Tattoos - Which Tattoo Designs are Most Popular?

What are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?

Tribal Tattoos - Tribal tattoo designs have been around for hundreds of years and are becoming more and more complex and constantly evolving and morphing into what has become known as neo tribal tattoo styles. Tribal tattoos can be traditional 'black work' on the arms and legs or more colorful styles characterised by the 'Modern Primitive' look covering the entire body.

'Old School' Style Tattoos - Anchors and swallows seem to be making a comeback and not just amongst old sailors and bikers. A lot of females are asking for tattoos of swallows and anchors on their neck and chest while many guys are going for the ol' sailor Jerry tattoos on their forearms. This style is further fueled by the 1950's revival characterised by retro vixens such as the Suicide Girls.

Lower Back Tattoos - These are a perennial favorite particularly amongst females. The most popular lower back tattoos are still tribal designs but dragons, lotus flowers and eastern symbolism seems to be popular as well.

Dragon Tattoos - Dragon tattoo designs are another style of tattoo that seems to be enjoying a revival. There are so many styles of dragons from the traditional chinese dragon tattoo to more mythical dragons.

Celtic Tattoos - Celtic tattoos are being done on people with a celtic heritage but also by many people with no celtic origin. Some of the celtic symbols are universal in nature and have universal meanings common to all races. This may explain why celtic tattoos are being mixed with tribal tattoos creating a style of tattoo known as tribal celtic tattoos.

Tips for Getting Tattoos

Choose your tattoo carefully. Don't go for some off the wall 'flash' tattoo. A good tattoo artist is capable of doing 'custom work'.

Try not mix different tattoo styles such as Japanese and Tribal styles. It doesn't work!

Go to a reputable tattoo artist not some backstreet 'scratcher' who is cheap but you will inevitably regret later. Build a relationship with the tattoo artist if you plan of getting a lot of tattoos.

Take proper care especially of newer tattoos. In summer many people get tattooed and can't wait to flash their tattoos in public. Be careful that you do not expose your new tattoos to too much sun which will fade them. Use plenty of sunscreen to avoid them fading prematurely.

Looking for tattoo designs? Visit Tao of Tattoos for more ideas.

Subscribe for FREE to 'Kinky Ink' ezine for the kookiest tattoo pictures of the month.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Declan_O_Reilly

By Declan O Reilly

Proper Tattoo Care - How to Maintain a Tattoo

By Gerry Restrivera

Getting a tattoo means a lot of preparation physically and psychologically. You have survived the process of preparing your body, enduring the pains and carefully selecting the best tattoo that would express who you are and it is only reasonable to know the proper tattoo care to maintain a beautiful tattoo.

If you do not know the proper tattoo care, your beautifully done tattoo will fade and will be ruined in time. Here are some tips on the proper tattoo care to preserve the radiance and beauty of your tattoo.

Follow instructions. After getting a tattoo, artists or tattoo parlors have standard proper tattoo care instructions for you to follow and you have to do it. Do not ignore their instructions and ask them if you have concerns besides they are the experts and they know what is best for you and your tattoo.

Bandage removal. Proper tattoo care includes proper bandage removal. Leave the bandage for at least 3-4 hours. Wash your hands and remove the bandage carefully letting it to breathe and dry naturally. Do not in any case re-bandage your tattoo.

Washing your tattoo. Cleaning is an important part of proper tattoo care. Carefully let warm water run over your tattoo as you gently hand wash it with mild soap. Do not scrub it. Pat it dry with clean towel. If in the next few days it begins to get flaky, do not scrub it and let it peel on its own.

Ointment application. Anti bacterial ointment is necessary for proper tattoo care. Apply anti bacterial ointment after washing for the first 3 days of your tattoo. It is important that you have no allergic reaction on the ointment; if you notice some allergic reactions consult the experts about it. After 3 days you can use the recommended lotion for your tattoo.

Endure the itch. Your tattoo will begin to itch once it started healing, do not scratch it. Scratching it could damage your tattoo. If you really cannot endure the itching, slightly slap the itching part.

Apply sun block. Exposure to sun can cause sun burns and tattoo to fade. Once tattoo is healed and you want to display your new tattoo to the world, do not forget to apply sun block for proper tattoo care to avoid sun burns if you will spend long hours under the sun.

Knowing the proper tattoo care is important to preserve the beauty of your tattoo remember that it is an expression of who you art and you want to show off a beautifully done and maintained tattoo to the world.

If you are still in the stage of preparing for a new tattoo and searching for the right tattoo design that will define who you are or express the feelings you have, Chopper Tattoo provides you with the largest selection of award winning tattoo designs. Search through the database to find thousands of tattoo designs! Get access to unlimited tattoo designs visit Chopper-Tattoo-Huge Tattoo Gallery

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Restrivera

Afraid Of Getting Your First Tattoo?

By Mitch Randall

Some people claim they are afraid to get a tattoo. This could be for many reasons, ranging from the pain factor to possible diseases that may be caught due to unsanitary practices.

A few things to keep in mind before pre-judging:

1. Don't ever let anyone talk you into getting a tattoo if you really don't want one... tattoos are permanent and to have them removed is not only costly, but can end up scarring your skin horribly and costing a fortune. Take it seriously, tattoos are not meant to be done on a whim;

2. If you are afraid of being contaminated by some sort of disease when you have a tattoo done, think about this fact -- most shops today use fresh needles that are sterilized, the tattoo artist wears gloves, and the facilities are kept spotlessly clean. If you walk into a shop and it does not appear clean, leave immediately! The good news is, most shops are kept spotlessly clean and proper sterilization methods are part of the territory. A shop won't be in business long if they are not up to the standards of cleanliness expected and required;

3. If you are afraid of the pain factor or what people may say when they see your tattoo, you can try something small to start with, in an area that can easily be covered with clothing. Once you see that the pain is bearable and in most cases worth it!, you will probably be back for more!;

4. Tattoos aren't just for bikers any more! I have many friends who are females, covered in tattoos - and other female friends who work in my local bank with tattoos on their ankles and lower back. Tattoos are not just a gang brand any longer, they are a reflection of your personality, your triumphs, your beliefs, etc. When done correctly, they are a beautiful work of art to be admired. The word TATTOO was the number one word googled in 2005 for good reason!;

5. If you are afraid, take a friend along for support... but in most cases, the artist has dealt with the fear factor previously and will put you at ease right away. p.s. drinking beforehand is not advised. Be prepared with your artwork before you go in, or at least have an idea of the tattoo style you want, the size, and where you want it placed.

Enjoy what millions of us do, take the plunge and express yourself on your skin! For further care instructions, go to our site at http://www.raventattoocare.com or check out http://www.tattoostop.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Randall

How to Prepare Yourself Before Getting Your Tattoo

By Gerry Restrivera

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Restrivera

Tattoo Sketches - Finding the Right Tattoo

By Jenny Smith


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Smith

Tattoo Design Ideas

By Jenny Smith

Getting tattoo design ideas can help anyone find the perfect tattoo that reflects exactly who they really are. We are going to discuss some basic tattoo designs to help you get an idea of where to start and what to prepare for.

Tattoos are an undying symbol of who you are. They can help remind you of where you came from, where you are going, or who you want to be. They are a pure form of self expression and a representation of your inner self. Tattoos may tell a story or keep remembrance of a love one alive. Try to keep this in mind when you are figuring out which tattoo you would like. It is extremely important that you choose wisely.

Below are just a few basic styles of tattoos. The type of designs may help you spark some great tattoo ideas.

1. The Tribal Tattoo Design - Tribal Tattoo designs have its roots from early cave paintings. Many cultures from the Mayans and Aztecs to the early Egyptians used tribal tattoos. They have many meanings and represent a number of ideals. Tibal Tattoo Designs are great because they hold much deep inner meaning and can symbolize everything from strength to purity. There are literally thousands upon thousands of different kinds of tribal tattoo design ideas. Discover which one is right for you.

2. Celtic Tattoo Designs - Celtic Tatto designs are also one of the most famous kinds of tattoos. Celtic Tattoos symbolize the celtic genre and are often a very intricate weave as with all celtic designs. Most often seen is the Celtic Cross tattoo. Celtic tattoos are a great tattoo idea and there are literally unlimited choices for the kind of tatt idea you are looking for.

3. Zodiak Tattoo Designs - Zodiak tattoos are also extremely popular. Zodiak tattoos are a great symbol of who we are. Those who practice and follow astrology often find this style of tattoo a winner. Whether your looking for a Pisces tattoo, a Leo tattoo or an a Gemini tattoo everyone can find a style that they can relate too.

4. Japanese Tatto Designs - Japanese tattoo designs and other kinds of oriental tattoos are often popular in the west as well. Oriental tattoos are stylish and can represent something that no one else (unless they are oriental) may understand. Japanese tattoos make great tattoo ideas and can be very beautiful.

5. Dragon Tattoo Designs - Dragon Tattoos can represent anything from strength to luck. Dragon tatts are great and beautiful and have its place in history as well. These style of tatts are culturally defining and look very exotic. This is a great choice for a tattoo idea.

Whichever style of tattoo design you are looking for, make sure it is what fits you exactly. Tattoos are long-term and will follow you wherever you go. It is a great idea to make sure you choose wisely and invest time in to deciding which one is right for you.

Visit our site to get 1000's of Tattoo Ideas and Tattoo Sketches or to find a Tattoo Parlor near you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Smith

Looking For Tattoo Designs

By Lancer Kane

Like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, very well known celebrities, men and women around the world enjoy having tattoos.

Tattoos are more and more popular and when you are looking for tattoo designs you will find a new breed of tattooists searching the globe for inspiration.

In recent times the heart-felt tattoos have been rediscovered. The traditional western tattoo designs, which had nearly disappeared are in great demand again and are being rediscovered by tattoo enthusiasts.

The art of tattooing is ancient history, but the design style has expanded over time and therefore increased its attractiveness. The tattoo renaissance started in the 1960s and in those days many tattooists have been to art school and had a broad vision of the 20th century and what art could be. What happened, the awareness of the aesthetic opportunities of tattoo art rose, which came from the Pacific.

A very big range of tattoo designs is now recognized throughout the world and pacific tattoo traditions are influencing the western designs.

The folk-style designs were reassessed and brought new inspiration to tattoo artists. Tattoo artists today design with respect for the body, which is not just a flat surface. Lots of people want to demonstrate their individuality today and want to break out of conformity, consequently creating distinctive, unique designs. Or they take existing designs add to them and make them their own.

When you have a look at tattoo designs today, you will find tattoo artists are creating very dynamic and new styles. Very often absorbing artistic influences from around the world and then reinterpreting them in ways you would not expect.

Where the inspiration for the tattoo comes from is as individual as the design itself and the place where to put it. Those ideas can come from an exotic culture; can be spiritually influences, from an emotional journey etc., but an original idea needs to be developed with the tattoo artist.

Not that long ago tattooing was an absolute male domain, presumably because of the pain that had to be endured. But the female sex has taken this male bastion of tattoo by storm.

Because of tattoos recognition it has become one of the most stimulating and creative, contemporary art forms. This can be seen at any of the tattoo conventions, which are growing dramatically, or the numerous magazines and websites dedicated to this form of art. Today hundred of thousands of people are busy stretching the stylistic possibilities of the tattoo art. It makes looking for tattoo designs very interesting and hours can be spent because of all the different styles available.

Tattoos last forever, so you'll want to be sure you've chosen the perfect one for you.

To find out more about looking for tattoo designs and where you can find the best ones check out http://www.squidoo.com/looking-for-tattoo-designs-1/

Article Source:

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lancer_Kane

Tattoo Design Inspiration And Research

A tattoo and the design, in my opinion is an extremely personnel thing, getting marked on the body is not something you should do lightly. I have seen dozens of people go out, get a tattoo on a whim, and live to regret it. In all honesty, most tattooists although most are highly skilled artists lack the passion to come up with something new and exiting for every customer. they fall back to the same set of flash books they have had for years producing the same old tats year in year out. Unless your tattooist is truly in the top ten percent for passion for the art it's going to be down to you buddy, to find the artwork

Tattoo mistakes people make
Unless you’re a total looser you would never pick a tattoo on a whim from the first place you see. You need to look around.

Getting the perfect tattoos can be a painful process and I am not just talking about being inked. All the searching, 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 parlor and then you have enough of all the crap, getting a tattoo was supposed to be easy. Then you do the UNTHINKABLE you settle for something that's not quite right but you have that second rate tat anyway.

Your sitting there in the tattoo chair he's starting up his gun and your looking at the transfer in the mirror and the brains saying " I'm not sure" but what do you do? you ignore it that inner voice. You numb skull!

If the situation that I've just described sounds a little close to home - I am so sorry.
I'm sorry I wasn't around to point you in the right direction to find the perfect tattoo before you made the big mistake. Oh and I'm sorry you’re a numb skull

Getting a tattoo design that is unique
Well my friend that’s where you have to do some research. If you are truly passionate about having a work of art inked into your skin then you need to find the piece of art that inspires you so you can inspire your tattoo artist to his or hers full greatness.

Where to find tattoo designs
Online my friend is a huge resource of every tattoo design imaginable, but the truly great ones are paid for access sites. The cost is inconsequential compared to the information that these sites hold but by joining, you will have access to literally thousands of the best tattoo designs from around the world I have compiled a list of the top 3 sites.

When you have your Tattoo
When you have your tattoo drop me an email with a picture and the best ones I'll include in my e-zine Inked up. Good hunting for the perfect tattoo design.

Leo runs the E-zine Inked Up for the tattoo/body art/body modification community sign up at http://trustandfind.com/tattoo the news letter deals with tattoo designs and tattoo Culture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leo_Hall



By Leo Hall

Sources for Free Tattoo Ideas and Tattoo Design Ideas

Have you been wanting to get a tattoo but don't have an exact idea or not sure what you want? Tattoos are so popular and there are so many ideas but many of us feel stuck at times on the exact tattoo we want to get. For me I often feel stuck when I think of how permanent a tattoo is. I see a lot of cool designs that I like at the time but when I start thinking about the having it permanently done I start to change my mind and look for something else.

Others have the idea or rough plan of what they want but they can't find any good source material or flash that matches what they want. Some of our customers state that they have spent months looking for a certain tattoo design. They look through all of the flash sites and etc. but still can not find what they are looking for. This is a huge problem, you end up wasting a lot of time and feeling frustrated. However there are some simple ways around this problem.

1. First you should always pull ideas for tattoos from things that you like or are into. Don't go and get a tattoo just because you saw someone with one and you thought he or she was cool. A tattoo will be with you forever and so it should be something from you not from outside. Along these lines don't do the stupid thing of going out to get a tattoo with a friend and be pressured into getting the same thing he or she gets just because you don't want to look stupid. Tattoos are permanent and therefore should state something about you and what you love. Therefore if you spend time just thinking about the things you like and things that you identify yourself with you are likely to come up with some great ideas. For example for me I love being outdoor and nature and so I like star tattoos a lot and nature themes. I also like a lot of the native American and traditional Japanese designs. My wife is from Japan and she has this plan of getting a Cherry tree branch full of cherry blossoms across her back. These are very significant images for the Japanese. They symbolizes the new year and new life or even renewal of life. So as you can see your tattoo should be something you identify with.

2. Once you have some rough ideas it is typically time to go online and look for some images. Now lets take the Cherry blossom for example. Some place you could look for a tattoo would be clip art. You can search using Google's image search feature or go to Microsoft online clipart gallery. Either place you can find either a clip art drawn piece or actual source photos. Both will lead you to some good source materials that will help in the design stage.

3. Next you want to take you source materials (photos or clip art) and show them to a tattoo artists. You might also try some initial sketches if you are artistically inclined. Even something with simple line art or pigeon scratches can tell you tattoo artists a lot about what you are looking for. So take everything you got and show it to your tattoo artist and then let them design the tattoo for you. Remember the more accurate and detailed you can be with your description the more happy you are going to be with the results and the whole process will be much easier.

4. Most tattoo artists will then provide you with an actual design shaded in and with color and the line art of the design. If you are getting this done online then you can take that to your local tattoo parlor and find some one to do the actual tattoo for you. Often you can also ask for referrals from the original tattoo artists. Typically they can do the work themselves if you live within driving range.

If you take these steps into consideration and actually do a little bit of homework and find your source materials and provide lots of details about what you are looking for then you are sure to get the design of your dreams.

Chris has been running Design My Tattoos website for the last three months. He like helping people find the custom tattoo designs and where to get them done by professional tattoo artists.

Check out the site and post a job to get your own custom tattoo design. If you are a tattoo artist and would like to earn some extra income go ahead and sign up as an artists and make some money in your spare time. Check out this article on Free Tattoo Ideas on the site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Ryerson