tattoo: 2008tattoo designs,tattoos,tribal tattoos,tattoo art

Itchy, Red Tattoo? Tattoo Infection and You

As with any type of body modification or anything involving needles there are some risks of infection. Luckily, with proper research and picking a clean shop the rate if tattoo infection is very minimal. No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on an infection, let alone have a resulting tattoo that just doesn't look right because it got infected, so what are the things you can do to minimize the risk of tattoo infection?

First make sure you choose a clean shop to get your tattoo done at. You don't want to go to some back alley dirty shop, this is almost a guarantee of infection. You want one that is clean and uses proper sterilization methods. Take your time in choosing the shop. You wan to find a high quality one that adheres to safety codes. You want a shop that uses new needles with each customer and is very careful about any form of transfer, by using sterile gloves and all the like. The last thing you really want to be doing is spending hundreds of dollars that are literally being thrown away, or worse yet throwing your own life a way by catching a disease. A little extra time ensuring the shop doing your tattoo is clean and infection free can save you a whole lot of trouble and money in the end.

Another key part in preventing infection is in your after care. Follow what the artist has set out for you very carefully. Don't remove your gauze too early and ensure any time you touch your tattoo that your hands are clean and free of dirt which can lead to a problem.

So what if it is too late to learn what you should have done and you already have an infected tattoo, what then? Well first step is to let the tattoo shop know that you have gotten a tattoo infection. Do not place blame it could very well have been improper care or even a slight allergic reaction that caused the infection. The next step is to go to the doctors. They may test you for other diseases in the case that the shop you went to was a less than sterile one, otherwise you will simply be given an antibiotic to help clear up the infection. Sometimes the tattoo is fine, due to the fact the infection was caught quickly, other times it is not.

Tattoo infections are few and far between but the more research you do and the more careful you are in getting your tattoo and the after care of your tattoo the better your chances are of minimizing your tattoo infection rate.

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The Story of Nightmare Before Christmas Tattoo

The Nightmare before Christmas is a classic film with a big fan following, so, ever since it came out years ago, Nightmare before Christmas tattoos have been gaining popularity. Everyone wants to get in on the action and have one of these incredibly cool tattoos!

As you may be aware, the movie featured a character named Jack Skellington. The premise is that Jack was the Pumpkin King who lived in Halloween Town. He was extremely bored there, so he visited Christmas Town. What he found there caused him to try to spice up his own town and things got a bit crazy from there.

If you love the movie, you will love the tattoos. Nightmare before Christmas tattoo designs are just as varied as other tattoo designs. You might choose to start out Oogie Boogie or one of the other characters. If you are feeling like getting a more adventurous Nightmare before Christmas Tattoo, on the other hand, you might want to get a large tattoo featuring a Christmas Town or Halloween Town scene in greater detail. No matter what you choose, the result will be a fun image to show off anywhere. Remember, though, not everything needs to be done at once. You could always start off small and add to your Nightmare before Christmas tattoo images later.

As with any other tattoo, location is also important. This is where a little planning comes into play. As mentioned above, you do not need to get your entire Nightmare before Christmas tattoo done at once. However, if you do want to get a large tattoo or you think you might want to make your Nightmare before Christmas tattoo larger and more elaborate later, you need to consider where you are going to put it. Your back or your stomach will lend themselves better to larger tattoos, while smaller ones could be placed almost anywhere on your body that you wish.

When deciding where to place your Nightmare before Christmas tattoo, you should consider the clothing you like to wear and exactly how often you want to show off your tattoo as well. If you get a tattoo on your arm, for instance, it will be more visible than other areas.

There are so many Nightmare before Christmas tattoos to choose from that you can simply pick a design from anywhere on the internet and go with it. However, if you want to add your own personal interpretations of the movie and give it a little extra personal touch, your tattoo artist can help you to do that.

So, if you enjoyed the Nightmare before Christmas movie then you may want to immortalize the feeling by adding Jack Skellington or some other aspect of the film as body art!

Find out Various creative Nightmare before Christmas tattoos at http://www.cooltattoofinder.com/special-tattoos/nightmare-before-christmas-tattoo

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The Symbolism of Cherry Blossom Tattoos

Cherry blossom tattoos are a relatively new concept. They are becoming more and more popular, though. Cherry blossoms are deeply rooted in the histories of certain cultures. They are particularly popular among the Chinese and Japanese cultures. Although, not always for the same reasons. So, before you get one, you should be aware of the many meanings they can have.

This kind of tattoos symbolize many things in the Chinese culture. They are an indication of power and dominance in some cases. At other times, though, they can also show feminine delicacy. They can also indicate love and feminine sexuality.

However, Japanese culture indicates that cherry blossom tattoos represent the fact that life is always changing. Change is the only thing you can rely on. Buddhism is the source of that sort of thought, in general. That concept is widely attached to cherry blossom tattoos in Japanese culture because they only last for a short time. Japanese people also believe that a fallen cherry blossom is the sign of a soldier lost in battle.

Furthermore, they have been incorporated into Japanese body suits, sleeves and back pieces over the centuries that their individuality has gone a bit by the wayside. Even though they don't stand alone often in Japanese culture anymore, cherry blossoms are still important icons in Japan, though. Therefore, cherry blossom tattoos are equally symbolic.

The Japanese sentiment toward cherry blossoms was immortalized in a line from a poem by Motoori Norinaga in the 18th century. "If I were asked to define the spirit of Japan, I would call it the blossom of the mountain cherry, scattering its scent in the morning sun" it states. Its reflect that same spirit to the Japanese public.

In short, a cherry blossom tattoo is not just a cute addition to your body. Depending on how you look at it, it can mean many things. It can be an indicator of how fragile and short life is. It can remind you and everyone that sees it that we only live once. Life is too short to put things off. It can be a reminder of life lived, love lost or gained or eternal hope.

The next time you look at a cherry blossom, you might do well to keep all of that in mind. If you decide to get one, remember that different people view cherry blossom tattoos in different ways. They should be understood, before they can be fully enjoyed.

Find out more in Cool Tattoo Gallery: http://www.cooltattoofinder.com

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So You Want A Tattoo - Here's What You Need to Know

First, Tattoos are one of the best ways to express your individuality. I remember beaming with pride as I showed off my first tattoo. The feeling of having survived the actual inking without crying (too much) plus knowing that I will always have a reminder of my childhood hero (Superman) - is a feeling that I will always cherish.

I want you have the same positive experience too. This article will give you a few good tips to remember as you prepare to get your first tattoo.

Remember It's Permanent:

If you are at all questioning if you should get a tattoo, do yourself a favor and get an airbrushed temporary tattoo. As you know, tattoos are virtually permanent. So make sure that you are willing to live with your decision. Also, you may want to give a good amount of thought to what your tattoo will be. If you are planning to get your 1st boyfriend's initials inked on your shoulder, you may want to make sure that the love of your life will actually be around for a lifetime!

Take Your Time And Find An Image That You Love

I can't stress enough how important it is to take your time selecting a tattoo. There is an endless number of types and variations of tattoos that you can get. Spend some time thinking about what you enjoy the most, tribal art, fantasy pictures, butterflies, tigers, you name it - there's a tattoo pic out there with your name on it. Once you have decided on what you want - take a little time to look through the variations on your picture. Also remember that you have the choice of black and white or a color tattoo.

One word of warning - the free tattoo sites are good places to start looking for ideas. But, I would not end my journey for the perfect tattoo in a free picture gallery. Many times these pics are so overused that there's a great chance that you're getting the same tattoo as most of the first-timers. Once you settle on a type of tattoo, I encourage you take join a private tattoo design club. The cost to join are usually less than $25 - and are well worth it. In these online clubs you can discuss and exchange ideas on the tattoo design that you like. Also the photo galleries in these tattoo clubs are first rate, with clean, sharp, and truly unique images.

It's Ok to Start Small

You're first tattoo doesn't have to be a body-covering masterpiece. In fact, I recommend that you select a small design for your first tattoo. The small tat will give you the experience of actually experiencing the inking process without pushing you over the edge. After, the first one - go ahead and go as big or elaborate as you want. I should warn you that getting inked can easily turn into an obsession. I love the feeling of getting a tattoo and I'm sure I will run out of body parts before I can get every tattoo that I want. You may find that you love the experience too - so start of slow and move from there.

If you would like to check out the Tattoo Club that I hang out at - check out the link in the box below. Remember to have fun, take your time, and go slow - and I congratulate you for expressing yourself with this ancient and visually striking form of art.

Are you going blind looking through hundreds of fuzzy, unoriginal, or outright ugly tattoo designs? Click here to get access to my dirty little tattoo design secret.

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Deciding On A Tattoo - How To Know If A Tattoo Is For You

The decision to get a tattoo should not be one taken lightly. Tattoos are permanent body modifications and are not something to be done on a whim. You should think long and hard about why you want a tattoo, what it will represent for you and the lifelong ramifications. Everyone has their own reasoning of course as to why they have chosen to get a tattoo you just need to understand a few things before you proceed with your decision.

If this tattoo is to symbolize and affiliation or a relationship, is it something that will be lifelong. A parent child tattoo is popular and of course that will always be there, something like a tattoo with your newest boyfriends name on it should really be thought on. What happens if the relationship turns sour? What about if things don't work out, do you really want to be branded with that persons name for the rest of your life, or pay for it to be removed?

Try to think of who you may be 5 or ten years down the road. Is it still something you will want upon your body? What about your job or professional life. Is it one where tattoos are commonplace or is it one where they are still considered to be taboo. Could it possibly keep you from a dream job in the future?

Tattoos can be beautiful pieces of work you will be forever proud of. You need to take into account your future and whether or not getting that ink is really the right choice for you. After all it is a brand you may bear for life unless the thought of a painful costly removal is alright with you.

Part of choosing a tattoo is tattoo symbolization, to learn more click here!

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Girl's Foot Tattoo - Finding the Right Design For You

Tattoos aren't for men alone. Today, girl's foot tattoo designs are also becoming more and more popular. The foot is definitely one of the most unique place where you can sport a tattoo. Just like any other tattoo though, getting a foot tattoo is a major decision. Here are some important points that you should know about foot tattoos.

The Benefits of a Foot Tattoo

People may have different reasons for getting a foot tattoo. You might still be unsure though about the advisability of getting a foot tattoo. Why would the foot be a great place for a tattoo? One major reason for this is that they aren't as common as lower back and arm tattoos for women. Although foot tattoos are gradually becoming popular, they are still comparatively uncommon. Getting a foot tattoo will make you feel more unique than other tattooed individuals.

Foot tattoos are also less obvious compared to tattoos on other areas. This is important for some people who want to keep their tattoos discreet. You may want for example to have a tattoo of something significant but do not want to flash it outright for the whole world to see. A foot tattoo would therefore be perfect. You can have a small design that you can show or hide at your own discretion.

Girl's Foot Tattoo Disadvantages

Some tattoo artists don't do foot tattoos. This is because there can be a couple of hitches to foot tattoos. This is also most likely why the foot isn't as popular as other tattoo sites. One major concern is that the ink on foot tattoos tends to spread, scatter or blur faster than those on other tattoos. You may have to get your tattoo re-inked more often than other tattoos.

Tattoos on the foot are also generally more painful. This is because of the foot's flesh being close to capillaries and bones. Unless you haven't noticed yet, most tattoos are located in areas with a lot of flesh. This minimizes the pain during the tattooing process. The pain of a foot tattoo can actually extend beyond the actual process. It shouldn't be a surprise to you if you feel some discomfort while using your feet.

You also have to consider about your recovery and activities after getting a tattoo on foot. It can make more than two weeks for a foot tattoo to heal. In this span of time, the tattoo has to be kept dry and clean. You also have to avoid getting your tattoo rubbed. This is very difficult to do with a foot tattoo. You may have to spend the entire time away from closed shoes.

Precautions

These are just some of the unique challenges of getting a foot tattoo. You might still want to get one though. If you are really bent on it then the best thing that you can do is to find an experienced tattoo artist. Remember that not everyone does foot tattoos. You should therefore pick one who knows how to do it properly and with the least pain possible. You could also settle for smaller designs. These would be ideal for feminine feet. You would also have to deal with less pain and blurring.

A girl foot tattoo can be an entirely different experience even for the avid tattoo fan. You have to be sure though that you are absolutely willing and ready to meet the unique concerns of a foot tattoo.

Find tattoo designs from one complete site. Find the latest designs from girl back tattoo to girl foot tattoo

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Tattoo Design Ideas - 3 Reasons Why You May Want A Tattoo On Your Back

If you're trying to find the perfect location for your new tattoo, you may want to consider getting a tattoo on your back. While as of late many people prefer the arm or a calf, there are many advantages to getting a tattoo on your back. Both men and women get tattoos on their back and you can place them almost anywhere back. However, keep in mind the bony areas on your back, such as to shoulder blade or your spine are a little more painful when getting the tattoo. Here are some reasons to help you decide to get a tattoo on your back.

While you're considering tattoo design ideas for your back, you may want to consider a design that's very special a meaningful to you because no one can see the tattoo design unless you take your shirt off or wear half shirts. To me that's meaningful, because you're not showing off most of the time, unless when you're at the beach with your shirt off and people get to see it. However most of the time, unless you live on the beach all your life no one will really see it.

The next thing to consider is the back is a huge place for a tattoo. So if you really into tattoos and have a masterpiece in mind, the back is a perfect place for bigger tattoo design ideas. In fact, you may consider a design idea that will cover your entire back. This will be your chance to get something really original and much less common. There is plenty of room for creativity for you and you tattoo artist.

My personal favorite reason for getting a tattoo on your back is the tattoo is out of sight and has the potential to not go up too much. For some reason, this is appealing to me because if you get a design that you don't like or regret in future, you really won't be thinking about it too much. Whereas, if you have it on your own you may think about all time and may prove less thought into covering it up. Some people disagree with this approach. However, there are benefits to this, because you may want to cover up something, but since you can't see it is really no rush to do that.

Finally, if you do decide to get a tattoo on the back, you may want to have someone help you with if the care process. This way the tattoo heals correctly. After all you want looking bad if someone does happen to see it.

Are you getting tired of looking at the same old tattoo designs and want something different? You should take a look at our review of TattooMeNow! at http://www.tattoodesignideas.info/TattooMeNowReview.asp. You'll have access to many tattoo design ideas and much more information, to help you get a tattoo.

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What is the Latest Hottest Tattoo Design?

If you want to know the hottest tattoo design that most tattoo enthusiasts and lovers go for, you can easily check out the statistics in the search engines. All you need to find out is to get the statistics for the current most frequently searched tattoos in the search engines and it will give you a good reflection of the latest trend.

Listed below is the latest tattoo design that many people are searching for online.
The top ten most sought after designs are:

1. Tribal tattoos

2. Cross tattoos

3. Dragon tattoos

4. Star tattoos

5. Butterfly tattoos

6. Flower tattoos

7. Japanese tattoos

8. Fairy tattoos

9. Angel tattoos

10. Lower back tattoos

Knowing the current design is good but I do not really encourage you to follow the crowd. The reason is simple. You may be influenced thinking that the most sought after design is the best one for you. This is absolutely incorrect. Please understand that I am the last one to tell you to follow trends and do what everyone else does - especially in the selection of tattoos.

To us, this is simply not cool. What you should go for is not the latest but the design which you want. Get a tattoo that you've chosen because it means something to you. While selection a tattoo may be a hassle to some, it is one of the most important stage which you should not neglect. You may want to get a tattoo that conveys your personality or characteristics. Spending good time in the selection is definitely worth your effort in the long run.

Let us help you find the tattoo you really want. Come in and visit us at http://www.cooltattoodesign.com to select a tattoo you will be proud of.

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Conch Piercings

Conch Piercings are located within the hollow space of your ear; it is called a conch piercing because of the resemblance it has to the conch shell. Literally pierced right through the center of your ear, this is not a very popular piercing (as far as numbers go), but people who have conch piercings (and other bod mod enthusiasts) absolutely love them!

Conch Piercings go through the thick cartilage located directly in the middle of your ear. Because there is a copious amount of surrounding tissue, migration or rejection risks are nonexistent. If you are looking to begin your first foray into body piercing (outside of traditional ear lobes), this is a great piercing to start with!

Experienced and reputable piercers will not have difficulty in piercing your conch. Unlike some other ear or body piercings, there aren't any strange angles, bends, or specific equipment that must be used. The piercing is a straight shot using a simple, basic, sterile piercing needle. The Conch is one of the easiest places to get pierced.

Once you and your piercer agree that a Conch is right for you, your piercer will recommend the best jewelry - it usually is a captive bead ring for the initial piercing. And just to forewarn you, the gauge (that is, the thickness) of the jewelry might appear to be rather large. Don't be alarmed! These piercings call for jewelry of a larger girth, and it won't hurt anymore than if it was pierced with a smaller gauge. Once your piercing has healed (it will take about a year to be fully and completely healed) you can replace it with a myriad of affordable and fun jewelry. The first three to six months are very crucial in the healing process, so take good care of your ear!

Your piercer will mark your ear with a marker to denote where they think it will look best on you; once you have confirmed or rearranged the position, your piercing will happen. Clamps are usually used (all they do is secure the area from moving), and a straight piercing needle will push through on your exhale. It is a very fast procedure, and your jewelry will slide in your new hole. Once your piercer has finished securing the piercing, your ear might feel a little hot and your heart may be thumping rapidly, but that is just the adrenaline and endorphin kicking in. Enjoy it while it lasts - many people live for that thrilling feeling! The actual pain ranges from person to person, but most don't feel any pain. Like so many piercings, this one looks more painful than it actually is, so don't be nervous!

You can get more than one piercing in your Conch, and then it's called a Conch Orbital. Basically, an Orbital is two separate piercings joined together by one piece of jewelry (please see my orbital article for more information). You can also get the Conches in both ears pierced but I would suggest staggering these two piercings so as to ease the healing process. For example, for about 3 months after your piercings, you really shouldn't sleep on the ear with a pierced Conch; getting both Conches pierced simultaneously may therefore interfere with your sleeping patterns and may lead to prolong healing in both ears. Discuss with your piercer if a conch orbital is right for you - if you think you may want one in the future, alert your piercer so that they can give you a piercing in the right location.

The aftercare for the Conch is very easy - not only is this an easy piercing to get, it's easy to take care of, and it's easy to find jewelry for it! Soaking your ear in warm salt water (properly called a saline solution) is one of the best ways to assist your new piercing. The next best thing to do is NOT TOUCH your new piercing! It's very hard to do - it's a new addition to your body so you will doubtless want to play with it - but don't touch it! Human hands are covered in germs and bacteria and fidgeting with your new vulnerable piercing can lead to infection. Only touch it when you are cleaning it, and be sure your hands are clean first! Other simple tips to avoid an infection include not putting your cell phone on that ear, don't sleep on it, don't use headphones that go into your ear canal, and try to keep long hair away from it (it can wrap around the back) during the healing time (once it's healed, no big deal if your hair touches it).

Taking care of your Conch is very easy, all it takes is routine cleaning, abstaining from touching it, and common sense! Your piercer will give you a complete rundown, so pay attention. Should any problems arise, return to your piercer and they should be able to provide you with more advice or solutions. Enjoy your conch, and get ready to be the envy of many!

Do you want to know more about body piercings?...

To peruse body jewelry, body piercing news, articles, pictures, and other body modifcation information, Jewelry For Body Piercings is one of the best resources on the internet.

Click here to visit Jewelry For Body Piercings...

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By James J. Jones

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs - The True Meaning

Delicate and decidedly feminine, the cherry blossom tattoo has taken off it the world of body art. More and more women are embracing this trend and accentuating themselves with the ultimate symbol of beauty and grace. Before any sort of body artwork is done, you should carefully consider all your options. Make sure this is something you'll enjoy for the rest of your life and make sure the tattoo says something about you personally.

When it comes to cherry blossom tattoos, there are two schools of thought. Both Chinese and Japanese cultures acknowledge the cherry blossom in different ways and it carries with it two different meanings for each. The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power and love. It also speaks to the power of femininity. This is the perfect tattoo for a woman asserting her independence. Perhaps it can symbolize a fresh start after a divorce or after a particularly damaging relationship. It can help you reclaim your lost inner power and peace.

In Japanese culture the cherry blossom symbolizes the brevity of life. You see, this flower only blooms for a short period of time. It encourages everyone to appreciate what little time they have on this Earth and it promotes gratitude for what they are given. As a tattoo, this symbol could remind you that all things pass in time and that bad situations won't last forever. It can be comforting especially in times of grief or other hardship. It's definitely something you can look at and cherish forever - no matter how old you get.

If you've explored the different meanings of the cherry blossom tattoo and feel it's a good fit for both your personality and aesthetic tastes, you should explore the next step. If you want your tattoo done properly and beautifully, you need to do your research. Find a tattoo artist that is familiar with Japanese and Chinese artwork. They should know things like the fact that you usually won't ever find a cherry blossom by itself in traditional art. This knowledge will go a long way in creating and maintaining the authenticity of your tattoo. Also make sure that the artist has done plenty of Asian-inspired tattoos over the course of his or her career. Don't be afraid to ask to see sample of their work. Duplicating Japanese or Chinese artwork is a painstaking task that cannot be done well by just anyone.

Deciding to get a tattoo is a monumental decision. It's something that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It should not be undertaken lightly or on a whim. Don't be in a rush to get your cherry blossom tattoo. After all, you have all the time in the world to enjoy it once you do get it! Make sure you thoroughly understand the history and symbolism behind the cherry blossom and be sure to find a tattoo artist dedicated to creating authentic Asian artwork. If you do your research, you'll end up with a cherry blossom tattoo unlike any other and it will speak to you personally for the rest of your life.

We have reviewed the very best websites with thousands of exclusive and creative tattoo designs to browse through, check out the free reviews at 5MinuteReviews.com - click here.

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By Marie Wilson

Fish Koi Tattoos

The word "koi" comes from Japanese. Koi fish are specially bred in Japan for their color. A prize example can be valued in the $100,000 range. Koi are a type of carp and have been cultivated and bred in Japan for possibly thousands of years.

If you have been to Japan you will notice they are a common feature in most traditional Japanese gardens. They most likely originated from Eastern Asia, Aral, Black and Caspian Seas. Earliest records of Koi have been found in China and have been widely spread in Japan.

For the Japanese koi fish represent strength and power because they are often able to lift their entire body up and jump out of the water. Koi fish tattoos are beautiful and wildly popular right now. Koi fish tattoos of course have a long history and go all the way back to ancient Japanese times and it is a definite Japanese or Asian tattoo theme. Therefore the tattoos that represent koi fish often show them splashing in the water and water flying everywhere which shows of their strength. Plus as an added bonus they are an absolute beautiful fish and the colors of them lend themselves to a tattoos.

The beautiful bright oranges mixed witht he blues of water make for an ideal tattoo plus since they are traditionally a Japanese tattoo they lend a sort of forgien mystery to their air.

Koi Fish tattoos are now very popular among men and women. Typically men get them on their shoulders or calf and women like to get them as a lower back tattoo.There are a few out there that also get them as full back tattoos with more of a tradition Asian design.

The color scheme of the Koi fish tattoo is very important element. A common color scheme would be the Yen Yang design of black and white. Most of the cases, the color scheme work the best if integrate with your shin color. For instant, if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more suitable to choose a bright hue so the Koi fish tattoo to make it more visible.

The natural colors of white, red, black, yellow or gold or perhaps a mixture of those colors would be applicable if you really want the test of more traditional style.Always remember that Koi Fish tatto o needs a place of honor on your body. Men generally get them on their shoulders or calf and women like to get them as a lower back tattoo. Additions- Along with the koi fish tattoo you can always put some water in the background that splashes around the fish. Also Cherry blossom flower are very traditional and go well with a Japanese themed tattoo. Cost-It all depends on what size, how many colors, and type you want.Additions and if you want the work custom designed or you are going to use flash. They typically run between $50 to $250 dollars.

More Koi fish Facts:

The Koi is associated with the family. On Children's Day Koi flags are raised, Black Koi the father, Orange/Red mother, Blue/White for a boy, red/pink for a girl.
The Koi Fish symbolizes courage in the Buddhist Religion. According to Buddhists, humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.
Another word to describe "love" is "koi". The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" can be translated as "love" in English.

http://fish-koi-tattoos.blogspot.com/

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By Aleksander Kosma

Dallas Tattoo Removal - The Ten Most Common Tattoos that are Removed

Tattoo removal is an increasingly common aesthetic medical procedure in Dallas, Houston, and other Texas cities. Current laser technology is able to safely and effectively remove tattoos with a minimum of side effects - primarily swelling and redness for a few days after the removal procedure. Most tattoos need 3 to 10 procedures to remove the tattoo completely, with more treatments generally required for newer and brighter tattoos, and fewer treatments needed for older and more dull tattoos.

But why would a patient wish to have a tattoo removed? Dallas tattoo removal clinics remove a wide range of tattoo designs - here are ten of the most common tattoos removed

1) Cursive name tattoos - these tattoos are written in the black/dark green tattoo ink and range in size from 1 inch by 1 inch to as large an across the entire torso. These tattoos are removed when a relationship is over, patient no longer wishes to have the name of their partner displayed on their body, or the tattoo no longer looks as desirable as it did in the past.

2) Tattooed names written in block letters - similar to cursive names, but these tattoos are generally larger, with independent letters either filled in with shaded ink or empty. These tattoos are generally larger than cursive tattoos.

3) Rose tattoos - these tattoos incorporate red ink with green leaves and a stem. The red ink is relatively easy to remove with a Q-switched Nd:YAG medical laser, but the green ink is significantly more difficult. These tattoos are easiest to remove when they are older (5-10 years old+) and on a part of the body that has received significant sun exposure.

4) Star tattoos - a very common tattoo that is either filled in or left empty. Some of these tattoos are black and some multi-colored.

5) Barbed wire tattoos - most common among male patients, these tattoos are often found on the upper arm in black or dark green ink. These tattoos are slightly more difficult to remove due to the challenge in maneuvering the patient's arm to completely remove the entire band.

6) Tribal tattoos - there are thousands of varieties, often with high ink density and contrasting colors.

7) Dragons tattoos - popular among male patients, these tattoos are often on the lower leg, lower arm, and back. Some dragon tattoos can cover the entire back and may take hours for a single removal session. Black ink is the most common color, but multi-colored tattoos that are quite beautiful may also be presented for removal.

8) Butterflies tattoos - women often present these tattoos, to be removed because the ink has faded and is no longer attractive, the body has changed shape and stretched the tattoo, or because that patient no longer feels the tattoo is part of their desired lifestyle.

9) Japanese/Chinese character tattoos - presented less frequently than commonly thought - these tattoos represent some message of wise saying, personal motto, or unknown but attractively-designed character. These thick and dark letters can be difficult to remove given than they tend to be newer tattoos with high pigment density.

10) Tear drop tattoos - these tattoos are associated with the death of another person. They are controversial because while some tear drop tattoos are meant to indicate the death of a loved one, others represent or purport to represent that the tattooed patient has killed another individual. Tear drop tattoos are placed immediately below and to the side of the eye and are removed with caution due to the proximity to the sensitive eyes.

Bio: Ryan Lambert, President of New Look Laser Tattoo Removal. I own tattoo removal clinics in Houston (http://www.NewLookHouston.com) and Dallas (http://www.NewLookDallas.com). Our Houston tattoo removal and Dallas tattoo removal clinics have removed thousands of tattoos. I can be reached at info@newlookhouston.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Lambert

By Ryan Lambert

Tattoo Lettering - How to Get It Right

Many, many tattoos have some form of lettering in them. Whether it be a name, a date or even a scripture, tattoo lettering can make or break the piece. Often people don't realize just how hard it can be to do well. They assume because they've seen it so much, it must be a rudimentary skill for any tattoo artist. The truth is that all tattoo artists have specialties. Some are really great with the human form while others might be amazing when it comes to mythical creatures. At the same time, some might be more skilled when it comes to lettering than others. There are a few key things you have to be aware of to ensure your tattoo lettering comes out exactly the way you want it.

Before you commit to a tattoo, research the artist thoroughly. Ask to see previous samples of their lettering and talk to former clients if possible. Ask them if what they received was what they envisioned. Discuss the process with them and see how helpful the artist was in guiding them through the experience. Also ask the artist about their experience. Don't be shy! While you might not want to seem like you are questioning their credibility, you have to realize that a tattoo is a lifetime commitment. They will probably be happy to share their credentials or past work experience with you.

Once you've found a tattoo artist you feel comfortable with, you have some other research to do. Look into the type of font you want for your tattoo lettering. There are hundreds of choices and many of them can be found in any computer writing program. Make sure you write out what you want to have on your tattoo fully. Individual letters can be quite surprising. Just because you like the "J" in one font doesn't mean you'll like the "S" as well. Another thing to think about when it comes to font is the tone you want to set. Handwriting is often appropriate for memorial tattoos whereas playful script is more appropriate for fun tats. It is a lengthy process. Involve your tattoo artist in the selection. See which fonts they are familiar with and which ones they feel will translate well into a tattoo. Trust their judgement.

Something else that is often overlooked when it comes to tattoo lettering is spelling! Read what you've written over and over again. Get everyone you know to look it over as well. There will be no bigger disappointment than getting your tattoo and later realizing you've made a mistake. This will totally ruin your entire experience. Another factor is colour. Consider which colours will work best with your design. Although black is a great choice, it isn't your only choice. Just be sure that the colour you do choose is easy to read. Remember to compare it not only to your current skin tone, but to the varying shades that inevitably come with winter shade and summer sun. In the end, it'll be the little details that make your tattoo lettering pop!

We have reviewed the very best websites with thousands of exclusive and creative tattoo designs to browse through, check out the free reviews at 5MinuteReviews.com - click here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Beckett

By James Beckett

Tribal Butterfly Tattoo Design

Tribal butterfly designs are very famous in recent years. It is believed that girls are more attracted towards the ancestral butterfly designs then the boys. Whether in nature or in sketches butterflies are always the symbol for color. You will find some fantastic combination of colors in the sketches of tribal butterflies. There are many variations in basic shape like tiger butterfly. Recently there are many tattoo artists who draws ancestral butterfly in abstract art. Don't decide on a particular tribal butterfly design while looking at a few handfuls of sketches.

If you have selected a colorful tribal butterfly design for your tattoo then you have to select a good tattoo parlor or studio with excellent and experienced staff. Since tattooing of complicated sketches is not easy and inexperienced tattooing artists may spoil it. Best approach is after selecting a particular drawing, tells your tattooing artist to draw the same design in a paper. If you are satisfied with the paper drawing then only take the appointment otherwise go to another tattooing artist. Don't compromise on this thing if you don't want to regret afterward.

Similarly don't even compromise on the design. There are many membership websites that offers many good and unique tribal butterfly tattoo designs. The membership fee is not much and it is worth it. You will not only get the life time of inexpressible joy but you will take pride in showing your unique tattoo design to others. Your self confidence is greatly enhanced by selecting the unique sketch of tribal butterfly. So, spend some more time and money in selecting the tribal butterfly tattoo design.

The author has browse hundreds of websites to find his dream tribal butterfly tattoo design and at last found a couple of websites that has a unique collection of tribal butterflies and other types of tattoo sketches. Out of them the best is http://www.tattoodesignsall.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ajay_Charvak

By Ajay Charvak

Tattoos - Is It An Art Form Or A Brand For Society's Ills?

Public perception on tattoo has its ups and lows. It has been associated with a life of crime in the sense that the art of tattoo is prevalent among inmates in jails and security prisoners. People branded it as a tainted skin art in which the stigma persists up to this time. Some people or establishments, they took care not to hire any person who sported a tattoo especially those proclaiming themselves to be a member of certain underworld gangs or groups.

With this kind of perception, one just can imagine the struggle faced by the modern tattoo industry that is thriving now and other parts of the world. Despite its negative image, some tattoo artists refused to be intimidated in their quest to meet the level of international artistry in the form of skin art.

There are different design in tattoo art, among them are American tattoos, Japanese/Oriental, Polynesians portraits and Tribal. American tattoos are designs which are symbolic or reminiscent of American culture such as eagles, roses, the American flag and cross bones. Japanese/Oriental tattoo, which are popular in many parts of the world, are designs which tackle complicated subjects such as dragon, fish, Japanese and Chinese symbols and letters that are intricate and call for a lot of details.

Portraits are specialized tattoos that tackle realistic subjects such as faces and objects usually require meticulous care as most subjects are dear to the client. Polynesian designs mostly comprise of island, scenes, tropical images and picturesque ocean views,which are popular in Polynesian culture. Tribal designs are random pattern of lines and curves put together to create an abstract form of art.

In Borneo, tourism is promoted through tattoos acquired from tribes. Tattoos artists there use sticks, bamboos, thorns and ivory for their skin art. In the Philippines, local tattoo artists organized the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild (PhilTAG) in 1996, whose objective is to improve the image of tattoo industry in the Philippines. The group also seeks to promote awareness of tattooing as an art form and erase the misconception that skin art is a label for society's ills.

Members of PhilTAG has to undergo seminars, in which part is devoted to hygiene and sanitary procedures. That way, people will not be afraid to get tattooed here. Many people perceived that the tattoo process as unsafe. Part of the hazards of the trade for tattoo artists is getting diseases from their clients in case of accidental pinprick and they maybe be agents for the spread of the diseases as well. Among the common diseases that can spread in tattoo parlors in the absence of proper hygiene and sanitation are common colds, flu, coughs, hepatitis and worse, AIDS.

However, if proper measures are undertaken and strictly adhered to, such incidence will remotely can happen.

Arnold Cafe is an active internet marketer and author of Ideas Galore: http://www.affleap.com/blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arnold_Cafe

By Arnold Cafe

How to Avoid Getting A Tattoo You'll Regret

It's a question that haunts the dreams of many "Tattoo Wearers To Be". The question goes something like this "What If I Get A Tattoo and Later Realize That I Hate It?" It's a fair question. Here are some tips and points to consider that will help you get to sleep tonight - and get that tattoo tomorrow.

Understand Why You Want A Tattoo A tattoo is a deeply personal and intimate expression of what you value the most. For some its their children, a significant other, or a deep reverence for an art form like tribal symbols, Asian art, or fantasy imagery. Before you rush down to the Tattoo parlor, take the time to explore and research your chosen design. Understand why you feel linked to your subject and be prepared to explain your reasoning - because you will be telling the tale of your tattoo repeatedly in the years to come.

For me, my Superman Tattoo is a symbol of what I believe and a reminder of some great childhood memories. These are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime - and my tattoo is just a physical expression of that sentiment. What about your next tattoo? What does it represent? And will it represent that notion for a lifetime?

Take Your Time Selecting One I often plead with my friends, family, and newsletter readers to take their time in selecting a tattoo. Their are three things that you shouldn't make a snap judgment about, 1) Your Spouse, 2) Having Children, and 3) Getting a Tattoo. This is one of those decisions should take time.

While there is a certain mystique around spontaneously tattooing the initials of your first love on your neck - it's a decision that most people come to regret.

Don't Turn Your Tattoo Design Decision over to the Lowest Bidder Did you know that 1 in 4 people regret getting their tattoo? Guess what the #1 reason is for that regret? It Hurt too much - no. It cost too much - nope. There was a better design that they overlooked? - BINGO - You guessed it. Many people definitely were sure they wanted a tattoo - but instead of looking at all of their options - they decided to grab a cheap tattoo from a free online tattoo gallery.

A tattoo is a lifetime commitment and a financial investment that could run from a hundred to thousands of dollars. If you agree that your next tattoo should a well thought out decision - then you can agree that it wouldn't hurt to spend $20 to make sure you have the best selection of designs to choose from. If you want to save money, opt for a black and white tattoo rather than a color design - or just get a smaller tattoo. But, It's not a good idea to try to save a couple of bucks by picking your design from a free clip-art turned tattoo gallery.

I congratulate you on making a decision to get a tattoo. I'm sure it will give you the years of joy, laughter, and memories that my tattoo has given me. Remember, think it through, take your time, and spend a little money to get a great design.

If you would like to know where I send my friends to get a one-of-a-kind tatoo design - click here

Stop going blind looking through hundreds of fuzzy, unoriginal, or outright ugly tattoo designs! Click here to get access to my dirty little tattoo design secret.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stanford_Smith

By Stanford Smith

Tattoo Removal

Here are some examples:

- Your tattoo is in a visible place on your body. This could be reason that you don't qualify for a new job.
- You have a tattoo which is related to your ex-partner and this would embarrass your new partner.
- Your skin has stretched as it got older. The tattoo looks horrible.
- The tattoo didn't turn out the way you intended it to be.
- Your taste has changed and the tattoo you have doesn't fit your new taste

Whatever your reason may be to have your tattoo removed, you have several options for removal. Some are more effective than others; some take more time than others. But tattoo removal is never quick or cheap. It can range from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars depending on the size, type and location of the tattoo and the method you choose to remove it. Generally insurance doesn't cover it.

Removal techniques have greatly improved recent years and some of them have proven to be very successful. The degree of success depends on several factors including size, location, the individual ability to heal, how deep the tattoo has been applied and how old the tattoo is.

It is very important to consider all your options before you decide on a certain tattoo removal method. The methods you can chose from are surgery, dermabrasion, fade away creams, TCA peels and laser treatment.

If you would like to learn more about each individual technique please visit the website Tattoo Removal It will help you to decide which tattoo removal method is best for you and will have you fully prepared when you're ready to have your tattoo removed.

Riet Hopman is author of this article. On her website Tattoo Removal you can find information about laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal creams, dermabrasion, surgery, IPL ,camouflaging and TCA peels.

Every aspect is covered from pain, side effects, costs and success rate. Learn more about tattoo removal on Tattoo Removal

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Riet_Hopman

By Riet Hopman

The Increasing Trend and Widespread Popularity of Tattoos

Tattoos are becoming extremely popular with the trends today. There are many different reasons that people get a tattoo. There are also very popular designs that people favor.

Tattooing is popular all over the world. This practice is known to have been around since the Paleolithic era and possibly before. Tribes favor tattoos on the facial area; the Japanese have been doing it for centuries and more. Tattooing is when the skin is permanently dyed by inserting a certain pigment into the skin. In the past, tattoos could only be done in a dark blue color and they were not too popular. Today tattoos can come in multiple color variations and they are very popular.

People get tattoos today for many different reasons. Many people believe that they are decorating their body in a beautiful way. Some people believe that they are addicted to tattoos and they cannot get enough of them. Some people have a traumatic event occur or a person that they want to memorialize and they do so by getting a tattoo of something that meant something significant to them. Many people just like tattoos.

When people decide on a tattoo that they want to get they usually pick something with some type of emotional meaning to them. The most popular types of tattoos today have a tribal pattern. There are hundreds of tribal patterns that people choose from. Some of the patterns show a picture within them and others are just a pattern. People can get a tattoo of virtually anything today though. It does not have to be of a tribal pattern. Common tattoos include dragons, butterflies, flames, and more. Some people even have portraits of a person that means something to them tattooed on them. Any type of design that you see that you would like, a tattoo artist can put on your body. You can even draw your own design that you would like to get and the artist can put it on your body.

You can get a tattoo anywhere on your body that you think that you can take the pain. The most popular place to get a tattoo is on the arms and on the back. Some people cover their entire bodies full of tattoo artwork of many different things. Tribes commonly tattoo on the facial areas and the chest.

Getting a tattoo can be more painful in some places than others on the body. The back and the legs are not too painful of an area to get a tattoo. If you have a tattoo that wraps around the arm, then the inside of your arm can be much more painful than the outside of your arm. As the artist gets around areas of your body where there is less fat is where it is the most painful. The ankles are a good example of an area that can hurt.

Tattoos are becoming more and more common today. There are many different reasons people get tattoos. You can get a tattoo of anything you like anywhere on your body that you think that you can handle the needle.

Are you ready to get a tattoo? If your answer is yes, be careful you don't make the one big mistake many people make, and regret later! To find out more go to http://best-tattoo.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_A_Hama

By David A Hama

How To Draw A Demon Tattoo

When drawing your tattoo design of a demon, it's best to think about what you want to draw, first you write or draw little sketches of what you want to have as a design, you could do this in a few ways with drawing little thumbnails or writing small notes and descriptions of what you want designed.

The main steps of drawing any tattoo, is to get inspired by the many available tattoos online and in any of your local tattoo shops, you need to find out what is popular and what would sell if you are interested in selling your artwork, the main point to consider is when selling your work, they are often bought in sets or what is called flash sheets of lots of collected tattoo designs, these can be on A4 size paper or larger A3 size and if you want to you can laminate them to make them look professional, this is especially handy if you are selling on Ebay.

Once you have looked and seen what is actually out there, you can proceed with your tattoo designs from your initial idea or concept, whether you have written it down or drawn a small thumbnail sketch as a reference, I usually work this way and it provides a really useful point of concept design in stages and you could later see how your artwork has developed from the draft stage.

So to draw a demonic tattoo, you just start with the shape of your demon, drawing loosely you pencil in the structure of the demon, however you want it to look, you could at this stage just draw the head of the demon or the full image of the demon if you wish, it's really up to you!

The next step is to flesh out your drawing development and see where you want the drawing to go, you yourself can push the design boundaries and create fantastic and other worldly creations, in this step you refine your demonic drawing so that it becomes more defined in shape, plus when you draw a tattoo you could design it in many ways, for example drawing a long design that would ideally fit on anyones shoulder or a small design to fit on someones wrist, toggling between the different sizes and surface areas you can use to design your tattoos is a useful way of creating new ideas too.

Following on from this is adding details and other features that will help your design be either wanted by others or simple just appeal to others, you could add tribal or celtic design elements to make your designs more professional, this should go back to the reason why I said look at other peoples work online and offline in the local tattoo shops, to see what others are doing, even asking your tattooist, like you should do, they will tell you and even advise you on what sells and what looks best in terms of tattoos.

Colours play a large part in the design of a tattoo, how they are shaded influence the buying decisions of customers online and offline who are searching for a tattoo, they are looking for something specific, so remember to make your demon tattoo stand out, make it striking to the eye, but not too colourful that your tattooist has trouble or some issues with it when transferring the tattoo from stencil to skin.

Wayne Tully an artist and writer who designs and writes lots of content for online business and other drawing mediums.
http://hubpages.com/_drawdemons/hub/Drawing_a_demon

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_A_Tully

By Wayne A Tully

Getting Tattoo Ideas Through Tattoo Sketches

Needless to say, finding a tattoo that meets your needs isn't an easy one. Tattoos are a permanent and a life-long symbol of what you stand for, a crucial part of your life, your beliefs, your personality and your appearance. So it is extremely important that you choose the tattoo design that fits your needs, whatever they may be. Below are some ideas to help you decide which tattoo is right for you.

Make a list - Make a list of all the important things in your life. Write down any symbols that may signify who you really are. It is important to try to be unique as well. It really stinks if you go somewhere just to find someone has almost the exact same tattoo ideas as you. Try to think outside the box. Many people get tattoos of loved ones that they missed who have passed on. This is an ever-lasting symbol of devotion to people we miss. The key to this is brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm until you can narrow it down to just one idea.

Join a Tattoo Sketches and Tattoo Ideas website. There are websites available that have literally thousands of tattoo sketches and designs that you can print out and take to an artist. This allows you to browse through the comfort of your own home and not be in any sort of hurry to choose a tattoo. Its an important decision, it deserves some of your time. Tattoo Sketches websites are great because they are very affordable and a small price to pay for something you are going to be happy with the rest of your life. This is a highly suggested method of getting tattoo ideas when you are wanting originality.

Ask a friend to describe you. This is an interesting method, and kind of unnerving. What makes this so interesting is that other people see us differently that how we see ourselves. Our egos only let us see the part of us we want to see and nullifies all the rest. Through someone else's eyes you can get a unique look at how other people see you and how you appear to the outside world. This is not however for those who want to express to the outside world whats inside or to show some form of ego.

In the case where none of the above apply, and you want definite originality, use all three of the above methods to come up with something completely original that ultimately defines YOU. For example you could have a three-part tattoo symbolizing your inner self, the way people see you and the world around you. Using the art of a tattoo sketches website is a great way to conceptualize the many tattoo ideas you may have. No matter how you do it, its going to be original and tailored to you. However you come up with tattoo ideas remember that there is no single way to do it. Its your body, so make sure it reflects who you are or who you want to be.

To find Top Rated websites dealing in Tattoo Ideas and Tattoo Sketches visit us online at http://www.digital-report.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Killian

By Gabriel Killian

How to Start Your Own Tattoo Business

When starting any business, it’s important to gain any required training and/or education. When starting a tattoo business in particular, there may be certain training, certification and other requirements that must be met prior to opening a studio. Because of the nature of business, you will need to know how to properly sterilize the equipment and educate customers on how to care for their new tattoo in order to prevent infection. The best way to learn about local license and/or industry requirements is to call the local business office and explain the type of business that you would like to open.

Once your training and any necessary licensing are both successfully completed, it will be time to apply for a business license. This piece of paper is very important and must be displayed in your tattoo studio each and every day. The best way to do this is to place your business certificate in a frame and display it on the wall.

Now that you have a business license and any other special licenses required by your local business department, it’s time to choose a location for your studio. Ideally, any place of business would be located in a high-traffic commercial area. The more people that pass by your business, the better likelihood that they will stop in. In addition, when you advertise your business or try and explain to someone where it is located, you don’t want to have a lot of difficult directions. Instead, a simple ‘in town’ or ‘on main street’ would be ideal.

When it comes to advertising your new tattoo business, start small and work your way up. Because your business is new, you are probably working with a limited budget. Don’t worry, most new businesses are. That’s why there are alternate forms of advertising that can help you to get the word out about your new venture without spending a fortune. First and foremost, purchase a large sign to display outside of your business. Make sure that your business name, grand opening date and any special price offerings are noted for every passerby to see. In addition, decorate any windows in your store with samples of your work recreated as clear window adhesives.

Rather than starting out with a large print advertising budget, try writing a press release and distributing it to local newspapers, magazines and/or radio stations. Place flyers throughout town as permitted and on the bulletin boards of local stores. If you can afford it, offer a tattoo giveaway and special grand opening prices during your first week of operation. You may also want to consider contacting local radio stations with your plan to host a tattoo giveaway. This approach requires that you allow the radio station to award the winner on air, which will result in even more publicity for your new business when the DJ mentions the contest sponsor.

As a final thought to starting your own tattoo business, make sure that you explain the importance of proper tattoo care to your customers. Creating a reference sheet will help to keep your customers informed and will remind them of how often to change the bandage and how to avoid infections.

Find more about aquarius tattoos, lower back tattoos and many other tattoo designs on http://www.todaytattoos.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurel_Radulescu

By Aurel Radulescu

5 Things To Consider Before Getting A Japanese Tattoo

As with getting any tattoo in a language you don't understand, there are several important factors to consider before getting a Japanese tattoo. Although a truly beautiful language, both script wise and the way the words are arranged, Japanese tattoos have very precise and important meanings, and it is easy to make a mistake when choosing one.

Tamatori Hime, Dragons, Kois and many more depictions are the most commonly used, and as mentioned earlier do have significant meanings which can easily be misinterpreted when the normal, everyday guy or girl walks into a tattoo parlor and sees a picture they like.

The meaning behind a tattoo is so important, and apart from the embarrassment factor as well as the longevity of a tattoo if you discover it means something totally unsuitable; it should be something which is important to you because it will be with you for the rest of your life, or at least removed with huge expense and potentially bad scarring - it must be important for you, in order for you to truly love your tattoo.

Five things to consider before getting a Japanese Tattoo are:

What does the one you have chosen actually mean?
As with any foreign language, you need to research your topic carefully
Ensure your tattooist knows his/her subject and understands what you want
Find a good tattooist - use the internet, tattoo magazines and other media to find a good one
Ensure your tattooist uses FDA regulated equipment, and sets the needle up in front of you

Dragons are the most highly regarded of the Japanese tattoos by people who aren't Japanese. Dragons are regarded as a bringer of luck, and are regularly depicted climbing down from clouds, or in a sky scene. The Japanese respect Dragons almost to a degree of reverence, and there is no Japanese lore which depicts them fighting or conquering them. You're safe with a dragon!

Koi is another favorite and represents the struggle for success. Common Koi tattoos frequently show the Koi swimming upstream or jumping up a waterfall as a show of male strength and power, so a woman sporting a Koi tattoo might not be the best choice because the Koi is meant as a predominantly phallic character.

Tamatori Hime represents a woman who stole the King of the Underworld's most prized possession. The King of the Underworld was a huge dragon, and in her hurry to escape, the pearl which was the Kings possession ultimately caused her demise. That story symbolizes greed, and shows belief in the fact that greed never wins. There are so many different paths, patterns and stories that it is hard to differentiate sometimes between what constitutes a good story or moral and something which is totally unsuitable because of either who you are, or your own beliefs.

It always pays to investigate your topic thoroughly, particularly when considering a symbol of another religion. You never know what you're getting if you don't and there are some particularly unscrupulous people who either know and don't mention the true meaning of a tattoo, or have absolutely no idea themselves.

Author: Mitch Green shows off some killer tattoo design ideas on his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Green

By Mitch Green

Tattoo Ink - There's More To It Than Most People Realize

It is amazing how big a role tattoo ink plays in the whole pop culture scene. The artist would still be an artist but his or her work would lack the permanency that the ink provides. Colors, shapes and words would be nothing more than a faded memory. But with the ink comes a lasting work of art that is there for the world to see. There is more to ink than what most people realize.

Tattoo ink is produced through a chemical process. It is comprised of a pigment or dye that is mixed with a carrier. Depending on the quality level of the ink, a carrier solution can be any number of products some of which can be toxic and deadly to the human body.

The oldest record of pigment is that of ground minerals and perhaps black charred coal or burnt timber. The ranges of colors found in pigments are limited to those found in nature. Some of the natural elements found in quality tattoo ink are: ochre (brown), carbon (black), red (iron oxide), and green (malachite). Other pigments can be obtained through a mixture of certain elements such as Chrome Yellow which is made up of different chemical elements.

A natural agent, though not temporary, is found in henna. This plant's leaves are ground up to produce a reddish brown powder which is then mixed into the tattoo ink. It is applied carefully with a small brush or sticks and will wear off with time.

Homemade tattoo ink is perhaps the most likely to cause allergic reaction or create a less than show quality tattoo. The homemade tattoo ink is produced by mixing a dye with a carrier such as ethyl alcohol or vodka. The problems arise when an antibacterial agent is not included in the mixture. A tattoo machine pierces the skin and the ink is inserted. Without proper bacterial safeguards the open wound can become seriously infected and result in blood poisoning. There have been some instances of death associated with poorly done tattoos and homemade ink.

There will always be those individuals interested in making the tattoo ink themselves. If you absolutely must make your own or you are simply curious as to the process, it is important to understand the process and sterilization procedures used to manufacture tattoo ink. You cannot simply venture out into the woods and gather up the colors, come back home and mix it all up. Please take the time to understand how chemistry works and get as much information as possible on making your own ink.

Tattoo ink is a delicate thing. In the hands of someone experienced it can be transformed from a puddle of color into a work of art to be admired for decades. In the hands of an amateur or the home-made tattoo machine it can become something deadly. It is never worth the health risk to go with cheap or poorly manufactured ink. It may look simple and easy in the tattoo parlor but there is more to creating a tattoo than meets the eye.

The safest thing a person can do regarding tattoo ink is to seek out a professional. Visit http://hubpages.com/hub/cool-tattoo-ideas to learn what you need to be aware of prior to getting a tattoo and find out where to look for great tattoo designs and ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Piersol

By Jack Piersol

Different Methods For Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are meant to be forever. But nowadays tattoo removal is almost as popular as getting a tattoo. Experts estimate that over 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo and about half of them regret it later and want to have their tattoo to be removed.

You have several options for tattoo removal. Some are more effective than others; some take more time than others. But tattoo removal is never quick or cheap. It can range from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars depending on the size, type and location of the tattoo and the method you choose to remove it. Generally insurance doesn't cover it.

Tattoo removal techniques have greatly improved recent years and some of them have proven to be very successful.The degree of success depends on several factors including size, location, the individual ability to heal, how deep the tattoo has been applied and how old the tattoo is. It is very important to consider all your options before you decide on a certain tattoo removal method.

SURGICAL METHODS:

This method is probably the easiest to understand. A surgeon will cut the tattoo area out of your skin and then suture the skin together again.
This method is best suited for small tattoos. It can be used on larger tattoos, but a skin graft from another part of the body is used to cover the area.
During the procedure a local anesthetic is used as pain medication.
After the procedure you will have considerable discomfort and a scar instead of a tattoo.

DERMABRASION:

This method involves sanding of the skin with a rotating wire brush. The surgeon uses this tool to rub of several layers of the skin.
The procedure is slightly painful and is performed under local anesthetic. When the procedure is done the skin feels tender and is red. It generally takes several weeks to heal and may require several treatments. This procedure may leave a scar or pale area. It also may not completely remove your old tattoo if the ink has penetrated very deep into your skin. The deeper the ink, the less likely that dermabrasion will have good results.
An older form of dermabrasion is called salabrasion. The skin is first rubbed with salt or a salt solution before using the sanding tool. It is very painful and can cause reddening and bleeding. This procedure has a high risk of scarring.
Another form of dermabrasion is cryosurgery. The tattooed area is frozen before dermabrasion is used to remove the tattoo. Because the skin is frozen it is less likely to bleed.

CHEMICAL PEELS:

This method involves using a chemical peel called TCA (trichloroacetic acids) for tattoo removal. This chemical will cause the skin to blister and eventually peel off and renew itself. In this way several layers of skin can be peeled away in one treatment. You have to wait for six weeks before you can apply another TCA peel for tattoo removal.
Most people feel a burning sensation during the procedure, which can be followed by a feeling of numbness or stinging. Significant swelling may occur after the TCA treatment.
This procedure is can best be done in the doctor's office or in a surgery center.
There is normally a low risk of complications.
Some of the complications that may occur are:
-scarring -infection -hyper pigmentation (the skin becomes darker)
-Hypo pigmentation (the skin becomes lighter)
Also uneven skin tones can occur.

It is very important to use a sunscreen after a TCA peel. Always consult with your family doctor first if TCA peels are a good option for your tattoo removal.

FADE AWAY CREAMS:

One of the newest developments in tattoo removal is fade away creams. A chemical in the cream makes the components in the ink break down and the immune system in your body then disposes the ink in a natural way.
These creams have to be applied over an extended period of time. The tattoo gradually becomes lighter and eventually fades away.
This method has a low risk of scarring and is the least expensive and painful.
However results are not guaranteed and vary from individual to individual. Also it will take a lot of time and patience. Most of the people will try this method, because laser treatment is too expensive.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Nowadays laser technology is one of the most used techniques for tattoo removal. Laser removal works by targeting the tattoo with highly concentrated rays of colored laser light that will go into the outer layer of the skin. Only the ink absorbs the light. The ink is destroyed into small fragments, which later on are carried away by the immune system of your own body.

Usually it takes 3-10 treatments to get your tattoo completely removed. The number of treatments depends the size, location, depth and color of your tattoo. Treatments should be 6-8 weeks apart. This is the time necessary to give your body enough time to remove the ink fragments. Each tattoo session takes 10-30 minutes.
Side effects of laser treatments are usually few. If you scar badly from sunburn, you will have a problem with this method of tattoo removal.

-Hyper pigmentation (the skin becomes darker)
-Hypo pigmentation (the skin becomes lighter)
-There is also a small chance of scaring and infection.
-Incomplete removal of tattoo and skin discoloration.
There have been a few cases known of people who have suffered an allergic reaction after laser treatments to tattoo removal. This was caused by the ink released from the tattoo.

CAMOUFLAGING OR COVER UP ART:

Camouflaging means making from your old tattoo a new tattoo by tattooing over the old one or changing the design by adding new details. Sometimes tattoos are camouflaged by injecting skin colored pigment. This does not give a natural end result as these pigments lack the skin's natural translucence. Also you will need more laser treatments if you want to remove a camouflaged tattoo.

INTENSED PULSED LIGHT THERAPY (IPL):

LPL is one of the newest techniques used for tattoo removal. It is an effective way to remove tattoos. It works pretty much the same as a laser. Instead of laser light it uses high intensity light. This treatment is said to be less painful and more effective than laser therapy, which means less treatments sessions are necessary. The down side of this technique is that it is much more expensive. Prices range from $10-$15 per pulse. Depending on many pulses per session you need, this could cost you a considerable amount of money. You can expect results from this technique after 10 to 12 months

The choice of technique will depend on your budget and the desired end result. But before you decide which technique is right for you, make sure you do your research and know what you can expect of each technique.

Rebecca Hopman is author of this article. On her website Tattoo Removal you can find information about laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal creams, dermabrasion, surgery, IPL, camouflaging and TCA peels.

Every aspect is covered from pain, side effects, costs and success rate. Learn more about tattoo removal on Tattoo Removal

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Riet_Hopman

By Riet Hopman

Tattoo Designs of Zodiac Signs and Why We Love Them!

Tattoo designs of zodiac signs are ever so popular and you can really see why, there is not a day goes by that your horoscope is not mentioned in some newspaper or magazine or even on televisions, people also like to find out about their own zodiac sign and how it effects them and also their spouses or friends zodiac sign as well, plus how many times have you been asked "what's your sign?"

So it is no wonder that people want tattoo designs of zodiac signs, your star sign is a part of you and who you are and to a certain extent how your personality is formed, Plus they lend themselves quite well to tattoo designs, that one image of your zodiac sign represents you and all the others that fall under your sign.

If you do not know what your zodiac sign is "where the hell have you been!" then all you need to do is take your day and also the month you were born on "for example if you where born on say the 10th of November then your zodiac sign would be the scorpion" and find out what the zodiac sign is for that time of date of month. that's all there is to it, but I'm guessing you already knew that right?

Nothing looks cooler than having a zodiac sign tattoo, it is kind of like saying "this is me!" and anyone who knows about horoscopes and lets be honest that's almost everyone, will have a fair idea what that sign means.

To find out where you can get really cool zodiac tattoo designs and tons of other tattoo designs then go here now http://www.squidoo.com/design_yourowntattoo

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Hartrick

By Stephen Hartrick

3 Things To Consider Before Getting Tattoos

In the past 20 years tattoos have gone from the fringe of society to the cultural mainstream. People young and old, men and women, are getting tattooed in increasing numbers. Some of these tattoos are successful expressions of personal philosophies and beliefs while others are permanent blunders that lead to dissatisfaction.

If you are considering getting your first tattoo, then you need to think about several factors so as to increase your chances of long term happiness with the skin art that will become a permanent part of your body and appearance.

1. Why are you getting a tattoo? This is the most basic question, but honestly assessing your motivations for adding a tattoo to your skin is critical. Good reasons for getting your tattoo include the desire to memorize a lost loved one, adding artwork to your body that is personally pleasing or meaningful, and exploring your spiritual awareness through skin art. Bad reasons for getting a tattoo include trying to be cool on spring break, expressing devotion to a lover and/or spouse (the number one candidate for tattoo removal by the way), and merely for the sake of rebellion. Upon analyzing your reasons for getting tattooed, you should get a sense of how comfortable you feel with them. Do your motivations ring true? Do you think they will remain valid for you 10, 20, 30 and more years down the road?

2. Who will be your tattoo artist? You need to be confident in the skill and professional demeanor of your tattoo artist. Being tattooed is a fairly intimate procedure in which the tattoo artist will be injecting ink into your skin while you hold still. This can sometimes take hours to accomplish. Simply walking into a tattoo studio and letting anyone tattoo you without any preliminary assessment could produce the wrong results. Before getting a tattoo, you should ask to see samples of the artist's work and discuss your various concerns about safety and hygiene for the procedure. The tattoo artist should be attentive to your aesthetic goals and willing to discuss any aspect of the tattoo process.

3. What do I need to know about healing from a tattoo? When people get tattoos, they are prepared for some pain, but not everyone considers the length of the healing process and the precautions against infection that are necessary. Depending on the size and location of the tattoo, healing can take several weeks and during that time you will need to apply various protective ointments, wash the wound, and often apply bandaging. You also must avoid baths, swimming, and hot tubs during your healing period. Skin wounds are easily susceptible to infection and you need to commit to taking proper care of your new tattoo. Failure to do so can expose you to serious skin infection and ruin the tattoo.

Your decision to get a tattoo should not be made lightly or quickly. Should you decide later that you dislike your tattoo, keep in mind that tattoo removal can cost up to 10 times the cost of the original tattoo and be a prolonged and painful process involving multiple laser treatments. When approached correctly, however, tattoos can become a pleasing form of self expression that you appreciate every day.

This tattoo information article was written by Tracy Falbe, publisher of Destination Tattoo, a resource about tattoos that includes a gallery of free tattoo designs. http://tattoo.falbepublishing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Falbe

By Tracy Falbe

Top 5 Most Painful Places To Get A Tattoo

You may know, or not know, that a tattoo can be extremely painful. The level of pain a person will feel differs from person to person and depending on the place of the tattoo. If you easily feel pain or the thought of pain makes you weak in the knees, then you may want to stay away from these five areas.

* The top part of the ankle or foot - Cute but very painful

* Above the rib cage on the chest - Thin skin so watch out for this area

* Behind The Ear - Tons of sensitive nerves and little skin

* The eye brows and Lips - Yes people do get tattoos there

* Pubic Area - Extremely sensitive area

When you are considering your tattoo and where you want to place it on your body these are some of the most painful places. Other places can be painful as well. There are certain other sensitive areas that I'm sure you can think of.

The design can affect the pain level also. If the tattoo is not filled in, or if it has a lot of open space with thin lines, then you will find it less painful than a tattoo that is filled in completely with thicker lines.

Having a great design you can be proud of and putting it in the right place for you can mean that you may have to venture into one of these areas of pain. If this is the case then just remember that once the tattoo is finished, you will have a personal piece of art that you can always enjoy for the rest of your life.

MoonStarTattoos.com is a great place to find everything related to tattoos. I hope you enjoy your tattoos as much as i enjoy mine!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Rowe

By Sarah Rowe

Butterfly Tattoo Art - A Symbol of Life

Butterfly Tattoo art is one of the most popular design types for anyone looking for a tattoo.
Butterfly tattoo art is becoming one of the most popular and requested tattoo designs, especially among women. More than 50% of the female "tattoo population" have some type of butterfly design, whether it be on their back, ankle, or chest. And for a good reason. Butterflies are unmatched in their intrinsic yet peculiar designs and beauty

There are many speculated reasons for this surge of popularity, and many believe butterflies are just beautiful in general, and that is reason enough. However, there are others who look deeper into the issue. They believe there is strong connection or symbolism behind the butterfly.

To most cultures, a butterfly is symbolic of starting anew, or birth of new life. There are also many cultures who symbolize the butterfly as the instability and impermanence of earthly life. The life of a butterfly is very unstable, as it starts it's life as a grotesque catipillar and turns into a beautiful butterfly. This process has captivated the ancient cultures, as they believed this process was very similar of one's journey from an earthly body to a heavenly one. Early Greek cultures also used butterfly wings to symbolize the human soul or pysche.

Whatever the reason is, butterfly tattoo art is growing in popularity. Some find that finding the right butterfly tattoo design is overwhelming, due to the immense amount of variety available. These designs gain root from each species of butterfly: Plum Judy, Spicebush Swallowtail, Lime Butterfly, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Jezebel, Karner Blue, Xerces Blue, Painted Lady or Cosmopolite, Lange's Metalmark Butterfly, Common Yellow Swallowtail, and the ever famous Monarch butterfly. Although one doesn't need to know the individual species in order to design their tattoo, it might help to pick a few of your favorite types so the tattoo artist can best fit your wants and needs.

More information on butterfly tattoo art can be found at: Tattoo Ideas

By Timothy Croy
Published: 11/6/2007

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