CHERRY BLOSSOM TATTOOS - What Do They Mean

Photo by mytat_2s

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently.  The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied.  In both Japanese and Chinese cultures, the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance.  Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold.

After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance.  Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one.  So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life.  Instead, if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways.  Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese, the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power.  Typically it represents feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance.  Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese, the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese, the cherry blossom holds a very different meaning.  The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time.  For the Japanese, this represents the transience of life.  This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory.  The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either.  It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to fallen cherry blossom and snow.  This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in the battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom are very significant and powerful at the same time.  It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what you personally believe the cherry blossom represents.  If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo.  However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Chris is an avid tattoo enthusiast, as well as an observer and writer of the tattoo scene.  He has run numerous tattoo related website business in the past.  However, now he provides great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy free.  Check out this page for more on tattoo sleeve designs, or here for awesome Free Star Tattoo Designs.

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Customize Your FLOWER TATTOO

Photo  by Shannon Archuleta

A flower tattoo is a common theme for women. Such a body art can be unique, colorful and can add an element of beauty to a woman's body.

Each of these factors contributes to the overwhelming majority of women who choose to get a flower for their skin design. There are many different color variations in tattoo ink, so the possibilities are endless.

Women typically prefer the flower tattoo since the flower is a decidedly feminine image. There are several different ways that the flower can be integrated into other tattoos, or it can stand alone as striking and meaningful body art.

The ability to have the skin design colored in exactly the way that you want really gives those who want such a body art the opportunity to express their individuality and personal tastes.

Many people find a great deal of satisfaction in creating their own tattoo design. A flower tattoo is a great centerpiece for a custom-designed body art because it has so many color possibilities and options.

If a new one is designed to be used as a memorial for someone who died, or as a reminder of an event like an anniversary, a specific flower within the context of the body art will serve to evoke the memory or emotion that you wish to recall.

A flower tattoo also provides many opportunities for people to make a statement about who they are. Some may decide that they want to design on their skin the flower of their birth month on themselves, while others may choose to tattoo the flowers that they carried in their wedding bouquet.

Every girl has a favorite flower, and some choose to have those tattooed just to make a statement about who they are and what they like. Since originality is important to many who choose to get tattoos, a flower is a great option since there is such a wide range of possibilities.

Recently, back tattoos have become very popular among women. A flower or a floral design is ideal to put on your lower back. A flower in this location can bring an air of femininity and can make a girl feel like she has something pretty on her back.

Many women state that they have a better self-image of their bodies when they have something pretty like a flower tattooed on it.

Regardless of where you have it, the flower tattoo will remain one of the most common tattoos. It is timeless, socially acceptable, and beautiful. Many women who get flower tattoos get them as their first.

Once they get comfortable with the idea of a skin design and they see the positive reactions that come from their flower tattoo, they become a little bolder with the designs and subject matter of their future tattoos.

Such a body art can be a great introductory skin design and serves as a stepping-stone for many people.

By Mike Ramidden - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Do I Dare To Call It TATTOO ART?

A tattoo artist at work during Ink Bomb 2011 in Seoul, South Korea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. In fact, I remember my kindergarten teacher sending home notes to my parents telling them how much I excelled in all areas connected with art. She told them that I had great potential to be a wonderful artist. So it was only natural when I decided to attend university to study art and when I was hired by a magazine to run their art department. One of the most fascinating assignments I have had so far is to visit various tattoo shops in order to write a piece about tattoo art for our magazine.

I was a little bit hesitant to work on this project because my goal was to get a well-rounded picture of what kinds of tattoo art are popular right now and to figure out the main reasons why people are rushing to get tattoo art on various places of their bodies. My main problem was that I had never really considered tattoos art. So I struggled over how I was supposed to write a piece about "tattoo art" when I didn't agree that it was true art.

During the project, my photographer and I spent time in ten different tattoo art shops. We interviewed each owner, several tattoo artists at each shop, and various customers at each place we went. My photographer did several formal and informal photo shoots to get enough photos of tattoo art for our piece. I was honestly amazed at what I discovered as I worked on this piece. I learned that tattoo art really is an art. I learned that it is much more detailed, intricate and sometimes beautiful than I ever expected it to be.

I changed my mind about tattoo art primarily as I discussed the profession with the tattoo artist themselves. They had the most fascinating stories of how hey learned to do tattoo art and of why they desired to do it in the first place. They shared lifelong dreams of getting to make the human body more beautiful and of their years struggling through various art and drawing classes to perfect their abilities to design tattoo art.

The whole process of someone receiving tattoo art on their body is much more complicated than I ever imagined. In fact, by the time I finished my piece I had nothing but respect and admiration for everything involved in the process of making tattoo art a reality for people.

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Does TATTOO REMOVAL CREAMS Work?

Back tattoo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The opinion on tattoo removal creams is as varied as tattoos themselves. With mixed results, fake and working products its difficult to decide what products you should invest your money in.

What the Experts Say

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in skin conditions, care and the hundreds of disorders that affect the skin. Upon completion of their degree then study for numerous year more to become an expert in skin care.

Dermatologists have been known to report a mixed opinion of tattoo removal creams throughout the years, this makes it hard for the public to achieve any degree of certainty about the consistency of tattoo removal creams. Support from industry professionals would give consumers the faith and trust needed in this pain-free method of removal. It reveals a lot about this type of product when this backing is lacking. You would expect the producers of these companies to actively seek out this support, it seems like common sense to me.

It is possible however to find numerous medical experts stating that there is no evidence that tattoo removal creams work at all and at best, all these creams manage to achieve is slight lightening or fading of the tattoo. What's more skin irritation and other reactions are possible.

Developments in the tattoo removal cream field have seen a ray of hope for those wanting to remove unwanted ink. A good number of the latest products are beginning to seek out this all-important medical backing. One or two of the latest products are only available from established clinics and medically qualified personnel, all helping to support their legitimacy. Just remember when you find a product on the web, make sure ay doctors providing medical support, exist and have recognized medical degrees.

Can I trust Testimonials?

Nearly every product available today has lists of customers all too eager to shout about how good the product is and how it changed their life. But are these testimonials credible? Annoyingly this is one snippet of all important information that we will never be able to find out. Customers will not leave contact numbers, email address or any sort of details that allow you to verify they exist. On the reverse, any negative comments left about these products, however rare they always seem to be maybe planted by competing companies. This is one area where you have to be very careful. Be sure to take a good look around and check for inconsistencies. It is often very easy to tell when a selection of testimonials has been quickly added to a site.

Are the photographs of Results Real?

Generally, no, it is vital you examine a number of things when looking how real these photographs are. More often than not they show photos showing results from three, six and nine month periods. These photos generally show a picture of a tattoo faded to a greater extent each time. Let me tell you to know the majority of these photos are not real; they are edited with computer software. The pictures for every month are conveniently identical, but the tattoo is faded. What are the chances that they could take the exact same photo of the tattoo each time?

In these photo's, before being willing to believe them, take a good look at the people's hair and other features. Make sure they have moved or grown or something to establish time has actually passed. Some sites provide very good quality fakes while others the real thing. I saw one a short while back with video footage, an excellent method to show how these creams really work. Try emailing merchants for this sort of information before purchasing. It could save you money.

Can I trust the scientific evidence?

Many sites provide scientific backing for their tattoo removal creams. Be very careful when reading this information. Be sure to check the quality of surveys and test done on these products and who by. Only trust these tests when they have been carried out by independent medical researchers. Ensure they are double-blind, this means neither the participants or anybody involved in the testing are in anyway affiliated with the company producing the product. I know of multiple products who provide this evidence. All of them very credible companies with professional websites. When selecting your tattoo removal cream make sure you look for these features.

These tests will always have published results so be sure to follow these up before opening yourself up to be taken for a fool.

Overall the majority of tattoo removal creams out there are horrible scams and will do nothing more than slightly fade your tattoo. Do not be put off, however. Working creams are out there, its just a case of digging through all the garbage first.

Written by Chris Ferlong - Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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ED HARDY

Photo: Wikipedia

Don Ed Hardy, fondly known as the "The Godfather of Modern Tattoo", has undoubtedly revolutionized the way the world sees Tattoo Art. Over a decade ago, Tattoo Art seemed fit only for the skin of bikers and tough guys, but that is certainly no longer the case. Don Ed Hardy started out his career using traditional methods of painting before he became a Tattoo artist, and with the initiative of the impressive Frenchman Christian Audigier, Don Ed Hardy's art is much sought after.

Don Ed Hardy was born in Iowa in 1945, but he and his family moved to Costa Mesa, California less than a year after he was born. He is known to be the first American tattoo artist to incorporate Japanese aesthetics and techniques to his designs. His love for tattooing was evident, even as a little boy. He would copy and design his own fake tattoos. It was only during his high school years that his interest in tattoo art took a backseat to his love for Kustom Kulture.

After high school, he received his degree in printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute and worked for several tattoo shops later accepting an invitation to study the art of Japanese Tattooing, a move that has undoubtedly affected his art. Upon his return to America, he worked for another tattoo studio before opening his own - Realistic.

Ed Hardy and his wife are responsible for several tattoo publications notable for their quality. He has been concentrating on non-tattoo based art forms and opened Tattoo City, which is a multi-artist tattoo studio.

With the help of Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy has become a household name that is no longer singly denoted to tattoos. Christian Audigier, brilliant in his own right, is accredited as the man who brought tattoo art into the world of fashion. What Christian did for Ed Hardy's art is comparable to what Tamara Mellon did for Jimmy Choo. You cannot go anywhere nowadays without running into a tattoo art embellished article ranging from Trucker Caps to watches and the Ed Hardy Brand is foremost in this field. Ed HardyTrucker Caps and shirts are the most notable in the clothing line with fans ranging from Ashton to Madonna.

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About TATTOO

Tattoo shop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More recently, however, there has been a revival in anchor tattoos and there are many new designs that are full of brilliant colors and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a revival in more traditional tattoos.

As always history, symbolism and meaning provide an interesting overlap of cultures and times. If you are thinking about getting an anchor tattoo it helps to know the background on them and do some research to find out the different meaning and symbolism of anchor tattoos. Some common designs in ankle tattoos are a tribal symbol, a floral arrangement or an initial. An ankle tattoo can be small enough that it isn't noticeable unless the person is very close. Many professional women choose this type of tattoo because it isn't overbearing and at the same time it allows them to carry something personal on their bodies always.

Once you have decided on a design and coloring for your ankle tattoos you'll want to visit a reputable establishment that does tattoos. Looking through the yellow pages is one route but if you know anyone who has a tattoo you should ask them about their experience. Quite often they'll be happy to share with you and they may recommend a place for you to visit. After deciding on a tattoo parlor you'll want to discuss with the artist your concept. If you come here without a design in mind they will be able to show you a range of images that you can choose from. Most people prefer a smaller design for ankle tattoos and if the artist feels that yours is too large, they will work with you to bring it down to a scale that is more appropriate.

Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin, and so there is going to be some pain involved, no matter how small the tattoo and no matter where it is on your body. The amount and type of pain experienced is highly variable depending on each individual's tolerance to and acceptance of pain. While tattooing, the needles puncture the skin at a very fast rate and at a variable depth. The outline is usually the most painful work because the needles are being used to create a nice solid black line that will define the tattoo, and so it is inserted deeply and carefully to ensure complete and effective coverage. The shading is usually not as painful, but this also depends upon the depth of penetration and the desired effect.

The pain you feel is generally as a slight burning or hot scratching sensation. Generally, the tattoo is more painful if applied to areas of the body where there are less muscle and fatty tissue covering bone, like wrists, ankles, chests, and other normally sensitive body areas. Upper arms are usually the least painful, while the ankles and sternum can be quite sensitive.

The tattoo pain is certainly not unbearable, here are some tips for coping with and minimizing the pain:

Find a reputable tattooist that you feel comfortable with to get the tattoo work done, the confidence you get from a tattooist can minimize your pain to the highest. Don't show up drunk or on drugs.

Go in with some determination and accept the fact that a few hours of discomfort without giving the tattooist a hard time will help ensure that you get a first-rate tattoo. If you feel you can't take the pain anymore, tell your tattooist. Take a short break, or come back in a few days. Tattoos don't have to be applied all in one sitting. Break up your session if needed. Listen to music or let your imagination go wild during the procedure, a certain degree of distraction set by your self will help you put less concentration on the pain.

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BODY ART: It's Cool To Be Safe

piercings and tattoos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It may seem like a cool idea to use your body as a medium for artistic expression.  Body art has become the “in” thing to do among today's generation, young and old alike.  One cannot walk down the street, go to the mall, or watch TV without seeing somebody with a tattoo on the arms, nape, navel, ankle or piercings in the ears, lips, nostrils, eyebrows, belly buttons, tongues, and cheeks.  Piercings can now be done on just about any part of the body.

But before you think of getting one for yourself to ride on the bandwagon of being “cool” --- you might want to know first how safe it is and the things you need to be aware of if you do decide to have one.  A tattoo or piercing may take only a few minutes or hours to acquire but may cause possible risks of bacterial infections which may lead to long-term medical conditions.  Getting a tattoo should not lead to health complications and lifetime of regret.

So here are a few short notes on some of the more popular types of body art:

Body Art

Body art is considered an extension of performing arts where the artist makes use of his or her own body for the purpose of artistic expression.  Body art comes in different forms, the most common of which are tattoos and body piercings. Other types of body art are called scarification, branding, “scalpelling”, shaping, full body tattoo and body painting.

Tattoos

A tattoo, also known as dermal pigmentation, is a permanent mark or design made on the skin by inserting pigments through pricks into the skin's top layer for decorative purposes.  The procedure entails repeated piercing of a needle into the skin.  With every puncture of the needle that is connected to a small machine with tubes containing dye, it injects ink droplets into the skin.  There is a small amount of bleeding involved in this process which may last for several hours depending on the size of the tattoo design.  The process may cause slight to moderate pain.

The skin acts as the human body's main protective barrier.  Getting a tattoo puts a person at high risk of skin infections, allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases, skin disorders, as well as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) complications.

After getting a tattoo, healing usually takes several days.  When it becomes itchy, avoid picking at scabs.  It may increase the risk of bacterial infections and can also damage the design.

Some people may decide to have their tattoos removed when the design becomes faded or when the design no longer appeals to them.  However, complete removal may be very difficult as tattoos are intended to be permanent marks.  Though there are many tattoo removal techniques nowadays, scarring and skin discoloration are likely to be left on the skin.

Body Piercing

Body piercing is the insertion of jewelry into any parts of the human body.  Body piercing poses certain risks similar to those when you get a tattoo. However, modern improvements in safety procedures and equipment have made earlobe piercing very popular as it is generally less risky than other body piercings.

Traditional body piercing is done with no anesthesia and, as such, is a painful experience.   But modern techniques in earlobes-piercing make safe use of ear piercing gun with sterilized, disposable cartridges. This single-use piercing device or gun includes one earring stud and clasp and comes in individually wrapped sterile packages.

For other body piercings, a hollow needle is pushed through a body part to insert a piece of jewelry into the hole.  The use of a reusable piercing gun for these types of piercings can put a person at risk for bacterial infections.  These devices are difficult to sterilize and can easily damage the skin.

Choosing a reputable piercing and tattoo studio minimizes your chance of getting complications.  These establishments employ trained and licensed tattoo and piercing artists.  You can be assured of quality service as well as a clean environment.  Remember, anytime the skin is punctured, there is a risk of skin infection.  More than just getting an intricately designed tattoo or sporting that diamond-studded nose piercing, it's important to know that it's cool to be safe.

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What to Expect When You Get Your TATTOO

Marc Pinto drawing a design on a client at the Singapore Tattoo Show 2010.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To many people, tattoos are exotic and daring things to get into.  It's such a huge decision as the design, whatever it may be, will be permanent.  Not only might this seem daunting but the actual process of getting a tattoo can be frightening to those who have never experienced it.

Most people know that tattoos are created with a needle that delivers ink into the skin through the use of a special tattoo gun or machine.  Beyond that, many are clueless as to how the procedure might actually carry on.  It is important to realize that every tattoo artist and parlor vary in their techniques.

The first thing to be prepared for is choosing a design.  If you have a copy of something, in particular, be prepared to discuss it with your tattoo artist.  He or she may be able to make recommendations to make the image look its best on your skin.

If you do not already have a design, the tattoo artist can assist you.  The design will depend on where you want the tattoo on your body and if you prefer all one color or multiple colors. The tattoo artist can assist with making decisions based on your personality, size preference for that tattoo and the aesthetics of the design.

Once the design has been decided upon, the tattoo artist creates a stencil.  This stencil is laid out on the skin and traced.  Some artists will draw the stencil straight on the skin freehanded.  The general design can be visualized at this point on the skin.

When the design is decided upon, the tattoo process begins.  This is where things can start to change a bit.  Depending on the location where the tattoo will end up, the customer is typically seated in a position as comfortable as possible to make for easy access to the skin by the tattoo artist.  Obviously, the sitting position will vary accordingly.

The time frame is another variance.  As is easily guessed extravagant, intricate and very large tattoos will take a longer amount of time than a smaller, simpler design.  Tattoos that are excessively large, such as designs covering the entire back often require repeat visits to the tattoo parlor.

Generally, for an easy and small tattoo of one color, one can typically expect it to take about an hour or less for the design.  Some can take as little as thirty minutes.  If there are a lot of color changes or intricacies the amount of time will increase.

Price can vary depending on the geographical location of the tattoo parlor.  Other factors that are reflected in the price include the size of the tattoo, difficulty and color variations.  Many parlors charge by the hour with a general range of between $40 - $150 per hour, again depending on location and the design.  For very large tattoos, prices might change accordingly switching from a per-hour fee to a set fee for the entire process.

Once the design is finished, expect to be taught how to care for the tattoo afterward.  It may be dressed in a bandage that will need proper care for the days following.  The tattoo artist will discuss all aftercare instructions with the customer prior to letting them leave the parlor.

Getting a tattoo can seem a lot less daunting when you know what to expect.  Getting to know your tattoo artist can help one feel more at ease with the whole procedure.  Meeting the staff beforehand might also go along way to ensure comfort with those working around you.

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Aries Ram TATTOO DESIGNS

There are thousands of people looking for Aries tattoo designs online. Well, those who were born in parts of March and April anyway. With that said, it can be hard to find the truly superb artwork for this wonderful niche. I am sure you have tried to use a search-engine (which is not a good idea) and haven't come up with much. Here is how you can find the perfect zodiac tattoos for your tastes.

I want to start with a critical point about using a search engine. When you use one to find any Aries tattoo designs, you are probably being led to the hundreds of generic galleries out there that have nothing but the same cookie cutter images that most people try to stay away from. You wouldn't believe how many men and women end up settling on this bland artwork, simply because that is all they could find! It's crazy to think that people are getting images tattooed that they don't fully like, but it's true. Search-engines are the number one reason this happens so often, so I want to tell you about an alternative solution to looking for good Aries tattoo designs.

It starts with you closing down Google and opening up internet forums to look for your Aries tattoo designs. You can actually use search-engines if you want to find the many huge forums out there (they are at least good for that!) This is where you will find tons of topics dealing with tattoos. The great thing about forums is that artwork for tattoos happens to be a gigantic subject, which many people follow. You better believe you will be able to find tons of links to the hidden galleries out there that probably have a lot of good Aries tattoo designs for you.

I don't know why search-engines tend to leave the good galleries out, but at least you can rely on forums to find the galleries that have great Aries tattoo designs. It's just a simple solution to a growing problem of finding quality zodiac artwork on the web.

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TATTOO Stenciling

Tattooing in process. Artist: Damien Bart of Bruce Bart Tattooing. Model: Cary Bass. Photographer: Michael Deschenes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In order to make sure your tattoo is transferred onto your body correctly, a stencil is made from the design you want. Most tattoo artists are very good about having you look it over for details. They want to make sure you are going to be pleased with their finished work and this is where that starts. If you aren’t sure where you want the tattoo to be they can place that stencil on your body with tape to various locations. You can then look in a mirror and decide where you want it to be.

If you want one of the tattoos that a gallery has in a book they can easily make that into a tattoo stencil for you. If you want something customized then they will need more time to get the stencil made. This is why they will likely charge you more money for a customized tattoo than one that they have an image for already. Some of the tattoo parlors have what looks like a copy machine. They insert the drawing and it makes a stencil for them.

Once you have agreed to the look of the tattoo stencil it is time for the work to begin. To transfer the image to your body the stencil is either moistened or clear deodorant is placed on the body. The tattoo stencil is rubbed into place like you would with a temporary tattoo. It is held in place for a few minutes to allow for the entire image to successfully transfer onto your body.

With the process of tattoo stenciling, you don’t have to worry about your image not looking professional. Since a tattoo is permanent on your body you want to make sure it looks every bit as lovely as it possibly can. You don’t want to regret getting it later on. Too many people don’t speak up though when they are shown the tattoo stencil. They don’t want to hurt the feelings of the artist. Keep in mind that they are professionals and they want to do a good job for you. Since you are paying for the tattoo it needs to be 100% exactly what you want it to look like.

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Psychology And TATTOOS

Photo by Binder.donedat 

In today’s society, a lot of people tend to misjudge tattoos.  A lot of people who see someone with a lot of tattoos will automatically think negative thoughts.  Those who have tattoos are just like anyone else – except for the fact that they wish to stand out and broadcast who they are, simply because they have a strong sense of who they are.  Those with tattoos aren’t afraid to show them, as they put them on their body to let others know who they are and what they are about.

Most who decide to look into the psychology of those with tattoos seem to associate them with criminals and study them like they are common rats in the cage.  Contrary to this opinion that many experts have, those who have tattoos aren’t in any type of cage.  Instead, they are out there expressing their freedom.  Whether they are going by what they believe, showing that they belong to a certain group or clan, or paying homage to the dearly departed – there are always meanings behind tattoos.

The psychologist who studies those with tattoos will normally try to get into their frame of mind, which is hard to do.  For hundreds of years, tattoos have always been a question from a psychological standpoint, with most people associating tattoos in the past with criminals.  Even though criminals may have tattoos, there are just as many if not more people out there who are some of the friendliest people in the world who have them as well.

To look at tattoos from a psychological standpoint can sometimes be hypocritical.  Although those who don’t have tattoos will try and figure out why someone would want them, it can still be considered a psychological point of view.  Those who have tattoos had a reason for getting them, or they wouldn’t have got them in the first place.

No matter where you look these days it’s a common thing to see someone with at least one tattoo.  This doesn’t mean that society is dwindling in any way, nor does it mean that mankind is becoming a bunch of clones following after one leader.  Tattoos have built their own reputation over the years, gaining in popularity.  Over the years more and more people have decided to get them – which only goes to show the phenomenon that is tattoos.

When you decide to look at the psychology of tattoos, you must first understand some of the meanings.  A tattoo can tell you a lot about the individual and his past.  Although some tattoos may be a bit frightening, that individual may have got the tattoos in his past and turn out to be nothing like that now.  Like others out there – the tattoos that were obtained in the past may be left as a reminder for the future.

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The Fascination of the Design TATTOO

Photo by Binder.donedat 

Tattoos are still gaining in popularity. The design tattoos are more radical than ever before and so are the spots they are placed on. The number of people with a tattoo is still growing exponential and they are not the “simple and early” design tattoos like you saw in the 80’s or 90’s. A simple anchor or rose or maybe a bird tattoo which was placed on a lower or upper arm where great in those days. The modern tattoo; the design tattoo is used for people to express themselves.

There’s a shift taking place; today’s design tattoo is used as a statement. It has become a symbol of attraction and people with the masterpieces steal the show. Tattoos vary from different sizes and shapes; it can be done on any part of your body including toes, ears and even eyes. Today’s design tattoos are used to get attention in the mass.

Nowadays people see the tattoo as a beautiful ornament that is permanently drawn on their body. Of course, we should face the fact; we want tattoos because, at the end of the day, they just look good. There are many people who never got a tattoo at the young age and decided to have one in their 40s and even 50s. Now they have significance and meaning associated with the art. People who want to have tattoos can broadly be categorized into two groups. The first being the group of those people who desire to have a tattoo because it holds some personal meaning to them, and those who want to have one because everyone else has one.

Design tattoos mean different things in different cultures. In some cultures, tattooing is a way to decorate once the body and is it in many countries like India a very common art and is it often a part of a religious tradition. Tattooing is in many cultures still a natural part of men’s life and art. Tattoo designs in the Japanese culture are inspired by paintings and drawings. Japanese symbols are rapidly gaining in popularity.

But it’s very essential to know the meaning of the character you desire to have on your body forever. Some people end up getting a tattoo which implies the total opposite of what they intended. Many young people get fascinated by the beauty of the characters but fail to understand the true meaning of it.

Tattooing is an art form and today’s design tattoos mean more than just being “cool”.

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Men and Women TATTOO Design Ideas

Photo   by torbakhopper 

Do you find it hard to decipher which design is best for you? That is why it is highly advisable for one to ponder on the idea over and over again as well as to go over a collection of designs before finally deciding on anything. More so, the tattoo artists are also fond of presenting you with other choices.

Take note that you are the one who is having it inked on your skin and therefore, it is your own call. Hence, it follows that you look for your prospect tattoo design ideas, trims down your list, and then finalize your decision.

Men vs. Women's Ideas

It is but natural for the men to have a different choice over the women. Most of the men are likely to prefer the designs that spell masculinity whereas the women are more into the pretty and dainty concepts. After all, the choice of a tattoo design comes with the sense of expression.

As it goes, many men profess their undying love for their girlfriends or wives by employing a tattoo with their names on the heart designs. Some of them even extend their efforts of coming up with personalized and creative designs.

Many people agree at one point and that is to refrain from having these tattoo designs inked on their skin as there is a large possibility for the relationship to go on the rocks and then end up for nothing. A tattoo can only be removed by undergoing a surgical procedure, so to speak.

For the women, the most common choices include the tiny and interesting feminine designs of hearts, flowers, and butterflies, to name a few. They also love having them on their hips, leg, shoulder, lower back, and ankle. They are also easier to hide.

Photo  by Parker Knight 

So much more, the tattoo is something that can be very personal. It is oftentimes thought of as a reflection of the person's personality and also a way of showing off something that is very dear to him or her.

It is necessary to take note that there is nothing such as a universal tattoo for men or for women. It all depends on the understanding, choice, and preference of the individual. What matters most is that you should take time to browse through the catalog either online or that which is owned by the tattoo artist so that you may understand which one will best suit you.

Suggestions for Tattoo Designs

Your preference highly depends on your gender plus your style. Making up your mind may be difficult but all that you should do is to look at several prospects and finally pick out one.

For the women, the most popular choice is the butterfly design. The cross and fairy tattoos are typically used as the symbols of a person's faith. They can also be used as dainty, attractive, discreet, and sensual signs of the body. Other common selections are the flowers and rose tattoo designs.

For the men, the tribal tattoos rank as the number one choice. They mainly spell the masculinity of a person. Other popular preferences include the sleeve designs, the dragon tattoos, the lion, Celtic, eagle, and those designs that spread over the shoulder blades.

Going over the tattoo design ideas is not that hard especially if you have a clear idea in mind.

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Unique FEMALE TATTOOS

A marriageable girl. Tattooing of a Koita (New Guinea) girl who has reached a marriageable age. The decoration is begun when she is about five years old and is added to year by year as she gets older. The V-shaped marks on the chest, with certain others, are done last and are an indication that the girl is marriageable. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Instead, go for those that offer you every possible design you can think off from tribal to Egyptian to Celtic. But what exactly is Koi? These large fish are members of the carp family with one notable exception; they come in a wide array of different colors. See more on Scottish Tattoo Ideas. Their religion is very much connected with their way of life that it makes religion the most important part of an Aztec's life. Search engines won't give you 1% of the quality artwork you can find this way. Also more details on Thug Angel Tattoos and Anagram Tattoo Flash. You will want to place your lower tattoo where it will be the most flattering.

While the style is always up to you finding original well-drawn artwork usually isn't. This is both sexy and feminine. Hope you got full details on Thug Angel Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Ideas, and Free Celtic Dolphin Tattoo Designs. The lotus flower tattoo design can be used to symbolize a person's deeper persona and spiritual attributes. You don't want to get a symbol you aren't familiar with only to find out it means something which can embarrass you or insult others. Usually, men do not get lower back tattoos because they are for women. Their shape and design can easily be made into a very beautiful sleeve tattoo design.

I say this with a ton of confidence because I have witnessed first hand how much amazing inside info you can grab here. You are sure to get tons of ideas and also see more on Anagram Tattoo Flash and Thug Angel Tattoos. This wrong way is by clicking away in search engines. You just need to change your searching ways, also see more details on Anagram Tattoo Flash and Free Celtic Dolphin Tattoo Designs from our main site. That's not a cross tattoo design you want to "settle" for. Remember you don't have to settle for the free artwork you see on the internet that is plastered all over the place. See more details on Scottish Tattoo Ideas

Dragon tattoos have always remained at the top of the popularity list when it comes to tattooing. Do hope you have found more details on Anagram Tattoo Flash and Scottish Tattoo Ideas. No matter how long it takes don't settle for anything less than perfection. Traditional significance Traditions involving tribal tattoos can be found in North America most of Europe Japan Africa and the Middle East, so see more details on Anagram Tattoo Flash and Scottish Tattoo Ideas. Another great advantage of getting tattoos on your shoulders is that they tend to have a very long life. Long story short it's a sensational way to find out where tens of thousands of people have uncovered amazing artwork for their tattoos. See more on Thug Angel Tattoos and Scottish Tattoo Ideas

Kelly is an expert on Tattoo Design for over 7 years. Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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The Costs Of TATTOOS

Tattoo Artist - Photo by agentbazooka 

Once you have made the decision to get a tattoo, you’ll find yourself facing a very important task – the budget.  Tattoos have long been known to be very expensive, with the bigger ones costing up in the thousands.  Although you may be able to find some designs and studios that are within your budget, you’ll still face some very important decisions.

The cost of a tattoo is the most common question people ponder before they get a tattoo. Although they can be very expensive, they are still within your reach.  Most people who know they are getting a tattoo will save their money up.  Even though you may have an average job and don’t make a lot of money, a tattoo can still be well within your reach if you save your money up for a few months.  This way, you’ll have more than enough to spare when you finally get the tattoo you have been saving up for.

In the world of tattoos, you get what you pay for.  If you’ve got your own design that you want to be tattooed, tattoo artists will normally charge you anywhere from 30 – 250 dollars an hour.  If you want the tattoo artist to design a tattoo for you, you’ll probably end up paying more.  Depending on the size and location of the tattoo, you can easily spend thousands.  Tattoos that cover the entire back, for example, can cost you as much as fifteen thousand dollars!

The best thing to do is to find a studio and design that you like, and then look into how much it will cost you.  You should always look for the cleanest and most sanitary studio first.  Once you have found a sanitary tattoo studio, you should meet the tattoo artists and talk to them a bit to see how friendly they are.  When you look at the prices of the tattoos, you should never sacrifice quality for the price.  Even though a studio may cost you more, the quality will normally be better than other tattoo studios in the area.

Although you may be able to find a tattoo studio that will do their work for a cheap price, you should never rush into getting a tattoo strictly for the price. Even though a cheap price may sound good, the quality of the work could be lacking.  Tattoo studios that charge expensive prices normally do so because they have the best artists and the best quality work.

Once you have chosen a studio and had your tattoo done, you should always make sure to tip your artist.  If he does exceptional work, you should make it well worth his time and give him a nice tip.  Tattoo artists who do high quality work love to get tips – and they will always appreciate your business if you treat them as good as they treat you.

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Cherry Blossom TATTOO Designs & Their Meanings

Back Tattoo Cherry Blossoms  - Photo   by     mytat_2s  (cc)

You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first-timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.

Cherry Blossoms In China

The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong-willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.

It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.

Cherry Blossoms In Japan

In Japanese culture, there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry trees and the Buddhist concept of "mono no aware" which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on trees for short times before they fall to the ground.

This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may, however, make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you a renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.

Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo

While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.

Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.

You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.

Getting Your Tattoo Done

If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don't be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.

So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you've been after.

Steve Waller has been a tattoo fan for years. Check out this brand new way to find cherry blossom tattoo designs online that you can print off and take along to any tattoo artist in your area. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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