Monday, July 30, 2007

How To Find An Awesome Tribal Tattoo Designs For Inking?


The popularity of tribal tattoos lies in the meaning behind them. In ancient times, tattoos were used for two primary reasons: toWhy tribal tattoos so popular? mark a person as a member (or nonmember) of the local group or to express religious, magical or spiritual beliefs and convictions. Those same reasons a prompting more and more men and women to seek out tribal art tattoos. Tribal Tattoos have a simple appeal: we like the way they look on us, It reinforces a positive feeling about ourselves and connects us some how to an element of mystery and ancient activity.

Some of the most popular tribal tattoo designs including:

* Tribal Dragons
* Tribal Crosses
* Tribal suns
*
* Celtic knots
* Tribal Butterflies
* Armbands And Lower back
* Flowers
* Scorpions And Animal

However, modern tribal tattoo art doesn’t have to limit itself to ancient or primitive designs. It’s just as easy to find tribal fairy, tribal skull, and tribal barbed wire designs and so on.

Where to find the perfect tribal tattoo designs?
Increasingly, web sites have popped up to specifically help people find tattoo designs. In general, these types of sites could be put into three different categories:

* 1. Websites with "free flash" (tattoo designs) to browse through
* 2. Websites with subscription fees to view their entire tattoo design collection.
* 3. Websites that charge for single designs.

At first glance, "free" looks pretty good, right? Websites that offer free designs (and there are many) usually base what they offer on artwork that is "donated" to their free flash selection. In general, anyone with paper and pencils can submit designs and call him/herself a "tattoo flash artist." The point is, you get what you pay for, and the quality of free designs is generally so poor that is not tattooable. Moreover, the variety of designs is very limited as well. Comparing the free crap, the BEST way to find top quality tribal tattoo designs online is the paid one as they are drawn by the professional tattoo flash artists instead of anyone. The variety of paid designs is copious enough for you to pick up the perfect one for inking.

So, in summary, to find a perfect tribal tattoo, you will need to browse through a lot of tattoo designs before you settle on the one for inking.

Vince Edwrds is a professional tattooist and he has been collecting Tribal tattoo designs

for more than 20 years. His website features huge collection of Tattoo designs including

Tribal Tattoo Designs

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Find-An-Awesome-Tribal-Tattoo-Designs-For-Inking?&id=656252

Tribal Tattoo Designs And History - Polynesian, Tahitians, Maori, Celtic, Egyptian, Japanese, Hawaii

What is cooler than an exceptional piece of tribal tattoo artwork? Not a lot! No nonsense colours, no meaningless images, just pure symbolic, sub-conscious tribal statement to the world!

Now, you don't have to belong to a traditional tribe for your tribal tattoo to mean something, in fact we are all tribe members of some sort; just think sub culture (hip hop, grunge, rock etc). I doubt you will find a group of die-hard rock fans, each with pretty flowery tattoos or hardened USA convicts with pink fairies! Get the drift? So, with that in mind let's go through some of the original tribal tattoo types and a brief history to help you form a basis for your next tattoo design.

Polynesian Tribal Tattoos (Tahitians):

These tattoos were pivotal to their culture as they had no written language as we would know it. Social status, family and position were the top massages conveyed by their intricate designs and rituals around them.

Tools used were a comb with needles generally made from bone fixed to a handle. The needles were placed into the ink (made from water, oil and candlenut soot -think charcoal) then against the chosen physical location and tapped on the back, piercing the skin and injecting the ink. The noise made from this is where the name "tattoo" is born, or "tatau" as the Polynesians (Tahitians) would say, or even "Tattow" as Captain James Cook subsequently dubbed it!

Celtic Tribal Tattoos:

The Celtic, once a dominant force in what we know as Europe were slowly and very violently pushed north west by the Romans, Angles and Saxons. The Celtic culture is rich with history and legend, but again as there were no classical written language tattoos were required to convey social messaging.

Celtic Tattoos typically know for their intricate knots, interlacing patterns, spirals and animals. Deeply spiritual meanings and significance the interwoven patterns and organic spirals indicate a never ending flow to the world as they viewed it. Today more commonly used as cultural and heritage markers (Scottish, Irish and some Welsh), Celtic bands. Feature the most and are very attractive designs with significance placed on where the Celtic tattoo design is placed

Maori Tribal Tattoos:

"Ta Moko, the process", "Moko, the product".

There is an ancient New Zealand tale of how tattoos came to be for the Maoris which starts with a relationship between a man (Mataora), and an underworld princess (Niwareka.. Mataora foolishly beat Niwareka and she fled to her father's underworld domain (Uetonga). Mataora, deeply saddened and remorseful for his actions set out to retrieve his lover and then embarks an epic journey to the underworld Uetonga. Finally reaching dishevelled and with face paint smeared and disfigured, his lovers father taught him the art of tattooing which he brought back to the land of men - along with Mataora!

Used primarily to mark status and male rights of passage, similar tools and techniques were used like the Polynesians (Tahitians); in fact it is widely believed that early Polynesians first brought the art to New Zealand

Other Great Tattoo Civilizations:

* Egyptian Tattoos - Just as they did their techniques spread far and wide across the know world
* Japanese Tattoos - Deeply ritualised and formal, certainly had more to do with honour than visual symbolism
* Hawaiian tattoos - Culturally and geographically so close to Tahiti the history is too similar to repeat here but just know that the art works differentiated over time.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Tribal-Tattoo-Designs-And-History---Polynesian,-Tahitians,-Maori,-Celtic,-Egyptian,-Japanese,-Hawaii&id=657883

Why Star Tattoos Designs Are So Popular

Star tattoos are one of the hottest design motifs or themes within the world of tattoo. In fact star tattoos are sought after more then any other type of design. This is based on monthly keyword search volume on the internet so the statistics could be a little off but overall star tattoo designs are incredibly popular.

Please be forewarned just because something is popular especially a certain tattoo design does not mean you should run out and get one. These are the types of tattoos you will regret later in life when they are no longer popular or the in thing. Instead you should always get any permanent tattoo or piercing because you feel a deep connection and the tattoo or piercing holds some significant meaning for you other then it was popular or I saw it on a famous celebrity. I can promise in another 20 years most people won’t remember the celebrity or that star tattoos were popular. This is not meant to discourage you if you were already out activity looking for a star tattoo design or pictures of star tattoos and the like. If you already feel a connection with the star as a tattoo symbol then by all means express yourself and go for it.

So why are star tattoo designs so amazingly popular? There are probably a wide variety of reasons and here are some of the things that customers have told us.

1. Unisex design- star tattoos are really a unisex design. This means that any type of star tattoo design be it a nautical star, or a stary night tattoo it really doesn’t matter stars are such a universal theme that they will fit well for both sexes.

2. Bold and Strong - Star tattoo designs are often very bold and strong. The thick lines or solid shapes make a bold tattoo that really stands out and can be seen from a distance.

3. Variety of Colors - Star tattoo designs can be done in a variety of colors and you are really not limited to anything specific. For example a pink colored star works just as well as a deep blue or a red star tattoo. So you can use a meaningful color scheme that enhances your overall design.

4. Cheap Designs - another reason they are so popular is star tattoos can often be designed either by hand or even done free hand by the tattoo artist. They are easy to design, change and adapt.

5. Variety of Sizes - Stars can be done in a wide variety of sizes and tweaked in many different ways to fit the space or location on the body where the person wants the tattoo.

6. Symbolic Meaning - there are deep meaning behind stars and yet they are sort of up to personal interpretation also.

There is also a large variety of different star types to chose from. For example there is the historic nautical star tattoo that was an important good luck symbol to sailors. There are shooting stars, and star and moon clusters just to name a few of the variations. There are really a lot of different options with start between, size, color, location and type of star the tattoo can have a very different and original feeling.

As an avid tattoo enthusiast and writer Chris decided to combine his talents and loves and started creating tattoo websites. Recently he has started providing great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy by publishing in numerous places across the internet. For more tattoo resources you might want to check out: tattoo sleeve Ideas, Designs and Galleries Free, or here for awesome Hot Star Tattoo Designs.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Star-Tattoos-Designs-Are-So-Popular&id=662748

The Hottest Tattoo Designs For Females

One of the fastest growing areas in the field of tattoos are female tattoo designs. When you think about the history of tattooing it was not too long ago that tattoos had a very different reputation and frequently when women did get tattoos say 20 years ago they would keep them well hidden. However, since the world of tattoos has so drastically changed over the last few years and become so much more mainstream women today are getting tattoos is a much larger number. This has lead to a tremendous growth in the tattoo marketplace for women. In fact there are now more female tattoo artists, female tattoo designs and even shops are starting to cater to a more female clientele. If you don’t believe just witness the phenomenal growth and popularity of the television show Miami Ink. If that is not mainstream then I don’t know what is. I mean prime time show Arts and Entertainment channel? Pretty mainstream and widely accepted. This is a great thing for the most part as more money is being poured into tattoos and tattoo design and artist are getting better paid for their work now.

The whole point is that one of the fastest growing populations within this quickly growing market is females and female tattoo designs and designers are now making a whole new style of tattoos.

If you are a female and looking for a tattoo then you are in luck! You are no longer stuck getting only a lower back tattoo design there are now a wide variety of tattoos locations and tattoo designs that you can get.

This article will help identify some of the more popular tattoo designs for women and some of the locations that tattoos can be done.

Female Chest Tattoos - This is a great area to get a tattoo done on as it offers a fairly large space for a big tattoo design. There are also a great deal of traditional tattoo designs that can easily be modified and played with to create fun and interesting new designs for females. For example one of the traditional tattoos for a chest design is a sacred heart often done with two sparrow on either side. I have recently seen this done as a traditional sacred or flaming heart and then instead of the two sparrow there were two hello kitty tattoos in the place of the sparrows. So as you can see the chest makes a wonderful place for a tattoo design and the extensive background of traditional designs in this area can lead in some creative directions for women today.

Female Upper Back Tattoo - We all know the infamous lower back tattoo that has been very popular in the last 5 to 10 years or so. It has given rise to the low rise jeans and other fashions. However, more and more women are now starting to branch away from lower back tattoo design and starting to get upper back and even full back tattoo designs done.

Female Tattoo Sleeve - Yes women are even starting to get a more feminine style full sleeve tattoos. Instead of a bunch of skull, crossbones and flames with dice women are starting to incorporate dragonflies, fairies, and even traditional koi fish tattoos.

Many of the greatest looking female tattoo designs now are ones that play on traditional tattoo themes. These create fu, interesting and unique variations on the theme.

Chris is an avid tattoo enthusiast, as well as an observer and writer of the tattoo scene. He has run numerous tattoo related website business in the past. However, now he provides great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy free. Check out this page for more on female tattoo gallery, or here for awesome tattoo sleeve designs.


http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Hottest-Tattoo-Designs-For-Females&id=662452

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Christian Cross Tattoos - The Hidden Truth

Many people still deem tattoos with an infamous status. But the real truth may surprise you as you will realize that one type of tattoos are extremely popular – Christian cross tattoos.

Yes, don't be surprised that Christian do have tattoos, especially Christian cross tattoos. They are a unique and personal way of keeping Christian iconography close to them.

Christianity does not have any rules against tattooing, except maybe some precautions for young people to be modest regarding the image they embody in the world.

A Christian cross tattoo can be stylish and is a suitable yet potent symbol that resonates with a lot of Christian youth.

The Christian Cross Tattoo

Many Christian symbols have been turned into tattoo images but the cross beats all the others. Christian cross tattoos that come in different styles of the cross are plentiful. After all, this is most familiar Christian image of all.

The cross tattoos varies a lot, some show Jesus on the cross while others show the cross with a crown of thorns hung over one arm. Others just consists of crossed nails such as those that were used to hang Jesus on the cross.

Other popular Christian cross tattoo images can be the Celtic cross – one of the most popular Christian tattoos, the Russian cross and the Egyptian "ankh" which is the Egyptian symbol for "life".

There are also other Christian images being used in the Christian cross tattoos other than the cross itself. The fish symbol is one great example which is frequently used as a symbol of Christ. This is great for tattooing, especially in black as it is a compact but prominent symbol.

On the other hand, there are other tattoos that may be really link to the notorious status such as the Hispanic Christian Cross Tattoos.

These tattoos are a unique sub-group. Even though most Mexicans and other Hispanic people are involved in gangs or other criminal activities, you will be surprised that they are actually deeply religious. They rely on their Christian symbols to both identify and protect them.

Their Christian cross tattoos are quite complex with numerous involving a tattooed image of a saint, Jesus, or the Virgin Mary. These Hispanic tattoos often carry words too, usually a Bible verse and maybe accompanied by a loved one's name. Quite a lot of Mexican gang members have several complicated tattoos allowing them to literally wear his identity and personality on his skin.

Looking for high quality Christian cross tattoos? Get your hands on a collection of thousands of gorgeous high quality tattoo designs all viewable from your comforts of your home and you can print out for your favourite tattoo artist. Remember to get your special FREE Gift: 'You And Your Tattoo'
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http://ezinearticles.com/?Christian-Cross-Tattoos---The-Hidden-Truth&id=655675

Moon, Star Tattoos

Ever since humans could look at the sky above at nighttime, they could see the moon and the brilliant stars sprinkled all over the skies. The skies were so much better to look at back then without the contamination of all the lights in our modern society. Imagine how AWESOME and how much brighter and more brilliant all the stars, planets and the Moon appeared back then!

The Moon as we all know is the only natural satellite of our planet. The average distance from Earth is 238,855 miles! Our Moon isn’t the biggest moon in our Solar System but it is ours and has special meanings for thousands of years for all types of people -- warriors, priests, farmers, and many other. And it makes perfect sense to get a Moon Star Tattoo to symbolize our Interstellar connections of the heavens above.

It is believed that our Moon was created billions of years ago by the debris from the collision of two planets. The surface of the Moon hasn’t changed much. We are probably seeing the same views of the Moon that the Dinosaurs saw over 65 million years ago! They say we are fortunate to have the stabilizing effect of the Moon’s gravity that prevents our planet from wobbling. That enabled perfect conditions for the numerous forms of life to exist on Earth. Although the Moon is creeping away from us at the rate of about 1.5 inches every year, I think we are OK for now…

In total, only twelve (12) people have actually stepped on the Moon, all Americans. The last was Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. There has been renewed interest to sending someone up to the Moon again but we will see.

Despite popular thinking, the Moon is NOT made of Swiss cheese! It is composed of rocks and very few metals. So no mining but perhaps we will build a freeway between the Earth and the Moon.

And yes, the Sun is a star. It is the nearest star to our planet. We do take the light and heat for granted and that is because the hydrogen is converted into helium in the Sun’s core. The thermonuclear reaction has been going on for 4.6 billion years. And not to worry – there is still enough hydrogen to maintain the light and heat in the Sun for another 6 Billion years! The core of the Sun is estimated to be 28,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit! That is a lot of zeros…

In short, just think of the Sun and the Stars as a giant nuclear factory.

You wouldn’t know it but five or six centuries ago, scientists have been burnt at the stake for suggesting a heresy that the Sun was simply a star. We have come a long way since then.

There are many kinds of Moon Star Tattoos. Some have Stars dangling from the crescent shaped phases of the Moon. Others have many pointed stars with the crescent shaped Moon in the center.

As always, do choose the Moon Star Tattoo wisely and really think where you will place it on your body. And please, it is always a good idea to place the tattoo where it can be covered up with work clothing. Visible tattoos are still not acceptable in many workplace and could jeopardize your career path.

Becky McClure believes that the MOST important word after you made the decision to get inked is “Patience!” Pick the right tattoo design. Pick the right location on you. And then pick the best artist you can find for your new body art. Her website at http://www.dream-tattoo-design.com provides a wealth of informative articles and directions to a huge tattoo design gallery.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Moon,-Star-Tattoos&id=655855

Monday, July 23, 2007

Find Awesome Tattoo Designs From The Online Tattoo Gallery

Don't you agree that trying to decide what tattoo to get is extremely difficult? You know how important it is to find the right tattoo design. And we all know someone who impulsively got inked with little or no thought put into it. Now that person hates their tattoo. And removing unwanted marks is a very expensive, lengthy and painful ordeal!

That's not the way such an important, life-long decision should be made, and it often results in people regretting they ever got that darn tattoo!

So how do you find that piece of artwork you are proud of? The secret is to browse through a lot of designs before you settle on the one.

What if I told you there is an online tattoo gallery that makes searching for designs easy? The huge online tattoo gallery contains thousands of great-looking categorized tattoo designs that you can browse through from the comfort of your home.

The online gallery will saves valuable time
No more flipping through binders at your local tattoo studio, No more frustrating hours searching on the Internet, sign up to become the member of the online tattoo galley and instant access to thousands of designs here. Then take you time and pick up one or several designs you desire from the tattoo gallery and print them out for inking. Moreover, the online gallery also contains member photo gallery which you will get inspiration from looking at photos of other people's tattoos.

The online gallery will save your money.
To view their entire design gallery, you need to become the member by paying one time subscription fee. Don't pay $15 per design at other websites. It's way too expensive! You will save lots of money and time by becoming a member of the gallery.

After all, getting the perfect tattoo designs that perfectly flows with your body is what makes you feel proud. Am I right? There are many good reasons to get an awesome tattoo and there are many ways to screw it up.

Vince Edwrd is a professional tattooist and he has been collecting tattoo designs for more than 20 years. vist his online tattoo gallery and get the perfect tattoos You truely deserve!


http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-Awesome-Tattoo-Designs-From-The-Online-Tattoo-Gallery&id=650150

Friday, July 20, 2007

Tattoo Information You May Need To Know

This article which you are about to read has been written because of a growing interest worldwide in tattoos of all types and designs, and I hope that by reading this you will be a bit better preparedbefore you actually have the tattoo.

Before you decide to get a tattoo, you should always take a little bit of time to talk to your tattoo artist. When you speak to him, you should be sure to ask questions and find out anything you can about your new decoration. You should also find out information about his background, and other important bits of information that will assist you in moving forward with your decision.

The first thing you should find out is how long the parlor has been in business. This will let you know just how professional the quality of work is and the overall reputation for the business. If the parlor belongs to the Better Business Bureau you can always check their record and see if any complaints have been filed about the business in the last few years.

You should also find out about his qualifications as well. Experience is a must here, as infections and other diseases can easily be contracted if the equipment is not clean. Tattoo artists deal with needles on a daily basis, making experience very important. Finding out how much experience and qualifications your artist has will tell you quite a bit about what you can expect from them.

You will also want to find out if the studio guarantees their work. In the unlikely event that you dont like the outcome of the tattoo, you will obviously want it to be fixed. The better studios will fix it without requiring any money. Refund policies are also important, especially if you dont like the quality or the workmanship of the tattoo.

The cost is also very important. Before you decide to get a tattoo or agree to anything, you will obviously want to know the full cost. The bigger tattoos can be quite expensive, although even the smallest of tattoos can be expensive as well, especially if you are on a budget. You can save yourself a lot of time and prevent any type of surprises by knowing the costs upfront.

Now just before we go any further let me just say that at the end of this article I will be giving you some ideas as to how you can find out more information on this subject, as the more that you know the better equipped you will be. So, having said that, lets continue.

Infection is also something you will want to find out about. The better tattoo artists can provide information about infections, and tell you how to prevent them. They will also tell you about their services, and how they can prevent you from getting an infection. When you ask for information he should also be able to tell you exactly what to do if you think you are developing an infection as well.

If you suffer from a fear of needles, you should always ask if there is a way to help you. You should never feel bad about asking, as many people are deathly afraid of needles. Needles are used with tattoos, as there is no other way to put the ink in the skin. If you are afraid of getting a tattoo due to the needles, you should make sure that you let your tattoo artist know. Chances are, he may be able to take extra steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Asking questions is never a bad thing when it comes to getting a tattoo. If a tattoo artist hesitates to answer any question you ask or acts hasty towards you, you should always leave and find another artist. Tattoos always have risks and concern, which is why the artist should be more than willing to answer any questions that you may have. Asking questions can help to ease your concern and make you feel better about the artist, which is why you should always make sure you write a list of questions before you visit the parlor.

Let me finish by saying that there is a lot of information out there on this subject just waiting for you to dig up. You could go to your local bookstore, or your local library and you will be amazed at what you will find. Also look out for some helpfull Blogs on this subject, and then last, but not least, spend a bit of time on the internet conducting your research.


http://www.add-articles.com/Article/Tattoo-Information-You-May-Need-To-Know/54290

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks
Part of the attraction of getting a tattoo for some people has been the permanence of the body art that one chooses to place on their skin. If one tattoos a name on their body, it means that name has permanent meaning for them. Likewise, the designs they choose would be something they would never want to change. New tattoo ink technologies are threatening to change the whole concept of permanency of tattooing. Although there currently exist many methods of tattoo removal, their difficulty and cost make tattoos effectively permanent for most people. Likewise, older methods of removal, such as surgery may be painful and leave significant scarring. Laser tattoo removal, while usually effective, often requires multiple treatments and can be costly.

One company, Freedom-2, is bringing products to market that will change the paradigm of tattooing. Their ink is based on encapsulating bio-absorbable dyes in polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. The dyes in the ink are already FDA-approved for use in food, cosmetics, and medical devices. The ink is injected into the skin by standard tattooing techniques. At any time when removal of the pigment is desired, a single laser treatment disrupts the encapsulation, allowing the ink to flow out into the tissues and be absorbed. The tattoo then quickly fades without the need for further laser treatments. This ink is not yet available for general use, but has been tested in human subjects, according to the company's website. They indicate that it will be commercially available in early 2007.

They are also developing tattoo inks that will fade away on a predetermined schedule without the need for any laser treatments at all. The technology behind this is not elucidated, and there is no date of availability listed yet for this type of product.

The main difference between these two products is that the former is a permanent ink that can be removed anytime, while the latter will last a long time but then fade away, even if the owner prefers it to stay.

Tattoo artists may not instantly take to the new inks. The ability to remove a tattoo is not necessarily the foremost consideration when choosing tattoo inks. Some artists believe that tattoos should be permanent, or one is better off not getting a tattoo if he or she is unsure about them. However, some tattoo shops may choose to cater to the less-decisive. Also, it may encourage more experimentation and fanciful designs, if the recipient knows that they can get the tattoo quickly lasered off if they don't like it. The new ink will likely be significantly more expensive that standard ink, so cost will also be a consideration for artists.

Although a tattoo's ink may be temporary, there is often scarring left behind from the tattoo needle's penetration of the skin. Thus a textural image of the tattoo may remain permanently. Even so, the concept of tattoos as purely permanent body art may be replaced by tattoos as fashion. If a tattoo could be instantly removed, some people may choose to periodically change their tattoos as they would their style of clothing.

http://www.add-articles.com/Article/Instantly-Removable-Tattoo-Inks/105425

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Smell The Scent Of Flower Tattoos

The women of today have no qualms about going under the knife for vanity’s sake. They are not scared of knives. Neither are they with needles. Tattooing is increasingly getting popular among women as more and more female celebrities flaunt their body accessories in the form of tattoos.

What makes it so popular?

Tattooing is a form of self-expression. In this era, women have their say on just about anything and they have the freedom to do what they like. Unlike before when tattoos on women were looked down upon by society, it is now something women can be proud of. Tattoos mean strength, power, beauty and sensuality. And these are the things that women want.

Women generally favor more colorful, fun, and intricate tattoo designs such as butterflies, fairies, and flower tattoos which is probably the most sellable among women especially the younger ones. These tattoo designs bring out the beauty and sensuality in them. But there are men who also wear flower tattoos and this commonly symbolizes someone close to their hearts and may even be accompanied with a name or initials of that woman.

Flower tattoos come in all forms, colors and sizes. The size would depend on the person wearing the tattoo. Whether she want it to be small, cute and inconspicuous and sexy, or big and obvious to prove a point or make a statement, is totally up to her because tattoos also spell freedom.

Any flower design that you think of can be made into a tattoo. The rose is undeniably one of the most popular flower tattoos to date. But any flower that you want can be recreated into a tattoo by a talented tattoo artist. Different flowers have different symbolisms. Here are a list of common flower tattoos and their meanings:

Baby’s breath: Innocence, everlasting love
Bells of Ireland: Good luck
Carnation: Luck, health, affection, true love, woman
Chrysanthemum: Truth, cheerfulness, optimism, peace
Daffodil: Respect, new beginnings, happiness
Daisy: Innocence, purity, loyalty
Dandelion: Faithfulness, wishes come true
Forget-Me-Not: Remembrance, hope, true love
Freesia: Innocence
Gladiolus: Beauty, infatuation, strength
Hibiscus: Delicate beauty
Hyacinth: Playfulness, carefree
Iris: Wisdom, friendship, faith, valor
Jasmine: Sensuality, elegance, wealth
Lavender: Devotion
Lilac: Confidence
Lily: Wealth, innocence, modesty
Magnolia: Dignity, beauty, love of nature
Orchid: Rare beauty, refinement, long life, many children
Primrose: Youthfulness, love
Rosemary: Remembrance, hope, purity
Sunflower: Adoration, loyalty, luck
Tulip: Fame, beauty, love, charity
Violet: Faithfulness, innocence, modesty, calm
Weeping willow: Remembrance, affection, friendship

The color of the flower used in the tattoo could also determine its meaning. A rose, for instance, means femininity, eternal love and beauty; but a dark crimson or black rose could mean death or deep sorrow. You can research for the different meanings of different flower tattoos before you get one for yourself unless it has a personal meaning to you.

A tattoo is a personal thing; whether you want flower tattoos or any design you want or the meaning you want to convey is determined solely by the person who will wear them, you. If you want to express something though a tattoo, go ahead. If you want to get one as an accessory or to raise your sexiness level up one notch, no one’s stopping you. It is your prerogative. Nothing beats the smell of freedom.

Does flower tattoos fascinate you? Wait till you see more tattoo designs that can be combined with a flower motif such as fairy tattoos and dragonfly tattoos. Visit body-jewelry-useek.com and find out more about cool tattoo ideas that would blow your mind.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Smell-The-Scent-Of-Flower-Tattoos&id=639152

More And More Women Are Opting To Get A Tattoo

Actually, it is not a new thing for women to get tattoos or "inked" as it frequently called. Women have been getting tattoos for thousands of years, and despite the fact we think tattoos have been an art practiced only on men, in some cultures only the women get tattoos. In some of these cultures the women get the tattoos as a way to show off various skills, like basket weaving, food gathering and to show they are suitable for marriage.

The word tattoo means "to get marked" and comes from the Tahitian word “Tattau” but today people who love tattoos commonly refer to it as body art.

Tattooing has gone through its ups and downs over the approximate twelve thousand years it has been estimated it has been practiced, and has been banned many times in different cultures for periods of time. However, it appears that tattooing is here to stay, whenever it has been banned, it just seems to go underground and when things cool down it resurfaces again.

Up until the early last century there was a huge stigma associated with tattoos, which prevented western women in particular, from getting a tattoo Times have changed, and women will no longer be told what they can and cannot do, and where 40 or 50 years ago only 10 percent of western women had tattoos, it's now close to 60 percent.

Why women get tattoos:

A survey on “Cruiser” shows that forty three percent of women think its sexy, fifteen percent think its trendy, thirteen percent to attract a guy and twelve percent for personal reasons. Women often opt for a tattoo after a marriage breakup or divorce as a way of showing their independence.

Tattooing for women is growing at a tremendous rate, the days of having a tattoo hidden in a place where it would not be seen except by a husband or partner has gone.. Women are proud of their tattoos and love showing them off. Women often participate in the design process, rather than just pick a ready to wear design. that everyone else has, they will spend much more time deciding on the design they wish to have done, or in fact work with the artist to design an original, to get exactly the tattoo they want.

The more popular tattoo designs chosen by women are:

1. Floral Design Tattoos

2. Angel Tattoos

3. Unicorn Tattoos

4. Butterfly Tattoos

5. Fairy Tattoos

6. Dragonfly tattoos

7. Shooting Stars

Where do women put their tattoos?
Women generally choose smaller tattoos although this trend is beginning to change as women become more comfortable with themselves and the idea of body art. The most popular parts of the body where women put their tattoos are the, lower back, the ankles, the wrist, the buttocks and the tummy area.

On a health note, women getting a tattoo is no different to men getting a tattoo, so, make sure that the tattoo premises, the needles and environment are sterile and the procedure is performed by a professional, insist that the needle is removed from its sterile package in front of you and this should be done wearing sterile gloves. If you are having a henna tattoo get proof from your artist that he /she is using top quality pure brown henna and not the dangerous black henna, which can cause serious scarring and lifelong health issues.

A tattoo is meant to last forever, and can be a very expensive and painful thing to remove, so before you have one, make sure to select a design you will be able to live with for the rest of your life. . Select an artist not only with a huge range of designs, but who can also customize your design for you, and remember the smaller and more intricate the design the more expensive it is likely to be.


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Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Upper Back Tattoos- An Ideal Introduction to Body Art

The human back makes an ideal canvas for a tattoo artist’s needles. If you are considering your first tattoo could do worse than to have it be an upper back tattoo. Why?

Upper back tattoos can range from small and simple to large and elaborate, and can stand alone or be the foundations for larger and more elaborate tattoo work if you like the outcome and want to add to it. Upper back tattoos are, more often than not, covered in indoor settings so they won’t be an issue in professional environments.

Women considering upper back tattoos will have to decide if their social life is a deterrent; backless formal gowns may be out of the picture once upper back tattoo enter it. But a small tasteful tattoo has found its way to many a female celebrity’s upper back, so the bias against female tattoos in upper social circles may be fading. Tank tops and bating suits will also be a giveaway for upper back tattoos, but in the casual environment at poolside they are not only accepted; they are often admired.

Any upper back tattoos you are considering should be a topic of conversation between you and your tattoo artist before you make any decisions. Placement is key, so that you can incorporate you design into a later full back tattoo if you so desire. At the same time, you don’t want you upper back tattoo to be so oddly positioned that it sticks out like a sore thumb.

You’ll also have to consider the amount of time you are accustomed to spending shirtless in the sun. You should be using sunscreen anyway, even if you don’t have tattoos, but sun exposure is a big contributor in the fading of tattoos. Your upper back tattoo is going to fade, because that is what tattoos do, but here’s no reason for you to speed the process simply because you neglect the sunscreen.

One big positive to having an upper back tattoo as you first is that they are much less prone to infection than tattoos in other areas. But you’ll still be responsible for following your tattoo artist’s after care directions, which will include periods of letting your tattoo be exposed to the air to help it dry. So consider the time of year when you get your tattoo; bring shirtless in January in your part of the world might get uncomfortable.

Nicolas Cage, with a top-hat wearing monitor lizard, David Beckham, with his son's name above a Crucifixion scene; LeBron James, with Chosen 1; Fabio Cannovaro, with his daughter’s name; Melanie Chisholm, with a phoenix; and Laura Headley, with a lotus blossom, are just a handful of celebrities who have chosen upper back tattoos to say something about themselves or the things that matter to them.

If you do an online search for upper back tattoo designs, you’re sure to be amazed at the variety of designs from small and simple to mind blowingly intricate, and somewhere among them find the one which is perfect for you!

Discover how to avoid being the one in four who Hate thier new Tattoo, including simple Tattoo safety tips, in our your free Tattoo Guide : -


http://ezinearticles.com/?Upper-Back-Tattoos--An-Ideal-Introduction-to-Body-Art&id=641390

Japanese Tattoos- Way Beyond Flash

While the art of Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is said have continued for a hundred centuries, the introduction of the Buddhist faith to Japan discouraged its widespread use. The Chinese, who brought Buddhism to Japan, abhorred the art of tattooing, and their influence made its way to the upper classes of Japan.

From the early seventeenth to late nineteenth centuries, during Japan’s Edo Period, Japanese tattoos were most often seen on Japanese prostitutes, who used them to entice customers; Japanese firemen were known for their remarkable horimono, or full body tattoos which were quite unlike any other tattoos in the world. The firefighters regarded their tattoos as signs of brotherhood and masculinity.

The other class of Japanese regularly tattooed during this period were criminals who for one hundred and fifty years were marked either with a tattooed ring, or tattooed character on the forehead, on the arm for each crime They may have resented being permanently marked, but prior to the introduction of tattooing, the usually means of identifying criminals was to amputate their noses or ears.

Japanese tattoos regained their popularity when a woodblock printed Chinese novel, “Suikoden,” illustrated with warriors bearing horimono of tigers, dragons, and flowers. The book was wildly successful with Japan’s lower classes, who began demanding similar tattoos.

But the only tattoo artists available were the woodblock printers themselves. Because the printers had no tools except the gouges and chisels with which they created their woodblocks, they used them and their special black ink which will change its color to a bluish green when it reacts with human skin.

All authentic Japanese tattoos are still applied by hand with “tebori”, groups of handmade needles attached to wooden or metal handles; it takes a great deal of practice to master the art of tattooing by hand. Having a “suit” of Japanese tattoos applied with tebori, as everyone who was tattooed in the mid-1800s did, was a time-intensive experience; an entire tattoo could take up to five years of weekly sessions to finish. As tebori are more likely to cause bruising than the tattoo machines widely used today, they were in many cases very painful years.

Japanese tattoos are rich in symbolism; one of the most popular is the koi fish, or carp, which can outlive many humans and represent endurance and wisdom. Dragons bring luck, and are often depicted with clouds or rivers and lakes, so necessary for the rice crops which have sustained the Japanese for thousands of years. Snakes add a negatic4e element to Japanese tattoos, and are included only when the artist can add peonies, cherry blossoms, or other flowers which bloom at the same time that snakes become active after the winter.

You may have to travel far and wide to find a tebori master to apply your Japanese tattoos, but you can find tattoos of traditional Japanese subjects at every tattoo parlor!

Discover how to avoid being the one in four who Hate thier new Tattoo, including simple Tattoo safety tips, in our your free Tattoo Guide : -


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Shoulder Tattoos- Easy on the Eyes and on the Budget

On the list of your thing to consider before deciding to get a tattoo, the kind of tattoo to get will undoubtedly be at the top. But right behind it will be where on your body you want your tattoo positioned. The size and shape of your tattoo, of course, will eliminate a lot of your positioning options, but one of the most popular places for tattoos, for a variety of reasons, is the shoulder.

Shoulder tattoos date back thousands of years to the Pacific and African tribes who used them as a means of identifying an individual’s tribe and rank within a tribe. hey were also used to commemorate battlefield accomplishments. There is even some thought that shoulder tattoos should represent whatever the wearer wants to carry through life, be it a relationship, a belief, or even a favorite flower.

Shoulder tattoos are great for those who want or need to cover their tattoos periodically, for work, school, or to keep a significant other happy. Unlike upper arm tattoos, shoulder tattoos don’t require you to wear long sleeves in the middle of a heat wave in order to avoid offending people, and unlike back tattoos, they don’t require you to go topless in order to show them off. A tank top is ideal.

If you’re concerned about the level of physical discomfort associated with getting a tattoo, the pain is usually proportionate to the amount, or of lack of, padding on the area being tattooed. Shoulder tattoos are generally considered, after upper arm tattoos, the least painful.

Another advantage of shoulder tattoos is their longevity. One of the realities of getting tattooed is that the location of a tattoo correlates directly to the length of time it keeps its brightness and definition. The two most important factors you should consider in positioning your tattoo for a long and eye catching life are how much sunlight it will receive and how much bending it will have to endure.

The less sunlight and tanning your tattoo is forced to undergo, the better, because this sun is a notorious fader of tattoo ink And the less bending it experiences, the less likely its inks are to “migrate,” and cause blurring of its details. Having shoulder tattoos, however, does not excuse their wearers from protecting themselves with sunscreen.

Another advantage of shoulder tattoos is that, as well as being some of the longest lasting, they are some of the easiest to do, and therefore, some of the least expensive. Location has always played a part in the cost of a tattoo, because some parts of the body are simply harder to access and work on, and will require frequent touch-up work, which is usually free.

The biggest positive abut shoulder tattoos, however, is that the contours of the shoulder lent themselves to some truly stunning tattoos. Floral garlands; shooting stars; never ending Celtic knots and dragons; or abstract tribal designs; in fact, any tattoos to which you’d like add a three dimensional look are all perfect ideas for shoulder tattoos!


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Nautical Star Tattoos - The Original Meaning

Nautical star tattoos have caused much controversy and heated discussion regarding the true meaning of the design. Over the years, many groups have attempted to tag the design with their own unique interpretation. In addition to the nautical connection, this popular tattoo design has been connected to the military, punk rockers, the lesbian community and the anti-racism movement in recent years.

But what are the origins of the nautical star tattoo? Where did it come from and what did it originally represent?

Almost everybody, without exception, accepts that sailors were the first group of people to wear nautical star tattoos.

In previous centuries, working at sea was a very dangerous and unpredicatable way of life. Sailors had very little to guide them at night, apart from the stars. And the one that they relied upon most was Polaris, or the North Star. As this star is positioned close to the north pole, it appears to be stationary at all times, unlike other stars which appear to move as time passes. This provided early sailors with a fixed reference point. And once they know where the North Star was, they could position their ships accordingly and be reasonably confident that they were going in the right direction.

Over time the North Star became a symbol for finding your way home safely and symbolically finding your way in life. But beyond that, as many sailors were deeply superstitious with a rich history of lore about life and death at sea, they were always looking for lucky charms. So many sailors began to place nautical star tattoos on their forearms or hands as a symbol of good luck and a desire to get home safely.

Skip forward through the centuries and the meaning of the nautical star tattoo has become broader. Not only is it a symbol of the sea, but also a sign of security and guidance for all sailors and travelers. It has also become a sign of following your dreams and achieving success in your life.

However, these is some disagreement concerning the design of the nautical star. Most people accept that the basic design of the nautical star is a five pointed star. But a minority of people claim that the nautical star represents the traditional design of a ship's compass. This consists of the four cardinal directions, North, South, East, West, and possibly the intermediate directions of North East, South East, South West and North West. So their idea of the nautical star is a four pointed design or even an eight pointed star.

Personally, I think that the five pointed star best represents the design of the nautical star tattoo, especially when you consider that on many nautical maps, north is shown by a compass style five pointed star.

But whatever style of design is selected, one thing is clear; the nautical star has had a long connection with naval tradition and was originally a symbol of finding your way home safely. And while other groups may attempt to link themselves to the use of the nautical star tattoo, the sailors of bygone centuries will always retain the distinction of representing the original interpretation of this iconic tattoo design.

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


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Tattoo Designs The New Era

The New era in tattoo designs
Tattoos are more and more in style and when you are searching for tattoo designs you will find a new breed of tattoo artist that has been searching the world in search of inspiration to allow them to create these strikingly beautiful tattoo designs. These artisans are not your run of the mill paint by numbers tattooist they are the cream of the tattoo profession

In current times the tattoos encapsulating feeling, have been rediscovered. The time honoured western tattoo designs, which had nearly become extinct are now in huge demand once more, and are being re found by tattoo devotes.

Tattoo design and there origins
The oldest known tattoo is that found on a Bronze Age warrior who lived some five thousand three hundred years ago the remains were found in 1991 preserved in the ice of a glacier on the border of Austria and Italy. The preserved body had fifty-seven different tattoos, no one really knows their significance, it is possible that his intersecting and parallel lines are the earliest yet discovered example of tribal art tattoos.

As we know the talent of tattooing is as old as time itself, but the design style has continually evolved and grown and therefore increased its demand in popular culture. The tattoo revival started in the 1960s and during that period lots of the tattoo artists had done an art degree and had a broad vision of the art of tattooing and its potential.

Choosing an authentic design
A tattoo and its design, in my opinion is an extremely private thing, getting marked on the body is not something you should do without due consideration. I have witnessed dozens of folks go out, get a tattoo on a whim, and live to regret it.

Tattoo mistakes people make
Unless you are a total looser, you would never decide on a tattoo on a whim from the first place you see. You need to look around. You finally got the balls to get a tattoo. You are probably excited about the idea and can’t wait to go in to get inked for the first time

The chief choice you now have to make is with your design. Even if it is your first tattoo and you feel that you are just experimenting, extra precautions should be made. A tattoo design will live with you forever and this undertaking cannot be taken lightly at all.

Getting the perfect tattoo can be a painful process and I am not just talking about being inked. All the probing, the hassle of it all. Going from one tattoo place to another looking at their flash books and not seeing anything you like. On to the next tattoo parlour and then you have enough of all the crap, getting a tattoo was thought to be easy. Then you do the UNTHINKABLE you settle for something that is not quite right but you have that second rate tat anyway.

Don’t do it, as you have seen tattoos have a long and historic position in our society we have adorned our bodies for thousands and thousands of years. Getting the wrong tattoo is an insult to our long and glories heritage. Tattoos and their designs can actually be classed as a form human cultural identity they cross race sex and class barriers and form a large part of the cultural development of many races on this magnificent planet of ours.


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Everything You Need To Know About Chinese Symbol Tattoos

Chinese symbol tattoos are very popular today because they are really beautiful. And because most of us in the Western people cannot read Chinese symbol, Chinese symbol tattoos become an exotic form of expression.

My Name is Yingying and I am a Chinese Tattoo Artist. I have been providing custom Chinese tattoo translation and design service during the past three years. Western people sometimes ask me some questions when they are planning to get Chinese symbols tattoos.

I have listed some of the most FAQs as below. you may find the answers are very useful information if you are planning to get one soon.

Can anything be translated and written in Chinese symbols?
Yes, anything can be translated and written in Chinese symbols. Chinese has more than 4000 years history. The most ancient Chinese symbols called oracle were written on animal bones. Chinese is a fully developed writing system with over 70,000 symbols (characters), capable of recording all nuances of contemporary language.

What are the differences between kanji and Chinese symbols?
Kanji is the term for Chinese symbols that are used in the Japanese language. Kanji in Japanese are typically characters from the Chinese language that have been adapted to mean Japanese words. The meanings in Chinese and Japanese can be the same but pronounced differently, or they may have entirely different meanings.

Why do I need the custom designs for a Chinese tattoo?
Your tattooist needs the design as a clear reference while inking. If you get free translation from web or somewhere else, it is usually a small and blur image which can not be used for inking purpose. If the tattooist does use it for inking, then your Chinese tattoo is worse than do not have one at all. (You may find some vivid samples of both bad and good Chinese tattoos on my website). Comparing the free crap, the custom tattoo design is large clear image come with stencil outline which your tattooist will use it to ink a high quality Chinese symbol tattoo on your body.

Can one English word be translated into either one symbol or two symbols?
The answer is it depends on the English word to be translated. Some English words can be translated into either one symbol or two symbols. For example, beauty can be translated into either one or two symbols, and the meaning is the same. Whereas, some words must be translated into two symbols, hope is an example, there is no single Chinese symbol which can be express the meaning of hope.

Having your body inked can be a very rewarding experience which can last for the rest of your life. Many people who have Chinese symbol tattoos feel that they are very much symbolic representations of their inner feelings and personality. That is the power of choosing a Chinese symbol tattoo that represents your true self, so it is of the up most importance to select the Chinese Symbols perfect match the meanings you want to express through your tattoos.

Yingying is a Chinese tattoo artist, she provides custom Chinese Tattoo Translation and design service. View dozens of stunning photos of Chinese symbol tattoos by visiting her websit www.chinese-tattoos-designs.com and get inspiration to your own one!


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Free Tattoo Ideas

If you know that you want to get a tattoo, one of the best things about the decision can be deciding on what design you want. As exciting as this can be, it can also be extremely frustrating. There are so many designs out there, it can be hard to decide on one. Some people have an idea of what they want but can’t find any images to match it. Below are some great free tattoo ideas.

The greatest place to start getting ideas is from things that you like. Tattoos are permanent and so it’s very important to make sure that the tattoo says something about you, your personality, and what you love. Something that has special symbolism to you is also a great idea. If you take a minute and just think about what is important to you, you’re likely to come up with some great design ideas!

Once you have a general idea of what it is you want, you can go online and look through clipart to find an image of what you want. You may find some actual photos this way too and those are a great aid in your design search!

Using your own ideas and the clipart, try to sketch out a rough drawing of what it is you want. Even if you are not all that artistic, a tattoo artist will have a much better idea of what it is you are after. Take all of your materials with you when you go to the tattoo parlour. Many tattoo artists will then give you a design on paper with lines, colour, and shading to give both of you a better idea of what the design will look like.

Finding the perfect tattoo design for you can be a little bit frustrating. But with just a little bit of thought, doing some research, and showing the artist your sources, you can get exactly everything you want!

Discover the best online tattoo designs recommended by Ricky where you can choose, download and print over 10000 different tattoo designs. Click here for more information.


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How To Cover A Tattoo With Makeup

Many people these days have tattoos they wish they didn't. I am one of those people. I got my tattoos when I was only 17. Of course, I thought I knew everything about everything. What I didn't realize was that I would grow tired of my tattoos as I evolved from a rebellious teenager to a responsible wife and mom. So here I am, 30 years old with tattoos I hate. This led me to look for the best ways to remove and conceal my tattoos. I started Tattoo Disappear, a site devoted to the removal and concealing of unwanted tattoos.

At the present time, I cannot afford laser tattoo removal. It is simply too expensive and there are not any specialists in my area who do it. Therefore, my quest is to try and conceal the tattoos until I can get them permanently removed. If I can't see them and the rest of the world can't see them, I'm happy. The first makeup I ever used to cover a tattoo was Dermablend. I have also tried Tattoo Camo and Colortration. All of these makeups have their own advantages and disadvantages, so you may want to try them and see what works best for your skin.

When concealing a tattoo with makeup, it is absolutely crucial to get the right color for your skin. You may need to mix several colors together to get the perfect match. Some makeup actually darkens a bit when it dries, so test the makeup colors wet and dry. The area that you are going to conceal should be clean, dry and free of hair. I use a foundation brush to apply the makeup and blend with my fingers. Apply the makeup over the tattoo and slightly over the edges of the tattoo. Use your fingers or a sponge to blend and feather the edges so they look more natural. You may find that the first coat doesn't cover the tattoo. You may need to use two or three coats to get the coverage you want.

It is very important to apply thin coats rather than thick ones, and let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. I have found because of the composition of most tattoo coverup makeup choices out there, drying takes awhile so be patient. After you're happy with the finished product, you need to set the makeup so that it doesn't rub off easily. You can use a translucent setting powder made for body makeup, or try a barrier spray like the one made by Mehron.

No makeup is completely transfer proof. You may find that the makeup does rub off onto your clothes. And it may not stay put in chlorinated water for long periods of time. That does not mean that it is not long wearing -- it is. You should get hours of coverage after an application of body makeup. When you're ready to remove your tattoo cover-up makeup, use a good makeup remover designed for taking off body makeup.

Angela Harris is a writer on a quest to remove and conceal her unwanted tattoos. If you are looking for more information about tattoo removal of all kinds including laser removal, TCA peel removal and tattoo removal creams, check out Tattoo Disappear at http://www.tattoodisappear.com Here you will also find plenty of information about concealing unwanted tattoos with makeup.


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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

African Tattoo

Whether it's because of heritage or appreciation of the culture, many tattoo lovers are choosing to purchase an African tattoo. With it's climate ranging from tropical to cold and an abundance of wildlife, there is no shortage of image possibilities.

If you love animals, an African tattoo could be that of a lion, which symbolizes power and strength. Giraffes, deer and elephants, also commonly found on the world's second largest continent, are also popular animals found ranging freely throughout the African plains. Jungle creatures, including snakes, are also present along with various aquatic species.

In addition to it's landscape, varying climates and wide range of wildlife, Africa is known for both it's dance and music. Therefore, an African tattoo may symbolize some type of artistic expression in rhythm and/or movement. In addition, drums are the most commonly used instrument in African music and are therefore an excellent choice for an African tattoo.

Like other parts of the world, religion in Africa is diverse. As is the case with any region, spirituality is an important part of life and is often displayed openly as a sign of faith. Some individuals may choose to wear a symbol of their faith as jewelry, but others may opt for a tattoo to forever display their beliefs.

Because each African state differs in culture, landscape, economy and weather, there are many symbols that can be associated with each specific area. Some individuals may choose to have an African tattoo applied in the shape of the continent itself, but others may prefer a more personalized image that suits their individuality.

If you are considering an African tattoo, take the time to visit a local tattoo studio and inquire about possible options. If the artist does not have specific African tattoo samples, ask if he/she could achieve inspiration for a tattoo from an existing sketch, magazine photo or internet image. Quite often, a tattoo artist can use any type of artwork as inspiration for a tattoo and may be able to offer a unique design for anyone desiring an African tattoo.

A cultural symbol or one of heritage is often best expressed by the individual themselves. This simply means that each individual has different experiences and special moments in their lives that define their future. It is these moments and the symbols that make the most obvious choice for a tattoo. Permanent in nature, a tattoo is much like a memory. Neither can be erased and both have a tendency to transport us to another place and time.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It is not designed to be used as a complete guide to the African culture and should not be used as a recommendation or advice relating to the application of an African tattoo or any specific design. Individuals who are considering getting a tattoo should carefully weigh all of the risks associated with application and should also be selective in choosing a tattoo parlor or artist.

http://www.todaytattoos.com/Articles/African-Tattoo.html

Starting Your Own Tattoo Business

When starting any business, it's important to have any required training and/or education. When starting a tattoo business in particular, there may be certain training or certification or other requirements that must be met prior to opening a tattoo studio. Because of the nature of the tattoo business, you will need to know how to properly sterilize the tattoo equipment and educate your customers on how to care for their new tattoo in order to prevent infection. To learn about local license and/or industry requirements you can call the local business office and explain the type of business that you would like to open.

Once your training and any necessary licensing are both successfully completed, you can apply for a tattoo business license. This piece of paper is very important and must be displayed in your tattoo studio each and every day. The best way to do this is to place your tattoo business certificate in a frame and display it on the wall.

Now that you have a tattoo business license, it's time to choose a location for your tattoo studio. Ideally, any place of business would be located in a high-traffic commercial area. The more people that pass by your tattoo business, the better likelihood that they will stop in. In addition, when you advertise your tattoo business or try and explain to someone where it is located, you don't want to have a lot of difficult directions. Instead, a simple 'in town' or 'on main street' would be ideal.

When it comes to advertising your new tattoo business, start small and work your way up. Because your business is new, you are probably working with a limited budget. Rather than starting out with a large print advertising budget, try writing a press release and distributing it to local newspapers, magazines and/or radio stations. Place flyers throughout town as permitted and on the bulletin boards of local stores. If you can afford it, offer a tattoo giveaway and special grand opening prices during your first week of operation. You may also want to consider contacting local radio stations with your plan to host a tattoo giveaway. This approach requires that you allow the radio station to award the winner on air, which will result in even more publicity for your new business when the DJ mentions the contest sponsor.

Don't worry about working with a limited budget, most new businesses are. That's why there are alternate forms of advertising that can help you to get the word out about your new venture without spending a fortune. First and foremost, purchase a large sign to display outside of your business. Make sure that your tattoo business name and any special price offerings are noted for every passerby to see. In addition, decorate any windows in your store with samples of your work recreated as clear window adhesives.

As a final thought to starting your own tattoo business, make sure that you explain the importance of proper tattoo care to your customers. Creating a reference sheet will help to keep your customers informed and will remind them of how often to change the bandage and how to avoid infections.

http://www.todaytattoos.com/Articles/tattoo-business.html

Feminine Tattoos

For the woman who wants a delicate image permanently inked into her skin, feminine tattoos may be just the ticket. Simply put, feminine tattoos are gender specific and are usually of a more dainty nature because they are designed with a woman in mind. Small hearts, butterflies and other similar images are all popular examples of what many women choose when looking for feminine tattoos.

Butterfly tattoos, which are one of the most popular feminine tattoos in existence, can symbolize several different meanings. As the caterpillar changes and grows into a butterfly, a beautiful change occurs. What was once unappealing has now become a vision of loveliness. Perhaps a butterfly tattoo would signify this change in a woman as she develops a new style, either outward or inward. A butterfly tattoo can also signify freedom, which is commonly associated with wings and flight. Perhaps a relocation, an important career choice or other venture has given a woman the opportunity to soar in a way that deserves recognition.

Flowers, another popular choice in feminine tattoos, are often selected as a symbol of passion or happiness. Red, which is the most popular color in roses, is often associated with love and passion. Yellow flowers signify happiness and joy, which makes this one of the most popular options for tattoo seekers.

A simple name is also very popular among feminine tattoos, which may include the wearer's name, that of her mate or a word that best describes her personality. Common selections include 'sexy,' 'diva,' 'hot' and other similar expressions that are fun choices for the woman who is both confident and feminine. When choosing a tattoo that consists only of letters, a dainty choice is the best way to go versus an overpowering design. If a tattoo is overly large, it loses it's femininity.

Now that you know what some of the most popular choices are, it's important to know where feminine tattoos are most commonly placed. The lower back, shoulder, ankle and hip are all famous locations for feminine tattoos. As is the case with any tattoos, the location choice will largely depend on the wearer's preference. It should be in a location that will not be inconvenient while healing and is not constantly rubbing against clothing material during this time.

Upon completing a tattoo, the artist will explain how to care for the area while it heals, how long to avoid touching the ink and potential warning signs to watch out for regarding infection. If a tattoo is not properly cared for, it can become infected. Therefore, it is always a good idea to listen to the advice presented by the tattoo artist. If extreme redness or swelling occurs, consult a physician immediately.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It is not be used as a recommendation or advice relating to the application of feminine tattoos or any specific design. Individuals who are considering getting a tattoo should carefully weigh all of the risks associated with application and should also be selective in choosing a tattoo parlor or artist.

http://www.todaytattoos.com/Articles/47.html

Choosing a Back Tattoo

Back tattoos are probably the best kind of tattoos around. And it is very popular too.

Added to this factor, the even surface of the human back also counts as a plus in the aesthetic value of back tattoos.

There are two things you need to consider in getting a back tattoo: symbolism and aesthetics.

Symbolism - There are a number of symbolic meanings behind back tattoos. The placement of each tattoo often alters its meaning, and the placement of a tattoo in the back can have many interpretations.

A back tattoo can mean that someone has turned his/her back on whatever the tattoo signifies. One may choose to have a tattoo of a vice or habit, an ex, and anything they wish to tell people they have left behind in their lives.

In the east, having a back tattoo of an animal, or an organizational logo can mean that someone is “watching your back”. This would serve as a protection for those sporting the back tattoo.

A back tattoo found near the shoulder, especially on a woman, signifies a sort of innocent sensuality.

This enhances the sexual attraction to the wearer, especially if the back tattoo is revealed accidentally.

Another symbolically sensual location of a back tattoo is at the small of the back. It just seems so sexy, somehow… doesn’t it?

The use of back tattoo to convey hidden messages is evident in the fact that a slightly revealed tattoo on a person arouses another person’s curiosity and thus leads to social interaction.

Of course, the symbolism of tattoos also involves the images themselves.

With every image come a dozen or even more interpretations. You need to be careful in choosing a tattoo image that actually symbolizes or reflects your character.

However, for all the interpretations of other people, you need to remember that you are the one getting the tattoo. What’s important is the meaning the back tattoo has for you personally.

Everything else is just a matter of perception.

Aesthetics – You need to make sure that the back tattoo you will be getting actually looks good.

In aesthetics, you need to consider the skill of the tattoo artist. Some people tend to only look at the catalogues of the tattoo artist in order to see if they can get a good back tattoo. However, you also need to see examples of the tattoo artist work on actual akin. This way, you can be sure whether you are getting a quality back tattoo or not.

Included in the aesthetic quality or factor of a back tattoo is its size. Some people prefer small, yet elaborate back tattoos while others choose big, yet comparatively simple ones.

Some people would also prefer their back tattoos to be like frescoes on their bodies, with different elements, making a story on their backs.

Colors are also an important part in back tattoos. Some people prefer “earth” colors, blending those colors with the color of the skin and thus, achieving a “natural’ look.

Some people prefer to have back tattoos with colors that really stand out. This way, their skin color acts as the medium to truly express the image of the back tattoo.

There are some tattoo parlors which offer colorless and 3-dimensional tattoos. More like piercing than actual tattoos, these are getting very popular because of their “modern” look.


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Dragon Tattoo- Your Choices From East to West

The dragon, more popularly seen as a strange reptile that is fond of abducting damsels, breathing fire and mercilessly killing knights, and not to say hoarding treasures had been a part of human culture. For thousands of years, this mythical creature had been the subject of human curiosity and his adoration for art. And while they are often portrayed in the books, paintings and the likes, the modern world has seen the dragon's potential place in the tattooing world.

Thus, its popularity as major tattoo designs.

It is the symbol of power, of fear, of honor, of evil (and sometimes good), of protection, of virtually anything, depending on who you would ask. Nevertheless, dragon tattoos lend themselves so beautifully for the appreciation of both artists and audience.

Both the eastern and the western world adopted dragons in a wide spectrum of art forms including depicting them in body arts.

The cultures in Asia, more significantly the Chinese, Japanese and the Koreans were oriented to the belief that dragons are the benevolent protectors of humanity, the bringer of good fortune, the healer of the sick and the bearer of life. Eastern dragons were extensively used in marking human skin for ages.

Eastern dragon tattoos are significantly more mythical-like than western tattoos. These usually have grinning flat faces, and a serpentine body that extends long enough so as to accommodate a number of feet (only in size). But actually, these dragons only have two pairs of feet, one pair as front legs and the other as hind legs.

These dragon tattoos are also depicted large and elaborately designed, often seen wrapping a person's back or crawling on the surface of the skin. While the art of tattooing is perceived to have spread in many cultures around the globe, it is thought that the earliest tattoos were of eastern dragon designs since the formal art of tattooing actually started in Japan.

Western dragons, on the other hand, were portrayed in the exact opposite of the eastern dragons. They are unmerciful, breath nasty fire, and wreak havoc against humankind.

These dragons are often seen with more reptilian images. Scales cover their entire body and they are characterized with razor-sharp teeth and snouted mouth and face. Their wings are large and powerful as well. Thus, they were considered as the embodiment of evil and myths and legends testify to these attributes. Nonetheless, they are covered with certain degrees of mysteries and mystique that lead other people to conclude of their existence.

In dragon tattoos, western dragons are beautiful creatures with less elaborate designs as compared with those crafted from the eastern dragons. Western dragon tattoos with smoking nostril are popular as well as those that depict impressive span of dragon wings.

With the two types of dragon tattoos compared, it is likely that we discover that eastern dragon tattoos are more elaborately designed than the western dragons are. The latter are also smaller in size.

The meaning dragon tattoos represent may vary with the person wearing it or the person observing it. In a sense, their implications are so varied that it is impossible to contain all them and define them in one heap.

Not only do dragon tattoos testify to some symbolism, they are also so fluid that you may see them covering the entire or majority of the body parts. Some hard core tattoo enthusiasts even choose to adapt a dragon tattoo design that starts from their lower body towards the torso and the above parts.


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All About Heart Tattoos

Heart tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs. They are either placed on the arms, wrists, lower part of the leg, or on the chest. Heart tattoos on the chest of the women are said to create a sexier image. For several decades in a row, tattoo enthusiasts never seem to forget the real message conveyed by heart tattoos. These designs are taken to mean one thing, and that is, to symbolize love in a deeper sense and also in a much permanent mode.

The Historical Flashback of Heart Tattoos

Since the outbreak of the early circa 1900s, the heart tattoos have been a fancy to all tattoo enthusiasts most especially to the men. As tattooing became more progressive and famous, several men began exposing their heart tattoos. The sailors typically wore the red-colored heart tattoos with the word “Mom” written in the center while the soldiers involved in the outbreak of the World War II were conventionally seen with heart tattoos with the names of their wives or girlfriends inscribed in them. Back in those years, the tattooing industry helped these men get on with their missions as they somehow had with them a part of their homes as they venture into the battlefields.

Heart Tattoos in the Contemporary Society

With a little inspiration from the olden heart tattoo designs a couple of decades back, today’s heart tattoos are more customized, extraordinary, and integrated with many other symbols and shapes. Also, a lot other heart tattoo designs came to surface. Higher quality of tattoo inks plus a much improved skill of the tattooists have made the heart tattoo one of the most sought-after choices of both the men and the women from various demographical groups.

Heart Tattoo Types

The Sacred Heart. The design shows a heart that is encompassed with thorns and a flame that escapes from its top. For the Catholic people, the Sacred Heart is a religious symbol that depicts Jesus’ own heart as He showed it to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. Those who go for sacred heart tattoos manifest either strength or a form of devotion to Jesus Christ.

The Locked Heart.

This is much adhered to by couples who prefer to use the design as a sign of their eternal love for each other. Some of these heart tattoos are incorporated with a lock and a key. This design is quite safer than that which includes a name because one need not worry removing it after the relationship comes to an end.

The Broken Heart.

This symbolizes unrequited love, suffering, or the loss of someone dear to the person. At times, names and dates are included.

The Hearts with Names.

Inscribing names together with the heart tattoo is a strong manifestation of deep feelings for someone. This comes as one good way of expressing an everlasting honor to a special person.

The Pierced Heart.

This design is often related to the Sacred Heart. Together with the dagger which cuts the heart into two, meanings such as sorrow, grief, or bravery come along. If there is the arrow that pierces the heart, it signifies strong passion or deep love.

The Anatomical Designs.

Among the rarest heart tattoo designs are those with band aids or stitches. They are usually adhered to by people who’ve managed to survive diseases or defects. They show a heart that has healed.

The Celtic Heart.

Heart tattoos together with Celtic designs are cool to look at. They include loops, bands, and a lot other intricate images.

As can obviously be noticed, there are thousands of heart tattoo designs which come available today. They are more complicated to work on, sophisticated in appearance, and peculiarly crafted. This is one of the main reasons as to why heart tattoos continue to stay in demand.

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Sun Tattoos Meaning

The sun is, in any culture, one of the highest regarded symbols of humanity.

In any mythology, you will find that the sun is depicted as one of the highest in a pantheon of gods.

The sun gives light, heat and life. Ancient civilizations revered it as a symbol of fertility, vitality, and every other quality that gives way to life.

The sun symbol can be seen everywhere nowadays. Knowingly or unknowingly, people have incorporated the revered sun-design on many common objects we see today.

Look at the design of an electric fan; that looks a lot like a sun design, right? Look at the overhead view of the Vatican, a common birthday cake, a coin, a pancake: the round sun symbol can be seen everywhere.

Sun tattoos are sought after because they take the round sun symbols and use it to depict so much more.

There are a whole lot of varieties of sun tattoos: rayed, plain circle, paired with a moon, gothic, tribal, Celtic… the list just goes on and on!!! As said before, each culture has its own depiction of the sun and hey, there are a lot of cultures (including the ancient ones) that exist.

The sun tattoo is preferred by many because it has a number of symbolic meanings that can be adapted by every person.

Some may choose a sun tattoo because of the symbolism of light and knowledge. Often, the sun tattoo can be interpreted as the light of knowledge that shines on the darkness of ignorance. This interpretation is, naturally, preferred by intellectuals.

For others, the sun represents the cycle of life. These people get sun tattoos to remind them to live everyday as if the sunset is fast approaching. They live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment possible.

After all, every second counts, right?

Some interpret sun tattoos as a symbol of fertility. The sun gives life to plants and, indeed, everything else on earth. Sun tattoos are often chosen to depict a person’s ability to “energize’ other people.

Much deeper, and yet, more popular, is the interpretation of the sun tattoo as a symbol of sexual fertility. This goes back to ancient Canaan where the sun-god Baal was also worshiped as a fertility deity.

If paired with a moon tattoo, the sun tattoo even goes deeper into its sexual interpretation. A pairing of a moon and a sun tattoo depicts the union between male and female, both sexually and spiritually.

Sun tattoos are often used to depict divine power and authority. The image of the sun was used, and is still used, by religious leaders.

The sun tattoo also symbolizes immortality or reincarnation. Just as the sun rises and sets each day, people believe in the idea that you may die and then rise again.

This takes root from ancient times when people believed that the sun died at the sunset and was resurrected the next day.

Sometimes, sun tattoos look more like flowers. The depiction of the sun as such pays homage to the sun’s life-giving abilities and natural beauty.

Sun tattoos are considered to be among the best kind of tattoos you can get. Artistically, people may have taken the drawing of the sun to a very high level. After all, we all learn how to draw the sun at a very young age.

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Where to Find Polynesian Tattoo Galleries

Lately interests in Polynesian tattoos have increased. People turn to Polynesian tattoo galleries and designs because of the fact that they are steeped in tradition and lore.

The designs of Polynesian tattoos also look cool, allowing people to interpret their symbolism a number of different ways.

So, are you interested in getting a Polynesian tattoo? Well, you need to look at some Polynesian tattoo galleries in order to decide what you want to get first.

Where do you find these Polynesian tattoo galleries?

Well, you can try looking for some from the tattoo artist. Some tattoo artists have Polynesian tattoo galleries available for you to choose from.

Some tattoo artists will even go to the length of explaining to you what the different Polynesian tattoo galleries signify and the symbolism behind the different images.

However, as you may realize, there is a far better way of accessing Polynesian tattoo galleries. This way is through the internet.

The internet contains the largest collection of data and information available today.

With the internet, you can access any information on Polynesian tattoo galleries you like.

However, the vastness of cyberspace can work as a double-edged sword. Because of the large amount of information available on the internet, you are sure to find information regarding Polynesian tattoo galleries. However, this same quality also means you can get lost in the internet pretty easily.

Here’s a quick guide of some sites that offer information on Polynesian tattoo galleries to help you out.

tahititatou.com – This site possibly offers you the most comprehensive information regarding Polynesian tattoos. It offers you Polynesian tattoo galleries, contact details of tattoo artists, meanings behind popular tattoos and other features.

This site also offers you a brief history of Polynesian tattoos, so you can get a more in-depth look at the meanings behind Polynesian tattoo galleries.

One of the fun offerings of this site is that you can order temporary tattoos from them.

The site is probably the best because it actually has connections with tattoo artists who specialize in Polynesian tattoos. This gives you access to a vast number of Polynesian tattoo galleries, and designs available out there.
tattoo-johnny.com – The Polynesian tattoo galleries offered by this website may not be as comprehensive as other websites but it still offers valuable information on popular symbols.
This site also offers you helpful hints on how to create your own tattoo design based on their Polynesian tattoo gallery.

They also offer tips on what tattoo designs to combine and what meaning they might express when appearing together.

This gives you an idea of the general symbolism behind popular Polynesian tattoo galleries.

vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_m.htm – This site offers you a brief but meaningful insight into the world of Polynesian tattoos. It is probably one of the best-researched tattoo sites out there, and you can check out the symbolic interpretations of many common tattoos. It links to some of the best Polynesian tattoo galleries available out there.

This provides you with extensive information regarding the different styles of Polynesian tattoos and gives you access to more Polynesian tattoo galleries.

So, there you go. Those are just some of the sites in the internet where you can find information regarding Polynesian tattoo galleries. All you need to do is choose. And choice, my friend, is the best thing you can have.

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So What's Your Idea of a Tattoo?

It all starts with an idea. Art did.

Art is a tangible product of an mental image of something. And tattoo, being a practiced art, needs to have a constant supply of ideas.

The good news is man, by nature is a creative being. He is able to produce new concepts every now and then. And all his ideas, gathered into a heap, only have one effect- astounding.

Many tattoo seekers often find themselves awestruck with the infinity of tattoo ideas that will present themselves once the hunt onsets. Like a bride overwhelmed with excitement on her bridal dress shopping day, a tattoo seeker will also feel an unexplained overpowering sensation that will leave one with no idea of what tattoo must be chosen.

As we have earlier noted, there are endless arrays of tattoos and each one has a character (and probably a soul of its own). The key is to identify one's self to the attributes a single design posses. After all, tattoos are for self-expression. If you cannot partake with that idea, there is no sense in adopting a tattoo design that will reside in your body for eternity.

Each being has a character of its own. Man has a greater sense of what he is more than any other species. If he cannot live with the attributes that were given to him from the moment the first sparks of life ignited and those that he learned to associate with himself, then the purpose of being a human is spoiled.

And that being said, let us continue with saying that each design is a character in itself. Once the being and the character share the same residence within an individual's personality, then one complements the other. This is the idea that constitutes your choice of a tattoo.

You can choose to have personalized tattoos, why not. Say, an I love Missy tattoo imprinted near your heart. But come to think of this: will the message have its same meaning several years from now? If you can't answer that straight then go for more universal design.

The majority of people with tattoos normally decide to remove a tattoo or two because the meaning is already lost. Perhaps this is due to dissatisfaction- the bane of the tattooing industry.

An ideal tattoo design would be something that will retain its essence for long. It may not last long enough to maintain its meaning but it will be long enough that you won't find reasons to have them removed. Remember, a tattoo mark is meant to be permanent. While many technologies help peel off the pigmented areas of the skin, it is still inevitable that the skin will never recover its natural state.

So what's your idea of a tattoo. It can be anything. Virtually anything! So long as you are perfectly sure that there are no possibilities for disappointment.

If you want to be safe, your best option would be those that feature universality yet distinctive of your own personality.

The most common choice would be those of the tribal and Celtic designs. While they are very artistic in nature, they still do not posses any implicit meanings that will change afterwards.

Inspired by mysteries, myths and legendary characters, perception of religion and mysticism, tribal and Celtic tattoo ideas can fit any character.

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How to Choose a Tattoo Image

There are a lot of tattoo images available out there. Humanity’s natural love for artistic expression prompts them to make use of even their bodies to declare their personalities.

What should you consider in choosing a tattoo image?

Here are some tips:

1. Interests – In choosing a tattoo image, you need to think about getting one that signifies your interests. This way, you can be sure that the tattoo does reflect your character trait.

In considering your interests, make sure that you choose a tattoo image that reflects an actual interest and not just a fad.

Choose an interest that has been there, and will be there, for a long time to come. After all, tattoo images will be therefore a long, long time.

If you consider your interests, you will end up with a tattoo image that may serve as a conversation-starter with people who have the same interest.

2. Symbolism – It is important to study the different symbolic meanings of tattoo images you intend to get.

You need to be careful about this, since not all cultures interpret tattoo images the same way.

You need to be sure that interpretations of the tattoo image you intend to get do not conflict with the ideologies you have as a person.

If you choose a religious symbol, be sure that you have thoroughly researched about that religion and the implications of putting a tattoo image of it in your body.

Each tattoo image also has a lot of interpretations and can change in meaning depending on the other tattoo images you put it with, the part of the body you place it on, and the position of the tattoo image.

However, you also need to remember that there area lot of symbolic interpretations for different tattoo images. As long as you know what you wish to represent, then you can choose any tattoo image you like.

There are a lot of resources on the internet which you can use to research on the meanings of different tattoo images.

Some tattoo artists also know the significance of their designs and will explain them to you if you ask.

3. Location –As said before, the placement of a tattoo image affects its meaning, not to mention its aesthetic quality.

Of course, a tattoo image on the arm has a different impact from a tattoo in the small of your back.

From strength to sensuality, masculinity to femininity, the location of tattoo images can convey any message.

It can also show your allegiance or membership to a certain group. Secret societies often make use of tattoo images in specific body parts in order to distinguish their members.

Of course, included in this aspect is your need for stealth. Do you need to hide your tattoo from anyone? Well, you need to place your tattoo in a very precise location, where you can be sure not to accidentally reveal it.

4. Aesthetics – Of course, the primary reason some people get tattoo images is for someone to see them. That’s why aesthetic value should be among your top considerations in getting a tattoo image.

You need your tattoo image not only to convey the message you wish, but to also look good.

This makes the tattoo image easier to understand and more fun for you to show-off.

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