Archive for the ‘Tattoo Art’ Category
Free Tattoo Designs
January 22nd, 2009
Each and every one of us is always on the lookout for great deals and any way to save money that we can find. With the Internet being so popular these days, many people often turn to the Internet for free tattoo designs. For most of us, free is always the way to go. When you stop and think about it, a free tattoo design sounds a lot better than paying as much as $150.00 for one at a tattoo studio. The fact about it is simple – someone could just as easily draw their tattoo design themselves and then pay the tattoo artist to put the tattoo on them.
If you give it some thought, you may begin to wonder if free tattoo designs are actually worth it in the end. The fact of them being free is always great, although you may wonder if the design is something you would like to display permanently on your body. When you show your new tattoo to friends, they may think negative thoughts when you tell them that you got the design free off the Internet. Each and every time you show your tattoo people will want to know about the message and the design, which youíll probably need to think about.
All of us are familiar with the old saying ìyou get what you pay forî, and itís truly no different in this scenario. Although there are hundreds and hundreds of websites on the Internet that provide free tattoo designs, few of them are really worth the interest. Most of the free designs out there on the Internet are very poor quality. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to wait and have a professional tattoo artist make the design for you.
Those who choose to go with free tattoo designs will tell you that tattoos are very expensive and they canít afford to have a professional tattoo artists draw up the design. Some people, when dealing with custom tattoo designs, will say that their tattoo artist doesnít do custom designs or that he just donít want to do theirs. Although most of this may be true to an extent, there truly is no better way to get a tattoo than using a design made by a professional tattoo artist.
As most already know, free tattoo designs are normally made by those who know next to nothing about tattoo designing. In most cases, these designs are made by someone who is looking to make a quick profit instead of a true professional tattoo artist. You can easily tell that they arenít professional quality simply by looking at them. Most free designs have poor quality, poor lines, and often times the work appears to be made on a personal computer. You certainly wouldnít want to use something like this with your tattoo ñ simply because you will be showing it the rest of your life.
If you spend a lot of time searching on the Internet for free tattoo designs, you may be able to find a few with good quality. There are some good quality designs out there, although youíll probably have to search quite a bit to find them. Itís best to have an idea in mind about the tattoo you want then look for it that way. Although it may take you some time, you could very well find it. If you do come across it as a free tattoo design ñ you should always triple check the quality before you decide to have it done.
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Tattoos: Not Just For Bikers Anymore
January 20th, 2009
In the distant past, tattoos had the smallest modicum of acceptance, primarily based on the people who wore them. When military men came back to the States after serving overseas, it was difficult to express too much negativity about the names of their sweethearts or “Mom and Dad” emblazoned on their arms. It’s likely that the acceptance was more for the wearer than the tattoo, though, for tattoos had not attained a degree of respectability with the American public in general. As syphilis became more widespread, and with the less-than-sanitary tattooing procedures adding to its increase, New York City eventually banned tattooing, and did not make the practice legal again until 1997.
As disdain for the military began to spread across the United States, so did a new counter-culture. To most Americans during that time-period, the word “tattoo” was synonymous for those who were outside of the mainstream of America, thumbing their noses at society. It brought to mind the fringe-element of undesirables, from the widely-movie “Easy Rider” to the infamous Hell’s Angels. Greasy individuals who rode motorcycles and displayed obnoxious artwork on various parts of their bodies– bikers were only “cool” amongst their own kind, and thought of in a very unfavorable light by most of the American population. In general, tattoos were limited to that range of individuals; and both the bikers and their “sleeves” was something the population at large preferred to do without.
Although in some locales, especially those with Navy bases, tattoos continued to enjoy a moderate degree of acceptance throughout the ’seventies, they still were not considered a respectable means of personal expression within the mainstream population. The younger generation who lived in these areas, with the usual curiosity of youth, often frequented tattoo parlors and began to make tattoos a part of their lifestyle. As these were usually young adults whose lifestyle included drug use and too much alcohol, their embracing the practice of tattoos did not assist in convincing the older generation that there was anything positive about it. One tattoo artist who practiced in the Navy town of Port Hueneme, California, remarked that the types of individuals whose lifestyle included tattoos were the kind of people who “don’t usually make it to forty years old.”
Also commenting that tattoos are “a fever,” he shed some light on the most negative aspects of this practice. Even though by law artists were not supposed to do such artwork on individuals who were in any state of intoxication, his clients were usually in either of two categories: those who requested tattoos while seriously under-the-influence, and the fainters. His tattoo studio had a large couch for the benefit of the latter. Young drug users and Navy men made up the majority of his customers.
It was not until the early eighties that tattoos began to gain positive exposure. With the Long Island based band “The Stray Cats” appearing on the cover of the music magazine Rolling Stone, not only did this bring the rockabilly music style back into popularity it was also one of the first steps in helping tattoos gain widespread appeal. In stepping away from the coarse music of that particular time-period, the Stray Cats’ scope was that of good clean music and good clean fun; and tattoos were a part of that image. Suddenly everybody wanted to be a part of it all, including the tattoos; and although it was often to the chagrin of the older generation, tattoos began to have less negativity attached to them.
As tattoos ceased to be solely connected to the counter-culture, they started to appear on everybody. In the following years they started showing up on average Americans all across the United States. Tattoo studios sprung up in cities that had colleges and universities, making tattoos an accepted part of life for students. As the people in that age group became older, their tattoos remained, as well as the interest in tattoos developing amongst the newer younger generation. In most parts of the United States they are now commonplace, and considered to be just a basic form of self-expression.
Problems Associated With Tattoos
January 20th, 2009
Although getting a tattoo is generally safe, there are a few risk factors and potential problems which one should be aware of. The largest risk factor is that of acquiring a communicable disease. While more strict health regulations and most tattoo artists’ compliance with these regulations has significantly reduced these risks, it is still important to be aware of them. In the distant past, lack of appropriate sanitary conditions in some tattoo parlors led to an uprise in communicable diseases, primarily syphilis, which in turn led to some locations banning tattoo parlors and making the practice illegal.
These days, tattoo artists are required to be licensed, and the cleanliness of their studios must be maintained. In the interest of keeping both the artist and the customer safe from contracting disease, ever since AIDS began to be well-known and feared, most artists have taken on the practice of wearing sterile gloves while tattooing their customers. As acquiring a tattoo does involve some degree of bleeding, wearing these gloves is an important safety-precaution for both the customer and artist alike. Preventing the spread of AIDS and other diseases is also why reputable artists use disposable tattooing needles, as well as disposing of any leftover ink which has been taken from the original tube; whatever was not used on the specific customer must be thrown away.
One risk which is always present is that of infection. Having a tattoo done only by a licensed artist is the most important way to reduce this risk. Unfortunately, the so-called “jailhouse tattoos” popular with inmates has become common amongst other people also. People who cannot afford the high cost of having a tattoo done at a studio frequently attempt to tattoo themselves. Regardless of whether they know what they’re doing or not, they do not have the same sterile conditions as a licensed studio. Even more distressing is that this is also in practice amongst the younger generation– kids who are not old enough to have a tattoo done legally at a studio attempt their own artwork, not only without appropriate sterile conditions but also without the necessary professional equipment. This practice significantly increases one’s risk of serious infection, and can also lead to blood poisoning.
Not knowing the facts about proper care of a new tattoo can also cause problems. Reputable artists caution their customers to not allow a new tattoo to be saturated with water from bathing or swimming, nor to expose it to direct sunlight for a certain number of days. Many either provide their customers with special skin-care solutions or advise them to purchase and use it. Although there are products specifically designed to promote the healing of tattoos, the triple-antibiotic topical cream called Bacitracin is still one of the most widely used and effective means of protecting and healing skin which has been damaged by receiving a tattoo. The proper care of a new tattoo is not difficult, but neglecting to do so can increase one’s risk of infection and permanent damage to the skin.
Although health complications would generally be considered the most important risk, many people who decide to get tattoos do not think about the potential impact on one’s everyday life. Regardless of one’s personal opinion on the subject and how affected one may be by it, it is a fact that having tattoos can be detrimental to a person’s success in the business world, and also have an effect on one’s personal or social life. In most areas, and in most lines of work, having visible tattoos can be a barrier to getting hired for a job. The common sense way of dealing with this is to simply adopt a professional attitude and wear clothing which covers the tattoos. In some locations, where tattoos are thought to be something favored only by particular groups of people, for others to have tattoos may cause them to be wrongly judged or categorized. Keeping a positive attitude is the key.
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Positive Attributes Of Tattoos
January 20th, 2009
Considering how widespread the negative reputation is of tattoos and people who have them, one might wonder if there is anything positive about tattoos, and if it is reason enough to get one. You undoubtedly have heard plenty about the problems, attitudes, risk factors, etc., so perhaps you would also like to consider the opposite point of view in order to help you make the best decision regarding whether or not getting this type of artwork is right for you.
First, let’s examine some of the reasons why getting a tattoo may not be a good idea. If you’re the type of person who tends to do things impulsively; or if you’re considering a tattoo based primarily on someone else wanting you to get one or not wanting you to get one; these factors will very likely result in you regretting your decision at some point in time. If getting a tattoo is not solely your own decision for your own sake, and a decision which you have put careful thought into making, you will probably end up wanting to get it removed later on.
If none of those situations fit you, and you’re considering getting a tattoo, hearing some things which are good about tattoos may assist in your decision.
Some people simply like art; if you are one of them, a tattoo may be the type of art you are looking for. In that there are essentially no limits to what kinds of artwork can be made into tattoos, you’re sure to find something which will suit your tastes. You can consult a tattoo artist to assist you in making the best choice for the artwork which you will like the most. Tattoo studios routinely have huge selections of tattoo art on posters and books; your artist can tell you which forms he is most familiar with and practiced in creating. If you have a unique design in mind, all it usually takes is a rough sketch or even a description, and most artists will be happy to create a custom-made design for you. Tattoo artists are almost always very skilled artists in general; you will be happily surprised at how intricate and professional their work can be. If you want beautiful, unique art which is both yours alone and permanent, a tattoo is the way to go!
Do you have something to say, something you wish to share with the world? If so, a tattoo may be the answer you’re looking for! Whether you opt for wording, or a design which has some type of special meaning to you, a tattoo can be one of the greatest forms of self-expression. You can choose something that is very clear to everyone who sees it, or, in contrast, can have something which is purely symbolic. We not longer have to settle for temporary expression on t-shirts, tattoos are permanent; and they are available to almost everyone everywhere.
A tattoo can also be a permanent memorial. If there is someone or someplace that you wish to honor, a tattoo can be a wonderful way to do this. Contrary to occasional opinion, memorializing a person or a place with a tattoo is generally not morbid, and is not usually sad; instead, it focuses on one’s subject in a positive light. In addition, a tattoo of memory does not necessarily have to be about a person, it can also be a unique symbol of a place, a time, a situation, that you wish to always keep in your memory.
If you have decided to get a tattoo, and have positive reasons for wishing to do so, all you need to do is visit a nearby tattoo studio and allow your vision to be turned into a reality.
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Celebrities and Their Tattoos
January 20th, 2009
When deciding on whether or not to get a tattoo, the first thing to think about is how the tattoo will be a permanent mark on the body. The next thing to consider is what the preferred style might be. Most tattoo parlors have samples of previous designs that can be altered to suit the customer. But what many people enjoy is sampling and mimicking what many of those whom we idolize might have already had created.
Today, celebrities influence much of what is done in society. Clothing styles, hair dos, things to eat, places to hang out and, yes, even tattoos are often influenced by many celebrities. There are more famous people that have tattoos than what has been originally thought. Some may be quite surprising.
As many people know, Angelina Jolie is one of the most popular tattooed actresses today. She flaunts over a dozen tattoos, each with their own meaning. Angelina Jolie is such a fan of tattoos that there are always plans for more in the future. In fact, she’s made the tribal dragon tattoo the most popular among women.
When it comes to tattoos and famous actresses, it’s certain that Pamela Anderson’s name will be brought up. The arm band was made popular almost entirely due to Pamela Anderson. She also put an emphasis on the barbed wire tattoo as it’s one of her most well known marks.
Mike Tyson sports a facial tattoo that is of Maori influence. While the tattoo didn’t exactly cause a boom in applied facial tattoos, it does prove interesting among tattoo enthusiasts.
Johnny Depp is one highly acknowledge actor for having tattoos. He’s decorated with over twelve known tattoos all with stories behind them. Depp’s tattoo on his right bicep is the most well known. When Johnny Depp and Wynona Ryder were together, he had “Wynona Forever” tattooed on his arm. When the relationship ended, it was modified to say “Wino Forever.” A good example of why tattoos should be thought through before taking the leap.
A group tattoo was made for those actors in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each actor received a tattoo of the word “nine” written in Elvish script. Tattooed on different areas of the body, and a first tattoo for some, each member now has a permanent mark commemorating the making of the movies.
Other movie celebrities where we will find many tattoos to admire or copy include Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Gillian Anderson, Alyssa Milano, and Christina Ricci. We can also find tattoos in music artists such as Billy Idol, Eminem, Henry Rollins and Brittany Spears. Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Anna Kournikova, and Stone Cold Steve Austin make up just a few of the sports models that flaunt their own ink.
This is just a sampling of a few of the tattoos that are likely to be found among celebrities. These people are acknowledged and admired for their style and personalities. Many of them have caused booms in the tattoo trends throughout the years with special emphasis on designs that closely resemble their own. It’s not unusual or unheard of by tattoo artists to receive requests for a tattoo that looks just like one sported by the hip celebrity of the times.
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Are Tattoos An Addiction?
January 20th, 2009
The longtime connection between tattoos and individuals of questionable character is not the sole account for why tattoos are frequently given a bad reputation. While of course this connection, which is becoming less and less of a factor as each generation progresses, has been true in many circumstances, the subject of tattoos in the present day has yet another cloud over its reputation; it is darker, and rarely based on the truth.
From both those who know and those who do not, there are frequent insinuations about the “addictive” characteristics of tattooing. Many people sport multiple tattoos; some have acquired them over a number of years or decades, while others make regular trips to their favorite tattoo studios, but arbitrarily labeling this as an “addiction” is unfair, unrealistic, and rarely based in fact. As each person has his or her own individual reason for getting tattoos, it is impossible to know what a person’s reason is unless he or she states it. Some like artwork, some wish to honor a special person, some get tattoos in order to feel a part of some specific group, some people just enjoy spending money. In other words, most people have their own individual reasons for getting tattoos, and it is almost never a matter of being “addicted” to them.
There are two parts of this misconception. Both play a role in giving a bad reputation to the subject of tattoos as well as to the people who elect to get them. The first is that people are addicted to the tattoos themselves; the second misconception is that people are addicted to the process of getting them– specifically, that they are “addicted to pain.” One might wonder the mindset of anyone who states the latter opinion; but it certainly provides quite a scope of misunderstandings on the entire subject.
One tattoo artist, in remarking that tattoos are a “fever,” had been referring to the simple, if odd, enjoyment which many of his clients had in being able to spend money to buy permanent artwork for themselves. “I think I’ll get another one” was something often heard in his studio. This did not constitute “addiction” by any definition of the word. Nor, in his decades of practice as a tattoo artist, did he ever have a customer who even remotely enjoyed the discomfort of the tattooing process.
The word, and its mistaken applicability to tattoos, is often tossed around by those who know too well what the word “addiction” really means. Addiction is a compulsion, something over which a person has no self-control. Addiction cannot differentiate between a “want” and a “need.” Individuals who do have numerous addictions– drugs, alcohol, behaviors, etc.– can very well become addicted to tattoos. However, that is certainly not the case for the majority of people who decide to get them. Most people who get tattoos do so simply because they want them; they do not possess the weakness of character which leads addicts in the position of being compelled to do something.
The concept that a person gets tattoos because he or she is addicted to pain and therefore enjoys the painful process of being tattooed can only come from either the most ignorant or those who have some personal issues of their own.
Unfortunately, both of these misconceptions shed a very negative light on both the subject of tattoos and the people who wear them. It is a bad reputation which neither deserve, for there is almost never any fact in either point of view. While there are those who get tattoos with less than desirable motives, most people who get them do so with no negative attachment to either the tattoos or the process whatsoever. The bottom line is if you find someone who is attempting to convince you that getting tattoos is an addiction, you’ve probably found someone who actually is an addict and does not realize that most people are not.
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Celebrities Love Tattoos
January 20th, 2009
It is not really surprising to learn that many celebrities love tattoos, nor is it surprising that those who are in the public eye and in the media have quite a significant influence on the American population’s fascination with tattoos. The stars have tattoos, so all of their fans want tattoos also. For celebrities, age is not a factor; older stars as well as the younger ones have them. We know all of these people– but how much do we know about what unique styles of artwork they have?
One of America’s most longtime popular movie stars, Robert DeNiro, has appeared in movies sporting numerous tattoos. Whether or not his fans realize that they are only accessories for his films, the fact is in real life Robert DeNiro has only one tattoo, that of a black panther. Another actor who shows off many tattoos in his movies is Johnny Depp; all of his, however, are real. Bruce Willis also has a few tattoos; most notably the symbol of his movie “Die Hard.”
Tattoos have long been in style with musicians. Former teen idol Justin Timberlake has a guardian angel, amongst others. Rapper Eminem has more tattoos than can be counted, including his daughter’s name and his own. The wording on Keith Urban’s wrist, “Omni Vincit Amor” is Latin for ‘Love Conquers All;’ he also has an eagle on one arm.
Some sports celebrities also go for tattoos. Michael Jordan has his fraternity symbol tattooed above his heart, while Dennis Rodman is a virtual canvas of artwork.
Not to be outdone, many female stars also show various degrees of artwork. Young actress Drew Barrymore is essentially a canvas full of tattoos; it is said that she created most of the designs herself. Reese Witherspoon is more subtle, wearing only one small star tattoo which is rarely visible. Pamela Anderson has a variety of tattoos also, the most notable being the word ‘Mommy’ on one finger, which reportedly used to read ‘Tommy.’ Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has five stars to represent each member of her family, her husband’s initials, and the traditional Jewish phrase ‘I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.’
Some of today’s supermodels also sport tattoos. Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Stephanie Seymour all have these permanent forms of fashion accessories. Most supermodels who opt for tattoos show fewer and smaller designs than celebrities in other fields.
While many celebrities have had tattoos for a very long time, the popularity of tattoos amongst stars has been increasing, both in the number of celebrities who have them and the number of tattoos that they have. A very few have only one tattoo; more and more are taking on a large number of tattoos as well as more and more visible tattoos, using skin as a canvas for nearly unlimited varieties of permanent artwork.
As celebrities show off their tattoos, and this is picked up by the media, it presents an ever-increasing influence for their fans, especially amongst the younger generation, to want to do likewise. As with anything else that stars do in the public eye, their influence with tattoos helps this form of artwork become more widespread, more popular, and more acceptable to most of the American population in general.
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Most Common Tattoo Questions
January 20th, 2009
When it comes to getting a tattoo there are several common questions that everyone wants to know. No question is stupid if you truly do not know the answer to it. Below is a list of the most common questions people ask when thinking about getting a tattoo and the answers to those questions.
Q. Does it hurt?
A. Yes, getting a tattoo does hurt. Of course it all depends where on your body you are getting your tattoo and how bad it will hurt. Also everyone has a different pain tolerance so one person may say it didn’t hurt too bad while another one will disagree. Some of the most painful places to get a tattoo are on your feet, shines, elbows, the outside of your ankle, chest, ribcage and anywhere on your spine.
Q. Is it expensive?
A. It can get expensive depending on how big your tattoo is and how much detail is involved. A typical tattoo will start out at $50 and go up from there. If you are worried about money keep your tattoo design small.
Q. Which color ink is better?
A. The color of the tattoo ink is purely a self preference. Some prefer black ink while others prefer color ink.
Q. How much care does a tattoo require?
A. A tattoo doesn’t require too much care but there are some things that you need to do for your tattoo. First of all you need to make sure you put your neosporin on your tattoo at least twice a day when you first get it and do not put lotion on it until it has completely healed. Also stay out away from the pool, ocean or taking a bath, submerging your tattoo in water is a big no no. Also stay out of the sun when you first get your tat. After it has healed be sure to put a sunblock of 45 or higher on it. This keeps it from fading and looking newer longer.
Q. Should you tip the artist?
A. Absolutely. Tip them some where between 15% to 20%
Your Tattoo Friend
Ashley
Ashley enjoys writing on her Tattoo themed blog at http://infinitetattoos.wordpress.com please stop by and drop a comment.
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Tattoo Drawings
January 16th, 2009
Doing your own Tattoo drawings are something that you may or may not have considered doing for yourself. It is something you can work at and the more you practice the better you will become. Once you start to build a portfolio of Tattoo drawings the word will get around other people will want you to do some tattoo drawings for them.
After developing your skills you’ll be surprised what kind of art related things people will want you to do. Logos, simple illustrations and there are now a number of website you can submit your art to and get paid.
Here are few pointers about making tattoo drawings.
If you are drawing tattoo drawings for someone else, you will be able to discuss their exact requirements. When they describe what they want, they may have one version of what it looks like in their head where you may have another. Through discussion and talking, you can work with them for as long as it takes to meet somewhere that you are both happy. The goal here is for both parties to feel good about the finished tattoo and feel they you have stunning tattoo drawings.
It’s safe to say that every great tattoo comes first from great tattoo drawings. No matter what you may think of tattoo drawings personally, always remember and keep in your mind that this tattoo drawing is very important to the person who is getting it, and you should feel really great they want to let you use their body as your canvas. Showing your work to the whole world. They will be wearing this permanent ink forever on their bodies so you need to take this into careful consideration when doing tattoo drawings.
If the tattoo drawings are for yourself, make sure you get a second opinion before running off to the tattoo parlor, get at least two opinions even better. Getting the opinions of your tattoo drawings will give you the confidence you need to actually get it inked and we’ve seen a lot of ‘Bad Tattoo drawings’ around
Make sure your tattoo drawings are the absolute best you can do before giving it to your client. If you are not fully happy with it do not be afraid to say no and not give it away. Remember you are as only as good as your last tattoo drawing and you want the wearer to be showing the tattoo off to everyone and hopefully get more business for you through referrals.
Themes are a consideration for your tattoo drawings.
There are a lot of themes that you can do your tattoo drawings for. Maybe you specialize and become renown for a specific style of tattoo drawings. A few themes to consider are: Celtic designs, tribal tattoos, dragon tattoos and custom tattoos. Many people choose original and custom tattoos because they want something special and unique on their body. However there are lots of tattoo websites that offer thousands of tattoo drawings that you could look at and get some ideas.
