Archive for free tattoo patterns
Temporary Tattoos
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Temporary tattoos are just another form of body art like regular tattoos. These tattoos can be painted, drawn or air brushed on to the body and, as the name suggests, they are not permanent. There are many uses to these tattoos apart from just expressing oneself and creating their own identity. They are used by actors to add individuality to their characters and also for advertising purposes. Some even use them as a test (to see if they like the way it turns out) before they go for the permanent one.
The most famous among temporary tattoos are those that can be transferred on to the skin. The Fruit Stripe chewing gum is very popular among kids for this very reason. They gave away free inserts of old fashioned temporary tattoos with their gum. But these of course were poor quality temporary tattoos that can easily be rubbed or washed off.
Temporary tattoos that transfer on to the skin of today last much longer than the lick and peel tattoos of a few years ago. Today the transfer tattoos are made from Ink and glue and they typically last for at least 3 or 5 days.
Henna (otherwise known as Mehndi) is another form of temporary tattoo that is quickly becoming very popular. These tattoos have their roots in the South Asian culture. These tattoos are made by applying the paste made from the powdered leaves of the Henna plant (Lawsonia Inermis) on to the skin. The paste is left on the skin for a few hours for it to stain the skin. The tattoo gradually fades as the skin sheds. These tattoos last a few days and sometimes up to a month provided the application and aftercare are done correctly. The only flip side to these tattoos are that they only come in shades of red, brown and near black.
Temporary airbrush tattoos are another form of temporary tattoos that have been around since 1998. These are done by placing a stencil on the body and applying the ink with an airbrush, and unlike the transfer tattoo these can be controlled by the artist. These are famous because they look and feel much like a permanent tattoo! These usually last a couple of days and sometimes even a week if they are taken care of well.
The most recent innovation in this area is that of the semi-permanent tattoo. Some offer temporary tattoos that can last up to a few years! These tattoos are applied just like a permanent tattoo (with a tattoo gun) the only difference is that these tattoos are inserted close to the surface of the skin and hence fade away over time. Some other artists claim to use special inks that disperse over time.
Where to Find Tattoo Design Ideas
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Although getting a tattoo is fun, the process of finding the right one pretty much sucks the fun out of it; but it is well worth the effort!
So many of us have tattoos today that it is almost impossible to find that fresh, unique idea that no one has ever thought of before, and what’s more if you do end up finding just the tattoo, you need to love it enough to have it on you permanently. The big question is where do you find this perfect tattoo? And there is no one answer to this question.
It is way better to get a tattoo of something you are passionate about than get a tattoo design that is popular. Trends change all the time and so do our ideas of what’s “cool”. It’s quite rare that a person’s love for something will change – quite often people grow fonder of their one true passion with time (like music or cats).
Simply looking up designs may cause a great deal of confusion. If you first decide in your mind what you want then you will find that there are plenty of resources to help you adapt your idea into a tattoo. You don’t have to be a great artist – If you have the idea any tattoo artist worth his / her salt will be able to flesh it out for you.
A good practice is to keep writing them down as you get these ideas. Make sure you have quite a few to choose from, before you refer back to them and pick your winner. Sometimes you find great tattoo ideas in the most unlikely places – keep an eye out for great ideas and make a note of them (I like to take pictures of all that I like, with the camera in my phone)
Tattoo Conventions are a great source for brilliant tattoo ideas. Artists display their work at these conventions. I’ve found that looking at tattoos on a live person often gives you a better idea of what it would be like than looking at them in a magazine or online. And where else can you find a large gathering of tattooed people than in tattoo conventions?!
Of course the other options are magazines, tattoo books and online galleries. Several of these online galleries (like ours) are free and so are all reference books in the library. All you need is patience and perseverance and I promise you – you’ll find that unique design!
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.
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.
Zodiac Tattoo Designs – Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus
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Some of the most popular tattoo designs today are those of Zodiac signs and if you are thinking of getting one, its better you know what they mean – for after all, you are going to be stuck with it permanently!
The word Zodiac as it is used today comes from the Greek words z?diakos kuklos, which literally mean a ‘circle of animals’. It’s quite apparent what could’ve inspired such a terminology in ancient astronomy – almost all of the twelve symbols depict animals. Although the Zodiac remains one of the ecliptic coordinate systems used in astronomy even today, these twelve symbols and their names are mostly used in horoscopes and astrology.
Aquarius also known as the water bearer is usually represented by a couple of jagged horizontal lines. Obviously this symbolizes water waves, and is also sometimes depicted as a man pouring water from a pitcher. This sign is usually associated with the color blue. If your birthday falls on or between Jan 20th and Feb 18th, this is your sun sign. The Aquarian is said to be very independent, inventive, loyal and intuitive but also careless and eccentric.
Pisces also known as the fish is depicted by two fish swimming in opposing directions. These tattoo symbols are usually found in a soft sea green color – the color associated with the sun sign. You are a Piscean if your birthday falls on or between Feb 20th and March 20th. The Piscean is said to be very sensitive, flexible, humble and friendly but also very indecisive and unorganized. 
Aries symbolized by the ram is often depicted as the curvy horns of the ram. The color associated with this sun sign is red. You would fall under this sun sign if your birthday falls on or between March 21st and April 20th. Just like the daring and aggressive ram, those that fall under this sign are supposed to be very brave, adventurous, smart and enthusiastic but they can also be very hot tempered, egoistic and impulsive.
Taurus, also known as the bull is denoted by the title animal. The signs are usually symbolized by a circle (a round face) with a semi-circle sitting on top of the circle denoting the horns of the bull. The color most often associated with this sign is pink (surprisingly!) You fall under this sun sign if your birthday falls on or between April 21st and May 21st. Much like the animal the sign represents, these people are said to be a bit possessive, lazy and stubborn. Their good qualities however are that they are very practical, responsible and hence very reliable.