Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Dragonfly Tattoo

Dragonfly tattoo designs are wildly popular for women. They love the free, wild spirit that the dragonfly symbolizes. Many women who are getting their first tattoo might get a small dragonfly somewhere on their bodies, as it's a great tattoo to have but a small one is easy to cover up.

Then again, some women choose to have ultra large, shimmering dragonflies either on their lower backs, legs or even their stomachs.

Dragonfly tattoos can be many different colors, and for men that decide to get one, they can incorporate blues and greens. Women on the other hand, may decide to go with violet and purple colors. Any other color that a person wants to incorporate into their dragonfly tattoo is possible whether it's lavender, silver, blue, gray, orange or whatever you want.

The dragonfly is considered a symbol of stamina, as he goes all day long and never tires. Men or women who feel as if they never have the chance to sit and enjoy themselves may decide to choose from dragonfly tattoo designs.

In Native American religions, individuals believe that each person has an animal or totem spirit, and many people have the carefree, determined spirit of the dragonfly.

This is a perfect reason to find some great dragonfly tattoo designs to look through.

There are many different kinds, whether you want your dragonfly to be magical and accompanied by stardust, or a real tough cookie with flames and daggers.

Dragonfly tattoos are extremely popular, and as more and more people are getting their first tattoos and becoming addicted to skin art, the dragonfly is sure to become even more popular. You can find dragonfly tattoos on the internet, in tattoo magazines and in your local tattoo shop.

Check out some great dragonfly tattoo designs today to decide what kind of fluttering little guy you're going to get.

Learn more about a dragonfly tattoo, its meaning, some recommendations, some great links, and more by visiting http://www.modern-tattoo-designs.com/dragonfly-tattoo.html



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

Feminine Tattoos - A Delicate and Beautiful Art

Tattoos were often considered to be the stuff of macho bikers that wanted to show that they can stand all that pain. Today tattoos have become part of mainstream culture and are being used by people who wish to show their appreciation for art and beauty. During the early days of this change the art of tattooing was more or less confined to men. It is only in recent that more and more women are going in for tattoos. This is because of a vast change in social perception where women tattoos are no longer frowned upon. There are several celebrities that have got tattoos and this has increased popular appeal for this form of art and also increased the social acceptance of tattoos on women. Because of this there are now new designs that specially appeal to feminine tastes.

Feminine tattoos are generally smaller and far prettier than those for men. Whereas male tattoos often include animals, logos, and other intimidating symbols tattoos for women feature flowers, butterflies, fairies, and similar concepts that represent delicacy and beauty. Tattoos for women feature thinner lines with more delicate coloring. They are not as aggressive in appearance as male tattoos. However, even this trend is undergoing a change because the increasing popularity of female tattoos has resulted in some women going in for heavy tattoos of the sort preferred by men.

Tattoo artists are now reporting that their largest clientele is made of women. They also state that women are better than men when it comes to the application of tattoos. For women, the design of tattoos is as important as the placement. Women spend far too much time comparing and selecting designs based on the body part where they intend to apply it. Though women are increasingly going in for heavier design elements their focus still remains on the sophisticated and the beautiful.

Two areas are generally preferred by women and these are the lower back and the tail bone areas. The lower back area is quite tantalizing and a sensitive spot for a woman to have a tattoo on. It is visible only in glimpses and like all things that are doled out in rare flashes this increases its appeal. Most of the designs for the lower back area tend to follow a V shape in order to accentuate the figure of the female form. Some of the most commonly used designs for this area include butterflies, angels, lions, hearts, insect wings, serpents, and several sorts of flowers. Nearly all designs are elaborated with wings or tendrils for a more balanced look. The lotus flower is supposed to represent the past, present, and the future. Flowers and animals are representative of femininity and fertility. Serpents and dragons are hints of trouble. The eagle represents courage and determination.

Another preferred area is the foot or ankle. These tattoos represent purity and simplicity. Professional and career minded women usually prefer foot or ankle tattoos because they are highly personal and not overbearing in any way.



The History of The Dragons and why Dragon Tattoos Are So Popular

According to the Webster-Merriam Dictionary, the word dragon is Middle English, from Anglo-French dragun, from Latin dracon.

The definition of dragon is:

· A mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent with a crested head and enormous claws.

· Or someone who is formidable

The many depictions of dragons are incredibly diverse and complex. No other creature in mythology has appeared in so many cultures from such remote parts of the world!

Many of us think of dragons as a terrifying beast. However, the Eastern dragons are portrayed as good, kind, ancient and intelligent. The Asian Dragons have the most recorded history in the world, especially in China going back thousands of years.

The Difference between the Eastern Dragons:

Chinese dragons have all five toes. The Chinese believe that all dragons began from China. They believed that as the dragons flew south, they began to lose their toes. The farther the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. So, Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three.

Korean dragons have four toes. The Koreans believe that when the dragons leave Korea and go north to China, they begin to gain toes. When the dragons leave Korea and go north to Japan, they begin to lose toes.

Japanese dragons have three toes. The Japanese though all dragons originated from Japan. They also believed that when the dragons leave Japan and head north, they gain toes. The farther the dragons went, the more toes they gained. This is why the other dragons have more toes. The Japanese believed the breath of dragons could turn into clouds, which could produce rain.

But here's the kicker, unlike most types of dragon, most of the Eastern Dragons have no wings!

The Western Dragon

The Western dragons or medieval dragons have a more ferocious and primitive appearance. They often look like giant lizards with long tails and a pair of wings. While the dragons are thought of as calculating and thoughtful monsters, they have also been viewed as mindless beasts. We think of dragons as having talons, fangs, breathing fire, scaly skins, and red eyes in our drawings and paintings. The Western Dragons were also known to have huge hoards of gold and jewels hidden in their lairs.

Early Christianity condemned the ancient, benevolent and malevolent serpent deities. As a matter of fact, in Christian art, the dragon is a symbol of the pagan religion and was often drawn as overpowered by the spirit of the holy figures of Christianity.

The Vikings had figures of dragons on the prow of their boats. The dragons on the ships were believed to bestow sharp eyesight and craftiness to the Viking warriors. The Welsh flag has a red dragon on it and the dragon is their national symbol.

Why are Dragon Tattoos so popular today?

Dragons are a classic choice for a tattoo design and they are one of the more popular mythological creatures picked for inking.

Dragons are depicted as powerful, wise and free. Their legend is always cloaked in magic and mythical realm. They come from the tops of sacred Japanese mountains and the bottom of the deepest seas around Greece.

Dragons have been drawn in a wide variety of forms because of their popular appeal. Today's tattoo designers have taken the art of the dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a traditional dragon tattoo or one with a cutting-edge, modern look you will find an incredible gallery of amazing images to choose from.

Tattoo artists have paid extra attention to creating images of dragons because they look great on the skin. They can be in color, or black & white. Dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body. Dragon tattoos can be designed as tribal, Celtic or jade designs. The dragon tattoo may appear with wings or fire breathing or not.

Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves -- powerful, ferocious, and free...

Becky McClure believes that the most important word after you make the decision to get inked is “Patience!” Pick the right tattoo design. Pick the right location on you. And pick the best artist you can find for your new body art.



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

Pictures of Rose Tattoos Can Have One Thousand Meanings

Even if you’re not a flower lover, you can still appreciate a good picture of rose tattoo, whether it’s on someone else’s body or on your own. There are many designs that feature roses and other flowers and all of them can be used to create beautiful and striking picture of rose tattoo designs. If you find a picture of a flower that you like and you think you may want to have a tattoo made from the design, you can take it to a tattoo shop and have the artists there create a tattoo design from it.

Many tattoo shops have artists that specialize in creating tattoo designs from images that customers find on the Internet or in magazines and bring in to the tattoo shop. Tattoo shop artists have created some very popular designs over the years. Many of them started out as images that customers brought in to have changed into tattoo designs. There are a great many designs that you can have tattooed onto your body and it all begins with you looking through a tattoo shop catalog for a design that strikes you as being made for you. Even if you can’t find a design that seems suited to your tastes, you can always have the tattoo artist create a new tattoo design from scratch just for you. With a few design additions from you, the tattoo design will take shape and you can choose what colors of ink the artist will use on your new tattoo.

The main thing to remember is that even if you can’t find a design that you like in the tattoo shop catalog, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find one elsewhere. Many tattoo designs start out as designs and images from the Internet and from artists uploading their work for free to image sites all over the web. Once you find these images and start searching through all the designs available, then you can decide what design you might like to have modified to become a tattoo design.

Whether it’s a picture of rose tattoo or some other flower, you can have almost anything tattooed onto your body. The main thing to remember is to be sure that you want a tattoo on your body because it’s much harder to remove a tattoo than it is to get one. Not to mention more expensive and more painful as well. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you know where you want to have your tattoo inked onto your body. It may not be an easy task to have it removed once the tattoo is on your body. So try out a temporary tattoo in some places first to see where you do and don’t want a tattoo.

Kip Goldhammer owns and operates http://www.tattoosdesignsreviews.com Picture of Rose Tattoo A great resource for tattoos online.




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

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

The History of Body Art and Modification

The existence of body art, AKA tattoos, is not one that has come to the fore in recent times. Quite to the contrary the actual existence of the process of tattooing and body art, though various in its' origins, can be traced back for several millenniums. The word itself has many supposed origins, the most credible ones being that of the Chinese term, "Ta" which translates into "To strike something" and, more likely, that of the word "Tatau" which means "to Mark."

The oldest definite example of body art came to surface recently upon a mountaintop between Italy and Austria, as in late 1991 the frozen remains of a five thousand year old male was found. This Bronze Age corpse was marked from the waist down with almost 60 tattoos. However, this particular region could not lay claim on the only evidence of ancient body art.

In 1948 in a region between China and Russia a Russian Archaeologist by the name of Sergei Rudenko located the tattoo covered mummified remains of several bodies during a dig in the Altai Mountains of Siberia. These remains dated back to 24000 years ago.

In the latter 1800's Egypt, not to ever be left out of the archaeological race, reported the findings of a group of archaeologists. The one mummy of notoriety was that of Amunet, an Egyptian priestess. This corpse dated back between the times of 1994 BC and 2160 BC. The priestess had tattoo designs covering her body.

The list goes on and on as we research one dynasty after another, country after country. To actually be able to put a particular date on the creation of the practice of body art is completely and utterly impossible. There is evidence of this practice found in the history of America, South America, Samoa, Japan, Polynesia, and even Hawaii. The list is endless.

History also records several different purposes for body art, beyond the label of art. Some societies used it for medical purposes, some spiritual, and some as a statement of hierarchy. Today, particularly in the United States, it is an art form. Nevertheless, we can always take great pleasure in looking back on the various purposes and examples of this art and revel in the rich history that is to be found therein. Even those that utilized the Tattoo for more than merely an art form will go down in history as works of art themselves.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industry news and new products. Beginning with tattoo supplies, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Tattoo aftercare.


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

The History And Meaning Behind Biker And Military Tattoos

Throughout the history of tattoos, there have been a number of types that have become renewed. However, to fully understand the regenerated genre of tattooing, it is imperative to any tattoo artist to fully understand the roots of his/her career.

Biker tattoos have been often thought of prison, gangs, and the "big bad" biker mentality. Though in reality only one percent of bikers are in "biker gangs". Many wives tales about the nomadic bikers who have represented the negative side of bikers.

Bikers have been known to get bad press, the one percent you hear about and their turf wars, conflicts with the law and criminal activity. However, most are simply biker enthusiast, and are generally the people you see riding around on the streets these days. Most biker lifestyles are about the freedom of the open road.

Everyone will look on bikers in a different manner, however the general perception is often the wrong one. Biker tattoos are usually a depiction of the biker gangs. Skulls, dice, Norse gods, and mythical creatures are often times one of the more popular for bikers. Though, many like the old school sailor tattoos, pin ups are a frequent sighting.

Much like Biker tattoos, military tattoos have long been a tradition in our history. Millions of men and women who have served in the armed forces done tattoos as a constant reminder that they belonged to a particular unit. Tattoos not only are a badge of their loyalty to their unit, but to their country. Some even get tattoos to honor close friends lost in combat.

Tattoos are most common in the navy, and the army in close second. The marines and the air force are also commemorated through tattoos, however not quite as often. The most common tattoos in the military range from Unit patches, military awards, eagles, US flag, dog tags, pilot wings, fighter planes, war veteran tattoos, anchors, pin ups, and sailor Jerry tattoos.

Although common, the military has since placed more stringent rules and regulations on tattoos. So, most men and women of the military must wait until the completion of their service to get their new ink.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo kits, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo equipment sterilization, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Body piercing pictures.



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

Laser Hair Removal And Its Effect On Tattoos

Can you get laser hair removal, without effecting a tattoo? After being asked this question numerous times by friends, and family I sought to search out the answer. I asked a few laser hair technicians, and tattoo artist alike but none seemed to have the answer. If you are a technician, or tattoo artist I would suggest educating yourself on the effects of laser hair removal.

After rigorous research, I have found many cases of people who have had laser hair removal preformed. Most cases were caused by a slip up of the technicians preforming the laser hair removal "slipping", or being careless. The results were often the same, a puss-filled blister covering the area that had been crossed by the laser. In some cases, infection was almost immediate , and had to be treated in the emergency room?

They have reported, that after the painful blister had healed, the tattoo was either considerably faded or disfigured. There are many problems that can arise from this, infection being the main concern. It can also cause significant scarring.

So, my only suggestion would to seek laser hair removal prior to getting your tattoos. If you do, indeed end up with scarring from your treatment you will need to check with your artist. Most artists will not tattoo over fresh scars, and depending on your own body's healing it may take years for the scar to flatten enough before it is able to accept pigment.

If you are still considering getting laser hair removal around your tattoo, protecting yourself with knowledge is the key. Read the fine print in any contract you are requested to sign, if it includes anything to the nature of "not responsible for damaged tattoos" I would then search for another company. If laser hair removal goes wrong, it can not only damage your tattoo but cost you time, and possible thousands of dollars to repair.

Though, there is one option that you do have. Though it can be expensive, and tedious Electrolysis is the only proven hair removal method that will not have an adverse effect on your tattoo.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo kits, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo equipment sterilization, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Body piercing pictures.



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