Tattoo Designs

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

Tattoo Crosses

Here we have a clean and simple, and recently tattooed, Gothic iron cross tattoo. Many tattoo crosses can have a clutter and other images mixed up with them but I tend to admire the cleanliness of this one. This simple cross is basic to the Gothic Iron Cross but is rendered in a thick-and-thin beveled line that lends itself well to the tattoo medium. The stark simplicity is its most memorable attribute. It is also meant to stand for a dagger of a type, a dagger for God’s work if you will, and that is why it has a point at its bottom.

This is a very sharp looking gothic cross and I like it very much. I am the type of person who likes very slick, clean lines and for me the simpler something is, the better. If I were out and about and looking to get myself any kind of cross tattoo put on myself this is exactly what I would get. Because after seeing all of the tattoo crosses I have seen, and believe me, I have seen a lot of them, this one is what appeals to me the most.

This is a whole selection of different tattoo crosses. The style that a person may be interested in depends on their personality and the meaning they attribute to the designs. Since their are so many tattoo crosses to choose from, let me give you a rundown of the two most popular ones. It’s a good starting point for your research. The Latin Cross is highly recognizable in the world of tattoos, as it is comprised of a vertical line intersected at right angles by a shorter horizontal line positioned around 1/3 of the way from the top. This uncomplicated design is often associated with Christianity and is frequently used to pay tribute to others. One of the most attractively designed crosses is the Celtic selection, where a knot is created in the space where both lines cross. The Gothic Cross mirrors the German style of elaborate wrought iron work displayed during the Edwardian and Victorian periods. This type of cross is often used to express pain, anger, and the Goth culture. Many designs associated with the Gothic Cross utilize dark imagery, such as barbed wire and daggers. Now, that you have a little background you can do a search on the internet and see if those are the designs you like and maybe even find a few more.

Hawaiian Tattoos

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

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

Animal Tattoos

Since the beginning of time people have always had the passion to put animal tattoos on their bodies. During a hunt they would tattoo the prize animal they caught onto their bodies, this would show superior power to the rest of the tribe. Most of the chiefs were usually the best hunters and they would end up with the top kills and that was the tiger or the leopard. So when you see animal tattoos of tiger heads you know exactly where everything started. Now days the tiger head means the person is a leader and that he leads by showing strength and stamina.
If you see animal tattoos with the leopard head it means stealth and wise. Lots of people in the southern states especially Alabama and Florida have the bear as part of their tattoos and that means this person is someone that won’t back down from nothing. No matter what animal you have tattooed on your body their is always some kind of meaning behind it. No matter what don’t use the skunk in your tattoos, you will lose all sorts of respect from whoever you run into. So keep it in mind to always use the bear or the tiger, it will make you look respectful.

Animal tattoos come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be representatives of tiny creatures such as tree frogs, rabbits and snakes. Or they can depict larger animals such as horses, bears and elephants. These animal tattoos can be done realistically, true representations of the animals or merely as symbolic elements in a larger design. Animal tattoos can also encapsulate mythological beast such as the unicorn, dragon and phoenix. But, no matter what animal tattoo you choose it should be an accurate representation of your personality or your belief system. Perhaps you want an animal tattoo that states that you are fierce and loyal. That would be the wolf. Or perhaps your looking for a design that states that you are wise and cunning. That could be represented by the coyote. No matter what you choose as your design you need to keep one thing in the forefront of your mind. And that’s the permanence of tattoos. Whatever you choose, remember it’s going to be on your skin for the rest of your natural life. So go out there and choose an animal tattoo that best fits you and your lifestyle.

Celtic Tattoo

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

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

Dolphin Tattoos

Dolphin tattoos are monuments to the charismatic and intelligent creature of the sea that share a long and diverse history with humanity. They can be portrayed seriously as works of art or whimsically as is the case in the picture. The symbolism of dolphin tattoos go back thousands of years, all the way back to ancient Sumeria. In Sumeria, dolphins were connected to Ea-Oannes, the deity of the sea, and sometimes with the goddess Isis in Egypt. The Celts associated the dolphin with the healing power of water, and the image of people riding dolphins is seen on some Celtic artifacts. Some Australian Aboriginal tribes claim to be direct descendants of dolphins, who are sometimes regarded as guardian spirits. Early man was fascinated by the obvious intelligence of dolphins and their ability to herd schools of fish to make it easier to prey upon them. The dolphin is also an important symbol in European heraldry, and is often featured on Heraldic coats-of-arms, and represents diligence, salvation, charity and love. Dolphins can also represent whimsy and a innocent child like sense of humor. Regardless of whether the dolphin tattoo is chosen as a living tribute to an amazing animal or because of it’s deep symbolism, it’s a classy choice that fits in with most any other tattoo motifs.

The dolphin tattoo in the picture is both fun and whimsical. But, did you know that dolphin tattoos have a great history and symbolism behind them as well. For ancient cultures, dolphins were symbols of intelligence and freedom of thought. That’s probably because these people observed how intelligent these creatures were. I mean dolphins have been known to assist fishermen and even save people who have fallen into the water. And they have been doing it for thousands of years and this fact is well represented in literature and history. If you ever go into a museum that displays Greek art then you can witness this fact for yourself. They are often depicted as steeds of the gods, a position that one shouldn’t take too lightly, because the gods would not have an animal that didn’t have some intelligence as their mounts. The dolphin tattoo in the picture depicts one of these mammals in a style you see a lot these days. It has a cartoony quality to it that many women find fascinating. It’s a little off according to my personal tastes however. I think that this design is a little too crude and could have been done by a third grader. I have nothing against cute, but let’s keep it professional people.

Demon Tattoos

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

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

Skull Tattoo Designs

When most people think about a skull tattoo design, they think about adding a skull or maybe even a set of crossbones to it. And that’s pretty much the extent of it. But, I’m telling you right now that there are way more options for you to consider. You could blend the skull tattoo design with your favorite animals, such as a wolf’s body with the head of a skull or a crow carrying a skull in it’s claws. Or you can add in your favorite astrological or mythological elements such as fairies, unicorns or even the head of a ram if your an Aries. I bet you haven’t considered adding a tribal or dragon motif to your skull tattoo design have you? Another possibility is to take a favorite story into account and have it inked into your skin. Take the story of the headless horseman for example. As you can see you are only limited by the extent of your imagination. So, if your planning on getting a skull tattoo design try mixing it up a little bit. You may just surprise yourself and come up with a design that is beautiful and impressive at the same time.

So, you want to get a skull tattoo design? Well, there are most certainly a lot of options available to you. Whether you want a skull tattoo design that is scary, like the one in the picture or your looking for one that’s a little more light hearted you have a ton of different flash to choose from. You can decide to make it bold and colorful or you can do a simple black and white design. If you want a skull tattoo design that really stands out then commission a tattoo artist to make one for you. That way you can customize with a variety of different elements and make it more personal. An example would be to add a tribal motif to the design. Or maybe your favorite animal. And you can even take it further. I once saw a guy with a skull tattoo design that was incorporated into a full sleeve running down the entire length of his arm. It was part of an entire horror motif that he had his favorite artist design. It was pretty cool and contained other things such as zombies, bats, snakes and even a Jack O Lantern. It just goes to show you what can be done with a little thought and imagination.

Girl Tattoos

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

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

Gun Tattoos

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

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

Frog Tattoos

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

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

Maori Tattoo

Maori tattoo is a Polynesian art form from the Maori people of New Zealand. Maori tattoos are distinguished by the use of bold lines and the repetition of specific design motifs. A traditional Maori tattoo artist, the tohunga ta moko, could produce two different types of pattern. One that was based on a pigmented line, and another, the puhoro, based on darkening the background and leaving the pattern unpigmented as clear skin. Maori tattoos are essentially curve linear, and the mainstay of Maori designs are based on the spiral. Instead of needles, the Maori people used knives and chisels called Uhi and they were either smooth or serrated. The ink was applied by means of incisions. The Uhi was usually made from an albatross bone. The ink used for Maori Tattoos was usually made from burnt wood or from a caterpillar like organism. The Maori tattoo consists of bold spiral designs covering the face, the buttocks and the legs of the Maori men. Maori women were usually tattooed on the lips and chin and in some cases on the neck and the back. Maori had a sacred significance that had a dual purpose. One, the tattoo itself and two, the painful tattooing process itself.

Maori tattoos are very beautiful, consisting of curved shapes and spirals in intricate patterns. Distinctive for Maori tattoo designs is the fact that they are based on the spiral and that they are curvilinear. The most prevalent place for a Maori tattoo was the face, probably a result of the cool New Zealand climate. Maori tattoos are among the most distinctive tattoos in the world and have their own identity amongst the Polynesian tattoos. Tattooing is a sacred art among the Maori people of New Zealand, and probably came to them from the islands of East Polynesia. Maori tattooing would usually start at adolescence, and was used to celebrate important events throughout life. The first tattoo marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and was done during a series of rites and rituals. Tattoo art was an important part of the Maori culture. In fact, people without tattoos were considered to be without status or worth. The process of Maori tattooing was a ritual, with music, chant and fasting. Since the 1990s the Maori culture and traditions are having a revival and the traditional Maori tattooing is all but extinct, Maori tattoos have made a comeback and are popular again, including the old tattoo equipment like chisels.

Wolf Tattoo

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

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

Skull Tattoo

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

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

Sparrow Tattoos

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

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

Arm Tribal Tattoos

Kick ass tattoo in my opinion. I really like this one, its got great design and the colors match almost perfectly. Blue and Red, you can never go wrong with that combination when it comes to arm tribal tattoos. The edges seem razor sharp and the points are right on the money. Great tattoo, the only thing I would have done a little different is bring the lowest tip to the very back of the elbow. But all in all I really like this hot tattoo. I wonder if he has another one on his other arm, that would be cool if he did and it was reversed in colors.
That’s what I really like about arm tribal tattoos, you can reverse them, especially if the tattoos are right next to each other, and it looks amazing as hell. I have seen quite a few using this design lately with a face in the background, kind of like a watermark. Makes the face seem like its looking out at you from a distant fog. If you have seen any cartoons on the television lately you will notice a lot of designs just like this are being used, and the kids love it big time.

Nautical Star Tattoos

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

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

Dolphin Tattoo

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

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

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

Tattoos For Girls

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

Back Tattoos

You can just about use any design you can imagine for back tattoos and get away with it. You can go from using butterflies and birds, to running foxes and vicious wolves to make back tattoos look exactly how you want them to look. Some people might say they think the animals are too much and to stick with the more exotic razor sharp lines and the marquis with names in them. Its all up to you because after all its your skin and not theirs. A lot of girls just turning eighteen will go out and get their lower back tattoos that people have nick named bumper stickers or tramp stamps.

Don’t let the nick names fool you, a lot of the people that try to put the back tattoos down, are the ones that want a tattoo but are afraid to get one, or they are afraid their peers might disapprove. Go for the back tattoos that say something about you and the way you live your life. I like the wide back tattoos that have lots of sharp lines and especially the lower ones that use a lot of calligraphy to display the text in the tattoos.

Back tattoos are becoming all the rage nowadays. And there are more and more designs that fit perfectly for a back tattoo. And quite a few of them are pretty sexy, especially among women. Sometimes just the shape of the design will add to the sex appeal of back tattoos. Normally back tattoos in that area are matched to fit the shape of the women to accentuate the female body and enhance her sexuality. Lower back tattoos can even make a women feel more sexy herself when she thinks of how it looks on her body. Some of the most popular back tattoos are images, stars, flowers, vines and tribal symbols. Tribal symbols incorporated into a back tattoo can be extremely complimentary to a woman’s figure. Winged creatures work well in the lower back area such as monsters, unicorns, and angels. The lower back area allows plenty of room to expand their wings across the back. Filling in the area around back tattoos is also quite popular. Adding other elements along with your main tattoo is what really makes it unique and shows your personality. The possibilities with back tattoos is unlimited allowing you to use your imagination to help create the perfect tattoo for you.

Panther Tattoo

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

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

Shark Tattoos

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

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

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

Tattoos Tribal

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

Star Tattoo Designs

Ever since mankind first looked up at the sky and saw those tiny burning globes of gas, stars have served as an inspiration. Calendars have been based upon their movements and whole religions have been founded on them. They have been the guiding light for sailors and merchants and have inspired poets and artist. So, what motif would be better to be inked on your skin then the star tattoo design. It can be a beautiful addition of body art that can express your inner style or religious beliefs. And there are several star tattoo designs available to you. The is the six pointed Star of David, the five pointed pentagram and of course the ever popular nautical star. There are also shooting star tattoo designs which look especially well on just about anyone, especially members of the fairer sex. If none of these star tattoo designs suit you then, maybe try a moon star tattoo design. Moon star tattoos are just what they sound like, they combine a moon and star image, the standard representation of the night sky. Moon star tattoos don’t have the deep symbolic meaning the other star tattoos have, but they can be very beautiful designs.

Star tattoo designs is one of the most commonly requested types of custom design. A star is one of the classic tattoo designs, as it is all things to all people. Star tattoo designs are extremely popular for a number of reasons. Star tattoo designs are a popular choice for first timers who are anxious about the whole process. They provide the perfect introduction to the world of tattoos, because they’re small, flexible, less painful to get done and to heal, and are much easier to cover up. Star tattoos are often small in size and therefore relatively inexpensive (a small star design stencil may cost $10 and the artist may charge $50-100). As most star designs are made up of a number of stars and other celestial bodies, it’s much easier and cheaper for a good tattoo artist to create a unique design. Your star tattoo can easily be tailored to express the individuality of your personality. Many people make the mistake of basing their designs on their current interests (favorite TV shows, hobbies, jobs, people etc), but things change, and in the future they may live to regret these decisions. But stars are timeless. They’ve been around for millions of years and for most people will be just as relevant in the future as they are today.

Fairy Tattoos

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

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

Religious Tattoos

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

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

Horse Tattoo

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

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