Archive for tattoo designs
Cool Skull Tattoos
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We all know that the symbol of the skull has long been used to show that a place is dangerous or deadly. It is a symbol that can send shivers down your spine and have you looking over your shoulder. But we also have a long standing fascination with the symbol because the skull is us, truly us, stripped down to our essence.
Anyone who looks at a skull, a real skull, is both repelled and drawn to it at the same time. Who was the person that had this skull? Why is this skull here in the first place? There are always so many questions, even if it is a really old skull in a museum we want to know more because in this skull, at one time, resided everything that made that person who they are.
So it is no wonder that the skull has become the one symbol that you see everywhere in tattoo art. There are grinning skulls and flaming skulls and ones with flowers in the places where they should have eyes.
Skulls show up on tattoos from across the ages, on old sailors and on young girls. Who hasn’t at some time considered that classic skull and crossbones for their own tattoo? But no matter what kind of tattoo you are thinking about getting, a skull is bound to be one of the considerations.
Here are some really great skull tattoos that we think show off just what the potential could be for this classic tattoo symbol.
So if you have a skull tattoo – share. If you are thinking of getting a skull tattoo, do you know what you want? I would love to see a ton of really great skull tattoos here, shared amongst the tattoo community on this website.
Cat Tattoo Designs
Posted by: | CommentsCats! They are mysterious; they are the source of all things secretive. For years they have been seen in a wide variety of lights from the great Egyptian god Bast to the lowly familiar of a witch during Europe’s Dark Ages. What does a cat, and more importantly what do cat tattoo designs, mean to you?
For many women the cat has come to symbolize independence and fertility. Because the cat is seen as a creature of the night due to its nocturnal nature, it has long represented for many the dark side to nature and our own dark inclinations. With all of these kinds of symbols for cats in our culture, is it any surprise that we love to include cat tattoo designs in our tattoos?
There are so many ways that cat tattoo designs can be approached. Some of the designs you see of cats are done as a symbol of the kinds of ideas we have written about here. Dark symbols of an inner belief in magic or other elemental powers that the cat has come to represent.
Sometimes the images are more of an artistic expression, because cats just look so darn slinky walking just about anywhere! They are a simple picture of elegance to many, and that can also be represented in a graphic piece of art for a tattoo. These kinds of cats aren’t sinister at all, quite the opposite; these cat tattoo designs are graceful feline emblems of sophistication.
Black cats have a special place in tattoo art; that is almost a mixture of the old mystical companion idea and the modern concept of the cat as the ultimate symbol of luxury and sophistication. It is no wonder that a black cat is seen on posters and as part of famous logos for decades now. But for the cat tattoo designs, the black cat remains an almost sacred symbol that has been around for probably longer than we know.
Of course, not all cat tattoo designs are meant to be dark and mysterious. There are funny cat tattoos as well. Some are from well knows cartoon characters, and many just appeal to the off-the-wall nature of so many people who love tattoos. After all, cats are not exactly always playing by the rules, so why should we!
And finally, there are those cat tattoo designs that are of cats the wearer has known and loved. It isn’t that surprising that cat owners should be tattoo owners as well, we all know that it takes a special kind of love to be close to the high minded and often single minded cat. But the value of that love is displayed for all to see when a cat lover is a tattoo lover as well.
So you see, just as it takes all kinds of people to make up the world, it certainly takes all kinds of tattoos to make up the kind of cat tattoo designs that cat lovers will sport on their bodies.
White Ink Tattoos
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Traditionally, the process of tattooing begins after a stencil is applied to the part on you body where you want the design. The first part of this long process frequently begins with black ink. Many artists use black ink to give the outline of the tattoo which can be colored or shaded later. This black outline not only offers artists a guideline but also gives the tattoo itself more definition; a sharper look to the image.
For the longest time, tattoo artists were not willing to do a design without the black outline as a guide but as with everything in today’s world, that too is changing. White ink tattoos don’t follow the traditional process of stencil and black ink. The whole piece is done in white ink leaving a pale design that is very different from a traditional tattoo.
These tattoos are subtle yet distinct in their style. These tattoos are perfect for those that want tattoos but cant have the traditional apparent ones for whatever reason. Lindsay Lohan is known for her white ink tattoo on the inside of her wrist that says ‘breathe’.
These tattoos are more of a personal statement that you don’t want anyone else to be able to read. It is like a private mantra, an affirmation, a symbol that reminds you of something dear to you – and is not really meant for the outside world. These tattoos are not totally invisible though. The ink used here is not the same white ink used in mixing colors for a colored tattoo. It is a thicker, higher quality ink that is made to stand out on its own.
There are a few things though that you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to get one of these tattoos. These tattoos are best when done freehand. If you decide to use a stencil for better guidance you need to be careful that the color from the stencil does not mix with the white ink. This may make the tattoo a little dull.
Another glitch is that white is not as easily absorbed by the skin as black or colored ink. This means several additional passes in the area to make sure the ink fully sinks in. Darker skin tones usually don’t absorb enough of the white to make it bright. These tattoos often become dull when frequently exposed to the sun.
What is worse is the skin’s reaction to the ink. A reaction to the white ink is much more common than the skin’s reaction to the black ink. There have been cases where the area began to swell, itch and even ooze. Most tattoo artists recommend simple designs for white ink tattoos as they are less likely to have complications.
Wrist Tattoo Designs
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The wrist is a very popular body part for tattoos especially among women. It acts like a permanent bracelet of sorts. The best part about this particular body part is that it is a great spot if you particularly want to make a statement or simply just show off your tattoos. Since most of us use our hands a lot when we speak, our wrists will be easily noticed. Whether you want to tell people that you are actually a rebel at heart or a genuinely sweet person, the wrist can help you make an understated yet powerful statement.
You need to keep in mind that the wrist is not the biggest of body parts, so whatever design you choose make sure it is simple, clean and uncomplicated. It is going to be permanent and in your face all the time so it better be something you really like and want. The flip side to getting a tattoo on the wrist however, is that it is very visible! Take your time to think about its implications and see if you are ready for it, before you make the plunge. For example, if your work place is not very tattoo friendly – and trust me no long sleeved shirt is going to be able to conceal it one hundred percent – are you brave enough to face whatever ramifications might entail your decision?
Again, some of the best designs for wrists are those that are simple due to the space restriction! Most women’s wrists are slender and thin – not ideal for elaborate designs. Some of the most popular designs are those of stars, flames and flowers. Some neat ideas for the wrist are that of bracelets. Any interlocking pattern will do the trick – like barbed wire, Celtic knots or even a rosary. Writing in a different language like Chinese or Japanese is also a cool option. Lindsay Lohan has the word ‘breathe’ tattooed on her wrist and Gillian Anderson has the words ‘every day’ written in Sanskrit on hers.
Now here’s the deciding factor (at least for me) – how much does it hurt when compared to other body parts? Since there is not enough flesh (especially on the inner wrist) to cushion the impact of the needles, wrist tattoos can be very painful! If your design involves a lot of shading like in tribal tattoos or involves complicated Celtic knots you can be assured that it is going to hurt an extra bit more than usual. Also, the wrist normally takes longer to heal and these tattoos are prone to fade faster than those on other body parts due to its exposure to the sun.
Zodiac Sign Tattoos – Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn
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Libra also known as the scales, the only non living symbol among the sun signs, is depicted by a man holding a weighing scale. In tattoos it is seen as a pair of horizontal lines, with the top line curving in a semi-circle in the middle. You are a Libran if your birthday falls on or between September 24th and October 23rd. The color traditionally associated with this sign is blue. Librans are known to be very friendly, charming, diplomatic and romantic. They can also be uncertain and irresolute at times.
Scorpio also known as the scorpion is symbolized by the scorpion. It is denoted by an ‘M’ like figure with an arrow for a tail. It is supposed to denote the scorpion’s deadly sting. This sign is traditionally associated with the color yellow. If you are born on or between October 24th and November 22nd, then you are a deadly scorpion! Scorpios are very intense people. They have strong emotions; they are passionate and are able to look at the quintessence of things. They are equally famous for their jealous, stubborn and sometimes cruel attitudes.
Sagittarius also known as the archer or centaur is symbolized by a centaur (a half man half horse) with a bow 
and arrow in his hands. It is denoted by an upward facing arrow with an intersecting line in its lower half. It is often associated with the color blue. Birthdays that fall on or between November 23rd and December 22nd are Sagittarius. Sagittarians are often supposed to be multi lingual, optimistic and sincere with a love for nature, philosophy and sports / games. They are often also extreme, loud and tactless.
Capricorn also known as the sea goat is symbolized by a mythical hybrid whose upper half is that of a goat and the lower half or tail is that of a fish. It is denoted by a ‘V’ shape symbolizing the goats horns, followed by an ‘S’ symbol for the fish’s tail. If you were born on or between December 23rd and January 19th, then you belong to this group. Brown is the color most associated with this sun sign. They are known to be rational, patient with a lot of discipline. They are really hard workers. However they can be quite strict, miserly and pessimistic and are prone to depressions.
Zodiac Sign Tattoos – Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo
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Gemini also known as the twins are represented by a pair of twins. In tattoos, this sun sign is often denoted by two ‘I’s, very much like the roman numeral II. It is sometimes depicted as two children holding hands or a man and a woman holding hands symbolizing human contact. Yellow is the color mostly associated with this sign. You are a Gemini if your birthday falls on or between May 22nd and June 21st. Geminis are known to be very spontaneous, funny, intelligent and talkative. But they can also be very superficial and fickle.
The sun sign Cancer is denoted by the crab. Often they are seen as two circles with a tail (in each circle) in tattoos. Traditionally the color associated with this sign is silver (yea, good luck getting that color your tattoo). You are a Cancerian if your birthday falls on or between June 22nd and July 22nd. Cancerians are supposed to be very sensitive, sympathetic, caring and adventurous but can also be over sensitive, moody and known to hold a grudge. 
Leo the lion is symbolized by the lion (obviously enough!) It is represented by a single bended line (very much like a curvy ‘A’) that is symbolic of the lion’s magnificent mane. Gold is the color usually associated with this sun sign. If your birthday falls on or between July 23rd and August 22nd, then you are a Leo. Leos are very confident, creative and very influential. They make excellent leaders and organizers but they can be overly dominant and intolerant at times.
Virgo the virgins have their birthdays on or between August 23rd and September 23rd. This is depicted by a lonely female figure (and also the only female figure in the zodiac signs). This young virgin is usually depicted holding a fully grown ear of wheat representing fertility. It is simply denoted by an ‘M’ symbol touching an alpha symbol. The color often associated with this symbol is green. Virgos are known to be clever, analytical and hard working. Sometimes they can be overly critical and choosy and their attention to minute details a bit much.