Saturday, December 10, 2011

Samoan Tattoo Designs

The art of tattooing is an ancient practice. In fact, uncovered mummies show that it has been in practice for thousands of years already. So while the modern designs are also cool, it might be a good idea to revisit the old traditions to rediscover great body art ideas. One great find from the past are Samoan tattoo designs.
And when these ancient designs are combined with the modern equipments of today, and influenced by some modernization, the result can be a breathtaking tattoo design. And to help you understand better why Samoan tattoo designs are epic, here is a close look at its origin:
A Brief History
Samoan tattoo designs are believed to have been developed around 2,000 years ago in the lands of Polynesia. In the country, there resides an ancient ethnic group called Samoans which are known for their lust for tattooing. And for some reason, their heritage in body art survived until today.
According to the legend of the Samoan tribe, the art of tattooing was introduced to them by two women named Teama and Tilafaiga. And since then, it had flourished and became part of their culture and tradition. In the tribe, both men and women get the tattoo.

A Symbol Of Status
Along the history of the Samoans, the art introduced by Taema and Tilafaiga became a way to show an individual's status in society. Generally, the larger and the more elaborate the design, the higher is the status of the person wearing it. But gender-wise, men always seem to have bigger tattoos than women.
Also, the art of tattooing became almost a necessity among the males of the ethnic group. It is said that as soon as the boy's body is assumed to have stopped growing, the tattooing ceremony would begin. Later in Samoan history however, this privilege became secluded to the royalty.
A Rich Variety
Alright, so what makes Samoan tattoo designs attractive to the modern tattoo enthusiast? First of all, the striking variety in designs is stunning. There are so many patterns to choose from and each one of them is elaborate and beautiful.
Also, one feature of the Samoan tattoo design is that it covers a large portion of the body. It can run across the back and down to the knee and also around the arms. Although of course, the extent of the tattoo is subject to the person's taste and choice.
So if you are looking for a great new idea in body art and tattooing, you know that Samoan tattoo designs will make a sophisticated and unique choice. It may be old and ancient, but its long life is only a testimony of its success and its patronage by many people.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Chinese Tattoo Meanings

People are fascinated with Chinese designs because of their tattoo meanings. They use online dictionary, free download, or semi-experienced translators for Asian words. However, did you know that these are not reliable? It can turn your meanings to nonsense, hocus-pocus or a joke. Suppose you pick some cool looking Chinese symbols from a tattoo parlor, and assume that they mean 'loyalty'. However, you can't be sure if those symbols have the right meaning. Perhaps, they mean the 'heart' without the loyalty component. I am sure you don't want that. Chinese Tattoo Meanings have become very self expressive. Unfortunately, they are not all accurate. Mistakes galore. For the best results, you should hire a Chinese expert.
  1. Weird Meaning - Britney Spears' Tattoo - Britney Spears a flower with the Chinese character tattooed near her navel. She thought this symbol means 'mysterious'. Upon a close look, it is found that the actual meaning is 'weird'. Instead of being the mysterious charmer, the pop queen puzzles everyone as to why she wants to be 'weird'.
  2. Wrong Meanings - A Woman's Tattoo Tragedy - A woman got a Chinese tattoo with the meaning 'freedom'. She wants to show everyone her belief. Later she discovered that her Chinese characters actually mean 'free of charge'. What an embarrassment! Also, there are people who like to create their own Chinese tattoos. They combine the Chinese symbols 'power' and 'love' to create the phrase 'powerful love'. The result is not creative expression but ambiguity or wrong meaning. Why not consult an expert to get the right design?
  3. Great Meaning - Megan Fox, Chinese Symbol - Your Chinese tattoos should convey what is of value you. Some entertainment stars have chosen tattoos with great meanings. For instance, celebrity Megan Fox, Hollywood's hottest diva, has a Chinese symbol 'strength' tattooed on her neck. This meaning is very appropriate for her rising stardom. Megan Fox needs both the mental and physical strength to stay on top of Tinseltown.
  4. Philosophical Meaning - David Beckham, Chinese Saying - Great tattoo meanings are those with special Chinese sayings. I notice that people really like quotes or phrases that reveal truth. As Chinese tattoos become the cult, people are turning to Chinese experts for great quotes and ancient wisdom. Celebrity David Beckham has a tattoo with a great philosophical meaning. It is a Chinese proverb that reads "Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honour depend on heaven." Media attention has been rampant. He is praised for being clever with ink designs.
  5. Best Meanings - Custom Tattoo by Chinese Expert - You can get the best tattoo meanings from a Chinese expert or professional. Get someone who is proficient at English Chinese translation. An expert is indispensable if you want tattoos with special phrases, custom sayings or cultural idioms. Did you know that many people are crazy for meaningful tattoos? Don't try to be the expert yourself. Stay away from free downloads and online dictionary. Avoid weird, wrong and funny tattoo meanings. Hire a professional.

Kanji Tattoo Designs

Kanji was originally invented by the Chinese and introduced to Japan. The Chinese character and Japanese character might look very similar, but they are NOT the same.
This ancient style of writing practiced mostly by Japanese people. It has become a popular form of tattoo with people seeking Japanese style tattoo designs. Those who choose to display a Kanji design are attracted to its complex beauty as well as individual meanings. Look of Kanji is very artistic and expressive.
The tattoos are ideographic characters, which means that each character represents a whole object, idea, or meaning they can tell a whole story instead of just representing a letter sound like the Western alphabet. Kanji's are a popular choice among anyone seeking Japanese style tattoo designs, in fact 1 in every 5 tattoos are of a Kanji style. With their style of characters, you can easily create and express nearly any meaning you want.

This traditional writing is very difficult to learn, due to the fact that there are over a thousand symbols in everyday writing, plus another thousand or so that are used just occasionally. Also the pronunciation of a symbol can change depending on the context in which it is presented. It is worthwhile and highly recommended to do research and educate you on the different forms of Japanese writing. Don't be fooled into thinking you can just look up a word in a kanji dictionary and expect it to translate accurately.
Be sure what you are getting means EXACTLY what you think it does!
Consult with an expert Japanese translator to translate and design the Japanese Kanji symbols for you. Because of the complexity of Kanji and also the fact the one word can mean two completely different things it is important that the Japanese translator understands the word you want translated. The Chinese symbol has a time span of 4000 years and a geography span across countries like China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It simply takes knowledge and expertise to do the translation well and with precise accuracy.
Ensure that you seek a professional tattoo artist that has a clear referenced of the actual design and a line drawing as the "blueprint" for the actual tattoo. When inking, your tattoo artist will use stencil outlines to trace the artwork onto your body. Stencil outlines are vital for inking as it can prevent tattooists from making mistakes while working.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Japanese Tattoo Designs For Guys

Japanese Tattoo Designs For Guys
A lot of men are looking for some unique tattoo designs. They often get flames, skulls, daggers, and pinup models as tattoos. However, Japanese sleeve tattoos have recently emerged into the industry, and many men and women both all around the world have taken an interest. Men in particular appreciate sleeve Japanese tattoo designs. They are cool and look great on arms. Here are some ideas to help you choose the right full sleeve design.
Dragon designs
Of course, dragons are always popular in every culture. However, Japanese dragons have a distinct appearance and look unique as tattoos. A fierce black or red dragon is the ideal tattoo for guys, especially if it looks like it's getting ready to breathe fire down on a person! This creature is very mystical that has a lot of lore surrounding it. The symbolism is strength, might, and power.
The koi fish

These are popular Japanese tattoo designs that men and women both can appreciate. This fish is extremely popular and highly respected. It can be painted in a beautiful bright orange color with bright blue waves in the background. This design is very popular for sleeve tattoos. You can have the fish wrapped around your arm for a dimensional look.
So, what does the koi fish represent? It represents strength, independence, and the struggle to make something of oneself. This fish, according to myths, always tries to swim upstream. Only a few of them ever make it to the top, but those that do are rewarded and made into dragons, at which point they will fly away and never look back. This is a cool idea for a tattoo if you want others to think you are thoughtful and emotional. Everybody will be impressed when you explain the deep symbolism behind koi fish Japanese tattoo designs.
The Samurai
When most guys think of Japanese tradition and culture, the Samurai is one of the first things to come to mind. As such, it's not surprising that they are often depicted in tattoo art. Some of the designs show the Samurai fighting off evil spirits. Some simply depict a Samurai in armor, holding his sword and looking fierce. Either way, the tattoo design will look cool on you.
Samurais are such popular elements in Japanese tattoo designs because the warrior is seen to represent everything that is important to Japanese men. This warrior is very strong and fierce and carries the culture proudly. He follows the bushido codes and will do whatever it takes to fight and die proudly.
Hannya masks
The Hannya masks are frightening, tragic, and mysterious all at once. This symbol was once used in Kabuki plays. It was seen as being so haunting that it became a standalone work of art. Some people even believe that they can be used to protect a home or person from evil spirits. The Hannya mask is that of a scorned woman who has become overcome by so much rage that she has turned into a fierce, frightening demon. Some people finding the images to be creepy or even disturbing; nevertheless, the Hannya mask is very popular when it comes to Japanese tattoo designs. It can be made into a full sleeve tattoo when combined with other designs and symbols.

Japanese Sleeve Tattoo Designs

Beautiful and striking are probably the most descriptive words to use when looking at a Japanese sleeve tattoo design. They are more commonplace in today's more liberal society. Should you get one?
What do you know about this type of tattoo? Do you know what "sleeve" means? Are you aware of what designs would make up a Japanese sleeve?
A sleeve tattoo is a term describing a design that completely covers the skin of the chosen area. Common body placement for sleeves is on the arms, and that is where we get the name. The tattoo looks like where the sleeve of your shirt should be.
Sleeve tattoos come in different lengths. These are:
1. Full Sleeve. Runs from the shoulder-blade all the way to the wrist.
2. Three quarter sleeve. Runs from shoulder-blade to middle/upper part of forearm.
3. Half Sleeve. Runs from the shoulder to the elbow.

4. Quarter Sleeve. Runs from the elbow to wrist.
As you can see there are many variations, and sleeves are not limited to the arms. Many people have taken the concept onto the lower limbs as well.
There is also the possibility of adding further work to the sleeve in the form of a "chest plate", which is basically covering the whole of the pectoral area leading off from the arm.
Sleeves can incorporate many styles of design, so long as the entire skin area is covered. However it is the Japanese sleeve which appears to be most popular.
Common themes in Japanese sleeve tattoo designs are dragons, koi carp, samurai warriors, geisha girls, cherry blossoms, water falls and hanya masks (a legendary Japanese demon).
The sleeve will often incorporate many if not all of these themes in one flowing design of intricate detail and vivid colour.
Full Sleeves are bold and in your face. Everyone will know that you are tattooed! However, if you are looking for some discretion but still favour this kind of tattoo, then a half sleeve could be a compromise. The sleeve can start on the shoulder and be cut short just above the elbow, enabling the tattoo to be hidden from view with a short-sleeved shirt.

Japanese Sleeve Tattoo Designs

Express Feelings Of Love tattoo

To express feelings of love, Love Tattoos were one of the means to do so. They are quite famous which many couples sport to express one's love or affection to the other. These tattoos are unrestricted and used by by not only couples but also others like mother-daughter, father-son, etc.
Today, tattoos are not limited to tough youths in swarm as they are very famous that it could often end up in fight searching for new angles as long as background and positioning are concerned. Tattoos are type of skill to certain people but a disgrace to people at other extremes.
One out of every four persons would invariably be found sporting tattoos and some with more than one as they are assumed to be forming a live form on the skin and to ensure their freshness and brightness; it requires to be maintained regularly. Tattoos protected from solar rays, rightly applied and healed can ensure to be long lived for years.
Love has been the most emotional feeling human beings have resorted to express in a way of tattoos patterns that many couples still maintain the love symbols in tattoos as a striking appearance of love. There are numerous ways to express affection among people and it may appear strange that people in love are prepared to go any extent to bear the pain for their beloved.

Many personalities have been carving new types of affection tattoos by romanticizing this specific aspect of conveying their feelings. Assorted heart tattoos are available to express the affection and a crated tattoo parlour will take interest to design a peculiar tattoo for you.
Love, in general, is expressed by heart - a symbol recognized from time immemorial. Other tattoos to express love are the hearts with pierced with arrow, a protected heart or Celtic heart, sacred heart, etc. To give unique touch to the tattoos, certain people go a step further by adding the names or signs of their loved ones.
The pattern of love tattoos requires instant recognition. Real love blooms every time irrespective of age such as love tattoo patterns. Whether willing to send out noisy significance or just a delicate compliment to your loved one, a number of appealing tattoos are available.

The Most Famous Sister Love Tattoos

Sister tattoos are very popular nowadays. In recent times, these have become unbelievably popular tattoo art. And their popularity is growing day by day. Despite involving painful procedure, tattoo art is widely used across the globe. If you are looking for tattoos for you and your sister, it's advisable to consider every aspect of tattooing. Don't do it in haste and hurry.
Before you get sister tattoos, make sure you decide the type of tattoo you are looking for: Temporary or permanent. Usually tattoos are for a life time. However, if you wish you may have options to try temporary sister tattoos so that you can experiment with its looks and effects and then go for a permanent one.It's always good to do homework. Explore as many as designs you can get and select the best suitable sister tattoos. You can research on internet as well. There you will find numerous tattoo designs. You can choose the best deigns that suites best to you.You need not to select sister tattoos in haste. After all tattoos are for life time. Once you get a tattoo, whether you like it or not you can not change it later. Though there are new techniques to remove tattoos but it's an expensive option. Besides, it'll leave an ugly scare in your tattoo area.

Take some time to choose best sister tattoos in order to avoid future regret.These tattoos are known as the symbols of love and loyalty. These tattoos will make your already strong bond even stronger. These tattoos can improve troubled relationships as well. So, make sure that you get the sister tattoos that are able to express your feelings. You can also use sister tattoos to add value to your personality so that you and your sister feel proud to flaunt these tattoos. Going through various portfolios is considered very important in selecting tattoo designs. Select the design that both of you love. With these designs your tattoo artist will be able to create a unique tattoo for you.Tattooing is a painful procedure. It's more painful on certain body parts.
A professional tattoo artist will suggest the best body part so that you get less pain. It's also useful to understand that your sister tattoos could be annoying for couple of days. Experienced tattoo artist will guide you in taking care for your sister tattoos.Therefore, it's very important that you get the skilled and experienced tattoo artist. Your tattoo artist must have required license as well. It's always good to get customer recommendations so that you can judge the quality of an artist. This way, you can ensure that you get the best sister tattoos you are looking for.

Love Tattoos Are Very Popular Today

Love tattoos have always been a great way to express your feelings for someone else. Love tattoos are always very popular and a great many couples choose to show their love for one another in the form of a tattoo. Obviously, the love tattoos are not restricted to the love between couples but they cover a wide range of relationships ranging from a mom-daughter or a son-dad relationship.
Tattoos are no longer found only on the tough guys in the crowd. Tattoos are now so popular that it can often be a struggle finding new angles when it comes to both the background and placement. Tattoos are an art form for some people but an abomination to others on the other end of the spectrum.
Tattoos are very common these days, with just about 1 in 4 individuals having at least one and often more. Tattoos are usually considered to be part of the living organism of skin and must be maintained over the years to keep their colors alive and fresh. Tattoos that have been correctly applied, correctly healed, and protected from the rays of the sun can remain their best for years and years.

Love is the strongest of emotions that man has often expressed within the designs of love tattoos. There are many different ways to express your love to your significant other. Today, many couples still believe the symbols in love tattoos to be a very dramatic expression of love. It may sound odd to some but those in love are ready to bear any sort of pain for their loved ones.
Everything is fair in love after all. Many celebrities have been paving the way for new forms of love tattoos by idealizing this particular aspect of expression. There are a wide assortment of heart tattoos available for showing your love for someone else and a good tattoo parlor will usually be happy to design something unique for you.
The heart these days is still the most recognized symbol of love. Other symbols often found in love tattoos include the sacred heart, a pierced heart, a locked heart or a Celtic heart amongst many others. Many people interested in love tattoos will sometimes include their names or other symbols to add a personal touch to the tattoo.
Whatever you decide upon, the design of love tattoos should be instantly recognizable. True love blooms all the time no matter what and should be ageless like the designs of love tattoos. Whether you wish to send out a loud message or just a subtle tribute to your love, there are all kinds of love tattoos that might appeal to you.
Quite often, a couple will decide to get matching tattoos to show their love for one another. Love tattoos often incorporate such things as song lyrics or children's names. David and Victoria Beckham have matching tattoos that read 'I am my beloved's, my beloved is mine' written in Hebrew characters. The only problem with love tattoos is that the couple may not last but the tattoo is permanent.

Love Tattoo Ideas

Love can be represented in a multitude of ways and when it's meant to represent more than two people a difficult balancing act has to be struck. There's three main types of love tattoo ideas you could opt for.
Symbols
An obvious choice of symbol is the heart but you can choose to decorate it with names, flowers, flourishes of color or even birds and bees. A good variation the heart theme is a broken heart coming together into one to show the healing of a rift with love. Other symbols representing love could be crossed wedding rings.
Names
Having the name of your significant other regardless of how much you love them could be risky. Too many people have been completely and truly in love only to separate later down the line and have to deal with a painful reminder of the past. The risks are just not worth the reward but that doesn't mean you can't represent in some fashion your significant other. A tattoo of their birth sign, crystal, favorite color or something similar can represent them. Yet if you were to ever split up it can come to mean something else.

Mythology
Cupid the Roman God of erotic love and beauty is a popular design when firing an arrow through a persons name or even a heart. These are often depicted in the form of a child but there's nothing that specifically states Cupid was a child so you can opt to have an adult cupid. Although human forms are rarely popular. Another great tattoo is the goddess of love itself -Venus. Venus could be represented as a human form such as the classic "Birth of Venus" by Botticelli or even the Zodiac symbol for Venus.

Heart and Love Tattoos

Heart and Love Tattoos :
1. In Loving Memory Tattoo.

One option is to have an "in loving memory tattoo" based around a heart design. This is usually the perfect design option for someone in your life whom you've loved and who has now passed on. I've seen great "in loving memory tattoo" heart designs on both men and women, and they all came off as powerful tats.

2. Romance.

This can be a real slippery slope as there are plenty of tattoo cover up jobs of heart tattoos which had a romantic others name placed over the heart in some form such as a banner. It probably sounded like a great thing to do at the time, but in reality, relationships do often end.

Now having said that, on the other hand if you do have a true love which you believe will be around forever, then a love tattoo can be the perfect straight forward symbol of permanent union.


3. Love in General.

Heart and love tattoos are probably best when they signify someone in your life whom you truly love, as more of a lifelong friend as opposed to an intimate lover. Lifelong friends can include relatives as well as best friends. They can also include pets. Actually a heart and love tattoo can be great symbol of your love for a pet you own or have owned in the past.