Archive for free online tattoo designs
Lower Back Tribal Tattoos
Posted by: | CommentsHistorically tribal tattoos indicated one’s social status or membership in a community or group. The designs themselves were used to define a person’s identity and ideals. Depending on the type of tribal tattoo chosen the symbolism and meaning of the design varies. Tribal tattoos are especially nice for the lower back because they tend to be drawn from left-to-right thereby making them a prime candidate for that body area.
Let’s learn a little about the meaning of tribal tattoos:
Maori Tribal Tattoos
The Maori tribe can from ancient New Zealand. They are noted for wearing leg and face tattoos. They are also recognized as outstanding wood carvers whose designs would often contain spirals. “Moko” or facial tattoos were used primarily as a form of identification. They believed that when someone died their true identity would shine through the tattoo.
Celtic Tribal Tattoos
Although the people from the Celtic tribes have almost all disappeared their cultural influences are still a part of our art forms and music. Celtic tattoos are comprised primarily of intertwining geometric lines, knots, and spirals. In some instances the lines themselves are shaped to form images. In other cases the outline of an image is filled with Celtic designs. Celtic designs are very popular now and come in many different variations.
Native American Tribal Tattoos
Native Americans also applied and wore tattoos. Warriors would wear tattoos as a badge of honor to represent their strength and courage. They usually wore tattoos of animals (primarily predators) which represented their masculinity and virility. They believed that a portion of the animal’s strength would be given to the wearer after the design was applied to the skin.
Polynesian Tribal Tattoos
Many believe that the Polynesians are responsible for the introduction of applying artistic scenes onto the body. Their tattoos usually illustrated meaningful events in the life of the wearer or perhaps his social status. In some instances the bodies of tribe members were almost entirely covered in tattoos.
Here are some examples of lower back tribal tattoos:
Different Types of Free Tattoo Patterns
Posted by: | CommentsThere are thousands of free tattoo patterns available online. Before you start searching, decide which type of tattoo you’re interested in. The list below provides descriptions of the most popular types of tattoos:
Abstract Patterns
Abstract tattoos tend to covers lots of body space and convey an overall love of the art of tattooing more than anything. They may have a common theme or uniformity. They often have more meaning for the wearer than the viewer.
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Honor or Dedication Tattoos
These tatoo patterns tend to be associated with emotional messages. For example, heart tattoos, American flag tattoos, and military tattoos fall into this category. Tattoos of a loved one’s name fall into the dedication category as well.
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Realistic or Natural Tattoos
Realistic and natural tattoos are those that attempt to portray a realistic imaging of forms taken from nature. These tattoos usually include lots of detailing and shading. The perspective is designed so the image looks as realistic as possible.
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Simple Tattoo Patterns
Tattoos that fall into this category are flowers, animals, or cartoon characters. In general, the images may be somewhat stylized but shading is usually not involved. These tattoos are fairly straightforward and have clean, simple lines.
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Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos represent the most requested tattoo design. Ones to look for are Polynesian, Haida, Native American, and Maori. This category covers thousands of different subcategories, including aboriginal and indigenous. Purists believe that tribal tattoes should only be done in black ink only, because thousands of years ago black ink was the only “color” available for inking ones body. True tribal tattoos are created with a black outline with no shading or filler ink. Tribal tattoos have become very popular these days, especially amongst celebrities. The most common areas to place tribal tattoos are the arms and the back. Placing the tattoo on the ankle is also popular.
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It’s important to do some research before you go to an ink shop to get a tattoo.
The Popularity of Lower Back Tattoos
Posted by: | CommentsSometime in the 1990s getting lower back tattoos became popular, especially amongst women in the 18 to 25 year old category. It’s guessed that nearly 20% of the women that have tattoos opt to get them on their lower backs. Lower back tattoos are usually fairly wide in shape, and span both sides of the lower back. The lower back is usually chosen for the site of a tattoo because it’s considered a sexy area for a woman. If the tattoo design is correctly selected and centered, it can emphasize the curvature of the female shape. You don’t usually see lower back tattoos on men. With the fashion popularity of low rider jeans and short tops, displaying one’s lower back tattoos has become even easier!
However, not all cultures embrace the popularity of lower back tattoos on women. Some cultures deem women with tattoos in that area to have lower moral standards. In Australia for example, lower back tattoos on women have been given the slang name “arse antlers.” In some parts of America these tattoos are called “tramp stamps”. In towns that border Mexico they’re sometimes referred to as “Tijuana License Plates.”
Why to Choose Lower Back Tattoos
There are several reasons why the lower back is often chosen to display tattoos. For one, the lower back has a lot of horizontal space, which makes it a nice area for showcasing fairly wide tattoos. Women of all sizes can get tattoos in this area. The lower back can accommodate tattoo designs of different types and look very attractive. Usually, tattoos in the lower back area follow this pattern, i.e., narrow on each side and larger (or fuller) in the middle. Here are some free lower back tattoos examples:
Additionally, tattoos located in the lower back area can easily be covered up. They aren’t as easily visible as those on the next, hands, or arms, so they don’t pose a concern for those seeking employment in more conservative environments or public settings.
Also, if the tattoo wearer gains or loses weight, the chance that the tattoo design may become distorted or “faded” is decreased.
However, there are some other issues you should consider before getting a tattoo in the lower back area. The most prevalent issue is pain. If you are someone that already suffers from lower back pain, do you really want to have someone poke a needle into that area? Also, people with lower back pain often find it painful to lie on their stomach for long periods of time. Getting a lower back tattoo can take hours to complete depending on the complexity of the design. This also makes them fairly expensive because of the size of the design.
Lower Back Tattoo Safety Concerns
Some practitioners warn against administering epidurals to pregnant women with lower back tattoos because they believe there is a risk of infection or they believe some of the tattoo ink could be introduced into the epidural space. As such, some anesthesiologists may give an epidural block to women in labor that have lower back tattoos. It is important to note that there have been no studies linking tattoo wearers to delivery complications but women may want to err on the side of caution. Pregnant women with lower back tattoos should discuss these issues with their doctors.
When properly (symmetrically) drawn and inked, lower back tattoos can be very sexy and stylish on women and can last for many years. However, as with any tattoo, consider how you’ll feel about it when you’re much older!
Several celebrities have lower back tattoos. Here are a few to check out:
Angelina Jolie
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Dave Navarro
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Eva Longoria
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For more information on lower back tattoos and to see additional photos of designs see the articles below:
Historical and Modern Use of Tattoos
Posted by: | CommentsThroughout history tattoos have been used to symbolize one’s pledge of love, protection (talismans and amulets), virility and sexual prowess, religious and spiritual beliefs, symbols of rank or status, and punishment. The meanings of tattoos vary amongst different cultures and throughout different parts of the world.
More recently people get tattoos for cosmetic, magical, or sentimental reasons. Think of the number of celebrities that get tattoos that spell out the name of their spouse or significant other! Another recent trend is to get tattoos that indicate one’s association with a criminal organization, like a gang. And, in some cultures tattoos provide a link to one’s heritage, tribe, or ethnicity.
During World War II some Jews were forcibly tattooed with identification numbers while in concentration camps. Some Jews still wear those tattoos as a symbol of their struggle during that tragic time.
On some college campuses fraternity or sorority students get their greek symbols tattooed onto their bodies as a way of expressing their lifelong devotion to upholding the tenants of their fraternity or sorority.
Recent technology has made it easy to use tattoo techniques to replace traditional cosmetics. For example, some women get their eyebrows tattooed. Eyes can also be tattooed to remove the need for eyeliner. Dark moles can be covered by getting a tattoo the same color as one’s skin pigment. You can even get your lips permanently tattooed!