Overviews on Body Art
These books gather the whys and wherefores of body art in the writers’ or speakers’ own words. All of these books feature a broad spectrum of personal experience of what it means to participate in the world of body art.
Most tattoo books are collections of full-color images and body shots, exploring how individuals interpret what it is to be tattooed. This book has these elements, but no pictures for a change. Edited by Kim Addonizio and Cheryl Dumesnil, both tattooed, this is a written depiction of tattooing. The collection includes fiction, personal memoirs, poetry and anecdotes on the physical experience and lifestyle choice to have skin art. The title comes from the historical fact that writer Dorothy Parker had a star permanently inked on one arm.
The excerpt from Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" will be remembered as familiar and formative to many tattoo fans. Artists write about what it was like to learn to tattoo and related various ink-related adventures with a wide array of wild customers. Concentration camp survivor Paul Steinberg describes his involuntary tattoo experience. Deena Metzger's mastectomy tattoo falls at the other end of the ink spectrum as part of her chosen healing process. A definite book for the collection of those who write about tattooing, or are looking for some more historical perspective.
I got this book when it was first published by Re/Search in San Francisco, the summer of 1989. I had never explored such a diversity of differentness. I had no idea you could do so many things to one's body, or that you could pierce so many places!
Assembled from a series of interviews, this book includes "everyone who is anyone" from the birth of the modern body art movement. Tattooing, piercing, branding, cutting, it's all in here, with tons of amazing photos.
If you've read the Re/Search volume MODERN PRIMITIVES and ever wondered where everyone was going to go from there, this is the book. If you think everyone now has a tattoo or a piercing, ask yourself how many people do you know with a branding or cutting? Do any of your friends have implants? Do you think your body might be improved by amputation?
ModCon, a private convention/gathering of extreme body art enthusiasts and artists, is documented in this volume of interviews and pictures, with some material coming from the author's private collection. You will see implants, surgical alterations and every form of permanent skin art, all modifications and changes made at the wishes of the wearer. The pictures are plentiful and in full-color, sometimes CSI-intense in their level of graphic and medical detail.
As a person who has collected body art for almost twenty years now, I have seen a lot of unique people. I bought this book because it went beyond anything I have seen before. The interviews reveal an incredible array of focus and desire when it comes to why everyone is doing these things, as well as varying, and sometimes scary, degrees of will to carry out the mental vision for the physical body. If you want a book that will confront you with questions and shake up your perceptions about humans and how they view and use their bodies, this is it.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Overviews on Body Art
Most tattoo books are collections of full-color images and body shots, exploring how individuals interpret what it is to be tattooed. This book has these elements, but no pictures for a change. Edited by Kim Addonizio and Cheryl Dumesnil, both tattooed, this is a written depiction of tattooing. The collection includes fiction, personal memoirs, poetry and anecdotes on the physical experience and lifestyle choice to have skin art. The title comes from the historical fact that writer Dorothy Parker had a star permanently inked on one arm.
The excerpt from Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" will be remembered as familiar and formative to many tattoo fans. Artists write about what it was like to learn to tattoo and related various ink-related adventures with a wide array of wild customers. Concentration camp survivor Paul Steinberg describes his involuntary tattoo experience. Deena Metzger's mastectomy tattoo falls at the other end of the ink spectrum as part of her chosen healing process. A definite book for the collection of those who write about tattooing, or are looking for some more historical perspective.
The excerpt from Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" will be remembered as familiar and formative to many tattoo fans. Artists write about what it was like to learn to tattoo and related various ink-related adventures with a wide array of wild customers. Concentration camp survivor Paul Steinberg describes his involuntary tattoo experience. Deena Metzger's mastectomy tattoo falls at the other end of the ink spectrum as part of her chosen healing process. A definite book for the collection of those who write about tattooing, or are looking for some more historical perspective.
Tattoo and Body Art Histories
Most tattoo books are collections of full-color images and body shots, exploring how individuals interpret what it is to be tattooed. This book has these elements, but no pictures for a change. Edited by Kim Addonizio and Cheryl Dumesnil, both tattooed, this is a written depiction of tattooing. The collection includes fiction, personal memoirs, poetry and anecdotes on the physical experience and lifestyle choice to have skin art. The title comes from the historical fact that writer Dorothy Parker had a star permanently inked on one arm.
The excerpt from Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" will be remembered as familiar and formative to many tattoo fans. Artists write about what it was like to learn to tattoo and related various ink-related adventures with a wide array of wild customers. Concentration camp survivor Paul Steinberg describes his involuntary tattoo experience. Mastectomy survivor Deena Metzger's tattoo falls at the other end of the ink spectrum as part of her chosen healing process. There are tales of joy, sorrow, smart choices, drunken moments, good ink and bad.
The short lengths of the pieces makes reading this on transit or during those short breaks during the day easy, and the subject matter is a great distraction from the mundane. A definite book for the collection of those who write about tattooing, or are looking for some more historical perspective.
The excerpt from Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" will be remembered as familiar and formative to many tattoo fans. Artists write about what it was like to learn to tattoo and related various ink-related adventures with a wide array of wild customers. Concentration camp survivor Paul Steinberg describes his involuntary tattoo experience. Mastectomy survivor Deena Metzger's tattoo falls at the other end of the ink spectrum as part of her chosen healing process. There are tales of joy, sorrow, smart choices, drunken moments, good ink and bad.
The short lengths of the pieces makes reading this on transit or during those short breaks during the day easy, and the subject matter is a great distraction from the mundane. A definite book for the collection of those who write about tattooing, or are looking for some more historical perspective.
Tattoo Urban Legends
Parents, kids and readers, beware: the “Blue Star Tattoo” story is THE king of tattoo urban legends. Various accounts dispute the actual time and place this rumor started, but the story has been making the rounds easily since sometime during the 1970s. Flyers were the first manifestation of this story however the internet has given it new life, as the faux warning can now make the e-mail spam rounds. Some of the warnings appear quite official, sometimes being printed to look like a police report, and sometimes looking like an actual hospital or health agency press release.
As of 2003 no police or narcotics agencies have been able to verify any events of this instance actually happening EVER. And yet, with the beginning of each school year and again at Halloween time, this story can be found making the rounds again. The many reproductions of this warning on official company letterheads has made the distribution quick and pickup by the news media repeated. There are now whole web pages devoted to debunking this myth, however, the blue star tattoo lives on....
I was at a social event recently when a friend pulled me aside. She said she had taken a look at my Bella site and really liked the tattoo articles I was writing. I asked if there was anything she’d like me to write about. She asked if I could find out more about Mister Rogers’ tattoos, and said she had heard that was why he always wore long-sleeve sweaters.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Tattoo Urban Legend #2, the Mister Rogers tattoo story. Sometimes the ink is attributed to a stay in the military. Sometimes the military story comes with the elaboration that he was a sniper and each tattoo represented a kill. Nonetheless, there is a persistent rumor that Mister Rogers had seriously tattooed arms.
As cool as that might be, it is very much untrue. You will find the question posed here and there on message boards with all manner of answers, and the story certainly was revived by his passing in early 2003. However, all reports from friends and colleagues would indicate that 1) Mister Rogers was not a tattooed person and 2) his style of dress was chosen for a type of relaxed formality. Remember folks, this man was an ordained minister who worked with children: not exactly the tattooed type.
As with all rumors and stories, a little clear thought often is all that is required to separate the truth from urban legend. When it comes to tattooing, I’d stick by the line attributed to Lewis Lapham, “Seeing is believing...”
As of 2003 no police or narcotics agencies have been able to verify any events of this instance actually happening EVER. And yet, with the beginning of each school year and again at Halloween time, this story can be found making the rounds again. The many reproductions of this warning on official company letterheads has made the distribution quick and pickup by the news media repeated. There are now whole web pages devoted to debunking this myth, however, the blue star tattoo lives on....
I was at a social event recently when a friend pulled me aside. She said she had taken a look at my Bella site and really liked the tattoo articles I was writing. I asked if there was anything she’d like me to write about. She asked if I could find out more about Mister Rogers’ tattoos, and said she had heard that was why he always wore long-sleeve sweaters.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Tattoo Urban Legend #2, the Mister Rogers tattoo story. Sometimes the ink is attributed to a stay in the military. Sometimes the military story comes with the elaboration that he was a sniper and each tattoo represented a kill. Nonetheless, there is a persistent rumor that Mister Rogers had seriously tattooed arms.
As cool as that might be, it is very much untrue. You will find the question posed here and there on message boards with all manner of answers, and the story certainly was revived by his passing in early 2003. However, all reports from friends and colleagues would indicate that 1) Mister Rogers was not a tattooed person and 2) his style of dress was chosen for a type of relaxed formality. Remember folks, this man was an ordained minister who worked with children: not exactly the tattooed type.
As with all rumors and stories, a little clear thought often is all that is required to separate the truth from urban legend. When it comes to tattooing, I’d stick by the line attributed to Lewis Lapham, “Seeing is believing...”
Tattoos As Trendy Ad Gimmick
I normally don't pay attention to animated banner ads on the internet sites I visit but this one caught my eye. It showed a flexed arm, with a tattoo machine moving in space without anyone holding it, tattooing the bicep. The message it was tattooing was about housing mortgage rates.
If you ever wondered if there was a clear sign that tattooing was firmly established as part of the mainstream, there you go, that's it! Tattooing is so well-known and so popular to the main demographic that mortgage companies are courting to get as customers, they are using tattoos to sell house loans, two things that would otherwise be utterly unconnected. Since owning a house has always been considered pretty cool, you can now presume that they aren't the offensive sign of the criminal element that they once were.
Actually tattoos are being used heavily to advertise otherwise up-market goods to the main buying demographic and the generation that's just behind that one. Another good internet sign of this trend is current Cadillac car ad running on many web sites that features +44 drummer Travis Barker. In his early 30s, he's a top musician and celebrity personality. He's richer than most folks his own age and he owns a whole stable of Cadillacs. He's also almost entirely covered in tattoos. The largest blank spot on his body is his face. People with that much money don't usually have that many tattoos, and folks with that many tattoos don't usually buy Cadillacs, but someone in marketing figured it would be a hip new way to cross the two markets and make it clear that to be über-cool, you have to be both tattooed and own a Cadillac.
Cigarette companies have had their ability to advertise heavily curtailed in recent years. Some recent Camel cigarette ads I've seen are drawn to look like tattoo flash. This plays directly to images that are heavily popular with the 18-35 demographic, when by default makes them popular to the under 18 demographic. As teenagers crave everything that is just out of their legal reach, ads that pitch to the 20-somethings have incredible appeal to teens built into them, to make sure there is brand awareness in that market. Undoubtedly, these tattoo cigarette ads are being noticed and having an effect on the underage market.
The same might be said for the branding of Captain Morgan rum with a "tattoo" variation flavor. Rum isn't necessarily a first choice for young people, but the ability of rum to mix well and it's sugary taste makes it prime as something to get younger drinkers who are usually used to beer into mixed cocktails. Since shots and mixed drinks bring in a higher profit at bars, pushing them via campaigns designed to make subtle variations seem "in" and "cool" is really the goal of adding tattoos or tattoo-branding to products
If you ever wondered if there was a clear sign that tattooing was firmly established as part of the mainstream, there you go, that's it! Tattooing is so well-known and so popular to the main demographic that mortgage companies are courting to get as customers, they are using tattoos to sell house loans, two things that would otherwise be utterly unconnected. Since owning a house has always been considered pretty cool, you can now presume that they aren't the offensive sign of the criminal element that they once were.
Actually tattoos are being used heavily to advertise otherwise up-market goods to the main buying demographic and the generation that's just behind that one. Another good internet sign of this trend is current Cadillac car ad running on many web sites that features +44 drummer Travis Barker. In his early 30s, he's a top musician and celebrity personality. He's richer than most folks his own age and he owns a whole stable of Cadillacs. He's also almost entirely covered in tattoos. The largest blank spot on his body is his face. People with that much money don't usually have that many tattoos, and folks with that many tattoos don't usually buy Cadillacs, but someone in marketing figured it would be a hip new way to cross the two markets and make it clear that to be über-cool, you have to be both tattooed and own a Cadillac.
Cigarette companies have had their ability to advertise heavily curtailed in recent years. Some recent Camel cigarette ads I've seen are drawn to look like tattoo flash. This plays directly to images that are heavily popular with the 18-35 demographic, when by default makes them popular to the under 18 demographic. As teenagers crave everything that is just out of their legal reach, ads that pitch to the 20-somethings have incredible appeal to teens built into them, to make sure there is brand awareness in that market. Undoubtedly, these tattoo cigarette ads are being noticed and having an effect on the underage market.
The same might be said for the branding of Captain Morgan rum with a "tattoo" variation flavor. Rum isn't necessarily a first choice for young people, but the ability of rum to mix well and it's sugary taste makes it prime as something to get younger drinkers who are usually used to beer into mixed cocktails. Since shots and mixed drinks bring in a higher profit at bars, pushing them via campaigns designed to make subtle variations seem "in" and "cool" is really the goal of adding tattoos or tattoo-branding to products
Tattoos in the Military
In their last recruiting year, the US Military announced revisions on their policy towards tattoos on new recruits, firming up guidelines for what imagery and placement were and were not acceptable. The policy was more restrictive than previously. However, with military recruiters having missed making their recruiting goals last year (their fiscal year ended Oct 1, 2005), the Army has just revised the guidelines, announcing some slight changes at the end of March 2006.
Policies were set that banned any tattooing or branding that was on the face, head or neck, such as would be visible when wearing a standard uniform. However, modifications classified as permanent makeup are now to be allowed. These tattoos are of a narrow category, essentially indelible lip-liner or eyeliner, or tattoos which realistically replicate eyebrows. When done in a fashion that seeks to replicate natural human features, and which follow conventional mainstream aesthetics, facial tattoos will be permitted. Tattoos on the hands are conditionally permitted, barring they do not violate rules concerning symbolism.
What the tattoo shows, that is to say, what it expresses is where the toughest rules come into play. Any tattoo imagery that is deemed to be sexist imagery or racist symbols, or that can be perceived extremist tattoos is utterly banned regardless of where it might be on your body. Any tattoo design that is associated with or thought to be associated with gangs or hate groups will cause an applicant to be rejected. New recruits have to explain the symbolism behind each and every tattoo they have as part of the application process.
Interestingly, it was the military that helped bring tattooing to acceptability in mainstream culture. Sailors in World War II not only traveled the world, and had contact with cultures that practiced tattooing, but they also got paid more frequently than their Army or Marine counterparts, making for slightly more pocket cash. Being willing to fight and die for one's country is very noble, and tattoos worn by soldiers and sailors slowly gained a bit of credibility. Tattooing came to be seen as the sign of a tough guy, but not necessarily a bad one.
In modern times, the Army and the tattoo are colliding head-on. Most often, the military recruits men who are in the 17 to 24 age range. In the world of culture, and more specifically advertising, that overlaps with the coveted and powerful "male aged 18-35 demographic," which receives the bulk of money and attention from a lot of movie, music and fashion advertisers. With tattooing riding a huge wave of popularity in youth culture right now, it makes the pool of growing young male tattoo enthusiasts overlap heavily with the segment of the population that is screened for military service
Policies were set that banned any tattooing or branding that was on the face, head or neck, such as would be visible when wearing a standard uniform. However, modifications classified as permanent makeup are now to be allowed. These tattoos are of a narrow category, essentially indelible lip-liner or eyeliner, or tattoos which realistically replicate eyebrows. When done in a fashion that seeks to replicate natural human features, and which follow conventional mainstream aesthetics, facial tattoos will be permitted. Tattoos on the hands are conditionally permitted, barring they do not violate rules concerning symbolism.
What the tattoo shows, that is to say, what it expresses is where the toughest rules come into play. Any tattoo imagery that is deemed to be sexist imagery or racist symbols, or that can be perceived extremist tattoos is utterly banned regardless of where it might be on your body. Any tattoo design that is associated with or thought to be associated with gangs or hate groups will cause an applicant to be rejected. New recruits have to explain the symbolism behind each and every tattoo they have as part of the application process.
Interestingly, it was the military that helped bring tattooing to acceptability in mainstream culture. Sailors in World War II not only traveled the world, and had contact with cultures that practiced tattooing, but they also got paid more frequently than their Army or Marine counterparts, making for slightly more pocket cash. Being willing to fight and die for one's country is very noble, and tattoos worn by soldiers and sailors slowly gained a bit of credibility. Tattooing came to be seen as the sign of a tough guy, but not necessarily a bad one.
In modern times, the Army and the tattoo are colliding head-on. Most often, the military recruits men who are in the 17 to 24 age range. In the world of culture, and more specifically advertising, that overlaps with the coveted and powerful "male aged 18-35 demographic," which receives the bulk of money and attention from a lot of movie, music and fashion advertisers. With tattooing riding a huge wave of popularity in youth culture right now, it makes the pool of growing young male tattoo enthusiasts overlap heavily with the segment of the population that is screened for military service
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Temporary Tattoos: A Long History of Temporary Accessorizing
It is difficult to pin down exactly when the first temporary tattoo was debuted, but it is thought that they were designed and produced around the turn of the century. In the late 1890s and the early 1900s temporary tattoos that were created in the food coloring style were inserted into boxes of Cracker Jacks®. These temporary tattoos were transferred from the paper to skin with the use of spit or water. Surprisingly enough, Cracker Jacks® still use these same style of temporary tattoos as one of their “prize in every box” surprises today.
The food coloring style remained the mainstay in temporary tattoos for decades. Television shows, sports teams, and cartoons have all used temporary tattoos to gain recognition with young consumers. For example, Topps not only used sports cards to sell their gum, many cards of which are extremely collectible today, but they also inserted temporary tattoos called Baseball Tattoos in the 1970s. Smurf, Pee Wee’s Playhouse and The Bionic Women all had temporary tattoo packages sold as a way of promoting their respective television shows. All were created using the food coloring style of tattoo production.
In the 1980s there were temporary tattoos created that were different and more exotic than the plain food coloring style. First of all there were Scratch and Sniff temporary tattoos that had a special microfragrence® coating designed and developed by 3M. These tattoos were still based upon the same artistic styles as the previous food coloring style, and never really caught on. However, Dandy Novelty company teamed up with a world famous tattooist Ole Hansen, from Copenhagen Denmark in the 1980s and together they produced an entirely new line of temporary tattoos that was based upon the real tattoo flash artwork.
This new look of temporary tattoos created a large amount of interest and eventually got the nod from Hollywood. 3M was again involved in creating a temporary tattoo that was placed on a translucent film that could be transferred to the body without spit. This allowed actors to have a tattoo for a character that looked real, but again was only temporary. This style of temporary tattoo, currently under production by Paper Tattoos, has essentially replaced the food coloring style entirely (except in the Cracker Jack prize packets) due to the fact that the designs are edgy, realistic and longer lasting than previously released temporary tattoo brands. Now, temporary tattoos are essentially considered to be pieces of body art and are often used as a fashion accessory in the same manner someone would select a pair of earrings, a navel ring, or other body embellishment.
Astrology Tattoo Is More Than a Mere Fashion
Astrology symbols have become very popular tattoo designs, such as a scorpion or a bull as body art. This is due to astrological symbols making great tattoo designs. There is also a quiet mysticism that surrounds these signs that makes them a popular choice for the younger population.
Besides the zodiac signs celestial bodies like the sun and the moon also make popular tattoo designs. Most of the astrology tattoos are done in bright colours that give them a life of their own. Astrology tattoo designs can be tattooed just about anywhere as body art, such as arm bands, lower-back, ankles, chest or shoulders.
Different astrological systems have different signs which represent different meanings. However, the preferred astrology tattoo designs are based on the Greek or Roman zodiac system. These include the twelve different signs namely Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Each of the astrological signs depicts an animal, character or object associated with it. Here are the traditional symbols associated with each sign of the Zodiac:
Capricorn (December 23 to January 20) is depicted by a Goat.
Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) by the Water Carrier
Pisces (February 20 to March 20) by the Fish
Aries (March 21 to April 20) by a Ram
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) by a Bull
Gemini (May 22 to June 21) by the Wolf
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) by the Crab
Leo (July 23 to August 22) by the Lion
Virgo (August 23 to September 23) by a Woman
Libra (September 24 to October 23) by Pair of Scales
Scorpio (October 24 to November 22) by the Scorpion
Sagittarius (November 23 to December 22) by the Centaur Archer
Other widely practiced arts include those devised by the Native American, incorporating the medicine wheel as an important part of their astrological system, and the Chinese that depicts animal names and traits to people born in a certain year.
All the astrology tattoo designs are characterized by certain qualities that make them unique. For instance, they are especially meaningful if they happen to be your sun sign, tattooing the sun sign that you were born under can be a simple way of reflecting your unique personality, goals and interests.
Today, the astrology tattoo designs can be seen on a wide selection of people from all nationalities and age. Earlier, the tattoos were limited to sailors and maybe artists. Now days, all tattoos are flaunted with great pride
Besides the zodiac signs celestial bodies like the sun and the moon also make popular tattoo designs. Most of the astrology tattoos are done in bright colours that give them a life of their own. Astrology tattoo designs can be tattooed just about anywhere as body art, such as arm bands, lower-back, ankles, chest or shoulders.
Different astrological systems have different signs which represent different meanings. However, the preferred astrology tattoo designs are based on the Greek or Roman zodiac system. These include the twelve different signs namely Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Each of the astrological signs depicts an animal, character or object associated with it. Here are the traditional symbols associated with each sign of the Zodiac:
Capricorn (December 23 to January 20) is depicted by a Goat.
Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) by the Water Carrier
Pisces (February 20 to March 20) by the Fish
Aries (March 21 to April 20) by a Ram
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) by a Bull
Gemini (May 22 to June 21) by the Wolf
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) by the Crab
Leo (July 23 to August 22) by the Lion
Virgo (August 23 to September 23) by a Woman
Libra (September 24 to October 23) by Pair of Scales
Scorpio (October 24 to November 22) by the Scorpion
Sagittarius (November 23 to December 22) by the Centaur Archer
Other widely practiced arts include those devised by the Native American, incorporating the medicine wheel as an important part of their astrological system, and the Chinese that depicts animal names and traits to people born in a certain year.
All the astrology tattoo designs are characterized by certain qualities that make them unique. For instance, they are especially meaningful if they happen to be your sun sign, tattooing the sun sign that you were born under can be a simple way of reflecting your unique personality, goals and interests.
Today, the astrology tattoo designs can be seen on a wide selection of people from all nationalities and age. Earlier, the tattoos were limited to sailors and maybe artists. Now days, all tattoos are flaunted with great pride
Helpful Tips For Finding Your Perfect Tattoo Design
Once you have decided that you want a tattoo and have found the artist that you are going to use then the next stage is to decide on the particular tattoo design that you want. This is where the hard work really starts but it can also be a lot of fun looking at all of the possibilities. Of course, the type of artwork that you select for your tattoo is very much a personal choice but there are some that are more common than others. For example, a rose or butterfly tattoo pattern is always popular with women. These sexy adornments are often discretely placed on the back of the shoulder, top of the thigh, close to the navel or other area of the body that is not normally exposed. Men may prefer a larger Celtic tattoo design that may be a cross tattoo or a more complex Celtic band that wraps around the upper arm. The choice of designs is endless and finding the right tattoo design may seem a daunting task but there are a number of sources of inspiration available to help you.
The Internet is a good place to start your search as it is full of websites relating to body art. There are a number of sources of free tattoo design samples available. These can vary greatly in terms of size and complexity. Some of the tattoo design examples will be shown after the work has been performed for a client, while others may just be the tattoo design itself. You will also find a large number of sites that have a tattoo gallery with pictures that are copyrighted and you will need to purchase a copy before you can use it. Obviously, the cost will depend on the size and complexity of the design but it is also affected by the popularity of the actual artist. A tattoo design from a star tattoo artist who has celebrity clients will obviously cost more than one from a lesser known one. People often want to have the same body art as their favorite movie star, singer, sports star or other celebrity and this demand is reflected in the cost.
Your chosen tattoo parlor is also a good source of inspiration for designs. After all, this is where you are going to have your artwork done. You will see hundreds of designs on display in the window and on the walls. It is worth bearing in mind that these may not be the work of the tattoo artist who runs the tattoo shop and may actually be examples of another artist's work. A tattoo design that has been printed onto a piece of paper or card is known as a tattoo flash. These were originally unique hand drawn designs created by the artist himself and used to promote his work to potential customers. Also, many artists will also have a portfolio of their designs with photographs of them after they have been completed for a customer. Nowadays the Internet has led to many tattoo artists creating multiple copies of their designs and selling them to other professionals and customers. This means that the shop's artist may not be able to recreate the tattoo design exactly but can use it as the basis for your own unique piece of artwork
The History of Tattoos
The word, Tattoo, comes from the Polynesian word, "tatao" which means "to tap" or "to mark something."
Captain James Cook introduced this word to the English during his voyage around the world in 1769. Captain Cook and his crew of the ship, The Endeavour, were welcomed with open arms by the friendly and uninhibited Tahitians (yeah, that means many of them were naked.) Since the weather was very warm on the island, clothing was optional.
The Tahitians tried to look their best by decorating their bodies. But the fact of the matter was the application of tattoos, which was painful. It was done by dipping a sharp-pointed comb into lampblack and then hammering it into the skin. Nonetheless, everybody did it.
As word of tattooing in Tahiti and other Polynesian islands spread, the European sailors began to get tattooed themselves. This probably illustrated why tattoos were looked upon with such a lack of credibility in the early days and were considered as a kind of thing suitable for drunkards, sailors and criminals.
Modern archeology has uncovered the practice of tattoos in many ancient cultures all over the world.
In 1992, in the Alps between the border of Austria and Italy, a perfectly preserved body of a man was found. He was estimated to have lived 5,000 years ago! And he had 58 tattoos all over his body.
· Mummies from the ancient Egyptians had tattoos.
· Clay figurines found in Japan dated 3,000 years ago were engraved with tattoo marks.
· The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattoos to identify slaves and criminals.
But tattooing has only become acceptable in the mainstream society recently. Tattoo shops and parlors were nothing more than wretched hives of scum and villainy, located in the seediest parts of most towns have undergone significant changes.
Tattooing has really become popular with sports athletes. No one can forget the now-retired flamboyant NBA forward, Dennis Rodman, whose body was a tattooing canvas. A more current example is Allen Iverson of the Philly 76'ers. The tattooing trend is getting really popular in college basketball. And the trickle-down effect is appearing on high school athletes. Some old-fashion coaches forbidden any display of tattoos which meant some basketball players has to play with a t-shirt under their game jersey. Football fans can't miss the barbed wire tattoos on the well-developed arms of football players.
The popular show, “Miami Ink,” from TLC is a reality-based show. The show’s popularity demonstrates just how mainstream the art of body art or “inking” has become. And it gives the viewers a look into the skill and history of both the artists and their customers.
5 Hot Tattoo Styles
Body art and tattoos have become so popular now that people who would have ran the other way are exposing their skin to the tattooists needle. It is not uncommon to get a glimpse of some office worker in the boardroom sporting a sexy rose tattoo on her chest, floral design on her lower leg or even some tribal artwork tattoos on her lower back. This is a testimony that tattoos are becoming more and more acceptable in a corporate environment traditionally no go zones for any form of personal expression.
What are the hottest tattoo designs?
'New School' Style Tattoos. These are a modern version of the ol' sailor Jerry style of tattoos such as anchors and swallows. They are much brighter and more animated than their predecessors which look very flat in comparison. A lot of people especially females are asking for tattoos of swallows and anchors on their neck.
Japanese Kanji Tattoos. Japanese style tattoos are so popular amongst females who are going for "full sleeve" style tattoos depicting Japanese characters such as koi or carp fish.
Floral and Love Heart Chest Tattoos. This style can look so sexy on a girl! There is a certain timeless look with these tattoos harking back to the good ol' days of the 1950's.
Star Tattoos. These have always been popular but more people are getting them done on visible places such as wrists and on the lower legs. Unsuprisingly Hollywood stars are lining up for the tattooists chair and demanding tattoos that reflect their lives.
Tribal Tattoos. Tribal tattoo designs have been around for hundreds of years but are becoming more and more complex and constantly evolving and morphing into what has become known as neo tribal tattoo styles. Tribal styles can be traditional 'black work' covering the arms or more colorful styles characterised by the 'Modern Primitive' look covering the entire body.
Tips for Getting Tattoos
Choose your tattoo carefully. Don't go for some off the wall 'flash' tattoo. A good tattoo artist loves doing 'custom pieces'.
Try not mix different tattoo styles such as Japanese and Tribal styles. It doesn't work!
Go to a reputable tattoo artist not some backstreet 'scratcher' who is cheap but you will inevitably regret later. Build a relationship with the tattoo artist if you plan of getting a lot of tattoos.
Take proper care especially of newer tattoos. As summer approaches a lot of people get tattooed and can't wait to flash them off. Be careful that you do not expose your new tattoos to too much sun which will fade them.
What are the hottest tattoo designs?
'New School' Style Tattoos. These are a modern version of the ol' sailor Jerry style of tattoos such as anchors and swallows. They are much brighter and more animated than their predecessors which look very flat in comparison. A lot of people especially females are asking for tattoos of swallows and anchors on their neck.
Japanese Kanji Tattoos. Japanese style tattoos are so popular amongst females who are going for "full sleeve" style tattoos depicting Japanese characters such as koi or carp fish.
Floral and Love Heart Chest Tattoos. This style can look so sexy on a girl! There is a certain timeless look with these tattoos harking back to the good ol' days of the 1950's.
Star Tattoos. These have always been popular but more people are getting them done on visible places such as wrists and on the lower legs. Unsuprisingly Hollywood stars are lining up for the tattooists chair and demanding tattoos that reflect their lives.
Tribal Tattoos. Tribal tattoo designs have been around for hundreds of years but are becoming more and more complex and constantly evolving and morphing into what has become known as neo tribal tattoo styles. Tribal styles can be traditional 'black work' covering the arms or more colorful styles characterised by the 'Modern Primitive' look covering the entire body.
Tips for Getting Tattoos
Choose your tattoo carefully. Don't go for some off the wall 'flash' tattoo. A good tattoo artist loves doing 'custom pieces'.
Try not mix different tattoo styles such as Japanese and Tribal styles. It doesn't work!
Go to a reputable tattoo artist not some backstreet 'scratcher' who is cheap but you will inevitably regret later. Build a relationship with the tattoo artist if you plan of getting a lot of tattoos.
Take proper care especially of newer tattoos. As summer approaches a lot of people get tattooed and can't wait to flash them off. Be careful that you do not expose your new tattoos to too much sun which will fade them.
Amazing Tattoo Designs
Let's face it, people who like tattoos are always looking for the next amazing tattoo design to set themselves apart from the crowd and although this might seem like an easy task, anyone who has been through it knows differently. Sometimes it can just hit you, you see something in a picture or in a museum or even in a movie and bingo! that's it - you know straight away that this is your next tattoo. If you're one of the lucky ones (those who can draw beautifully from imagination) you can scribble it down and take your own amazing tattoo design to your tattooist and within no time at all your dream is a reality. However, most of us are not that lucky and whilst we have willing and creative minds which think up all these amazing tattoo designs we have weak and stubborn fingers who insist on not getting the picture (literally!).
Body art has been with us from the year dot when ancient cave men used it not only for camouflage but also to mark themselves and their tribesmen out from other rival tribes. Indeed, the word ' tattoo' is derived from the ancient Tahitian word "tattau" meaning to mark. Since then tattoos have evolved into a serious art form and most people are into their body art because it is beautiful and because it makes a personal statement about themselves. Choosing your amazing tattoo design can be a minefield though. Just think of all the Chinese symbols for example. Do you know what they mean - and moreover, do you expect your tattooist to know? A very good friend of mine had a Chinese symbol tattoo done a couple of years back. It was a beautifully intricate design on his left shoulder with symbols surrounded by oriental dragons and magnificent colours. He was born in the year of the dragon and his wife was born under the sign of the dog. The symbol was suppose to say something like ' dragon will honour dog in life and death". However he has since discovered that although it does say that it could also be construed as "dragon will curse dogs honour in life and death".
The same is true of Celtic or Egyptian symbols, and if you fancy something a bit out of the ordinary it's best to do loads of research first and be sure your symbol says exactly what you want it to say. Remember, your tattoo artist is just that, an amazing artist - NOT an expert in all sorts of ancient scripts and symbols!!
When you know it's time for another tattoo (or indeed when you've taken the decision to have your first) it is wise to take some time and look into various styles and designs and also think hard about where on your body you want to have it done. I know some women who have had amazing tattoos designed and inked all around their belly buttons only to discover that when they are pregnant (and subsequently left with stretch marks) the fabulous butterfly looks just a bit less fabulous than it did on a tanned and taut abdomen! Also, think about it from an employment point of view. Like it or not, a tattoo is not always viewed favourably by prospective employers. This is not such a problem for males, however lots of women get tattoos around their ankle or lower leg and, if in a professional capacity you need to wear a smart skirt suit, then it could make things just a little bit difficult.
Consider also, that your tattoo will be with you for life. Now, I know this is always the argument against having a tattoo, especially when it's your first one, however it is a valid one. You must be committed to the design you choose as it will be with you for a very long time. In my opinion, it's best to steer clear of the 'fashionable' tattoo styles, the ones that come in fad's and disappear a year or two later leaving your skin very 'last season'! Choose something that means something to you, something that has a little personal story behind it. Then, when people remark on your tattoo and ask about it (and they will!) you have something interesting to say about it and about yourself too.
Finding the Right Tattoo Artist
Getting a tattoo has become a new fad in today’s society. Once frowned upon by mainstream society, it is now become a commonly viewed item in everyday life. Upon getting a tattoo, finding an artist of your liking is a big part. Since this is a permanent deal, it has to be done properly or else you will be living with this forever.
Make sure to research the artist and the tattoo shop or studio. They should have all of the proper resources to get your tattooing done properly and in the most cost effective way possible. Most shops have flash art available, for those who need ideas on what to get. They should also have fine art tattooing books available, for further ideas on ideas. Once you have an idea on what to get, they should be able to present your idea through a simple piece of artwork, which should show you if the drawing is exactly what you are thinking of.
Each artist has its own specialty in what they draw. Some specialize in tribal designs, while others are in Celtic designs. Make sure they are able to draw up whatever it is you are looking for. They should have proper tattoo supplies, which should comply with safety standards. They should have a proper tattoo gun, or a homemade one that works properly. They should know how to clean it properly as well as work it.
When coming to the actual tattooing of the art you had drawn up, make sure it is exactly the way you want it done. Make sure they have a variety of tattoo dyes, colors and pigments if you are looking for color in your tattoo. They should be able to distinguish what blends well with your skin tone
A Brief History of Tattooing
Because the historical and archaeological records of most forms of body art are incomplete, we still don't know where and where tattooing originated.
Tattooed mummies provide the earliest concrete evidence of tattoo, and these have been found in various parts of the world, from Nubia to Peru. Probably t he most ancient tattooed man is the "Iceman", a Bronze Age man uncovered after being frozen in a glacier on the Tyrolean Alps since 3000 B.C. A tattooed band of stripes was found on his lower back, a simple cross on the inside of his left knee and more stripes on his right ankle.
There are many examples of tattooing in ancient Egypt, the oldest found on the mummy of Egyptian priestess of the goddess Hathor at Thebes, Amunet, who lived approximately 4000 years ago, she was tattooed with parallel lines of dots. Because of her religious status, some archaeologists have speculated that her body art had spiritual or magical connotations. Others feel the designs were of sexual nature.
Some of the most diverse, ornate, and bizarre body art was found in the mysterious and complex world of Maya between 300 and 900 A.D. For Maya, body modification, whether temporary or permanent, were done for spiritual reasons as well as beautification. Full body tattoos or facial tattoos, were acquired by men and women.
When Captain James Cook set sail in his Endeavor in 1769, he visited many islands of Pacific Ocean, most of which included tattooing as part of their culture. It's Cook who gave us the "tattoo" word based on similar words in Polynesian cultures that were used to describe the practice.
On board the Endeavor was Sir Joseph Banks. Along with cataloging many types of animal and plant life, Banks documented the indigenous cultures at every stop along the way. Included in these notes are many references to tattooing. When Banks returned to England in 1771, he disembarked with a permanent memento of his voyage: the very fist tattoo on a modern Western man!
On December 8,1891, the first electric tattoo machine was registered by inventor Samuel O'Reilly, at the United States Patent Office. He began working out of a barber shop in New York City, calling his business a "tattoo parlor" - the first tattoo studio in the United States.
Soon tattoo parlors were springing up all over the country. During the First and Second World Wars, different branches of military adopted tattooing as a means of mystical protection, a souvenir or remembrance.
In the mid-1970s, tattooists began holding tattoo conventions. Tattoo artists from all over the countries gathered together as a group to talk shop and show off their work.
Due to the conventions, magazines, and other kinds of exposure, tattooing began to emerge as a form of fashion. People started to recognize its artistic merit and use it as a way to express personality and religious belief
Tattooed mummies provide the earliest concrete evidence of tattoo, and these have been found in various parts of the world, from Nubia to Peru. Probably t he most ancient tattooed man is the "Iceman", a Bronze Age man uncovered after being frozen in a glacier on the Tyrolean Alps since 3000 B.C. A tattooed band of stripes was found on his lower back, a simple cross on the inside of his left knee and more stripes on his right ankle.
There are many examples of tattooing in ancient Egypt, the oldest found on the mummy of Egyptian priestess of the goddess Hathor at Thebes, Amunet, who lived approximately 4000 years ago, she was tattooed with parallel lines of dots. Because of her religious status, some archaeologists have speculated that her body art had spiritual or magical connotations. Others feel the designs were of sexual nature.
Some of the most diverse, ornate, and bizarre body art was found in the mysterious and complex world of Maya between 300 and 900 A.D. For Maya, body modification, whether temporary or permanent, were done for spiritual reasons as well as beautification. Full body tattoos or facial tattoos, were acquired by men and women.
When Captain James Cook set sail in his Endeavor in 1769, he visited many islands of Pacific Ocean, most of which included tattooing as part of their culture. It's Cook who gave us the "tattoo" word based on similar words in Polynesian cultures that were used to describe the practice.
On board the Endeavor was Sir Joseph Banks. Along with cataloging many types of animal and plant life, Banks documented the indigenous cultures at every stop along the way. Included in these notes are many references to tattooing. When Banks returned to England in 1771, he disembarked with a permanent memento of his voyage: the very fist tattoo on a modern Western man!
On December 8,1891, the first electric tattoo machine was registered by inventor Samuel O'Reilly, at the United States Patent Office. He began working out of a barber shop in New York City, calling his business a "tattoo parlor" - the first tattoo studio in the United States.
Soon tattoo parlors were springing up all over the country. During the First and Second World Wars, different branches of military adopted tattooing as a means of mystical protection, a souvenir or remembrance.
In the mid-1970s, tattooists began holding tattoo conventions. Tattoo artists from all over the countries gathered together as a group to talk shop and show off their work.
Due to the conventions, magazines, and other kinds of exposure, tattooing began to emerge as a form of fashion. People started to recognize its artistic merit and use it as a way to express personality and religious belief
Henna Tattoos - A Natural Way to Decorate Your Body
Henna tattoos are a natural form of body art - a safe and temporary alternative to getting a real tattoo done on your body. Henna tattoo artists use a natural henna ink which is made from powder from the leaves of the henna plant. The artist make a paste with the henna powder and paint a henna tattoo design anywhere on your body.
The tradition of henna tattooing, also called mendhi, has been practiced for millions of years. They have found henna art traces as far as back as the tombs of Egyptian pharaoh’s day. Henna tattoo art is still a popular natural tattoo tradition today.
Before applying henna ink to your skin, make sure to test a small amount on your body and check for any allergic reactions. Henna tattoos rarely cause these reactions in people, but its important to make sure in case you have sensitive skin. Once you know the henna ink will not cause a bad reaction, you or your henna tattoo artist can begin the work of art on your skin.
The sky is the limit with the patterns, designs and images that can be created with henna tattoos, but the colors are usually limited to dark shades of red, green, brown, or black. This also depends on how your skin reacts since every skin tone will take the henna tattoo ink a little differently. To see how the ink will appear on your skin do a test first to be sure you will get the desired result.
Tattoo Art Galleries
Tattoo art has become extremely popular in the past few years. Research shows that North America alone has over 45 million people who have one or more tattoos. Due to this ever-increasing popularity of tattoos, tattoo art galleries have also come into tremendous form. These galleries display all kinds of tattoo designs, both ancient and modern, which help to understand the meaning behind this body art that is inked into skin. The art of tattooing is said to have originated from various tribes and most of the tattoo art galleries highlight the amazing history, powerful rituals and extraordinary social significance of tribal tattooing in many different cultures of the world. Some of these galleries go back to the history of tattoos by displaying the work of various old masters of the tattoo craft.
Some of the tattoo art galleries can also be called as photo galleries as they showcase photos of the fine ink work of various popular tattoo artists on Hollywood stars such as Thomas Lockhart, Christina Ricci, Chassity Ebony, Nikki Miller and others. Hence, along with showcasing tattoo art, these art galleries also highlight some of the top photographers for their fascinating and varied interpretations and visions of tattoos and their culture. Each photographer has a unique perspective and hence, the model is the main focus in some photos whereas the tattoo is in the others. The settings of every photo also differ from each other, as they display both ordinary as well as extraordinary settings. The tattoos applied by people today are very different from the ones showcased in tattoo art galleries. The tattoos that people have done today barely resemble the tattoo art that was found in the jungles and ancient civilizations of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
Though tattoo art galleries also highlight modern tattoo designs, the goal of most of these galleries is to celebrate the ancient art form of tattooing and its old practitioners. These galleries bring the works of various tattoo artists together and also help to understand the origin of the tattoo art
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Five Things You Didn't Know About African Tattoo And Tribal Designs
With the current resurgent trend in tribal tattoos, its surprising that African tattoos are not much more common in the western world of body art designs. However as beautiful as African Tribal designs are, do you understand the meanings behind them?
Well here are five facts that explore some of the lesser know ideals behind African Tribal Tattoo designs:
Fact 1
Some African body art are drawn to give the wearer protection from harm, the symbolism in the images guarding them throughout life.
Fact 2
African body art were never meant to be merely drawings for bodily decoration. They are drawn so that the wearer of the art can take on an almost Supernatural state. Given the term scarification, represent a way for the wearer to appear more than human.
Fact 3
African scarification or tattooing, often uses symbols that reflect the wearers character, and is used as proof of courage and braver; which are the things one needs to undergo the painful application of the body art.
Fact 4
The first African tattoo found was dated back to a mummy in 1994 BC, although it is estimated that there are tattoos dating back to 2000BC; and images showing Egyptian High Priestesses with tattooed arms have been found.
Fact 5
There is a type of body art that is done by those in Africa whose skin is generally too dark for regular tattoo coloration to appear. It is called cicatrisation and it works by opening a small part of the skin to create a designed wound. They then rub ash into the wound so that when it heals, it results in a permanent raised scar
Body Art
There are several forms of body art. Body art can be temporary, for example, body painting, or permanent, such as shaping, dyeing, and scarification, tattooing, and piercing. This article will provide some insight into body art.
Body art painting and shaping
Body painting transforms a person into a spirit or work of art; this can include another gender or a sacred place. Emphasizing on the visual appeal of the subject, the protective body paint is what gives it the appeal.
Body shaping is a technique in which to sculpt the body. Culturally defined ideals of beauty have caused people to bind the soft bones of children's skulls and feet, stretched necks with rings, and removed ribs to make their waist smaller. The most common method today of body sculpting is plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can sculpt and define almost any part of the body.
Skin Dyeing
Henna, is used as a temporary skin dye, in which different patterns and designs are applied to the body. The crushed leaves of the henna plant, when mixed with other natural ingredients, provides a thick, aromatic paste used for painting hands and feet. The olive green, dried out henna powder, mixed with such ingredients as black tea and coffee turns dark. When applied to the skin and left on overnight, it will harden and when pealed leaves a red tone to the skin.
Body art piercing, tattooing, and scarification
Piercing is ornamental as it allows the body to hold certain kinds of ornaments, which are inserted through the skin. The most common parts of the body that are pierced is the face although you will often find ear, nose and lip ornaments. Piercing is often part of a ceremony marking the coming of age. Ornaments might be limited to certain people or worn only on certain occasions
Tattoos are intended to be permanent and the patterns and techniques have varied over the years. The effects of tattooing depend on the country you live in. As an example, in the United States, tattooing is typically looked upon as being rebellious. Tattooing, in the last decade, has become a very popular form of body art throughout the world.
Scarification is much like tattooing, instead of placing a color into the skin with a tattoo needle, the color, or substance is placed into the wound or cut. Once the wound has healed, a permanent mark will remain on the skin
All of the forms of body art listed above can have adverse effects on individuals. There are health concerns with types of body art. If you are contemplating any of the above procedures, be sure to consider all the risks and facts before making any commitments.
Tattoos: The Beauty of Body Art
Tattoos are becoming more popular in all cultures around the world. They are a representation of the person's belief's or attitude of their lifestyle. To the tattoo owners, they usually have a significant meaning, whether it is related to a group of people; such as tribal members or sororities, or an individual, such as a loved one, or a meaning the tattoo owner believes in. Even ancient kings had tattoos to demonstrate their status of authority and power.
Like the artist, it takes many hours of hard work and practice to become a tattoo artist. There are many facets to learn. Some tattoos have many painstaking details which take several hours to define, while other tattoos may be small and simple. When getting a tattoo, it is very important to check out the reputation of the artist. Using sterile equipment is of the utmost importance as an unclean instrument can lead to hepatitis C and possibly other problems. It is also extremely important to keep the tattoo clean so infection doesn't occur afterward.
It is completely an individual choice what kind of tattoo a person may decide to have done.The price may range anywhere from $35 to well into the hundreds, depending on the time it takes and the details involved. However, it is wise to pay a good price for a great tattoo, considering it is a lifetime decision and can only be removed with surgery which will cost even more if you are not happy with your tattoo.
With all of the things considered, getting a tattoo can be very safe and enjoyable if done properly. Referred to as body art, there are many beautiful and amazing tattoos to choose from. After checking out many different tattoos, I was very happy to find the perfect one for me. I love my tattoo and am so glad I had it done!
If you would like to get a tattoo, it can be a great experience. Just make your decision carefully as you will more than likely be wearing it for the rest of your life. It is a reflection of what you stand for and how other people will see you
Tattoos and Body Art on Hollywood Celebrities
Celebrity tattoos are becoming more and more visible and socially acceptable in mainstream pop culture these days. Angelina Jolie recently voted most sexy woman has plenty of tattoos and is probably the most famous and desirable celebrity with tattoos in Hollywood. Her tattoos to date consist of tribal dragons, a Thai tiger, and various Latin sayings across her shoulders and arms.
This surge in popularity of celebrity tattoos began in the 1960s. Lyle Tuttle the forefather of American tattooing tattooed Janis Joplin. Time was when tattoos were the preserve of those on the fringes of society but now it is not uncommon to see celebrity tattoos. Even super models such as Kate Moss and Sarah O'Hare strut around flashing their body art on the cover of glossy magazines or on the cat walk.
Actor Johnny Depp ranks as heavily tattooed for his caliber of talent and breadth of acting work. His tattooed arms are as often painted to be blank flesh as left with their own tattoos showing and incorporated into the character.
Vin Diesel is covered with a mix of modern tattoos styles, as befitting an underground government secret agent in the movie xXx. The character he plays agent X has one full sleeve, one partial sleeve, chest work and tattoos on his stomach.
As vampire slayer BLADE, Wesley Snipes has tribal blackwork on his arms, chest and back, as well as the sides of his head and the back of his nect. Pamela Anderson had her arm tattooed for real with a barbed wire armband for her role in the movie BARBWIRE. Following her split from husband Tommy Lee, (who is heavily tattooed) she had the "Tommy" tattoo on her finger edited to read "Mommy" in reference to her two sons. She also has tribal tattoos on the small of her back and a tattoo on her ankle.
Musicians have traditionally enjoyed more freedom than actors when it comes to body art. For movie stars having to transform into a different character each time they shoot a movie can be limiting especially if they are playing historical figures. But that has not stopped a lot of actors from getting tattooed in very visible places.
Historically rock stars were renowned for getting tattoos. The band Red Hot Chili Peppers are an example where the band members have a well-developed collection of tattoos. Singer Henry Rollins began his tattoo collection as the lead singer of Black Flag. Eminem continues to add to his tattoo collection but some critics have claimed that it will inhibit him if he wants to play a bigger acting role. Eminem's tattoos are a combination of a style that is typical of Hip Hop and R&B artists such as Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent and Pharrel
Looking For A Popular Tattoo or Body Art Design
Flower tattoo designs symbolize life, birth, procreation, death and rebirth. These tattoos are the embodiment of nature and the elements.
Flower tattoo designs are popular but the red rose beats them all, especially with women. Its almost as popular with men, the rose has a spiritual significance in the developing world. The red rose is considered to be a symbol of love and has been revered in both, secular and religious context.
The rose design has many accepted traditional meanings that are applied to the body art design by association. It has become the ultimate floral symbol on account of its unmatched fragrance and beauty. A red rose is also a symbol of martyrdom. It is associated with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A rose tattoo is sometimes worn in honor of a passed loved one. If you want to have a rose tattoo, It's important to know the meaning behind the rose colors.
A dark red rose stands for unconscious beauty.
The red rose is for love, courage, beauty, respect and romance. A red rose bud tattoo also shows purity and loveliness.
Blue roses symbolize impossibility.
Coral roses indicate desire.
The black rose usually means death.
The white rose tattoo design is a symbol of innocence, reverence, youthfulness and purity. White rose tattoo designs also celebrate the little child.
The yellow rose shows friendship or achievement.
A red rose with thorns tattoo design is also popular. Tattoo artist say, a red rose with thorns reminds the person that beauty does not surface in the absence of adversity and sacrifice. The flower can be flaunted singly, as trailing vine or as a bouquet.
Rose body art have been popular in the west for decades. This piece of body art shares the most intriguing history and symbolism. The rose tattoo is a traditional choice and more popular than the hibiscus, daisy, lily or even the orchid tattoos. The lotus body art designs are probably the only ones that can be compared to these designs. Tattoo artists around the world have made an effort to promote the flower tattoo art. The rose tattoo is available in many different shapes and sizes. You can add to the flower design with a heart or fairy or even a butterfly. It can also be combined with a dagger, a tiger, a cross or even a Celtic armband. You can get a rose and barbed wire tattoo done on the shoulder or chest. Whatever you choose, its up to you and what your style is.
Friday, January 19, 2007
How to Get a Safe Tattoo
You've seen them; you've hated them; you've loved them. What are they? Tattoos! How many times have you walked into a tattoo shop, fantasized about all the cool things you'd loved to get, and walked out of the shop just as bare as when you walked in? You know you want to get a tattoo and don't know where to start? Well, don't despair; neither did I. Unlike many who stumble into a tattoo parlor after a night of downing the booze and arguing with their buddies about who's the toughest, I did extensive, and I do mean, extensive research on the subject before I was going to trust my precious skin in the hands of some maniacal witchdoctor with a tattoo gun and a thirst for blood. Well, to say the least, there are a million sources out there with all kinds of advice about what to do, where to go, etc.
Of course, then there is the problem: who do you believe? My mission is to help you sort the facts from the fiction and to answer your most desperate questions about getting a tattoo.
Update: This article has evolved into an even more helpful tool for you to use in your quest for information, The Beginner's Guide to Getting a Tattoo. I'd like to invite you to click on over there to begin your exploration.
Of course, then there is the problem: who do you believe? My mission is to help you sort the facts from the fiction and to answer your most desperate questions about getting a tattoo.
Update: This article has evolved into an even more helpful tool for you to use in your quest for information, The Beginner's Guide to Getting a Tattoo. I'd like to invite you to click on over there to begin your exploration.
Body Art Top 20 of 2006
After watching the pageviews go up even more for the fourth year in a row, I finally got really curious about which of all the articles read in the last year really were the most popular. So for the first time ever since I became the editor here, I sat down with a spreadsheet, a calculator and my past year's statistics to calculate the Top 20 Body Art Articles of 2006!
1. The Tattoos of Johnny Depp - As one of the hottest actors in movies right now, anything Johnny Depp does sends this article back into the top ranks.
2. The Tattoos of David Beckham - The World Cup brought a lot of attention to this article, and I'm sure his move to LA this summer will keep this article hot in 2007.
3. Tattoo TV with PRISON BREAK - Wentworth Miller and a fake tattoo shirt brought a whole new meaning to sticking up for your brother.
4. The Tattoos of Angelina Jolie - Much like Mr. Depp, pretty much anything this lady does sends people to the net looking for her.
5. Exotic Ear Piercings - There are so many types of ear piercings possible, it's good to have a score card.
6. Christian Tattoos - As much as some folks might argue that the Bible preaches against tattoos, Christian-theme tattooing is very popular.
7. Rose Tattoos - A classic of American tattooing whose beauty never fades.
8. Nose Piercings - I'm sure MySpace is now full of nose piercing stories as this continues to be the most popular with teens and young adults.
9. The Tattoos of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN - I did not design this tattoo or have anything to do with movie, but I get dozens of letters a year asking me about it. I just wrote this article back in 2002 and it's still this popular...
10. Designing Your Own Tattoo - This is another article that addresses one of the most common email questions that gets sent in to the Body Art topic.
11. Nose Piercing FAQ - More advice on healing for frantic teens.
12. Female Body Piercings - Lots of people are curious about these, but I can't show pics on this site.
13. The Labret, or Lip Piercing - Another popular youth piercing.
14. Tattoo TV with MIAMI INK and INKED - When the smoke cleared, a lot of folks seemed to like Miami Ink better.
15. Dragon Tattoos - A favorite image that's also a tattoo classic in both Eastern and Western traditions
16. Halloween Face Painting - Great for those last minute costumes!
17. The Tattoos of xXx - The movie that raised the bar for fake tattoos. From this movie on, they'd actually finally look really real.
18. Celebrity Tattoos - As it was in the Victorian era, trend setters are very into having tattoos
19. Temporary Tattoos Explained - How to tell your real tattooing from henna from a stick-on tattoo.
20. The Tattoos of BLADE: TRINITY - If you didn't get enough Dominic Purcell in "Prison Break," you got to get him battling Wesley Snipes in this sequel. Purcell got cool scars, Snipes' Blade got more ink than in the first two.
1. The Tattoos of Johnny Depp - As one of the hottest actors in movies right now, anything Johnny Depp does sends this article back into the top ranks.
2. The Tattoos of David Beckham - The World Cup brought a lot of attention to this article, and I'm sure his move to LA this summer will keep this article hot in 2007.
3. Tattoo TV with PRISON BREAK - Wentworth Miller and a fake tattoo shirt brought a whole new meaning to sticking up for your brother.
4. The Tattoos of Angelina Jolie - Much like Mr. Depp, pretty much anything this lady does sends people to the net looking for her.
5. Exotic Ear Piercings - There are so many types of ear piercings possible, it's good to have a score card.
6. Christian Tattoos - As much as some folks might argue that the Bible preaches against tattoos, Christian-theme tattooing is very popular.
7. Rose Tattoos - A classic of American tattooing whose beauty never fades.
8. Nose Piercings - I'm sure MySpace is now full of nose piercing stories as this continues to be the most popular with teens and young adults.
9. The Tattoos of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN - I did not design this tattoo or have anything to do with movie, but I get dozens of letters a year asking me about it. I just wrote this article back in 2002 and it's still this popular...
10. Designing Your Own Tattoo - This is another article that addresses one of the most common email questions that gets sent in to the Body Art topic.
11. Nose Piercing FAQ - More advice on healing for frantic teens.
12. Female Body Piercings - Lots of people are curious about these, but I can't show pics on this site.
13. The Labret, or Lip Piercing - Another popular youth piercing.
14. Tattoo TV with MIAMI INK and INKED - When the smoke cleared, a lot of folks seemed to like Miami Ink better.
15. Dragon Tattoos - A favorite image that's also a tattoo classic in both Eastern and Western traditions
16. Halloween Face Painting - Great for those last minute costumes!
17. The Tattoos of xXx - The movie that raised the bar for fake tattoos. From this movie on, they'd actually finally look really real.
18. Celebrity Tattoos - As it was in the Victorian era, trend setters are very into having tattoos
19. Temporary Tattoos Explained - How to tell your real tattooing from henna from a stick-on tattoo.
20. The Tattoos of BLADE: TRINITY - If you didn't get enough Dominic Purcell in "Prison Break," you got to get him battling Wesley Snipes in this sequel. Purcell got cool scars, Snipes' Blade got more ink than in the first two.
Gold Teeth and Bright Smiles
In American culture, it is very desirable to have teeth that align smoothly and are very white. Despite what dentists and orthodontists say, the changes made to teenagers and their teeth aren’t so much necessary as just upholding a modern cultural standard of beauty. With rare exception, most humans can still eat and speak just fine whether their teeth have been perfectly aligned or not.
When Westerners began formal contact with Japan in the mid-1800s they found that many Japanese women beautified their teeth by turning them black. This custom, called “ohagura,” was also found to have been practiced in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The overall belief behind the action was that wild animals and demons have white teeth and by darkening them, one would not be mistaken for an evil spirit. There is some evidence that tooth blackening also offered some dental protection chemically and those that had their teeth blackened suffered less tooth decay.
The latest twist in the American cultural standard of tooth beauty is removable gold teeth. Called “grills” this trend is moving from the rap music subculture to the mainstream with teenagers everywhere clamoring to have temporary gold caps made to fit their teeth. Grills got their name when the singular gold teeth grew to be the entire front four to six teeth in the mouth.
Actor Johnny Depp wore gold caps on some of his teeth as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. What was just an eccentricity of the first film became a fashion trend during the filming of the two sequels with Depp having the gold teeth bonded to his own for the duration of the extended multi-year shoot. They were then visible during candid and press appearances to promote the film, spurring further interest in the practice.
Many in the dental and jewelry industry are scrambling to promote this practice, offering all manner of fang-like variations or embedded jewels to the caps. Worn continuously, these grills can promote tooth decay, stopping the natural cleansing flow of saliva over the teeth and increasing bacterial growth on the enamel surface. Only time will tell if this is just a temporary trend, or a cultural practice that is here to stay.
When Westerners began formal contact with Japan in the mid-1800s they found that many Japanese women beautified their teeth by turning them black. This custom, called “ohagura,” was also found to have been practiced in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The overall belief behind the action was that wild animals and demons have white teeth and by darkening them, one would not be mistaken for an evil spirit. There is some evidence that tooth blackening also offered some dental protection chemically and those that had their teeth blackened suffered less tooth decay.
The latest twist in the American cultural standard of tooth beauty is removable gold teeth. Called “grills” this trend is moving from the rap music subculture to the mainstream with teenagers everywhere clamoring to have temporary gold caps made to fit their teeth. Grills got their name when the singular gold teeth grew to be the entire front four to six teeth in the mouth.
Actor Johnny Depp wore gold caps on some of his teeth as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. What was just an eccentricity of the first film became a fashion trend during the filming of the two sequels with Depp having the gold teeth bonded to his own for the duration of the extended multi-year shoot. They were then visible during candid and press appearances to promote the film, spurring further interest in the practice.
Many in the dental and jewelry industry are scrambling to promote this practice, offering all manner of fang-like variations or embedded jewels to the caps. Worn continuously, these grills can promote tooth decay, stopping the natural cleansing flow of saliva over the teeth and increasing bacterial growth on the enamel surface. Only time will tell if this is just a temporary trend, or a cultural practice that is here to stay.
The Sad Tattoo Song
The Sad Tattoo Song
Just as there are songs about rebels and tattoos, or songs about wanting to gt a tattoo, there are songs about heartbreak and tattoo. The sad tattoo song might be about someone who regrets having a tattoo, or it might be about the tattoo that is the memento of a now-ruined love affair.
"Saddest of Tattoos" by Artie Tobia from the album "The Parade" gets right to the point.
I must confess that I noticed
Upon your chest there was the most saddest
the most saddest of tattoos
What's interesting is that this very sad tattoo is itself never fully explained. Throughout the song, this woman truly catches the attention of men around her, but they are all taken aback by this piece of mysterious but forlorn skin art. The listener is left to guess what the woman's chest tattoo must be, and what sort of imagery is so sad that it stops men in their tracks.
Sade uses the idea of a tattoo as a metaphor for a feeling she feels will never lose in the ballad "Like A Tattoo."
Like the scar of age written all over my face
The war is still raging inside of me
I still feel the chill as i reveal my shame to you
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
In the John Lester vocal and bass piece "Your Tattoo" off of his album "Big Dreams and the Bottom Line," the song is a conversation between a man and a woman who are breaking up. As much as he knows things are coming apart, the man can't forget the tattoo.
Didn't i tell you not to scar your body so?
Hey what a misconception,
I decided sight unseen but how was I to know
That the imprint on your body would leave an image in my brain
A thousand days may stand between us now but each second will remain
Caught within the symbol that the midnight all is true
Baby i just can't forget your tattoo...
Just as there are songs about rebels and tattoos, or songs about wanting to gt a tattoo, there are songs about heartbreak and tattoo. The sad tattoo song might be about someone who regrets having a tattoo, or it might be about the tattoo that is the memento of a now-ruined love affair.
"Saddest of Tattoos" by Artie Tobia from the album "The Parade" gets right to the point.
I must confess that I noticed
Upon your chest there was the most saddest
the most saddest of tattoos
What's interesting is that this very sad tattoo is itself never fully explained. Throughout the song, this woman truly catches the attention of men around her, but they are all taken aback by this piece of mysterious but forlorn skin art. The listener is left to guess what the woman's chest tattoo must be, and what sort of imagery is so sad that it stops men in their tracks.
Sade uses the idea of a tattoo as a metaphor for a feeling she feels will never lose in the ballad "Like A Tattoo."
Like the scar of age written all over my face
The war is still raging inside of me
I still feel the chill as i reveal my shame to you
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
In the John Lester vocal and bass piece "Your Tattoo" off of his album "Big Dreams and the Bottom Line," the song is a conversation between a man and a woman who are breaking up. As much as he knows things are coming apart, the man can't forget the tattoo.
Didn't i tell you not to scar your body so?
Hey what a misconception,
I decided sight unseen but how was I to know
That the imprint on your body would leave an image in my brain
A thousand days may stand between us now but each second will remain
Caught within the symbol that the midnight all is true
Baby i just can't forget your tattoo...
Hand Tattoos
Having tattoos on the hands is one of those things that parents seem to really worry that their kids are going to do. And there are a lot of stigma against hand tattoos in Western culture. Let's take a look hand tattooing.
From a practical level, hand tattooing carries some physical concerns. The nerves, tendons and blood vessels in hands are very close to the surface of the skin, having almost no muscle or fat padding over them. A lot of artists and tattoo enthusiasts seem to have questions and concerns about if damage can occur from tattooing hands. As humans, we do just about EVERYTHING with our hands, which gives hand tattoos probably carry some of the highest risk for tattoos that might become infected.
Also in that vein, hands evolved to be the tools for touching and doing everything, and as such, the skin of the hands isn't quite like the rest of the body. Both hands and feet slough off and produce new skin faster than anywhere else on the body. Many people have found that hand or feet tattoos fade faster. This seems to be from the faster skin cycle and higher rate of friction that hands and feet experience. There's not much that can be done about that. Many artists therefore refuse to deal with doing any hand or feet tattoos, often telling people that the tattoos won't "take" or that they will find they have to have them recolored every few years.
Since hands are how we interact and greet the world, making marks on them is a very obvious form of physical identification. American street gangs often sport tattoos on the hands, as any gesture or movement will display signs of allegiance and membership. The location is constantly visible to the wearer allowing for frequent viewing of any emblems, which can keep any meanings or symbolism fresh in the mind of the tattoo wearer. Since it's so hard to hide the hands, making marks on them is a good way of telling society at large what you think of their values, especially when such marks are frowned upon.
Not everyone has always frowned upon hand tattoos. In Polynesian cultures, hand tattoos were worn by both men and women. For men, they could denote rankings or warrior status, i.e. if you had killed an opponent in battle. In Hawaiian culture, woman had to have earned their hand tattoos before they were allowed to perform the rituals around making their sacred staple dish of poi, a pounded root paste
From a practical level, hand tattooing carries some physical concerns. The nerves, tendons and blood vessels in hands are very close to the surface of the skin, having almost no muscle or fat padding over them. A lot of artists and tattoo enthusiasts seem to have questions and concerns about if damage can occur from tattooing hands. As humans, we do just about EVERYTHING with our hands, which gives hand tattoos probably carry some of the highest risk for tattoos that might become infected.
Also in that vein, hands evolved to be the tools for touching and doing everything, and as such, the skin of the hands isn't quite like the rest of the body. Both hands and feet slough off and produce new skin faster than anywhere else on the body. Many people have found that hand or feet tattoos fade faster. This seems to be from the faster skin cycle and higher rate of friction that hands and feet experience. There's not much that can be done about that. Many artists therefore refuse to deal with doing any hand or feet tattoos, often telling people that the tattoos won't "take" or that they will find they have to have them recolored every few years.
Since hands are how we interact and greet the world, making marks on them is a very obvious form of physical identification. American street gangs often sport tattoos on the hands, as any gesture or movement will display signs of allegiance and membership. The location is constantly visible to the wearer allowing for frequent viewing of any emblems, which can keep any meanings or symbolism fresh in the mind of the tattoo wearer. Since it's so hard to hide the hands, making marks on them is a good way of telling society at large what you think of their values, especially when such marks are frowned upon.
Not everyone has always frowned upon hand tattoos. In Polynesian cultures, hand tattoos were worn by both men and women. For men, they could denote rankings or warrior status, i.e. if you had killed an opponent in battle. In Hawaiian culture, woman had to have earned their hand tattoos before they were allowed to perform the rituals around making their sacred staple dish of poi, a pounded root paste
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