something of an edge to these tattoos, and may be used as a symbol of the personality of its wearer. Some people may prefer a more cartoon like depiction for their frog tattoos. These pieces often show the frog in a crouching position with a cute, dopey, or sometimes even a sarcastic look on it’s face. Many cartoon frog tattoos show the creature with its tongue poised for flicking at flies, or sitting peacefully in a pond on a water lily. The bearer of the frog tattoo in the picture has chosen a more realistic design. And it’s quite a good representation of an actual tree frog. The artist probably stenciled this frog tattoo design directly from a picture of a tree frog.

The frog tattoo is a design that is rich in symbolism in many different cultures. It represents metamorphosis, regeneration and new directions in life. For native American tribes in North America, the frog is associated with water and the moon, and is a symbol of fertility, prosperity and wealth. Many Native American tribes call the frog ‘the Great Rain Maker’. Frog announced the end of winter. With the last snowfall of spring, the snowflakes touching the ground would turn into frogs announcing to the people that soon the salmon would be returning to the rivers. But, it’s symbolism isn’t confined to the Native Americans. To the Iban in Borneo, the Frog was believed to be the creator of men. And Keling, the most powerful of the Iban gods, often transformed himself into a frog at will. For the Iban, a frog tattoo on the throat will protect a warrior from having his head taken in battle. And Iban ancestors will often return and reside in the body of a frog so that they may return and be close to their beloved long-houses. So, the next time you consider getting inked maybe you should keep this creature in mind and get a frog tattoo.

Wolf Tattoo

Here we have a pretty wild looking wolf tattoo. One that doesn’t really need a whole lot of explanation. We can see they it is sort of grey in color, which is probably very realistic and we can see that this particular wolf is being vicious at this very moment, which I am certain is very realistic. It’s nose is tightened up and it’s teeth are separated just enough to make that really scary, throaty type of growl before it pounces on us. It wants to do damage. Now with this wolf tattoo I wouldn’t say it’s great and I wouldn’t say it’s bad. All I can say is that it’s a wolf tattoo.
Through out the years wolves have been very mis-understood and as a result they have become extinct in many places. In North America their near extinction was due primarily to their regular attacks on livestock. This led to cash bounties being put on their skins and the mass slaughter began. Native Americans often identify with the wolf, feeling they got the same sort of raw deal and have still somehow managed to survive, just as the wolf has. Thus is born a lot of the legends of a lone wolf type and how one very strong and cunning man can overcome.

The popularity of wolf tattoos can be attributed to the long relationship that wolves and men have enjoyed. Our shared history goes back at least 40,000 years and the modern dog is a direct descendant of Asian wolves. Wolf tattoos have come to symbolize courage, loyalty and allegiance to the family because of their distinct pack behavior. But, wolves can also have a negative connotation. They are sometimes seen as harbingers of evil or omens of death. They have also symbolized fear of the night, darkness, and even demonic possession. At the same time men could not help but admire the skill and success of the wolf pack. Certain cultures had a reverence for the wolf. For instance, the Romans venerated the wolf, because of the legend of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, being suckled by a she-wolf after being abandoned. The Roman god of war, Mars held the wolf sacred and to spot one before a battle was an omen of certain victory. So, wolf tattoos can have a dual symbolism depending on the culture and the beliefs of the bearer. Regardless, wolf tattoos can be a nice addition to any collection of modern body art.

Skull Tattoo

Now here is one wicked looking skull tattoo. And one damn big one too, covering all of this dudes back. It’s actually a skull and cross bones, the symbol of pirates and poisons, only the top of this skull seems to have been cut away somehow. It’s pretty wild looking stuff and that’s for sure. I don’t know what statement it is meant to make but it sure makes it big and it makes it loud, there’s no mistaking that much about this skull tattoo. One cannot look at a tattoo this big without wondering how long it took to put it on. It must have been many hours for sure.
Some of the most common beliefs behind the skull tattoo is that the person wearing it understands their own fate, be it good or bad. Another of the meanings is simply someone saying they are a tough person, while other meanings touch on death as well as renewal in life after death. The skull, like many other things, has lots of folklore attached to it and it all means squat unless it means something in particular to whoever is considering the skull tattoo. Just keep in mind this skull tattoo is, of course, an over exaggerated sample.

Now here we have a skull tattoo with the typical cross-bones behind the skull plus this skull is wearing an old style top hat. I am not at all sure what the symbolism is behind this but it is a pretty neat looking tattoo. And it is very well done too. It’s a great looking, scary type of skull with very classic features. I like the way the top and bottom of the mouth seem to almost be melted together. It reminds me of a scene in a very famous movie.
I do not have a skull tattoo as of yet but I think I will probably get one before long. I just have to decide which one and how big I would like to get it. The size of it is probably the most important part of that equation to me. The style I get will be the scary style for sure but I need to find one that I think is really cool. Something cool yet generic. And that’s all it means to me. No heavy symbolism or anything like that. One way or another I’m going to have my own skull tattoo before this year is out.

Sparrow Tattoos

This tattoo is a perfect example of a good memorial tattoo and a good animal tattoo. This sparrow tattoo is a memorial to someones dad. Animal tattoos are used for many different things including memorials, emotions, and traits people have. The shading on the bottom of the sparrow is a light orange mixed with a redder orange, which gives it a distinct and unique look. The sparrow’s upper body is a mix of different hues of blue and white. The mixture of a dark blue and a light blue on the wings gives the sparrow a glossy look. The eyelid of the bird is a lighter green, making it stand out against the dark blue of the sparrows body. The calligraphy used for the word dad in the sparrow tattoo is fancy and goes along great with the sparrow itself. the heart lock in the sparrows mouth is a good example of symbolism used in tattoos. the outside of the lock is a mix of yellow and orange, while the heart itself is a darker red. Each feather on the wings of the sparrow are highly detailed and unique, and the colors are blended together to give it a glossy finish. Tattoos are a good way to memorialize a lost loved one.

Sparrow tattoo designs are a classic tattoo that has been very popular for many centuries. These great tattoos have a lot of symbolism behind them and with the bright colors and vast array of designs can make a wonderful tattoo. The first meaning or significance of the sparrow tattoo came from sailors. Sailors originated most of the classic tattoo designs and sparrow tattoos are no different. Sparrow were seen as a symbol of good luck. Since they flew close to land then a sailor would know he was close to land once he saw a sparrow flying by the ship. This was a good sign as it meant a safe end to a dangerous journey. Over time sailors started ascribing certain meaning behind different sparrow colors and tattoo designs. Most of these have been lost and obscured over time. However, it is known that a person would get a sparrow tattoo after making a long significant journey for example after crossing the equator or other such long journey. Today sparrow tattoos have taking on a variety of different meanings. The most common meaning for the design in modern times is freedom. And that is the meaning that I most identify with.

Nautical Star Tattoos

Sailors used stars and the North Star for navigation, so it’s not hard to see why so many of them have nautical star tattoos. They function as a guide to get them back home safely. The nautical star tattoo was meant to keep them safe and guide them safely back to their home port especially since maritime travel was so perilous and there was always a level of uncertainty associated with their travels. Also today, people have nautical star tattoos for similar reasons because you can rely on them when you are lost in your life, they are a light in the darkness. The nautical star has different meaning in different cultures or communities. In Ireland the nautical star is a symbol for good health, it’s an old Pagan symbol you can find in certain Irish hospitals even today. The nautical star tattoo has a special meaning in the gay and lesbian community. Some gay and lesbian people have a nautical star tattooed on their wrist as a sign of their disposition. The wrist is chosen because it can be easily covered with a watch or bracelet. And oddly enough, it’s also a favorite among many celebrities regardless of the sexual orientation.

This nautical star tattoo shows how an ordinary design can be jazzed up by reworking it a little bit. The top picture is the nautical star tattoo as it was originally designed and the bottom picture is the nautical star tattoo reinvented with a lot of color. The person evidently decided he wanted to bring the design up a notch. But, why would a person get one of these designs in the first place. Well, I believe the bearer of this tattoo wanted to celebrate the history of it. See, nautical star tattoos date back over a century ago with sailors looking for some sort of direction, guidance, protection, and safe return home. In the early days, sailors counted on the stars for navigation. Sailors relied on the stars to direct them correctly, putting all their faith in them that the stars would never fail them in their return trips home. This is what began the now common sailor tattoo, the nautical star. The star symbolized this and their path home. Soldiers are also fond of this tattoo for similar reasons. Now days, the symbolic meaning has taken a bit of a spin but not far off what the sailors used this tattoo to symbolize. Today, when people get a nautical star tattoo it can come with various meanings to them, some in remembrance of a sailor or solider in their life, with others it can mean direction in their own life.

Dolphin Tattoo

Flipper has nothing on this dolphin tattoo, now I really think this is a brilliant tattoo. Everyone I know has a deep burning love for all whales and dolphins. This dolphin tattoo makes you want to run out and take a nose dive into the nearest body of water you can find. There are a lot of women that really go nuts over anything that has to do with dolphins. I think I know more women that collect dolphin artifacts than I can list here. There is nothing fancy about this dolphin tattoo, it is simple and it is detailed right down to the last drop of water. The sight of a dolphin makes you feel good no matter if you are seeing it on the television or in real life. I love to see them racing in front of boats as they sail through the ocean to their next destination. On this dolphin tattoo, I might have done one thing a little different. I would have made the water spots a little larger, but that is nothing to make a big deal about. The dolphin has a great time jumping out of the water, so this dolphin tattoo showing it jumping is right on the money with it’s natural design.

The popularity of a dolphin tattoo can be traced back to a long standing empathy and understanding between our two species. People and dolphins have existed together for quite some time now, and the more we continue to learn about these creatures, the more we come to believe that the dolphin carries a divine spark that some how separates them from other animals. At least that is what a lot of people tend to believe but who knows if it is true or not. Maybe, just maybe, they are but another big fish that happens to be very friendly and likes to play around a lot. The truth is that there is really no way to know either way, but it makes a lot of people want a dolphin tattoo.

It has long been believed, by some ancient cultures, that dolphins were a certain connection between the world of men, of underwater life of the oceans of the world. Swimming with dolphins has very often helped children to deal with various handicaps, overcome all types of learning challenges and soothe the suffering of individuals with severe depression or mental anguish. So is it really the dolphin that does this or is it how we perceive the dolphin that really does this? No one knows, but either way, getting a dolphin tattoo will always get peoples attention.

Tattoos For Girls

For the first half century after tattooing became commonplace there were few tattoos for girls. In fact, except for the small handful of rebellious women, very few females got tattooed at all. But, all of that changed about twenty five years ago when tattooing became more socially acceptable, largely due to the many celebrities who publicly sported tattoos. Some of these were women, and so the female tattoo became more common and acceptable. Nowadays you see a whole genre of tattoos for girls. I would say the list of the top tattoos for girls would have to include butterflies, fairies, stars, hearts, flowers, dolphins and fish. But other popular tattoos for girls are tribal, Celtic and Zodiac designs. And the prime location for these tattoos would be the wrist, leg, lower back and even the breast. The tattoo in the picture is a perfect example of a tattoo for girls. It features a butterfly that is done with plenty of color and shading. It’s placed on this women’s breast in just the perfect position to highlight both the design and the natural curvature of her breast. I bet if you put your mind into it you could also find a design that fits your style and body shape.

Panther Tattoo

The black panther tattoo is a representation of the beast that is the largest and most ferocious cat of the Americas. When comparing body size, the panther is even a more fierce predator then even a lion or wolf. So it is a natural representation of strength and aggression. But, what does a panther tattoo featuring this beast fighting a snake mean? Let’s take a closer look. The natural features of the black panther impart the symbolism of a great warrior ready for battle. The snake, on the other hand, is representative of evil and treachery. So the panther fighting the snake design, as depicted in the photo, represents the triumph of the spirit over the forces of evil. Evil of course can mean different things to different people. In can be the actual religious concept of evil, the adversity of nature or overcoming one’s own weaknesses. The symbolism of the panther tattoo is completely up to the bearer of the design. But, you can be sure of one thing when getting this tattoo inked into your skin. It’s a powerful tribute to your ability to overcome all obstacles no matter what they are. It’s all up to you.

Generally, panther tats evoke a primal appeal. Panther tattoo designs, of course, vary from a small and simple face of the animal to more intricate designs that may extend the length of one’s back (if that is the desired spot for the tattoo). As to what the panther stands for, again there are multiple meanings. People commonly associate the panther with strength, power, nimbleness and a quick sharp mind. These cat qualities also happen to be traits that most leaders emulate. If you feel you don’t possess any of these traits, but will still consider panther tattoo designs among your favored options, then just make sure that you will be happy with your choice. These designs are not just for men anymore. Panther tattoos are now consider to be unisex. Many aggressive and daring women have no reservations about being inked with blank panther tattoos that connote not just beauty but courage and fearlessness, especially when it comes to protecting their family. The panther tattoo in the picture represents the usual design qualities of the panther. It’s fierce, striking and in my opinion kind of scary looking. If you take a moment to look at the design you may become inspired to get one that fits your particular style.

Shark Tattoos

Now here’s a pretty good drawing example of one of the many available shark tattoos one could get put on themselves. This one is well drawn but I would much rather see some better coloring and shading before I would agree to get this. It just looks too much like a filled in drawing of a coloring book to me. And sure in this case the artist was able to stay within the lines, unlike a kid would, but that is about the only good thing I can say about this drawing as it is. This particular shark is like jumping out of a wave and I think that part of it is cool. The action and all that is good, just not the rest of it. Not a very good example of shark tattoos as it is.

The shark is the only creature I know of that must keep moving to stay alive. It’s gills that allow it to breath do no operate unless water is moving through them and that means simply that if a shark is no swimming, it is not breathing. And that is one reason why a shark is known as a relentless beast. The fact that it absolutely will not stop is not really its fault. It’s just built that way. Thus shark tattoos can be meant to represent something vicious that just will not stop, unless it is dead. Few enemies could be as frightening.

Shark tattoos, though not a popular design element, is a striking representation of one of the most fearsome animals known to man. As a matter of fact, in Western cultures, the shark is viewed as the world’s greatest predator, and the shark tattoo a symbol of power and fearlessness. It’s been a long tradition among sailors to have a shark tattoo as proof you are not afraid of death at sea – and for protection. Western sailors, always a superstitious lot, regarded the shark as a kind of sea vulture, sniffing out imminent death and hanging around boats, waiting for a meal. Sharks are nothing less then automated feeding machines, swimming the great depths and devouring prey. The shark has even made it into mainstream culture appearing in horror movies such as Jaws and Deep Blue Sea and even in animated movies made for kids such as Shark Tale. Regardless of whether you want a shark tattoo that’s realistic, scary or even cute then their is your perfect design just waiting for you in thousands of pieces of flash. Or if you prefer, get a shark tattoo especially designed just for you. Your favorite tattoo parlor will be more then happy to work a design out with you.

Tattoos Tribal

You know it and I know it. Tribal tattoos are hot right now. Their popularity really started in the nineties and they have been building steam ever since. People wear them for various reasons but, in ancient times, tribal tattoos were used to help identify members of different tribes. They were also used to indicate social hierarchy within tribes and document significant events within the history of the tribe, such as major battles and feats of bravery. If you skip ahead a few of millenia tribal tattoos now are a popular personal statement worn by people all over the place. These days, instead of using tribal tattoos to group people into the same tribe, people use them to express their personality and their individuality. I really like the animal tribal tattoo in the picture. It combines the best elements of a tribal tattoo with the best elements of an animal. This looks like it’s a dragon waiting to open it’s mouth and belch wave after wave of fire upon it’s unfortunate victim. If you want to get a tattoo then consider getting a tribal tattoo. Maybe there is a tribal tattoo for you. Maybe it’s the one pictured here. You never know.

Fairy Tattoos

Fairy tattoos can be done in a wide array of styles including looking mischievous, cute, and dream-like or whatever else you might want to express. They are also very scalable and and easily tattooed to just about any location on the body making them an ideal tattoo design. Since each individual fairy tattoo can be done in a variety of different styles and can also hold a variety of different meanings. Fairy tattoos often represent some feeling or attitude that the person wishes to portray about themselves. They can act as sort of an alter ego. The person bearing a cute fairy tattoo might want to express their feelings of joy for the world and warmheartedness. Yet, a fairy tattoo can just as easily be depicting as very sexy and even provocative,expressing something that the person bearing the tattoo wants others to know about them or something they desire for themselves to embody. Universally, fairies were often depicted as being mischievous and dangerous for mere mortals to come in contact with. But, that is just one side of the fairy tattoo motif and most people prefer to concentrate on the positive aspects of fairies which include youth, playfulness and magic.

If your interested in getting a fairy tattoo there are a few consideration that you need to make. One, Fairy tattoos are flexible in their design, the size can easily be adjusted and they can look great on just about any location on the body. But, you still need to take into account your body shape and the location of where your going to put the design. After all, your fairy tattoo is going to be a permanent part of your body so you just don’t want to slap it willy-nilly on just any old body part. The other thing you should consider is the mood and pose of the fairy. Of course a fairy can be done in a cartoon style with a cute cartoon style girl. Or it can be a very realistic looking fairy. The mood of the fairy will convey a lot for the meaning behind the tattoo. If you just want to get the tattoo to get one then it is better to wait and carefully make your decision. The last thing that you need to consider is the general color of your fairy tattoo. Since they are a mythological creature, your options are practically unlimited here though. Want a purple fairy? Then go for it. Your imagination is your only limitation.

Religious Tattoos

Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic. If you factor in the religious tattoos of pagan religions such as Wicca, Voodoo and Satanism then you truly have a huge and diverse collection of art to choose from. The practice of religious tattoos is one that has been practiced throughout history. Early cultures often inscribed themselves with animal images and totems, probably in an effort to evoke the power of the animal spirits, possibly for success in the hunt, but also for protection. In more modern times, the Crusaders tattooed a small cross on their hand to ensure a Christian burial in the event they were killed in battle in foreign lands. A recurring theme in religious or spiritual tattoos concerns the afterlife. The great mystery of life and existence has fuelled myth, magic and special rites in almost every culture around the world. Amazingly, from the Maori in New Zealand, to the Native American tribes of North America, to the Iban tribes up the Skrang River in Borneo, the religious tattoo is nothing less than a passport to the world beyond. If you didn’t have one you couldn’t get into your particular heaven.

Most of us are familiar with the common symbols associated with religious tattoos such as the rosary, praying hands and crucifix. But there are also a lot of symbols which aren’t as well known. So, before considering getting a religious tattoo you might just want to take these symbols into account. The first symbol that I want to talk about is the fish. In its early years, Christianity was an illegal religion. Because of this, the "Sign of the Fish" became a universal symbol that secretly identified believers to one another. The Greek word for "fish" is IXOYS. These five letters were also the first letter (in Greek) of the words Jesus Christ, god’s son saviour. By drawing the "Sign of the Fish", Christians revealed both their identity and the basis of their faith. Another not so well known religious tattoo symbol is the oil lamp. In ancient times, an oil lamp provided the most common means of illumination for those traveling after dark. Symbolically, the Bible, as a depiction of the word of God, provides mankind with the only reliable source of true Spiritual light. The last religious tattoo symbol I want to talk about is the crown. A crown has always been a visible symbol of a ruler’s power and authority. For Christians, the crown symbolizes the ultimate sovereignty and majesty due the son of God. So, if your shopping for a unique religious tattoo try incorporating these ancient symbols into your next design.

Horse Tattoo

Horses are a very powerful animal. For those who believe that horses are very special animal and want to show the respect about this strong and beautiful animal, then a horse tattoo is the best way to do that. Sometimes horses are also known for their loyalty and love. They have more trust in their master than anyone or anything that remove them from the trouble. As horses fight in the battle with their masters they have become the symbol of protection and bravery. A horse tattoo can be placed anywhere on the body. You can draw a horse tattoo on your upper arm, calves, back or on legs. The horse pattern will really depend on your personal style. You can have the tattoo done only in black or gray shading or you can use some color to draw a tattoo. The bearer of the horse tattoo in the picture has chosen to represent a race horse. The design is done in a very realistic style and it looks quite like the animal it’s supposed to represent. The addition of the floral wreath is a great touch. That is what winning race horse receive after winning a race. The symbolism behind this horse tattoo is very simple, the bearer considers himself a winner!

When I look at this drawing of a horse tattoo I want to say that it comes from the tribal tattoos style of things. At least it has those types of lines to it. And it is also more of an outline of the animal rather than a completely filled in drawing, which is also something very typical of the tribal style of art. But it is well done. Any time you can look at a drawing like this and you instantly know what it is, then it is pretty well done. If you had to think about what it was, then the artist probably did not do a very good job.
I usually like almost any horse tattoo that I see. But I have to admit that I prefer the ones that are more like a painting. Meaning, much more detailed and fully colored. And it’s not just the horse tattoo. For some reason I tend to like the animals done that way much more than these other ways. I have always been a fine art lover and not much of a lover of abstract art and maybe that is why.

Neck Tattoo

This particular neck tattoo is all about religion. Specifically two hands praying. Two hands that is that are marked with a book of Bible and the number of the passage for which they are praying. Or so I thought. But I could find no Book of John, paragraph 5983 anywhere in either the old or new testament, so I do not know what this tattoo stands for other then being religious of course. Or maybe these numbers stand for some other kind of special date or something like that. I cannot tell. When I first saw this neck tattoo I thought this was an easy one to figure out but boy was I wrong.

Two hands praying with the name John, probably the persons own name and a number which remains a mystery. What can it be? A birthday would make it May 6th, 1983 and that is not too unreasonable so I think that might be plausible too. Or possibly it is the date that this person decided to give himself to God. That would work well too. I think the most likely answers are the ones that are about the tattoo owner himself. People are very self centered and tend to put more importance on themselves than anything else. This neck tattoo is probably no different.

This neck tattoo is that of a four leaf clover that has one of its leafs falling off. That can’t be good. We all know that the four leaf clover represents good luck. So an image of a four leaf clover with one of the leafs falling off, would have to mean bad luck, one would think. Or at the very least, a serious lack or loss of good luck. A four leaf clover is considered lucky because of its rarity. In a field of clover, you would find only one four leaf clover in about every ten thousand clover leafs. The rest are three leaf clovers which are known simply as shamrocks.

So what is this person trying to say with their neck tattoo? I can only guess that they’re letting people know that they are unlucky. Either that or this person is a professional poker play and just wants the other players to think them as being unlucky. And the question that still begs is unlucky in what? Unlucky in love? Unlucky in gambling? Unlucky in life in general? That would be a strange thing to advertise to everyone with a neck tattoo would it not? I guess there’s just no telling.

Cross Tattoos

There are lots of different styles of possible cross tattoos here on this sheet. Some one dozen of them with all types mixed in. We have ones with spaces for someone’s name. We have ones that are meant to recognize Easter and the resurrection. And we even have one that is made up of thorns and spikes to represent the crucifying of Jesus. There are also some that are meant to stand for religions other than Christianity. So there are certainly many choices here for anyone looking around for possible cross tattoos to get.

For the most part, it is hard to go wrong with a cross tattoo because even if everybody’s not religious most people will respect your religion just the same. There is of course, no end to the amount of sample cross tattoos one can find out there. There are probably millions of them if not more and it could take forever to see them all. But don’t worry. If you really want a tattoo you will make up your mind long before it comes to all that and go and get one. I am certain of that.

Cross Tattoo Designs

Here we have three cross tattoo designs. They are all tribal in nature and very creatively done but yet they are very simple and direct and to the point. And I like that about them very much. I don’t like looking at a tattoo and trying to figure out what it is. I think the tattoo should show you what it is at first glance and to me that is all on the artist. If he or she really knows what they are doing, then this will not be a concern at all. Whether you are interested in cross tattoo designs or any other kind of tattoo you really do need to think about making sure that your tattoo is easily recognizable, unless you purposely don’t want people to know what it is. It just seems to me that when people get a tattoo they do it to show it off and what’s the point in doing that if no one knows what it is without a whole guessing game going on first. So make sure you choose an artist who can do it right the first time, whether it be from cross tattoo designs or not, and you can end up with a tattoo that you can be proud of.

There are so many styles of cross tattoo designs to consider that one could literally spend a lifetime looking at different ones. The best thing anyone looking to get such a tattoo can do is look around on the internet and view a couple of hundred designs and decide what would work for them. And remember a cross is not necessarily Christian in nature. Crosses were being used by people long before the time of Christ. I suppose most of those uses come from some sort of religious beliefs but they were not Christian. So do not let that be of concern when choosing the one you may want for your tattoo.

Many of the cross tattoo designs out there appear to have some Celtic influence within their design. And this is probably because the Celtic ones are some of the coolest looking ones. They are interesting and certainly look like designs that might have come out of the middle ages. When you’re looking to choose one of the cross tattoo designs for you, make sure to see a lot of what might be available first, and there will be many. But don’t worry, most people find something they like fairly quickly.

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoos are filled to the brim with symbolism. Some of the most common design motifs of Japanese tattoos include kannon, suikoden warriors and dragons. Let’s take a moment and talk a little about each of these. Kannon is a Bodhisattva of the Mahayana Buddhism. The task of the Bodhisattva is it to support humans on their way to illumination. There are Bodhisattva with several different tasks. Kannon is the Bodhisattva of sympathy and pity. In Japan Kannon is represented by a woman, usually riding a dragon. Suikoden warriors are 108 rebels who carried some tattoos. The illustrations of many different Japanese artists to the adventures of these brigands were used as tattoo flash. Especially the color woodcut series of Utagawa Kuniyoshi was gladly used which was published by the artist in the year 1827. The last motif of Japanese tattoos are of course, dragons. In Japan it is regarded as a luck bringing animal. This may be justified due to the fact that the japanese dragon is a water symbol. He lives either in the clouds, from where he climbs down during thunderstorms, or also in rivers and lakes. Any or all of the Japanese tattoo elements can also be combined with things such as lotus, cherry blossoms and snakes. The variations in this genre are appealing and endless.

There are several symbols associated with japanese tattoos. These include Koi fish, snakes and dragons and they are usually the most well known. The lesser known japanese tattoos are the Hannya Masks and the Kiyo Hime which are represented by the tattoos in the photograph. Little is known by the general public about these motifs so let’s get into a small explantation of the symbols. Hannya Mask are usually thought of as demons, but these are actually terrestial monsters. Confused human feelings like passion, jealousy or hate can transform women into these dreadful monsters, which are then bound to the earth realm. Kiyo Hime is the best known story of a Hannya demon. Her father owned a harborage in which a monk stopped each year. Over the years Kiyo Hime developed a deep love to the monk but her feelings could not be returned by him. One night Kiyo Hime confessed her love to him and it came to a controversy between the two of them and in which process Kiyo Hime enraged and the monk had to escape. He found shelter in a close monastery and hid himself under an enormous bell. In the meantime, in the intoxication of its hate love, Kiyo Hime had transformed into a demon with the body of a snake and a Hannya head. It sought out the monks hiding place and melted the bell with its fire breath, thereby causing the object of its longing a painful death. As you can see, japanese tattoos are often more then just beautiful designs but almost always carry a deeper symbolic meaning, one that is often infused with a dose of morality.

Ankle Tattoos

The ankle is a very delicate part of the body, and for that reason is considered to be very sexy and feminine. And that’s especially so as it’s concerned with females of our species. Wherever tattoo styles may fluctuate from generation to generation, the ankle has always been and will most likely continue to be a popular location for a woman’s tattoo. And if you have any doubts as to the popularity of ankle tattoos, all you have to do is look at the entertainment section of your favorite online publication. There you will find dozens of models, actresses and other celebrities who have chosen the ankle and the lower leg as the spot for the favorite design. Because the size of the ankle is small, the tattoos placed there often tend to be small as well. They include designs such as hearts, stars, butterflies or vines. Ankle tattoos work well because they can be flaunted at will. A classic pair of shoes, from high heels to sandals will set off a clean and graphic design. The shoe attracts attention to the tattoo, and the tattoo to the shoe. The result is a sexy fashion statement, especially if it’s understated.

As small and petite as ankle tattoos may look they tend to be some of the more painful tattoos one can get. Make no mistake, we’re not talking about extreme pain here at all. It’s just that it is a little more painful than a tattoo one may get on a fleshier part of the body. It is also somewhat difficult to find a pose to strike and hold while the tattoo artists works on your ankle. It’s just a strange position to be in and it can get uncomfortable. And remember that the skin around your ankle has a tendency to wrinkle and droop when you get older much more than other skin on your body. Which of course can distort the view of your tattoo.
Those are some of the reasons not to get ankle tattoos but if you are still thinking of doing it, here are some reasons in favor of them. First of all, they are cool and that is probably the biggest part of getting a tattoo for anyone. Most times people who get ankle tattoos do it in a way where it looks like they are wearing a piece of permanent jewelry and that makes perfect sense. Like a little ankle bracelet for instance.

Tree Tattoos

This tree tattoo can symbolize many things. It can symbolize a new start, growing up, or maturing. A dead tree can symbolize struggle, or the loss of a loved one. One thing this tree tattoo does have is beauty. This tree tattoo is so intricately drawn and shaded using slight hints of a red color and a purple color. The bark on the body of the tree looks scarred as if its lived a long life or has lived a life full of disappointment and hardship. The leaves are small and dead looking, as if withered by some emotional distress or severe disappointment. The trunk of the tree is gnarled and old looking, as if destroyed. The branches are twisted, and going in every direction as if lost or confused about the situation. The entire piece of art is tinted a mix of red and purple, giving it a darker look then most tattoos. The shading shows the shadows where the scars overlap the rest of the tree. Also, the roots shadow over the ground, giving the ground a dark look. This tattoo is probably one of the best pieces of symbolism I’ve ever seen.

Here’s a pretty cool tattoo as far as tree tattoos go. I have to admit that I never thought about getting a tree tattoo on me before but this one is really very nice. It is masterfully done as far as a piece of artwork is concerned and in that regard I really can find no fault in it. It really gives me the idea of one of those lone trees you might see standing all by itself on a huge, seemingly empty African plain out in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
It’s a twisted, knotted, leafless tree with a great deal of majesty and beauty about it. I don’t know why but I find myself drawn toward this image very strongly.
I was saying I had never thought of getting any tree tattoos before but now I am thinking about it. This one really got to me. I like it a lot all though I do not think I would choose that placement on the body. Don’t ask where because I don’t know. I just know that I am really thinking about tree tattoos now, and that’s pretty cool. I still got lots of room on my body.

Tattoo Font

Tattoo Font

Yeah this is a pretty cool font used for a lot of Asian literature and graphics. I think I have seen it with some other names such as bonsai and something else also. I know a lot of artists in New York use the tattoo font when they want to attract visitors to their work in the asian communities. It has that oriental effect on people as they are walking by and they see a sign using tattoo font directing them to an asian restaurant in downtown Manhattan. I have seen quite a few tattoo artists use the tattoo font as a go between when they are matching two different style tattoos together.

I really like the tattoo font when it is used just as an outline and then the colors around it make it kind of hollow looking. From what I hear a lot of the Asian gangs in Los Angeles use this font when they are tagging walls in their neighborhoods. Some people see the tags and they head down the road very, very fast not wanting to run into that particular artist. I could see this font used a lot if you were going to do a small tattoo down the side of your leg. It would really stand out big time.

Tattoo Tribal

Tattoo Tribal

Even though tattoos seem to be part of a modern fashion, it is believed that their history began about five thousand years ago in the bronze age. They have been used in many cultures through history, and were as diverse as the people who wore them. Tattoo tribal was one of those styles that became very big around the world and was used by many different tribal cultures around the world. Tribal cultures who did not know each other but never the less came up with a very similar style of tattoos.

The tribal tattoos are among the coolest looking tattoos one can find out there. They always have a very symmetrical look and feel to them and are usually designed in a way where thick but sharp lines are set up in a very precise manner. Look at the circle here in this picture. I can see the face of a dragon in it. Can you? It may never even have meant to portray a dragon but that is what I see and that is part of what makes tribal tattoos so cool. Ten people might look at one and see ten different things. The one thing for sure is that all ten people will think it looks cool. Go tattoo tribal!

Tattoo Tribal

When it comes to tattoo tribal style this one that we are looking at here is a major piece of work. One that comes from the arm, up around the shoulder and goes all the way down the side of the back. It is a very traditional tribal tattoo in as much as it has the strong lines, the hard angles, and all of the intertwining pieces that always cross and go under or over each other in this type of artwork. And this one is very well done too. And I am sure it took considerable time to complete.

A tattoo like this should not be gotten lightly. Sure, it looks cool, but one must be sure that they are ready to live with such a big piece of body art on them for the rest of their live. Even if you are a super tough guy who wants to portray that with a tattoo like this, the day will come in your life when you are not so tough anymore. It comes to us all, but the tattoo will still be there. So before getting something like this please consider it very, very carefully. And if you still want it, go for it and enjoy.

Chest Tattoos

Chest Tattoos

Chest tattoos are often a favorite piece for a tattoo artistic to do because of the expansive amount of space in which to work with. Chest tattoos are also called chest pieces and they shouldn’t be confused with womens tattoos placed on the breast. Those tattoos are usually smaller than the chest tattoo which is a large piece designed to cover the entire area of the chest. The chest tattoo in the picture is a perfect example of a traditional patriotic piece combined with other fascinating elements. It contains the American flag and the bald eagle which are both symbols of freedom. There is also the nautical design of a clipper ship which is very common among sailors and fishermen. Around the border of the design is a laurel wreath which indicates a strong desire for peace. That is a common element in European designs. The whole tattoo is finished off with a huge cherry blossom which holds the laurel wreath in place. The cherry blossom is common in Japanese tattoos and is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. As you can see, chest pieces can be crafted of several different elements which allows the bearer to make more of a statement then what is usually possible with a smaller piece.

Chest Tattoos

This chest tattoo is a perfect example of what can be accomplished with a little forethought, planning and imagination. See, the chest is the perfect location for a tattoo, as the space available is so vast. But, some considerations need to be kept in mind. First and foremost, is the sensitivity of the area. While some parts of the chest can easily inked without any discomfort to the person receiving the tattoo, there are other parts that are quite sensitive. Two, chest tattoos can become large pieces of work rather quickly and may take several sessions to complete. In fact, some designs may take months or years to complete, so plan accordingly. Another thing to consider is the shape of the area itself. Every chest tattoo is different and needs to fit naturally with contours of the individuals body. But, if all these things are taken into account and the design is properly executed by a professional, then the chest tattoo can be an impressive work of art. Just look at the design in the picture. The creature clawing it’s way out of the chest area of the bearer is a very striking design and one that was most likely a very daunting undertaking.