I chose to review this book from my collection first, in relation to the other articles published and purely because it is a fantastic book to begin learning about the vast array of tattoo imagery that plasters tattoo studios. For those that opt for a 'flash' design (i.e. a design that has already been drawn, printed, laminated, sold and displayed for tattooists to use as a means of a ready, 'instant' design that does not necessarily need altering) - this book is a useful tool in helping to choose a design, and even giving a small amount of information about the history, relation and common reason for choosing the particular image etc.
The book has been well laid out, in a handy A-Z format, also cross-referenced, indexed, and illustrated with three hundred examples of tattoo line art. Although the images themselves are not particularly useful towards 'solid' images to be picked for an actual tattoo, either for the consumer or tattooist - they are subtle enough to get a general idea of the design they are representing. And with the added bonus of being able to study this in your own home, it can even help some to feel more confident when they walk into their chosen tattoo studio - having more knowledge and a better idea about the tattoo they are about to choose from the wall.
The Tattoo Encyclopedia is an extremely good reference book - even for looking up information on a tattoo you may already have chosen to live with, but weren't necessarily fully educated on its true meaning and historical links and values. The included examples of tattoo imagery range from the anchors sported by sailors, to the Harley-Davidson tattoos inked on bikers, right up to the tigers that so many people choose to have as their permanent body art. It also includes a welcome range of religious-themed tattoos, which many people do not seem to research properly before choosing as a new piece of ink - including Chinese, Buddhist, Christian and also some tribal and pagan examples.
I bought this book approximately three years ago, purely as a way of helping people to realize what their particular chosen tattoo represents and its links. I was also looking for more material that included some tattoo history write-ups - a 'very brief history of tattooing' is included in this encyclopedia, followed by a small amount on symbolism, which both served well towards my own studies, reports and papers. There is also a small section on 'how to use this book' - with a small 'disclaimer' that I just have to agree with 100% - "It is important to note that the nature of a tattoo symbol is sometimes so personal that the only definitive interpretation can come from the bearer of the tattoo. No matter the established meaning in one culture, the obvious meaning derived from a historical fact, or the original source of a particular image, people will and do ascribe their own meanings to their designs." Which urges you to remember not to take this book as 'gospel', to still withhold your own intended meaning and interpretation of your tattoo, but simply to gain a little more knowledge about your design from this book, and use this knowledge as you so wish. Disregard it, argue against it, completely trash it, or take it as it is; a little piece of information that you may not have known or even considered before. Either way, this book is still worth having, even if just for the coffee-table or as a good conversation starter. Terisa Green writes in a very easy-to-read manner, informative and educational but not too formal. A pleasing read all-round. 'The Tattoo Encyclopedia' - A Guide to Choosing Your Tattoo, by Terisa Green. Illustrated by Greg James. This edition (English) first published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, 2003. A Viacom Company. ISBN 0-7432-5226-8 -Tattooed Babydoll Recommended retailers: Available from Amazon and all good UK bookshops, including Waterstone's and Ottakar's. Barnes & Noble, USA also stock this book.
About the Author
Scott Jones organizes Tattoos by Design Zine at http://www.tattoos-by-design.co.uk/zine/.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Company Letter Head Designs Top 4 Worst Mistakes: Don't Be Caught Making These!
Have you thought about your letterhead lately? Many businesses don't because it is easier to not think about it and keep going on with the multitude of tasks that has to be done on a daily basis. However an update to an old letterhead can be just like an extreme makeover. If your letterhead has not changed in the last 15 or more years it might be time for an update. However there are many things you want to watch out for and make sure you don't make these mistakes in designing your letterhead.
Don't Do Tip 1: Overcrowded Corporate Letterhead
If you are going for a corporate letterhead look you want to be sure to not crowd everything into the top of the letterhead. Sure there are a ton of things you want to include on there and a lot of important information. However with all of the contact details in today's connected environment you letterhead can quickly become overcrowded and ugly. So plan ahead and make some decisions early on what is necessary for the top part of the letterhead. For example do you really need two different emails address, multiple phone numbers, address and all kinds of other junk crowding your logo and letterhead design. Instead see if you can't leave some of these things off the letterhead and if not then place them down at the bottom in the footer area. The more open space you can provide in the letterhead the more of a corporate look it will have.
Don't Do Tip 2: Overuse Of Color On Company Letterhead
Sure we can all admit that we love color and lots of it. However when you are working with a letterhead color should be used sparingly if at all. Your letterhead will be copied, Xeroxed and run through the fax which are all black and white only. So if you have lots of color and wonderful gradient areas on your letter head full of beautiful colors it is going to turn out ugly in the end. After it has gone through multiple fax machines and a few copy machines your letterhead will look like a big black ink spot. It might be now better used in a psychology testing laboratory then as your letterhead. In fact I often suggest when working with ideas for a letterhead design one should copy and fax it a few times along with crumpling the paper up and abusing the letterhead a little before deciding if it is the final look you want. By doing this you can see your letterhead as everyone else will.
Don't Do Tip 3: Overly Detailed Letterheads
Getting a letterhead with lot of fine, small details is not going to work very well either. It will go through the same process as above and you don't want your finely detailed artwork look like a old sailor's tattoo that has spread and stretched out too much from over use. The fine details will be lost and thing will blur together. Again try taking it through the process yourself and see if you still like the final result.
Don't Do Tip 4: Realtor Letterheads
You know we have all seen those glossy business cards and beautiful letterhead printed in full color that many Realtors will use and they look great. However they are often a little overboard and a little too gaudy if you are not in the realty business or field. So if you are not in that field do not put a pick picture of yourself with a beautiful sunset behind you on your letterhead. This will look very overdone and like you are into yourself too much. You want a letterhead that emphasizes your company and not just you.
No matter what you plan on doing with your letterhead and no matter what industry you work for don't waste your time or spin your wheels trying to get a letterhead to only be disappointed later. Instead take some time to reflect on the company and mission of your business. Then try to design letterhead that communicated these feelings. You want your letterhead to act as a first impression and it is therefore important that it carried the mood and tone of your business.
For more great information on Professional Letterhead and express business cards check out http://www.letterheadsbusinesscards.com The site is full of great articles and how to advice for getting all of your business stationary needs.
About the Author
Don't Do Tip 1: Overcrowded Corporate Letterhead
If you are going for a corporate letterhead look you want to be sure to not crowd everything into the top of the letterhead. Sure there are a ton of things you want to include on there and a lot of important information. However with all of the contact details in today's connected environment you letterhead can quickly become overcrowded and ugly. So plan ahead and make some decisions early on what is necessary for the top part of the letterhead. For example do you really need two different emails address, multiple phone numbers, address and all kinds of other junk crowding your logo and letterhead design. Instead see if you can't leave some of these things off the letterhead and if not then place them down at the bottom in the footer area. The more open space you can provide in the letterhead the more of a corporate look it will have.
Don't Do Tip 2: Overuse Of Color On Company Letterhead
Sure we can all admit that we love color and lots of it. However when you are working with a letterhead color should be used sparingly if at all. Your letterhead will be copied, Xeroxed and run through the fax which are all black and white only. So if you have lots of color and wonderful gradient areas on your letter head full of beautiful colors it is going to turn out ugly in the end. After it has gone through multiple fax machines and a few copy machines your letterhead will look like a big black ink spot. It might be now better used in a psychology testing laboratory then as your letterhead. In fact I often suggest when working with ideas for a letterhead design one should copy and fax it a few times along with crumpling the paper up and abusing the letterhead a little before deciding if it is the final look you want. By doing this you can see your letterhead as everyone else will.
Don't Do Tip 3: Overly Detailed Letterheads
Getting a letterhead with lot of fine, small details is not going to work very well either. It will go through the same process as above and you don't want your finely detailed artwork look like a old sailor's tattoo that has spread and stretched out too much from over use. The fine details will be lost and thing will blur together. Again try taking it through the process yourself and see if you still like the final result.
Don't Do Tip 4: Realtor Letterheads
You know we have all seen those glossy business cards and beautiful letterhead printed in full color that many Realtors will use and they look great. However they are often a little overboard and a little too gaudy if you are not in the realty business or field. So if you are not in that field do not put a pick picture of yourself with a beautiful sunset behind you on your letterhead. This will look very overdone and like you are into yourself too much. You want a letterhead that emphasizes your company and not just you.
No matter what you plan on doing with your letterhead and no matter what industry you work for don't waste your time or spin your wheels trying to get a letterhead to only be disappointed later. Instead take some time to reflect on the company and mission of your business. Then try to design letterhead that communicated these feelings. You want your letterhead to act as a first impression and it is therefore important that it carried the mood and tone of your business.
For more great information on Professional Letterhead and express business cards check out http://www.letterheadsbusinesscards.com The site is full of great articles and how to advice for getting all of your business stationary needs.
About the Author
None
Tattoo Design Choice - Part 4
http://tattoo---design.blogspot.com Tattoo Design
A Small or a Big Tattoo?
Hi There!
Does size really matter?
Well, I don't feel like the right person to answer that question :)
But when it comes to tattoos the answer is no.
Well sort of..
It all depends on why you are thinking of getting a small tattoo.
If you are thinking of getting a small tattoo because you aren't positive that you really want a tattoo and think that getting a smaller one will be like testing the waters to see if tattoos are really for you then you should take some more time to think about whether or not to commit to getting a tattoo.
The fact of the matter is that a tattoo of any size is still a lifelong commitment.
A small tattoo may be less noticeable (or not noticeable at all, depending on location) than a larger one but it is still always going to be there no matter how big or small it is.
Large tattoos can be a great idea for a number of reasons. Larger tattoos allow for more detail in the artwork. There is also more opportunity to include color that will really enhance the tattoo. How large you decide to go is up to you. A larger tattoo doesn't have to take up a great deal of surface area but it should be a size that you are happy with.
The back is one area where larger tattoos tend to look better than smaller ones because there is so much area to work with on the back.
Small tattoos can also be very beautiful. Depending on the design and the location you might decide to have your tattoo very small. For example a small flower on you ankle or hip might look really good but going with a larger tattoo in those locations might look awkward and out of place.
What's the cost of a tattoo and is there a connection between cost and quality? Find out in Part 5!
Take care!
http://tattoo---design.blogspot.com Click here to see other articles!
About the Author
A Small or a Big Tattoo?
Hi There!
Does size really matter?
Well, I don't feel like the right person to answer that question :)
But when it comes to tattoos the answer is no.
Well sort of..
It all depends on why you are thinking of getting a small tattoo.
If you are thinking of getting a small tattoo because you aren't positive that you really want a tattoo and think that getting a smaller one will be like testing the waters to see if tattoos are really for you then you should take some more time to think about whether or not to commit to getting a tattoo.
The fact of the matter is that a tattoo of any size is still a lifelong commitment.
A small tattoo may be less noticeable (or not noticeable at all, depending on location) than a larger one but it is still always going to be there no matter how big or small it is.
Large tattoos can be a great idea for a number of reasons. Larger tattoos allow for more detail in the artwork. There is also more opportunity to include color that will really enhance the tattoo. How large you decide to go is up to you. A larger tattoo doesn't have to take up a great deal of surface area but it should be a size that you are happy with.
The back is one area where larger tattoos tend to look better than smaller ones because there is so much area to work with on the back.
Small tattoos can also be very beautiful. Depending on the design and the location you might decide to have your tattoo very small. For example a small flower on you ankle or hip might look really good but going with a larger tattoo in those locations might look awkward and out of place.
What's the cost of a tattoo and is there a connection between cost and quality? Find out in Part 5!
Take care!
http://tattoo---design.blogspot.com Click here to see other articles!
About the Author
Tattoo Design Choice - Part 2
A celtic cross or maybe a cool tribal?
Deciding on what type of tattoo to get is obviously a very important decision right?
There are so many options to choose from but the bottom line is that you should choose something that has significance to you. This may require a lot of thought but it is best to really think about what you want before you have a tattoo done to make sure that you will not regret the tattoo later on.
There are too many options to mention but just a few include religious, tribal, words, cartoons, and just about anything you can think of. You can even get a tattoo that bears a likeness to a loved one. The other options to consider are black and white tattoos or color tattoos. These choices are a matter of personal preference and there are no right or wrong answers.
The most important thing about choosing a tattoo is to choose something that is special to you. That is all that really matters. As long as you like your tattoo, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about it.
Those who are happy with their tattoos and those who feel as though their tattoo has special meaning are much less likely to regret their tattoo.
Choosing black and white or color for your tattoo is another decision you will have to make. Again personal preference is the most important factor.
Your tattoo is a lifelong investment so don't let the price persuade you to pick one over the other. Some tattoos may look better in black and white such as pictures while cartoons may look better in color. Choose what you like best and you are sure to be happy with your decision.
There are so many options to choose from that it may seem overwhelming. Tattoo Me is the best place to start your tattoo design search because we are offering thousands of different tattoos divided into categories that make searching for a design really easy just follow a link back to my site.
They offer a LIFETIME membership so whether you are looking for your first and only tattoo or whether you are always adding new tattoos, you will always have the option of browsing our gallery for the tattoos of your dreams.
Where on your body to place your tattoo? That's what we're going to talk about next time. Look out for Part 3
http://tattoo---design.blogspot.com Click here to see other articles!
About the Author
Tattoo Design
Deciding on what type of tattoo to get is obviously a very important decision right?
There are so many options to choose from but the bottom line is that you should choose something that has significance to you. This may require a lot of thought but it is best to really think about what you want before you have a tattoo done to make sure that you will not regret the tattoo later on.
There are too many options to mention but just a few include religious, tribal, words, cartoons, and just about anything you can think of. You can even get a tattoo that bears a likeness to a loved one. The other options to consider are black and white tattoos or color tattoos. These choices are a matter of personal preference and there are no right or wrong answers.
The most important thing about choosing a tattoo is to choose something that is special to you. That is all that really matters. As long as you like your tattoo, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about it.
Those who are happy with their tattoos and those who feel as though their tattoo has special meaning are much less likely to regret their tattoo.
Choosing black and white or color for your tattoo is another decision you will have to make. Again personal preference is the most important factor.
Your tattoo is a lifelong investment so don't let the price persuade you to pick one over the other. Some tattoos may look better in black and white such as pictures while cartoons may look better in color. Choose what you like best and you are sure to be happy with your decision.
There are so many options to choose from that it may seem overwhelming. Tattoo Me is the best place to start your tattoo design search because we are offering thousands of different tattoos divided into categories that make searching for a design really easy just follow a link back to my site.
They offer a LIFETIME membership so whether you are looking for your first and only tattoo or whether you are always adding new tattoos, you will always have the option of browsing our gallery for the tattoos of your dreams.
Where on your body to place your tattoo? That's what we're going to talk about next time. Look out for Part 3
http://tattoo---design.blogspot.com Click here to see other articles!
About the Author
Tattoo Design
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