Japanese Symbols

Translating Japanese Symbols & Tattoos
Are you researching information on Japanese names or Japanese symbols? Maybe you are considering translating a Western name into Japanese kanji. It is so easy to get the WRONG Japanese symbols or get the wrong Kanji tattoo design if you are NOT a fluent speaker of Japanese.

As is the case for other transliterations, writing Japanese names in English poses several issues, mainly romanization and name order issues. Transliteration quite simply is the mapping from one system of writing into another. It attempts to be 'lossless' so that an educated reader can reconstruct the original spelling of unknown transliterated words.

Japanese names are usually written in kanj. Kanji's are literally Chinese characters used in Japanese and can be one of the five character sets used in the modern Japanese writing system, the other four being hiragana, katakana, the Roman alphabet (rômaji), and Arabic numerals. A name written in kanji may have more than one common pronunciation, only one of which is correct for a given individual.
Japanese symbols - Japanese kanjis - Japanese Symbols - Japanese Scripts - Japanese Characters

Sample of different Japanese symbols

An example of this is female names which often often end in the syllable ko, written with the kanji meaning "child". This was quite common up until the 1980s, and still continues. Male names occasionally end with the syllable ko, but very rarely using the kanji. If a male name ends in ko, it ends in hiko, using the kanji. Common male name endings are -shi and -o; names ending with -shi are often verbs.

Kanji names in Japan are governed by the government's rules on kanji use. As of 2004 there were officially 2,232 "name kanji" used in personal names, and the Japanese government plans to increase this list by 578 kanji. The reason for this is to ensure that names can be written and read by those literate in Japanese. There are also rules governing names considered to be inappropriate; for example, in 1993 two parents who tried to name their child Akuma (devil) were prohibited from doing so.

100% Accurate Japanese Symbols - Kanji Tattoo Design
Readings and Interpretations of Japanese Symbols

A kanji character may have several (in rare cases ten or more) possible pronunciations, depending on its context, intended meaning, use in compounds, and location in the sentence. These pronunciations, or readings, are typically categorized as either on'yomi or kun'yomi (often abbreviated on and kun).

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

The on'yomi of a kanji (also called its on reading or Chinese reading) is based on the Japanese approximation of the original Chinese pronunciation of the character at the time it was introduced. Some kanji were reintroduced from different parts of China at different times, and so have multiple on'yomi (and often multiple meanings as well).

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

The kun'yomi of a kanji (also called its kun reading, Japanese reading, or somewhat misleadingly its native reading) is a reading based on the pronunciation of a native Japanese word, or yamatokotoba, that closely approximated the meaning of the Chinese character when it was introduced. Again, there can be multiple kun readings for the same kanji, and some kanji have no kun'yomi at all.

To the non Japanese speaker all this information on Japanese symbols can seem very daunting. It is best to speak to a native speaker who is not just literate in Japanese but understands the difference between readings of kanjis and the different styles of Japanese symbols.


http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/japanese-symbols.html

Maori Tattoos

Ta moko - traditional tattoos of the Maori people

There has been a huge revival of traditional Maori tattoos, ta moko and other Maori cultural traditions. Since the cultural revival ta moko tattoo designs are becoming more and more what can be considered mainstream. A lot of non-Maori people are getting moko designs tattooed on their faces as well as other parts of their body, many of which have improper significance. Robbie Williams and Mike tyson have gotten Maori tattoos much to the annoyance of many Maoris.

Maori tattoos have been practiced for over a thousand years, and have not only withstood time and but also colonization by Europeans. Maoris are the original inhabitants of New Zealand, known to them as Aotearoa or the land of the long white cloud. Ta moko (literally meaning to strike or tap) was used as a form of identification, rank, genealogy, tribal history, eligibility to marry, and marks of beauty or ferocity.

Ta moko weren't merely tattooed upon their wearers; they were finely chiseled into the skin. The art preceded wood carvings, so accordingly the first of these wood carvings copied moko designs. Ta moko are most recognizably done on the face, although other parts of the body are also tattooed.

Tattoo by Inia of Moko Ink © Tao of Tattoos

Women were traditionally only allowed to be tattooed on their lips, around the chin, and sometimes the nostrils. A woman with full blue lips was seen as the "epitome of Maori female beauty." Men, on the other hand, were allowed to have a full facial moko. Those of higher rank, like chiefs and warriors, were usually the only ones who could afford it, but at the same time were the only ones who held a position that made them worthy of getting a moko in the first place.

The choosing of the design was not, however, an easy process. Unlike getting a mundane tattoo now, Maori tattoos took months of approval and planning on the part of the elders and other family members. First the elders decided whether one was worthy of receiving a moko. One of the questions they need answered with an unwavering yes was: "are they committed to wearing their tribal identity on their body for the rest of their life?" Then the design process would begin by taking into account the tribal history, which was the most important component of the moko.

However, the majority of people who are using Moko inspired designs didn’t take the time to learn anything about its origins or significance. It is understandable why some Maori are offended by the use of bits and pieces of their culture. Wouldn't you be upset too if someone copied something uniquely yours without your permission, didn’t know anything about its origin, and didn’t use it in the appropriate manner?

Hopefully, the Maori people will continue their efforts to keep this beautiful and interesting cultural art alive, the rest of the world can come to respect this sacred cultural ritual, and the two can come to an agreement about its use in today’s society.

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/maori-tattoos.html

Marilyn Manson Uncovered

Tattoos, Music, Self Mutilation
Marilyn Manson - Music, Tattoos, Satanism

In the Bible, the word Antichrist is only used as a description of people who don't believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is not described as one satanic entity - as the beast of Revelation which many people believe - but as a person, any person, who deviates from the Christian orthodoxy. But through years of myth-making and fear sowing, Christianity metamorphosed antichrists into a single Antichrist, an apocalyptic villain. After years I began to realize that the Antichrist is a character - a metaphor...The apocalypse doesn't have to be fire and brimstone. It could happen on a personal level.

- Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson is correct in this view even though he makes so many people feel uncomfortable. It would be too easy to agree with America's right wing and TV evangelists who have been decrying Manson's effect on America's young people since he debuted at number three on the pop charts with Antichrist Superstar in 1996 and went on to sell millions of albums, or to dismiss him as a Gothic rock icon who just sets out to shock.

Manson's art is a self-conscious satire on American culture, a country that aborts its own young by the tens of millions, a culture that doesn't care for its youth, youth who in turn do not care about anything. Manson has simply told the truth. In his own sick, twisted, ironic way, he has told the truth and has given millions of young people what they want: a New Age Messiah.

Brian Warner aka Marilyn Manson grew up in Canton, Ohio, the son of Episcopalian parents. An early girlfriend's family were members of healing evangelist Rev. Earnest Angely's church where Warner attended services each week. He also attended Heritage Christian school in Canton. Manson tells of his sixth grade teacher, Ms. Price, warning him about the coming Antichrist, "If you do deny Christ and take this tattoo on your hand or forehead, you will be allowed to live. But you will have lost eternal life."

According to Manson - "It was then that I began having nightmares - nightmares that continue to this day. I was thoroughly terrified by the idea of the end of the world and the Antichrist. So I became obsessed with it, watching movies like The Exorcist and the Omen and reading prophetic books like Centuries by Nostradamus, 1984 by George Orwell and the novelized version of the film A Thief in the Night, which described very graphically people getting their heads cut off because they hadn't received 666 tattoos on their forehead.

Manson's describes himself as an adolescent "worm" with no self-esteem, surrounded by a thoroughly dysfunctional family, a cross-dressing grandfather, an alcoholic Agent-Orange affected Vietnam veteran father, and hypocritical emotionally abusive Christians at school and church.

Self-mutilation soon became a trademark of both Manson and his fans. Blood letting on stage and scarring of the skin and numerous tattoos of demonic figures began to appear on his body. Marilyn Manson is a rarity in the world of rock - an epistemologically consistent Satanist. "I believe I am God. I believe everyone is their own God. I dreamt I was the Antichrist, and I believe it."

What will the 21st century hold? Manson offers, "We can't go any further without starting over. It's like, what sexual positions are left, what other violence can you show, what other drugs can you do, what other things can get pierced? It's all been done. Sickly enough, maybe what America needs is for everyone to become a Christian so we can all be excited by the taboos once again."

The aspect of Manson's lyrics that offends most Christians is their brutal obscenity. We are also disturbed by the mirror reflection of the culture of death, his popularity with millions of youth. Yet these are not so frightening as the picture of where this generation of young people may be headed without Jesus Christ.

Parodying the storm that erupted amongst fundamentalist in the 60's when John Lennon claimed that the Beatles were "more popular than God," Manson mentions the success of Antichrist Superstar: "Now I was bigger than most of the musicians I used to idolize. To some people, I was even bigger than Satan."

"Each age has to have at least one brave individual that tried to bring an end to Christianity. No one has managed to succeed yet, but maybe through music we can do it" says Marilyn Manson.
Marilyn Manson - Music, Tattoos, Satanism


http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/marilyn-manson.html

Religious Tattoos

Celtic Cross Tattoos to Sacred Hearts

Religious tattoos have been around for thousands of years but they haven't always been accepted as they are nowadays. During the Roman Empire the practice of tattooing was almost eradicated in so called civilized culture. Barbarians were the only ones that had tattoos, and to be seen with a tattoo was an offence punishable by death.

The Romans believed that the body was to remain in its purest form and tattoos had no place in this belief. Roman soldiers came across many tattooed barbarians in the expansion of the Roman Empire and as a result soldiers began bringing tattoos back into the civilised world.

View More Religious Tattoos Here >>

As Christianity emerged it brought with it the secrecy of an underground religion in a Roman state of intolerance. Christians began tattooing crosses on the underside of their forearms as a secret sign to other Christians. This was a bold statement of their faith, although secret, a Christian caught with a cross tattoo would be killed immediately.

Throughtout history it has become commonplace for tattooed individuals to be set apart or outside society. But times have changed. There is a new breed of modified bodies who call themselves evangelical Christians. More than a millennium after church authorities condemned tattooing as a sin, evangelical Christians are inking their bodies with images of crosses, sacred hearts and angels.

For a small but growing subculture within evangelical Christianity, religious tattooing is becoming more and more a form of expression of individuality, identity and faith. Abiding by the principle that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, conservative Christian churches have often set limits on bodily expressions. As far as tattoos go, the Bible has different decrees open to different interpretation.

For example Leviticus says:

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

In his Letter to the Galatians, Apostle Paul says,

Let no one cause me trouble,
because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus

Other biblical passages from Exodus to Revelation describe divine symbols being placed on the bodies of believers. Since the Emperor Constantine banned the practice in the third century because it violated God's teachings, attempts by religious authorities to prohibit tattooing have met with limited success.

Fast foward to modern times and witness the surge in people getting religious tattoos. Instead of worshipping religious representations displayed on stained glass windows of the local church, people find meaning in inscribing images on their own private temple of the Holy Spirit.

A lot of Christians and non Christians are getting tattooed for both personal and spiritual reasons from getting angel tattoos, Celtic cross tattoos to Mexican gang tattoos or prison style tattoos with the image of the Virgin Mary or praying hands. Or even religous imagery used in the new school style of tattoos that shows the Sacred Heart or other religious representations. There is no doubt that religious style tattoos are here to stay.

Placement of Religious Tattoos

Most people get religous tattoos such as the Virgin Mary or Sacred Heart on their upper arms or chest for both males and females. Another popular style is a Celtic Cross tattoo either on the chest or on the back.

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/religious-tattoos.html

Tattoo Art & Tattoo Flash

Searching for Tattoo Art or Tattoo Flash?
Are you scouring the internet looking for tattoo art? Finding the right designs can be an experience. Anyone who is seriously into tattoos will tell you how long it takes to choose the right one. After all they should last a lifetime so are not something to be rushed. It can take up to 20-30 hours to find the right tattoo design. But that is only the first step.

If you are serious you will want to have something that is unique and not taken from a book or or copied from a picture in a tattoo gallery. A tattoo should speak about who you are and not be ripped off someone else. Not only that but a lot of artists will refuse to copy another artists work. And quite rightly. While you can be done for copyright infringement for copying another person's work in other mediums the same rules don't seem to apply to tattoo art.

So how do you come up with original designs?

If you are like me you have looked at literally thousands of tattoo pictures and from different artists from around the world. Or maybe you keep visiting your local tattoo studio and have started getting dirty looks from the tattoo artist who thinks you are stalking him because you go there every weekend and still haven't chosen a tattoo!

There are so many different styles so you need to be really clear about what you want before you get inked. It is a good idea ot visualize the type of tattoo you want before you even get it. You need to be able to see yourself with a particular tattoo before you get it. If is a tribal tattoo on your arm imagine yourself walking down the street with the tattoo for all the world to see.

Next view some examples of different styles that you like. So if it is tribal tattoos source pictures of a particular tattoo style. If it is work from another artist do not take it to your nearest tattoo studio and ask for it to be copied onto you. Tell the tattoo artist that you like that particular style and would like a tattoo designed for YOU. This is where the visualisation exercise comes into play. Tattoo artists are very visual people and are highly talented at rendering an nebulous idea into a full on customized tattoo.

Think of the bigger picture. Don't be tempted to choose some generic tattoo flash off the wall because you can't make up your mind. Don't settle for something less if you cannot afford the one you really want. Tattoos are organic and are constantly changing and growing with you. Avoid painful mistakes!

Tattoos and tattoo flash from around the world are contained in this new ebook

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/tattoo-art.html

How to Prepare Yourself Before Getting Your Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is not as simple as giving permission to an artist to draw and prick their needles into your skin. A tattoo is a permanent mark in you skin that you will be wearing for a long time and you should do some serious thinking before getting your tattoo. Although there are procedures now to erase a tattoo, it is expensive and painful and of course you have to avoid going through this process as much as possible.

Getting a tattoo is a life-long decision and you should avoid rushing yourself to get one and then later on regret wearing a tattoo that you don’t like. Here are some tips that you need to know before getting your tattoo.

Reason for getting a tattoo. Before subjecting yourself under the needles, think why you want to get a tattoo. You will wear this mark for a long time or maybe for lifetime and you need to know the reason and the message you want to express before getting your tattoo.

Legal age. You must be of legal age before getting your tattoo and you must comply into this to avoid getting into trouble with the law. The legal age is usually 18 years old, but still check with your country or state before getting your tattoo.

Safety. Before getting your tattoo, you need to consider your safety. Make sure someone tattooing you is using sterilized needles to avoid catching infectious diseases. You should be physically fit to withstand the pains of tattooing. Take vitamin C and zinc to increase your immune system. Bring a friend or someone you trust to give you moral support.

Budget. You should know the total tattoo cost before getting your tattoo. It is important to prepare your budget or work within your budget to avoid disappointment and surprises.

Get a professional artist. It is important that your tattoo will be done by a professional tattoo artist who is qualified to do the job. Find out about the reputation of the tattoo parlor before getting your tattoo. Find a tattoo parlor which abides with the law about tattooing and who cares more about your safety than your money. Word of mouth; is one way to know if customers are satisfied and happy with their tattoos.

Placement of tattoo. Before getting your tattoo, decide where you want to place your tattoo. Placement of tattoo is a critical decision and you should know the pros and cons of tattoo placement before getting your tattoo. For instance, tattoo on hands and feet are more painful, prone to infections and easily get dirty since we usually use our hands and feet for our daily tasks. Getting a tattoo on your stomach need a lot of thinking for women, imagine how your tattoo would look like after pregnancy, a tattoo over stretch marks is unsightly. You also need to consider your profession and job before getting your tattoo, it is important that you can easily conceal your tattoo if needed. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider about the placement of your tattoo.

Choosing the best tattoo design. Of course you need to choose the best design before getting your tattoo. You don’t have to rush about the design. Give yourself time to shop around, look at other tattoos or carefully work with a tattoo artist about the best tattoo design for you. Remember that a tattoo is a definition of who you are and the feelings you have and you have to carefully choose the best tattoo that will convey the message that you want the world to know about you.

Do you want to find and select the right tattoo design for you and avoid regrets? Do you want to have an access to unlimited tattoo designs? Chopper Tattoo provides you with the largest selection of award winning tattoo designs. Search through our database to find thousands of tattoo designs! Visit Chopper-Tattoo-Huge Tattoo Gallery

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Prepare Yourself Before Getting Your Tattoo. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

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Tattoo Sketches - Finding the Right Tattoo

If you are going to get a tattoo it is important to know just exactly what you want. Many people browse through tattoo sketches to help them choose the kind of tattoo they are looking for. In the world of tats there are so many options that become available. Depending on who you are can make a considerable difference in the style you choose. Most commonly, you will often see people with celtic tattoos, oriental tattoos, butterfly tattoos and many more. So how do you know which one is right for you. Here is a list of things to consider before buying a tattoo from a parlor.

1. Make a list - Make a list describing yourself in one to three word phrases. This allows you some self-reflection time and to get back down to your roots. With tatoos, you want people to see the real you, an emblem of what you stand for.

2. Think of symbolic objects that have appeared to you throughout your life. Think about things that hold meaning for you. Are you a part of any groups or clubs? Do you work in some sort of trade? Discover what you are truly passionate about, even if you are simply passionate about life in general, think of something that reflects just that.

3. Take in to account how perminant tattoos really are. Make sure you get something that isn't just a fad for you or something you will lose interest in, make it meaningful.

4. To help with ideas, look up the specific styles of tattoos available, you can find different types of tats such as abstract tattoos, belly button tattoos, cartoon tattoos and many other styles. If you are oriental, you may want an oriental tattoo or a dragon tattoo or something that symbolizes your heritage.

5. Tats are a symbol of expression that becomes a part of you. If possible, think about yourself at your very core of existence, the most basic simple solution is probably the best. If you plan on getting numerous tats, keep this in mind as well.

Getting a tattoo is a fun and exciting way of self expression and body modifaction. Above all else make it meaningful and don't forget to able to enjoy it. As a start be sure to go over and over the many available tattoo sketches and become familiar with what is available.

For Tattoo Sketches and to find the Largest Tattoo database on the web visit: http://www.digital-report.com/Tattoo_Sketches.html

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Angel Tattoos - What Do They Mean?

Angel tattoos are one of the most popular designs for both men and women. Part of the reason is the wide range of styles and designs that can be used to represent these spiritual characters.

Symbolism also plays an important part, as these designs can represent many important values, such as peace, beauty, spirituality, good verus evil etc.

When women get an angel tattoo it's often an indication that she is calm, patient and places more emphasis on the health of her soul. She believes that confidence is a more attractive form of beuaty than any outward physical appearance. The angel tattoo is also a sign that she is a loyal friend who goes where needed to protects others.

On the other hand, men who get an angel tattoo often want to represent a different set of values and beliefs. Self styled bad boys often use sexy angel designs to show their masculinity and their sexuality. In fact many men claim that their angel tattoos have helped them to attract women. Alternatively, angel tattoos are used by men to pay tribute to a woman who has played a major part in their life or a woman they have strong feelings for.

However, angel tattoos can be designed to represent many different aspects of life and death. Some of the most common angel tattoo themes include;

Religious/Spiritual

Angels are seen as the link between Heaven and Earth. The word angel comes from the Greek word for messenger or "one who is sent" and as such are often shown as God's messengers who are sent to protect mankind from evil.

The fact that the three biggest branches of religion (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) all make reference to angels is perhaps part of the reason for the popularity of these designs. Tattoos often depict angels as delicate, winged sprites hovering over something to provide protection. These guardian angels which many people believe are send to protect humanity are often shown watching over children.

Love

Angel tattoos often show angelic cherubs who are the messenger of love. The most well known example of this is Cupid who uses his bow to shoot through the hearts of people, making them fall in love with each other. These tattoos generally consist of a decorative heart with an arrow through it, often with the name of a loved one in the center and Cupid the cherub floating above the heart holding his bow.

The Struggle Between Good And Evil

Angels designs are often used to show the constant fight between good and evil. These are depicted in a number of different ways.

1) The Archangels: These seven angels are the closest to God, the devine messengers that form the link between Heaven and Earth, humans and God.

The design of Michael (one of the most well known archangels) is shown wearing body armor and holding a sword with his wings open ready to lead the Archangels against Lucifer (also an archangel who has gone over to the dark side).

2) Fallen Angels: These represent the battle between God and Lucifer. These designs often show angels with torn wings or horns or both. Alternatively, they depict a brooding looking angel with a broken or bloddy sword in their hand. The feeling of darkness is often achieved by the use of darker colors and heavier inks.

3) Angel/Devil: Designs that incorporate both an angel and the devil are one of the clearest representations of the fight between light and dark. This contrast between good and evil gives the tattoo artist a wide scope for creativity. They can have the tone of the design leaning towards the dark side, the light side or equally balanced between them.

If your tattoo artist is good enough, it may be possible to achieve a design that can resemble both good and bad depending upon your own personal interpretation or mood at any particular time.

Ultimately, only the owner of an angel tattoo truly knows what it represents to him or her, so make sure that you take time to choose a design that you're happy with.

For more information about angel tattoos, star tattoos and ideas about a whole range of tattoo designs, visit Gustavo Gomez's site at http://SuperTattooDesigns.com

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Lower Back Tattoos

For decades Tattoo Art was a predominantly male club, but not any longer. Now it's the Women who stand out in a crowd with The Lower Back Tattoo.

Since it's seemingly "over night" appearance the late 1990’s the Lower Back Tattoo has now become a mark of distinction, a signature if you like. With more and more women opting for real ink rather than the traditional Henna (which until quite recently was all the rage) the Lower Back Tattoo has now taken its place in the annals of history.

Women are wearing tattoos with confidence; these markings in ink are leaving men slack jawed in awe. The designs are tasteful; some are absolutely beautiful and complement both the person wearing them and the artist who created them.

I believe women all over the world must be commended on this sheer blatant, outspoken, expressive art form which adorns their female figure so well.

It has been said that the Lower Back Tattoo is empowering for women, I personally wouldn’t know if this is true or not. What I will comment on is the fact that any woman with a nicely inked tattoo drawn into the base of her back and wearing a top which reveals it, always seems to walk with more confidence.

Designs for the lower back and any other parts of your anatomy you wish to be tattooed can be found all over the internet. If you are thinking of a tattoo in any way, shape or form then spend some time finding the right one for you. Under no circumstances should you “settle for” any tattoo, this is going to be with you for the rest of your life (unless you count laser removal).

When you have decided upon a design which you absolutely must have (and you’re sure) then either hit the internet or your local phone directory.

Hold that thought a minute.

There may be dozens of tattoo parlours listed in your area, so how do you know which one to choose? Well that’s the easy part, you ask someone with a tattoo where they had it done! That’s right, this is the only sure fire way of finding the best in the area. You can ask them whether the tattooist premises is clean, what the aftercare advice is like, is there anyone else they know who had a tattoo at the same place. All of these questions are important, remember - you are having needles jabbed in and out of your skin and this is going to be for some time (not 5 minutes) and you need to know that the place is sanitary.

Please remember that cleanliness is next to godliness, and a newly inked mistreated tattoo is a playground for disease and infection; always follow the advice of your tattooist and follow the aftercare procedure to the letter.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you are serious about having a tattoo then remember that it is for life, do not put yourself through the discomfort just to change your mind later. Always look for a clean studio and a tattoist with a good reputation.

You can find out lots of general information about Tattoos, Designs and Aftercare at http://www.tattoo.informationworld.co.uk/

If you are interested in becoming a tattoo artist then take a look at http://www.tattooink4u.blogspot.com/

If you would like to read more about The History of the Tattoo, Hygiene and Aftercare then visit http://theartofink.weebly.com/

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Chinese Tattoos - Your Piece Of An Enchanting History

Spend a few minutes surfing the net for information on Chinese tattoos and you will quickly notice a recurring theme warning the would be tattoo recipient to ensure they know someone reliable who can accurately translate the meaning before they just go ahead a slap one on. There is even an entire blog dedicated to the misuse of these characters. Makes you wonder about all the times you wondered into a tattoo artist's workshop and flipped through the hundreds of Chinese tattoos available looking for that perfect one which symbolized your life on this planet.

Anyone who has ever thought of getting a tattoo has considered the option of a Chinese tattoo or for that matter a Korean or Japanese tattoo. Their mystery, sleek design and hidden meanings draw on our curiosity like moths to a flame. We picture friends and strangers asking with keen interest about our decision behind such a choice, which may even lead some people to create elaborate stories about their own life.

There is an endless mythical history in Asian cultures, it's no wonder Westerners are drawn to these types of tattoos, Chinese designs being the most popular and sort after around the world. Part of the interest, one would guess, is how unique each character seems and so the chances of someone else having the same one is unlikely. The fact that they also look cool doesn't hurt either.

Making the perfect, meaningful choice

Chinese tattoos are available in many different designs because the language is made up of thousands of characters rather than the few letters in the English alphabet. It may not be necessary to say it but if you choose to get a permanent tattoo, Chinese or not, it is exactly that, permanent. It is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly or one you should be making impulsively.

If it is a story you are looking for then take the time to talk with a friend who knows some Asian history and who understands the culture and language. It would be in your best interest before getting your Chinese tattoo, to do as much research as possible. Imagine the sheer horror of having a Chinese symbol tattooed on your arm or the small of your back only to find out it has some perverse or trivial meaning when you thought it actually meant something along the lines of love, peace or hope.

One of the ways to avoid this could be to decide on a word or phrase or even your name you would like to get a Chinese tattoo of and get it translated into characters or symbols. This will ensure accuracy and of course uniqueness.

The Chinese culture has evolved over thousands and thousands of years and such deserves the respect of a little forethought when considering a Chinese tattoo rather than a decision based on whether your favorite celebrity has one or not.

Discover the history and mystery behind Chinese Tattoos, including a gallery of hundreds of examples at Tattoo Fascination

http://ezinearticles.com/?Chinese-Tattoos---Your-Piece-Of-An-Enchanting-History&id=618605

AFL Players Tattoos

Footy Stars Line Up to be Inked

Tattoos amongst AFL (Australian Football League) players seems to be a growing trend. More and more of them seem to be lining up to be inked. Whereas with other sports such as soccer, NRL or NFL it is very hard to see if a player has a tattoo on his upper arm but that is not the case with AFL or footy as it is known in Australia. The standard AFL guernsey is sleeveless although a few players do wear the long sleeve top. As a result footy players don't really get to hide their tattoos while on the field.

In most careers visible tattoos are a definite no-no. Not so in AFL! There are a number of players such as the players listed below who have tattoos on their inner arms. Their tattoos can be seen quite often particularly when they reach up to take a mark or score a goal. The reason for footy players getting tattoos is as diverse as with any other tattoo enthusiast. Some players seem to get them to mark milestones in their life or career while others get them because they look great!

AFL Players with upper arms / inner arms tattoos:

• Spider Everett - Full sleeve tribal tattoo
• Brendan Fevola - Kanji tattoo and tribal design
• Nathan Brown - Cross
• Cameron Mooney - Tribal tattoo
• Barry Hall - Redback spider tattoo design
• Kayne Pettifer
• Andrew Mcleod - Aboriginal tattoo design
• Jonathan Hay - Pacific Island style tattoo
• Troy Makepeace - Tribal armband tattoo
• Courtney Johns
• Heath Scotland
• Byron Pickett

AFL Players with back tattoos / lower back tattoos:

• Cameron Mooney - Kanji tattoo
• Nick Riewoldt - Kanji tattoo
• 
  
Mark Ricciuto

This is not a complete list of AFL players with tattoos. If you know of any other players with tattoos please let us know.

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/tattoos-002-afl.html

Cover-up Tattoos

Usually when we think of cover-up tattoos we think of an old lover whose name was tattooed in a moment of madness on some part of the body (usually highly visible) only to be regretted after the relationship suddenly ended. This is somewhat of a cliche and most often not the case.

Generally a lot of people are presenting to tattoo studios for cover-up tattoos simply because they want to touch up an old faded tattoo or rework an old design that does not resonate with them any longer. It may be the original tattoo design was not the most professional job or is just starting to look a bit dated.

This can often happen when a small tattoo was done without considering the bigger picture. For me personally that meant getting a small kanji tattoo covered over with a bigger tattoo that meant more to me. There is nothing wrong with rethinking your ink and covering up with a bigger and better tattoo.

Before... © Pedro Fraga

In the last few years there has been quite a bit of advancement with tattoo inks. This has led to a whole new variety of colors and inks that look brighter and better than the inks of old. In that sense many old tattoos can actually be made to look much better than what they did beforehand without taking away from the skill of the original artist of course ;-)

Many artist also specialize in cover-up work so it is a good idea to check through their portfolios to see some of the cover-up tattoos they have done. Don't settle for an artist who is content to cover up your old tattoo with heavy blackwork but is willing to use some creativity in integrating the old design with a newer better one.

Even if the original tattoo was black it is still possible to work the old design into a newer more colorful design with a little bit of imagination either by yourself or the artist who will probably have a better idea what will work and what will end up really dark and undefined. Remember it is your body so you decide what the finished outcome is.

...After © Pedro Fraga

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/cover-up-tattoos.html

Gamer Tattoos

Hardcore Gamers Fight Back

A tattoo artist friend of mine said to me recently that if he had a choice over tattooing or playing computer games he would choose the games. Now don't get me wrong - he is not some neophyte who has just started and doesn't know where he is at. Far from it. He has cut his teeth in tattooing but just prefers to hang out in Hack and Slash rather than in the tattoo studio.

I thought this was amusing until he said that he wouldn't have a problem chucking in his career as a tattoo artist to become a full-time gamer. It was then I realized how passionate he was about his games. You see I don't really play games. I was never any good at them. I had grown up with Atari and more recently bought myself a PlayStation but only ever used it to play music through.

Hardcore gamer shows his Atari tattoos - Courtesy of Good Deal Games

It was only until I went to Japan that the whole gamer culture was opened to me. Up until then I had always associated gamers as being young teenage boys with pale skin and spots who spent all of their time in their bedroom with the curtains closed. How wrong I was.

It made me realize that the stereotype I had in my head for years about gamers was all wrong and that there were hundreds of thousands of people such as my tattoo artist friend who were the norm not the exception. They were the kind of people you would see at Burning Man Festival and think to yourself how rad they were.

Triforce tattoos are not just for geeks- Courtesy of Joystiq

Then I came across a story about this family who all decided to get a tattoo after their mom passed away. One of them said - "since we had just been through some bad stuff, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Grief's funny like that. We were all gamers, there were three brothers, so the Triforce seemed a natural fit. We made the decision to do it, then promptly didn't for two years, because I was a wimp."

This story blew me away on so many different levels. I am always one to encourage people to think seriously before they get a tattoo and try make sure it means something to them. This made me think that you don't have to get some portrait tattoo or a tattoo design of a headstone or some other predictable tattoo to honor a loved ones memory.

Old gamer shows his Triforce tattoos - Courtesy of Joystiq

The Triforce tattoo was completely fitting. It probably said so much more to them than some cheesy memorial tattoo. They all got different parts of the Triforce filled in. Their Dad got the full thing on his right arm because he already had a tattoo on his left. One of the brothers got it done on his calf. Another brother got it on his forearm. Full on dudes...respect!

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/gamer-tattoos.html

Modern Tattoos

Quest for Deeper Meaning

It is about time these cultural vampires in the mainstream media woke up to the fact that tattoos are not some passing fad. Admittedly tattoos have been getting a fair bit of press lately in part driven by high profile celebrities flashing their ink in public. Or shows such Miami Ink with their carefully chosen tattoo artists making the whole tattooing process look like some kind of modern alchemy much the same way that thousands of wannabes wanted to become DJ's in the late 1990's when the DJ was revered as some kind of shaman.

I believe this is only part of the story. I would venture to say that the main reason for the massive increase in people wanting tattoos goes much deeper. Believe or not the vast majority of people get tattoos not in some vain attempt to be part of the crowd or cool but because part of them recognizes the deeper significance of tattoos and need for something beyond the mundane. To the tired and cynical hack this hunger for meaning is completely lost on them. Possibly because they cannot see beyond the vacuous consumer driven culture they are trapped in.

Tattoos have long been part of human culture

They fear anyone who is not part of their mindless consumerist culture. Fear is what it really is no matter how subtle its disguise. It shines through in everything they write from the cliche ridden nonsense disguised as journalism in the culture section of mainstream newspapers to the ultra conservative fundamentalists who warn of the evils and regrets of those who get tattoos. To them anyone who steps outside this mass hallucination known as consensus reality is immediately singled out from the herd and subject to ridicule.

It is the same form of mind control which brainwashes kids into accepting everything they are taught in school and told never to question authority or the massive lies which pass as history. No wonder people grow up to be mindless sheep when they are indoctrinated from such an early age. History really has become a set of lies agreed upon to keep people in their places and maintain the status quo.

Tattoos often have a deeper symbolism than merely ink on skin

The funny thing is that once you step outside consensus reality you begin to see how shaky the ground is upon which their spectacular lies are built. The people who are controlling the instruments of power such as the mainstream media know this and this is the reason why they use ridicule to suppress anyone who dares to challenge the official set of lies.

Getting tattoos used to be a form of rebellion. In many ways it still is to people who feel as though they are constantly bombarded with advertisements for designer labels and sucked into believing they need this or that to make their lives more meaningful. Well guess what? We have had consumerist culture shoved in our faces since the 1940's and it still hasn't made us any happier as human beings.

Tattoos have long been practiced in a quest for deeper meaning.

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/modern-tattoos-meaning.html

Tattoos as Ritual

Blood, Pain and Sacred Symbols
Tattoos have long been associated with rituals amongst tribal people. Young men would often be tattooed to mark their transition from boyhood to adulthood and to mark other rites of passage. The process of tattooing is deeply symbolic and contains many of the elements associated with ritual such as blood, symbolism and the awakening of the astral body through the experience of pain.

Tattoos and the modern practice of tattooing is seen by many as an almost mystical experience akin to the exchange of energy experienced during tantric sex or modern day sex magick. In many ways the level of trust involved in opening your body up to the tattooist is equivalent if not greater than the abandonment associated with the ecstasy and release of sex.

Tattoos as modern ritual © Tao of Tattoos

Nothing is more personal than giving a person permission to inflict a permanent mark on the body whilst drawing blood causing pain in the process. All the elements of ritual are present in this very act from the marking of the body very often with sacred symbols, the drawing of blood (life-force) and inducing pain which is seen by many as something spiritual.

Before the advent of modern medicine many people believed that pain rather than being an inconvenience was something that brought the person closer to their God. They didn't attempt to mask the pain with painkillers but experienced it fully. Perhaps practices such as branding, suspension, amputations and other extreme body modifications are a reaction to the spiritual emptiness or 'pain' of modern day living.

Sacred Thai tattoos © Northern Thailand

This spiritual emptiness of the modern world manifests in the obvious need for people to seek out meaning in their lives. This is apparent to anyone working in the tattoo industry who will tell you about the surge in people seeking tattoos that have a ascribed meaning to them. Whether that be a tattoo with some kind of spiritual significance or even a tattoo which takes the form of a sacred symbol or image of an Eastern deity.

Symbols have been practiced for thousands of years for religious, magickal and sacred reasons. We have become so bombarded by advertising images that we are almost immune to their presence. It is not surprising that symbols, sigils and seals would be used as tattoos. Many people are beginning to suggest that the placement of sacred symbols on their bodies can help with illness or grief.

Eastern tattoos and suspensions have become popular © Modified Mind

The practice of yantra tattoos amongst the people of the Cambodia and other Far Eastern countries has a deeper meaning than merely warding off the 'Evil Eye' that our modern medicine has yet to catch up with. Not too long ago the medical establishment in their absolute arrogance and closed mindedness scoffed at the practice of acupuncture and now doctors are refusing to treat people with tattoos. What does that tell you?

Modern life which is absolutely devoid of ritual often chews up many people and spits them out onto the streets or if they are lucky enough they get trapped in the endless Get Up...Go to Work... Come Home...Eat...Go to Bed paradigm like mice on a wheel. Tattoos seen in this light can be a transcendent experience with the process of being tattooed, the choice of tattoo symbols or imagery and the pain/permanence factor all contributing to being a modern day ritual of sorts.

http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/tattoos-as-ritual.html

Tattoo Gallery - Where To Find Your Tattoo!

Finding the right tattoo is obviously very important since you'll be wearing it for life. Finding that tattoo can be challenging, and exhausting if you don't look in the right places. A tattoo gallery can actually take many forms. From print, to online, to outdoors. Here are three forms of a tattoo gallery where you can find your ideal tattoo.

1. The Parlor. Naturally there is going to be a decent tattoo gallery in a tattoo parlor. Here you can go through books of various designs and photos. The walls should also be covered with various tattoo design ideas. The disadvantage is you're not in a library where you can sit down and scour through the books for hours or check them out to bring home. You may need numerous visits to a tattoo parlor to look at your favorite designs over and over before making that important decision.

2. The Outdoors. Here's a tattoo gallery one doesn't generally think of. But the outdoors provides a vast assortment of tattoo ideas and if you can develop your eyes to see in tattoo imagery, the outdoors can be a great tattoo gallery. Areas of specific interest are graffiti areas where you can view not only potential tattoo images, but murals as well. I personally have a whole graffiti mural picked out which has inspired a tattoo design. Be sure to bring a camera and photograph any ideas.

3. Print books or Online Catalogues. Perhaps the best place to see a tattoo gallery is in the comfort of your own dwelling, alone, sifting through a printed book or an online catalogue. Here you can really feel out your tattoo design, let it sit with you for a few weeks and then come back to it and see if it's personally the real deal for you. Many guides or books can cut to the chase and show you the latest and best designs available as well as older, classic, tattoo designs.

For an online tattoo gallery, check out http://www.tattoo-book.info Here you can find hundreds of unique designs as well as the classics - http://www.tattoo-book.info

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How To Choose What To Have Tattooed On Your Body!

Many people have a hard time deciding exactly WHAT to have tattooed on their body. I can tell you a couple of things, right of the bat...

1. It's not a good idea to have your boyfriend/girlfriend's name tattooed on your body! You may think it's a great idea now, how romantic! - but there just may come a day when you WILL regret it -- and laser removal can be costly and cause bad scarring (along with pain). Most people opt to have them covered up with another tattoo (again, more $) if they split up. The lovers name is just a bad idea all round in my opinion;

2. Not a good idea to have anything tattooed on your hands or your face/neck area - unless you plan on being in the tattoo industry the entire rest of your life! You may think it's just righteous right now, but there will be occasions when you will wish you could "blend in with the crowd" and that will be impossible with tat work adorning your knuckles/neck/face/head. Many artists refuse to tattoo on the hands or face area for that very reason;

3. It helps to have some thought of what you are looking for when you go to the studio, - your tattoo artist may blend some ideas with yours and come up with something totally unique. Be creative, tattoos are meant as a form of expression, although personally mine are kept private and I don't like to show them off, but that's just me. There are lots of websites out there offering "free tattoo flash" and they can give you many ideas of what you might like, check them out. Even if it's something as simple as a letter "T" - you could add a twist on that, make it calligraphy style, or add flowers trailing down it or around it - this is a chance to be creative and put your own personal touch on something!;

4. Your tattoo shouldn't be too small, it will probably end up looking like a little blob in the end - your tattoo artist will give you size suggestions;

5. Remember, the bigger the tattoo - and more intricate the design, the more work involved, thus more cost... and be sure not to "bargain shop" when it comes to artists - word of mouth (see the actual work they have done, also) is the best way to find someone great. There are some things in life that should NOT be skimped on, and something that will adorn your body, probably for the rest of your life, is one of them! Also, don't think that just because someone has only been tattooing for say 2 years, that they are not as talented as someone who's done it 10 years -- like I said, check out the work they've done on others, that will be the best indicator of your results;

6. Important! Get something YOU want, not what someone else has convinced you that you should get! Remember, YOU are the one who will live with this!.

Once you've had your tattoo work done, check out our aftercare, selling on ebay, it's called RAVEN Tattoo Care, it's an aftercare salve for pros - sells worldwide on the web. It will help your tattoo work heal quickly and effectively, and preserve previous tattoo work. Keep your new tattoo completely covered from the sun while healing -- even with the highest sunscreen out there, no one ever remembers to reapply it every hour, you will sunburn - and if you sunburn your new work, well, it's your own fault, enough said.

Enjoy your new tattoo, and feel free to email us at contact@raventattoocare.com if you need help with answering any questions in regards to tattoos!

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How To Find The Right Tattoo Artist

Getting tattooed is a highly personal experience so it's important to find the right artist for your needs. Ultimately, the quality of your tattoo rests on the quality of artist that you find.

These days, tattoo artists are more professional and highly trained than ever, but there are still plenty of unskilled and unscrupulous cowboys plying their trade. So to make sure that you've found a top quality professional, consider these points;

a) Experience

When you approach a new artist, find out how many years of experience they have. If possible, avoid someone who is new to the game. Ask them what type of style they specialise in, and make sure that they have relevant experience with the type of style that you've chosen.

b) Professionalism

Are they a member of a professional body for tattooists in the country?

What qualifications do they possess? What health standards does their studio meet?

c) Portfolio

Ask to see their previous work. All reputable artists will have a portfolio of their work. Alarm bells should start to ring in your head if they don't have a portfolio or seem evasive when you ask them questions.

Look carefully at the pictures, or even better ask to meet one of the people who they've worked on. Check out the tattoo outline. Are the black lines smooth and crisp? Or are they shaky and substandard? Does the tattoo contour with the shape of the body? Are the colors bright and vibrant or dull and flat? Are they blended smoothly? Has the character of the tattoo been properly captured?

d) Personality

Spend some time speaking to the artist to get to know them.

Do you like their manner?

Do they answer your questions in an open and relaxed manner?

Do they share your ideas and enthusiasm for your planned tattoo?

Are they prepared to give you what you want. If they try to convince you to alter your designs then it will be worth your time looking for someone else who is more open to your ideas.

Do you have faith in their skill and ability?

Do they make you feel confident?

Do you trust them?

All artists are different and it might take several visits to different tattoo studios until you find the professional who is right for your needs. But it's time well spent and will help lead to your perfect tattoo.

Gustavo Gomez runs SuperTattooDesigns.com. For free information on all the latest tattoo designs visit http://www.SuperTattooDesigns.com.

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Tattoo Designs - Dont make a mistake that you will regret later on. Chose the right tattoo!

Do you want is a tattoo that you will be proud of ALL of your life? One that you will be more than happy to show off at any time? And be able to tell the usual funny stories about how you were blind drunk, or how odd the tattoo artist was (not that any of them are exactly normal!) or about the crap piece that the dude before you had. Wouldn't it be great to have a design that would turn heads and either inspire your friends or make the jealous ones more jealous! If you're like me, my tattoos all mean something special and are a source of strength and energy just when I need it, they lift me up when I'm sad and remind me to be strong when I'm weak, they serve as symbols of what I and about and speak for me, yours should too.

I got my first one at the age of 13 and managed to hide it for a year until I was 14, boy was I in trouble when my mother found out. But it was too late I was hooked, people often ask me why I have them and continue to have more. I simply reply "Because I want to, it's my choice, and it is YOUR choice too, I have my reasons and you have yours. However, I do have rules, and my rules are to only have 2-3 new tattoos per year, I figure that if I go crazy now there will be no space left in my body for later (I would hate to see an excellent design and have no where to put it!).

This is a great strategy because it ensures that you are thoughtful of where, when and most importantly which great tattoo design to have. I regret none of mine and look forward to this years brandings, however I have good friends that are deeply remorseful of theirs choices and wish they could turn back the clock. I'm glad its not me, don't let it be you.

Over more years than I am willing to say here I have had many tattoos; tribal tattoos, heart tattoos, wrist tattoos, Maori tattoos, Celtic tattoos, back tattoos and tattoos a few in places best left off this article! I worked as an artist for 6 years and in different parlours, some good and some bad (very bad!), and in all that time there is just one problem that people with tattoos face that nearly always becomes an real issue. Its poor designs. It doesn't matter how good the artist is, a bad tattoo design, is a bad tattoo design. The mistake that people make continually is choosing the wrong art to begin with, trust me I've seen it its down hill all the way from then. Impeccable tattoo design art is imperative to having a joyful life with your tattoo and not with a monster sharing your body. We all have heard the stories, or have friends that DEEPLY REGRET their tattoos, in most cases poor designs quickly turn into points of embarrassment and self anguish, you avoid seeing the tattoo in the mirror and cover at all times - no matter what the weather. Art chosen from a limited or sub standard tattoo galley will invariably lead to unhappiness and potential further cost and inconvenience if you choose to have a tattoo removal later on

Take my advice and choose the best designs possible.

Award Winning Tattoo Designs - Get it Right First Time!

http://www.Tattoo-Designs-Gallery.co.uk

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Looking For A Popular Tattoo or Body Art Design?

Flower tattoo designs symbolize life, birth, procreation, death and rebirth. These tattoos are the embodiment of nature and the elements.

Flower tattoo designs are popular but the red rose beats them all, especially with women. Its almost as popular with men, the rose has a spiritual significance in the developing world. The red rose is considered to be a symbol of love and has been revered in both, secular and religious context.

The rose design has many accepted traditional meanings that are applied to the body art design by association. It has become the ultimate floral symbol on account of its unmatched fragrance and beauty. A red rose is also a symbol of martyrdom. It is associated with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A rose tattoo is sometimes worn in honor of a passed loved one. If you want to have a rose tattoo, It's important to know the meaning behind the rose colors.

A dark red rose stands for unconscious beauty.

The red rose is for love, courage, beauty, respect and romance. A red rose bud tattoo also shows purity and loveliness.

Blue roses symbolize impossibility.

Coral roses indicate desire.

The black rose usually means death.

The white rose tattoo design is a symbol of innocence, reverence, youthfulness and purity. White rose tattoo designs also celebrate the little child.

The yellow rose shows friendship or achievement.

A red rose with thorns tattoo design is also popular. Tattoo artist say, a red rose with thorns reminds the person that beauty does not surface in the absence of adversity and sacrifice. The flower can be flaunted singly, as trailing vine or as a bouquet.

Rose body art have been popular in the west for decades. This piece of body art shares the most intriguing history and symbolism. The rose tattoo is a traditional choice and more popular than the hibiscus, daisy, lily or even the orchid tattoos. The lotus body art designs are probably the only ones that can be compared to these designs. Tattoo artists around the world have made an effort to promote the flower tattoo art. The rose tattoo is available in many different shapes and sizes. You can add to the flower design with a heart or fairy or even a butterfly. It can also be combined with a dagger, a tiger, a cross or even a Celtic armband. You can get a rose and barbed wire tattoo done on the shoulder or chest. Whatever you choose, its up to you and what your style is.

I am the creator of a new tattoo design shop online. Right now we are creating a site about the different tattoo designs and why some tattoos like the Rose Tattoo is becoming a very popular design. Butterfly tattoos are also a great choice for a design or even adding the rose and butterfly tattoos together to make one.

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Female Tattoos

Tattoos used to be just for the bad guys in the army, in jail, and those who had Harleys. However, today tattoos have an amazing following and there are tattoo fans among all age groups and more frequently among women. It’s amazing since tattoos used to be a guy thing, but today they are finding more and more women fans. In addition, more women are choosing a tattoo that is big and bold. Some of the most popular tattoo designs for women include tribal designs, stars, rose, and newly designed hearts. The types of tattoos women are choosing are certainly becoming bigger and bolder!

One of the most famous locations for the female tattoo is the lower back. Tattoos in this location range from wide, detailed tattoos to much smaller, finer tattoos that aren’t quite as obvious. But, the point of having a tattoo in this location is that it is easily covered up yet can be shown off with low cut means and the like with very little effort. Women have really come to love the lower back tattoo!

Another reason for the lower back tattoo is that it is sexy. An upper arm tattoo is more of a man’s style, but a lower back tattoo is much more attractive and sexy than other locations. Lower stomach tattoos are also popular among women and carry the same sex appeal. So, basically, the two locations women choose most often for tattoos are sexy and can still be covered up.

Once upon a time tattoos on women were taboo. In fact, women who crossed the line and got a visible tattoo were often talked about, turned down for jobs, and just looked upon as trash. It has only happened in the last decade that women have become confident with tattoos and begun experimenting with them. Growth of tattoos among women has spread like wildfire. Approximately 50 years ago on 10% of the tattooed population were women. Now, more than 65% of the tattooed population are women.

If you are interested in a female tattoo then you should think more about what makes you happy and what will complement your style more so than what everyone else is doing. For the most part you will probably be like most other women and want a tattoo that is easily covered in case it doesn’t go so well with that formal dress or at your job. Additionally, you might want your tattoo to have sex appeal and choose your lower back or lower abdomen for that particular purpose. Regardless, there are a lot of places to have a tattoo and special creams to cover up in the event you need to do so.

Before getting a tattoo, however, do a little research and think about your lifestyle. You want to get the best tattoo for you so it is worth thinking about it a little while. You can even have a tattoo artist specially design a tattoo just for you. Don’t feel like you have to choose a particular tattoo or body location just because you are a woman. Instead, pick the tattoo you love and have it placed on any part of your body. As long as you are happy with your tattoo and will be happy forever then that is all that matters!

For More Info - Female Tattoos

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5 Most Popular Star Tattoo Ideas

The star has numerous meanings depending on who is wearing it. For some it may signify truth and honesty. For others it is a symbol of hope and beauty. Star tattoo ideas vary from person to person. The number of points the star contain is the most meaningful way to personalize it. A particular color of the star is also a very great way to personalize your star tattoo. While the most common types of stars are the 4 pointed and 5 pointed stars, other star tattoo ideas are out there if you look hard enough.

1. Four pointed stars

The typical way to depict a 4 pointed star is a simple plus sign, with special emphasis given to the ends of each point. The 4 pointed star tattoo idea was especially popular in early America, traditionally used by Native American tribes. The simplicity of the 4 pointed star is an ideal choice when used in tribal designs, for instance in a larger chest piece.

2. Five pointed stars

This is without a doubt the most popular of all star tattoo ideas. There are 3 main groups of 5 pointed star designs: the filled star (like you would find on a flag), the simple outline, also known as a pentacle (like you would draw in grade school) and the upside down pentacle (most often used to represent darker symbolism).

3. Filled star

The most commonly used design is the filled star. This star tattoo idea is found mainly in celestial style designs, and is often combined with the sun and the moon. It can also be a great accent to a butterfly or a fairy tattoo.

4. Pentacle

This star tattoo idea is most often used to symbolize witchcraft. It generally represents feminine energy, and the secrets of life. The 5 points represent the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. It is also coincidental that the 5 pointed star is only found in organic forms of life, such as flowers and starfish.

5. Reversed Pentacle

While it is known to represent Satanism, the reversed pentacle or pentagram, has also been known to represent the pagan horned god. It may not have any special meaning at all, just an upside down pentacle. It has a growing following of people who are looking for individual star tattoo ideas.

There are many great star tattoo ideas out there if you look hard enough.

Find ideas for you next tattoo online by browsing through 1000's of gorgeous tattoo designs that you can print out for your favourite tattoo artist. Get your special FREE gift "How To Find And Maintain Your Dream Tattoo" now.

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Tattooed

Francis winced in pain as the needle jabbed in and out of her arm, guided with meticulous details by tattoo artist Gus. He was tattooing the Japanese symbol for protection on her right shoulder, so, as Francis explained, she always had someone ‘watching her back’. Francis did not want to elaborate, mysteriously hinting at a rogue past. Obviously, I persisted; there is more to the story. Why make an obvious statement if you don’t want to talk about it? ‘It’s personal’, she replied, ‘let’s just say it is what it is. My protection.’ Not an uncommon response according to Gus, who says that the symbolism of tattooing is becoming more and more obscure. More than half of Gus’s clients have Japanese character designs in mind, and usually as their first tattoo. And, he says, it is the appeal of the exotic, and superstition that leads them there. ‘The days of mum and heart are just about gone,’ he says from his busy tattoo studio. ‘I swear half of my clients think they are the last samurai!’

Japanese and Chinese symbols have been used in tattoos for hundreds of years, but they have only recently gained popularity in Western circles. The earliest record of the Japanese using kanji as tattoos can be traced back to the samurai from the Kagoshima region in the south of Japan. While many of those sporting Japanese tattoos believe this practice was popular amongst the Japanese warrior men, the use of kanji as tattoos was traditionally uncommon in Japan. Tattooing amongst Japan’s receding indigenous communities, such as the Ainu, were believed to be more culturally representative of Japan in its early history. These tattoos were mostly decorative and symbolic rather than representing a word or idea as a kanji symbol does.

Strangely enough though, tattooing was widely used in Japan to mark criminals and those who had been rejected from society. Despite the popularity of tattoos in western youth culture, a Japanese woman sporting tattoos is believed to be linked to the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. This is a traditional view, and one commonly shared in rural areas of Japan. It is likely that this is linked to the outlawing of tattooing in the mid 1900s, and its barbaric uncultured image at the time. Yet even now, women in the onsen or sento (Japanese public baths) will scatter at the sight of a tattooed Japanese woman. A tattooed woman is to be feared, a prostitute, a criminal, Yakuza. While a tattooed foreigner causes less of a stir, the use of kanji in tattoos is complex at best.

Takanori Tomita, a kanji tattoo translator and designer confirms this. ‘I get asked to translate some really strange things. Sometimes there is not such a word in Japan, so the translation is often difficult if it is true meaning the client is after.’ And, he thinks, often the client needs some serious guidance in choosing a Japanese tattoo. ‘Often you will see a foreigner with a random kanji printed on their arm, like rabbit or something, and Japanese people just think that is funny. You guys think we are weird wearing Japlish on our t-shirts, but at least we don’t print it on our skin!’ ‘Think about it! Big daddy translates to large father!’ But, he says, kanji tattoos are at there worst when the kanji are drawn incorrectly. ‘We are superstitious still,’ Takanori says ‘Some kanji are just unlucky, and even for the lucky kanji, if the design or stroke order is wrong, it can easily bring you bad luck.’

Nathan, an Australian travelling in Japan, has experienced this first hand. ‘My ki (energy) symbol doesn’t mean a thing. And I’ve seen some of my Japanese friends really spooked by it. I’m looking into having it tattooed over, or removed if I can afford it.’ ‘Check out your tattooist carefully, and get advice from someone who is actually Japanese,’ he says.

It may stop your white rabbit from being a white elephant.

Takanori Tomita is a professional Japanese translator who is specialzing in Japanese symbols. For more information about his, please see his blog: http://takanoritomita.blogspot.com/

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Angel Tattoo Design

If there is anything more celestial than a depiction of Christ, then take the next step and go for angels. Many tattoo shops seem to have a large section of their books specifically for angel tattoos. I would have to wonder if many of the more religious sects of the United States might have a huge problem with this! I actually had a very religious woman tell me that my body was “the temple of the Lord, and I should not desecrate and draw graffiti upon the church of the Lord.” What do you say to that other than, “Uhh . . . “

Well, if there is ever one statement that I realize is true, then it would be, “The biggest different between people with tattoos, and people without – people with tattoos do not care if you have one or not.” First, I am a woman, with tattoos of fairies, so angels are not too much different in my book. For my next tattoo, I have a plan to create a cherub sitting cross-legged upon a blossomed sunflower. However, the big personalization of this tattoo happens when the face of the cherub is the face of my son!

To me, that depicts my son to a tee. He is usually caught sitting cross-legged (Indian style), leaning back on the palms of his hands; his arms straight and taking the weight of his leaned back body. The sunflower idea “blossomed” (bad pun) because my son has an affinity towards anything yellow – ducks; lemons; you name it! There seems to be just as many men interested in tattoos of angels.

Usually the angelic women are separated into one of two categories. First, an angel tattoo can depict the faithfulness of the bearer, and can include many prophet-like angels (like the Archangel Michael), as well as Mary Magdalene. The second category tends to run closer to the voluptuous, desirable-yet-angelic-looking women. Most often, that type of tattoos mirror the type of women the tattoo bearer is interested in, or it represents a woman in his life that he wants to (hopefully) remember forever.

For whatever the reason may be, it seems like a lot of tattoos of this nature tend to come from the more disruptive members of society, or so the movies tell us. In fact, why do the bad people of late always have to be covered in tattoos, with different sayings, like, “Only God can judge me.” (Ode to Robert DeNiro in Cape Fear. Go rent it if you want to see some freaky-looking fake tattoos on the very-ripped upper body of DeNiro!)

I have often thought of getting my cherub tattoo, and I truly do not care about putting the face of my child upon my skin for all times. Every stage I have seen him hit and overcome makes me want to get this picture done more and more. Besides, I have to do it before he can throw a fit about it!

Tattoos last forever, so you'll want to be sure you've chosen the perfect one before you get inked. Did you know there may be up to 500 different styles for the tattoo you are thinking of getting? Flipping through hundreds of tattoo parlor books can get a little tiring. Why not just browse through a web site instead? You can see 1000s of a tattoo styles, ideas and pictures by Clicking Here. You can even create your own custom tattoo!

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Design Your Own Tattoo

Behind every tattoo, there lies a story. Whether it is good or bad, it is a personal story that only the bearer of the artwork can distribute. I do not think I have ever come across a person who did NOT have a tale to share, especially when it came to their artwork. It is still awkward when wanting to display your tattoos, since there are still connotations trying to link tattoos with unscrupulous people.

My stepfather passed away in 1994. This left my mother numb, and searching for anything to alleviate such numbness. Therefore, at the age of forty-four, my mother got her first tattoo. It was a flower-entwined design of thorns and roses, which signified the good times (roses) and the more horrible moments (thorns) of her lifetime. For her, it took the numbness away, and made her realize she could still feel. I, myself, also received my first tattoo with her. I was twenty-one, and at a very self-hating point in my life. I have always been told how beautiful I was, but – like many insecure young women my age – I did not believe it.

So, what better way to feel beautiful, than to put a picture of beauty on myself? I chose a fairy – a passionate-looking woman who was not only nude, but also stood upon a rose – wings unfurled. Better yet, the tattoo looks like a butterfly from further away. The next time I got a tattoo, I wanted another fairy. However, I could not find an etching that I liked. Luckily, one of the tattoo artists happened to be a graduate of The Art Institute of Chicago (I grew up in a suburb of the Chicagoland area).

The tattooist took an original design of a fairy, and elongated her body, making the design go from a cherub-looking, child-like figure, to a voluptuous, breath-taking raven-haired beauty. She, too, is a nude fairy, but all of the “bits” are covered very artistically. I once had a six-year-old student of mine point it out, exclaiming, “Eww – she ‘s naked!” Without a pause in my reading lesson, I commented, “That’s art, honey.” (I was wearing a Halloween costume that did not cover my upper calf – where the tattoo resides.) Later, my co-teacher pulled me aside and commented, “I love the fact you pointed out that a tattoo is art!”

You do not need a book to tell you what a tattoo means to you. The total tattoo art experience comes from within you. I no longer feel the same way I once did. A decade of life experiences has given me the self-confidence I was once deficient. However, for the time I lacked the self-esteem to adore myself, I let my tattoos do the talking for me. I still love both of my tattoos, and sometimes wonder if there are any more tattoos in my future. Rest assured I would have a story behind the next one as well!

Tattoos last forever, so you'll want to be sure you've chosen the perfect one before you get inked. Did you know there may be up to 500 different styles for the tattoo you are thinking of getting? Flipping through hundreds of tattoo parlor books can get a little tiring. Why not just browse through a web site instead? You can see 1000s of a tattoo styles, ideas and pictures by Clicking Here. You can even create your own custom tattoo!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Design-Your-Own-Tattoo&id=609544

Heart Tattoo Design

You have my heart – please be gentle with it. You’ve broken my heart for the last time. He / She is my heart. My heart can’t take this kind of rejection. I thought my heart would explode with joy. He / She just ripped my heart out, and stomped all over it! I gave him / her my heart, and this is the thanks I get. I swear my heart skipped a beat when I caught sight of him / her. He / She sets my heart on fire!

I am sure there are plenty of other statements that you can think of, but they all focus on that one symbol – the heart as an unwilling participant in love. Tattoos have played a significant role in cementing this symbol for good. The one tattoo that seems to remind everyone of the love aspect, is the heart with a banner wrapped in front – the most popular banner stating, “Mom.” There are also two hearts surrounded by a wall of fire, and the name of one lover on one, and another lover on the other.

I think one of my most favorite episodes of “The Simpsons” has to deal with this subject. Bart Simpson walks into a tattoo shop and inquires about getting a “present” for his mother. The tattooist looks him over and, in a gruff voice, asks the child, “Are you eighteen?” Bart replies to the affirmative, and hops into a chair. Just as the tattoo artist finished the “H” letter in “MOTHER”, Marge, his mom, pulls him out of the shop. Bart is left with a heart tattoo that reads, “MOTH” upon it. Marge spends the remaining Christmas money getting the tattoo removed. The culmination of the episode has Bart sitting on the couch with a bandage where the tattoo once was. Every time his sister, Lisa, pokes it, Bart looks over at her, stating, “Ow – quit it. Ow – quit it. Ow – quit it.”

Hey, you gotta laugh – life is funny like that! (On the other hand, should I say fickle?) We could also say that love is a witch, and change the “w” to a “b”, but I would guess one might venture a guess that only men would use that one! Either way, I presume one might also have to conclude that, even though some may believe “love is all you need”, there are plenty of tattoo artists that have done their fair share of cover-ups toward the contrary!

If you are interested in getting a heart tattoo, perhaps you may want to think about stopping at just the symbol. There are so many ways to prove your love, but pasting the name of your significant other may be another necessary removal if a divorce enters the picture. If you truly must love another by permanently marking yourself with their name, I truly hope that they are deserving of it! However, I am sure the tattoo artist would “love” to see you again!

Tattoos last forever, so you'll want to be sure you've chosen the perfect one before you get inked. Did you know there may be up to 500 different styles for the tattoo you are thinking of getting? Flipping through hundreds of tattoo parlor books can get a little tiring. Why not just browse through a web site instead? You can see 1000s of a tattoo styles, ideas and pictures by Clicking Here. You can even create your own custom tattoo!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Heart-Tattoo-Design&id=609539

500 Design Tattoo

Many tattoos of the Twentieth Century have been based upon mythological creatures. Unlike the past centuries, the mythology behind many of the subjects of lore have become a lot more fantastic and alluring to people of all ages nowadays. Still, there are those few groups (I usually like to call Bible-pounders) that believe the entire ideas behind tattoos are Satanic and blasphemous. I will always say, “To each his own”. That philosophy works with everything for me. Don’t like the radio station? Change it! Not interested in what is being played on the television? Turn it off! Don’t like tattoos? Don’t get one! Geez, is this that difficult?

Have you ever read the true Grimm Fairy Tales? They certainly do not have the Walt Disney “G” ratings on the original versions of the stories! Take the fable of “Snow White.” In the Disney ending, she and Prince Charming live happily ever after. However, the wicked stepmother in Grimm’s fairy tales was brought before the couple on their wedding day. There – in front of the wedding revelers – it is written that the stepmother was forced to dance in iron shoes – heated upon a blazing fire – until she dropped dead from the ordeal! Hmm, I must have missed that part in the Disney version!

Nevertheless, one can see how the beginnings of one myth or folklore can be changed over the centuries, to adapt to a more “G” rated crowd. The same can be said for certain designed tattoos. From the more arcane skulls and dragons, to the celestial fairies and hearts – the original meanings surrounding many of these designs have become more suitable to the owner of such tattoo art. Did you know that an ankle bracelet tattoo used to ward away the fear of drowning? On the other hand, some Native American tribes would etch markings upon their faces if they were hurting from something. (I.E. Chronic headache sufferers would tattoo their foreheads. Toothache victims would tattoo their cheeks.)

Whatever the reasons may have been, somewhere along the lines, hundreds – if not thousands – of designed tattoos have had their original meanings wiped clean, and were replaced with the more “G” rated idealisms of the Twentieth Century. I have two fairy tattoos, and they both are elegant, beautiful, nude wood nymphs. However, after a bit of research, I found that much fairy lore originated back to Ireland.

Would you ever guess the creatures of Ireland are told to look more troll-like and evil – performing all kinds of mischievousness for the farmers and other landowners within the “fairy” properties? In fact, many natives believe that to anger the fairies could cause even more catastrophic occurrences, such as the burning down of homes, and loss of life to both cattle as well as humans. Okay, the physique of the fairy tattoos that I have etched upon me truly differ, but as far as the mischievousness and the anger issues . . . well, nobody’s perfect.

Tattoos last forever, so you'll want to be sure you've chosen the perfect one before you get inked. Did you know there may be up to 500 different styles for the tattoo you are thinking of getting? Flipping through hundreds of tattoo parlor books can get a little tiring. Why not just browse through a web site instead? You can see 1000s of a tattoo styles, ideas and pictures by Clicking Here. You can even create your own custom tattoo!

http://ezinearticles.com/?500-Design-Tattoo&id=609533

Award Winning Tattoo Design For Everyone

what is tattoo? Tattoo is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin; in technical terms, tattooing is dermal pigmentation. This sort of marking can be made on human or animal skin. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, while tattoos on animals are most mainly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, wore facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples, and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia and China. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular all over the world.

It has been around for thousands of years and has a direct link to culture and symbolism of each culture. Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice at least since Neolithic times. Even mummies also bearing tattoos and dating from the end of the second millennium BC have been discovered at Pazyryk on the Ukok Plateau. In Japan it is thought to go back to the Paleolithic era, some ten thousand years ago. Various other cultures have had their own tattoo traditions, ranging from rubbing cuts and other wounds with ashes, to hand-pricking the skin to insert dyes.

In the past tattoo served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures, sometimes with unintended consequences. For example shamrock tattoos are believed to belong exclusively to the Aryan Brotherhood (within their range of the US prison system), but on the streets of America a shamrock tattoo can stand for whatever the wearer wants it to.

Today, people choose to be tattooed for cosmetic, sentimental/memorial, religious, and magical reasons, and to symbolize their belonging to or identification with particular groups (see Criminal tattoos). Tattoos of favorite bands and football teams' logos are fairly common in the west.[citation needed] Some Māori still choose to wear intricate moko on their faces. In Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, the yantra tattoo is used for protection.

Now tattoos are used more as expressions of character. People find that being able to put what they find important in their lives on themselves for others to see is part of their freedom of speech. There are many various type of tattoo design. People see tattoos as an art and design.

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