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.


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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.


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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


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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


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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


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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!


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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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Tattoo Design Ideas for the Perfect Tattoo

Information and Ideas on getting the perfect tattoo. Tattoo ideas and tattoo designs that reflect who you really are. Learn tattoo basics and information on how to find a great tattoo parlor.
Getting tattoo design ideas can help anyone find the perfect tattoo that reflects exactly who they really are. We are going to discuss some basic tattoo designs to help you get an idea of where to start and what to prepare for.

Tattoos are an undying symbol of who you are. They can help remind you of where you came from, where you are going, or who you want to be. They are a pure form of self expression and a representation of your inner self. Tattoos may tell a story or keep remembrance of a love one alive. Try to keep this in mind when you are figuring out which tattoo you would like. It is extremely important that you choose wisely.

Below are just a few basic styles of tattoos. The type of designs may help you spark some great tattoo ideas.

1. The Tribal Tattoo Design - Tribal Tattoo designs have its roots from early cave paintings. Many cultures from the Mayans and Aztecs to the early Egyptians used tribal tattoos. They have many meanings and represent a number of ideals. Tibal Tattoo Designs are great because they hold much deep inner meaning and can symbolize everthing from stregnth to purity. There are literally thousands upon thousands of different kinds of tribal tattoo design ideas. Discover which one is right for you.

2. Celtic Tattoo Designs - Celtic Tatto designs are also one of the most famous kinds of tattoos. Celtic Tattoos symbolize the celtic genre and are often a very intricate weave as with all celtic designs. Most often seen is the Celtic Cross tattoo. Celtic tatoos are a great tattoo idea and there are literally unlimited choices for the kind of tatt idea you are looking for.

3. Zodiak Tattoo Designs - Zodiak tattoos are also extremely popular. Zodiak tattoos are a great symbol of who we are. Those who practice and follow astrology often find this style of tattoo a winner. Whether your looking for a pisces tattoo, a leo tattoo or an a gemini tattoo everyone can find a style that they can relate too.

4. Japanese Tattoo Designs - Japanese tattoo designs and other kinds of oriental tattoos are often popular in the west as well. Oriental tattoos are stylish and can represent something that no one else (unless they are oriental) may understand. Japanese tattoos make great tattoo ideas and can be very beautiful.

5. Dragon Tattoo Designs - Dragon Tattoos can represent anything from stregnth to luck. Dragon tatts are great and beautiful and have its place in history as well. These style of tatts are culturally defining and look very exotic. This is a great choice for a tattoo idea.

Whichever style of tattoo design you are looking for, make sure it is what fits you exactly. Tattoos are long-term and will follow you wherever you go. It is a great idea to make sure you choose wisely and invest time in to deciding which one is right for you.

Visit our site to get 1000's of Tattoo Ideas and Tattoo Sketches or to find a Tattoo Parlor near you.

By Gabe Killian
Published: 7/2/2007

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Small Tattoos - Which Should You Get?

So you've looked at some small tattoos and decided you want one? Although it is only small that is a big decision! It will be with you for the rest of your life so you need to make sure you choose one that is right for you, let's take a quick look at the different things to consider:

Design

Well obviously this is one of the most important choices! If you have been into tattoo shops then you have seen their selection of designs and have probably found a load you like. If you like the design but don't like the place you can now find thousands of designs online which you can print off and take to any artist who will do it for you.

You need to think about what it is going to symbolise, there are so many different choices, a heart, angels, a skull, remember small tattoos are probably around 1 - 3.5 inches in size so you can't get too intricate.

Always sleep on your decision, take it from someone who has had to have one of their medium sized tattoos covered over, you need to sleep on it so you don't make a hasty choice!

Artist

Ok, so you have your design picked, you are sure about it, now what is a decision even more important than the design? The artist who will do it of course!

You know the tattoo I had covered - that was by a bad artist! Don't ever think they are all equal, buy a tattoo magazine and find someone near you who is well thought of, look online for reviews, don't just walk into a parlour as some people should not be in business!

A bad artist will make it more painful than necessary, they will not go deep enough so the ink comes out and they won't have very good drawing skills so your outline and shapes will be all deformed, that is worse than no tattoo!

Get recommendations, check out examples of the work, if in doubt travel to see an award winning artist in another city from one of the magazines you bought (if you don't have one near you that is). You will regret it for a long time if you choose a bad artist.

Location

Now you have your design and a competent artist, but where do you get it done? That depends entirely on you. From experience I would say avoid anywhere too bony as that can hurt, but other than that it is up to you!

Most employers don't like to see tattoos - so if you work in an office try not to have one on your neck or forearms, but other than that then have it wherever feels best for you, ask around anyone you know who has one for examples of where they had it done so you can get ideas.

There is no wrong position for small tattoos, just some that will hurt more than others!

I recommend you visit a good website to browse through the designs before you make your decision, check out my review of the top sites to visit - click here


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Cute Tattoos For Girls

any women are looking for cute tattoos. They may be looking for a tattoo that reminds them of there childhood and a time of innocence. A cute tattoo design will also help emphasize their playful girly side. These designs are usually small and of a delicate nature. Another advantage of a tattoo that is small would be that if for some reason you did not like your tattoo anymore it would be easy to cover it up.

You want to make sure that you never put a small tattoo in an area that will stretch a lot. Some reasons why this may happen is from weight changes or a pregnancy. The design can fade or become damaged.

Another thing to consider when picking a cute tattoo design is that it should have meaning and be original. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to go through as many designs as you can, this can easily be done from home on your computer with a good tattoo gallery. If you wanted a unique design then you can combine two designs together in order to make something completely unique.

Some popular designs include: Flowers, Hearts, Butterflies, Fairies, Tribal, Celtic, Stars and Shooting Stars, Dolphins, Zodiac.

A few popular spots for cute tattoos include: the lower back, the shoulder, back of the neck, inside of the wrist, above or below the belly button, upper part of the arm, hips, calves, ankle, feet.

No mater what design you choose avoid getting stressed out and just have fun with it, you will have your tattoo for a lifetime and picking the tattoo is part of the experience.

Cute Tattoos For Girls is a great place to find more cute tattoo designs. I hope you enjoy your tattoos as much as i enjoy mine!


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Harley Davidson Tattoos - Popular Tattoo Designs

The Harley Davidson motorcycle and brand is an icon. Harley tattoos are a way of paying tribute to the bike, and connecting with the Harley community. Started by William Harley and Arthur Davidson in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Harley has become the most popular bike ever built and has legions of proud owners all over the world. The HD has become a way of life, a statement of who you are, a head turner and an escape for so many people.

History of the Harley Brand

The logo brand has also become a proud part of the tradition, and licensing of the logo alone accounts for approximately 5% of the Harley Davidson Motor Companys net profit (based on figures from the 2004 financial report). There is a strong and loyal following of the brand and Chopper style motorcycle, throughout the world.

The motorcycle has evolved a lot over the years. The first production model, in 1905 had a single cylinder 440cc engine. In 1911, a new engine was introduced, with a V-Twin design, with 810ccs. The popularity of the HD motorcycle soared and by 1920 it was the biggest manufacturer in the world.

The company went through some rough patches after the second world war, and changed hands in 1952 and again in 1981.

The release of the "Fat Boy" model in 1990, reinvigorated sales. The company went back to quality parts and away from mass production to differentiate the brand from overseas and other local mass produced bikes. Demand soared again and due to the quality assembly process, it was not uncommon for the waiting list for the most popular models to exceed 12 months.

A museum, dedicated to the HD motorcycle will be opened in Menomonee River Valley in 2008 to honor and celebrate the history of the bike and the brand.

Harley Davidson Tattoo Designs

Associated with the huge success of the HD brand is the logo and other paraphernalia. One of the hottest items in this category is the Harley tattoo. Harley Davidson tattoo designs have evolved over the years, and allows the wearers to pay tribute and provides a connection with a special bike. The tats have many meanings to many people, but the overwhelming meaning is that of belonging. Belonging to the Harley community.

The most popular HD designs are badges incorporating wings and flames, eagles with the Harley logo, pictures of a motorcycle and either slogans, flames or both, patriotic tattoos with the Harley logo, Roses with the logo, hearts and knives with a banner for your slogan to be inserted. These are just a few of the most popular designs.

Where to Get the Best Harley Tattoo

The hardest part is deciding what design you want and where to get the best quality Harley Davidson tattoos. Check out as many designs as you can on the internet to give you some idea of what you want. But remember the majority are low quality, and thousands of people have access to the same designs everyday, so you will end up with the same design as someone else! I searched a heap of free and paid sites when I got my tattoo. I can show you which are the best tattoo galleries out there specifically for the Harley tattoo.


By Rem Barrett
Article source http://ezinearticles.com/?Harley-Davidson-Tattoos---Popular-Tattoo-Designs&id=984954

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Female Ankle Tattoos are Subtle and Sexy

For a woman, getting a tattoo is a powerful statement.
When someone asks you what the sexiest body parts are, what comes to mind? Hips and legs? How about hands or back? Something a little more scandalous? Here’s something that may surprise you: did you think of ankles? If not, maybe you're just not paying attention to how female ankle tattoos can enhance your sex appeal.

The ankle can be an incredibly attractive body part. Many men are already interested in women's legs, and the natural progression is to look also at the ankles. If you're looking for a way to stand out, an ankle tattoo might be your solution.

These tattoos are ideal for women because they can be both discreet and irresistible. If you work in an office, you may have to hide your tattoo on some days. This can be easily accomplished by wearing opaque tights or hosiery, pants, or certain types of shoes.

But these tattoos can also be displayed as an impressive assertion of your sexuality. If you get a tattoo on your ankle, you're sending a message: "I'm not afraid to get your attention, but I'm smart enough to do it in a subtle way." Men can't resist!

Another reason many women choose ankle tattoos is that they don't want a tattoo that is very big. Your ankle is, obviously, a relatively small body part, so any tattoo that you choose to put there will necessarily have to be of equal size. That way, you won't have to worry about taking care of (or hiding, if need be) a large tattoo.

Small ankle tattoos have other benefits: they can cut back on costs and pain. If a tattoo is smaller, it will almost always cost less than a tattoo that is bigger. You're paying for less ink and less of the artists' time. Less time under the tattoo gun also means that you'll hurt less - a major plus for some women!

Getting an ankle tattoo doesn't mean your choices are limited, however. A tattoo can be small without losing any distinctiveness. This is part of its allure: it is subtle, but striking; it is understated, but powerful.

For a woman, getting a tattoo is a powerful statement. Female ankle tattoos are a great way to get introduced to the world of tattooing (if you want more in the future) or just to assert some individuality without a huge commitment. Just like you and your choices, your tattoo is unique.
For more female ankle tattoo ideas and designs, check out: Tattoo Ideas
By Timothy Croy
Published: 2/14/2008

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Small Girl Tattoo Designs: Little Space, Big Impact

There are an almost infinite number of small girl tattoo designs available, and it's up to you to pick the one that fits you and your lifestyle the best.
Deciding what tattoo to get can be an arduous process. You have to think about a lot of factors: cost, pain, size, location, design, and so forth. One easy way to reconcile these issues is to look at small girl tattoo designs.

If you’re on a budget and your primary concern is cost, a small tattoo is a great choice. It might seem obvious, but it's true: when it comes to tattoos, you do get what you pay for. When you choose bigger tattoo designs, you are covering more of your body in ink, so you're going to pay more money. Smaller tattoos therefore cost less.

Another thing to consider is your tolerance for pain. Are you tough and ready to endure hours under the tattoo gun, subjected to thousands of needle pricks? If not, a small design is probably a better choice. Tattooing less skin means less skin will hurt in the morning.


Where do you want your tattoo to be placed on your body? Location is everything. Where you get your tattoo will play a large role in determining what kind of tattoo you get - and vice versa. If you have already decided on a design, make sure you think about how it will look in a specific place.

If you want to get your tattoo on your back, for example, you have considerable freedom. Your back is a large space with smooth skin, and it is one of the easiest places for tattoo artists to reach. Of course, a small tattoo on your back can also make a big statement, so don't feel like you have to choose a large tattoo in this situation.

Maybe you're thinking about getting your tattoo on your ankle, like many girls do. If this applies to you, then a smaller design is definitely best. The ankle is, quite simply, a small body part, and you just can't fit a large design in that space.

Tattooing is a process of reconciling the pragmatic and the aesthetic. If you're browsing the internet and find a particular tattoo design that you like, make sure that it's within your budget and will look good on your body where you want it. Even the best design can be unappealing if it is forced into an awkward position.

But even as you keep all these concerns in mind, you should remember that the most important question to ask is whether you like your tattoo.

For more ideas and designs on small tattoos for girls, please visit: Tattoo Ideas

By Timothy Croy
Published: 2/14/2008

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Female Tattoo Designs are Diverse and Customizable

Female tattoo designs are as diverse as the women who choose them.How many women do you know who have tattoos? Even if you think you know, you might not actually have any accurate idea. Some of your best friends and co-workers may be tattooed without your knowledge. How do they do it? It’s probably because female tattoo designs are very diverse.

One of the most appealing reasons to get a tattoo is that it is an incredibly strong expression of individualism and personality. Your tattoo is absolutely unlike anyone else's. As women have become more autonomous and empowered, they have looked for ways to show this individualism.

Once, tattoos were thought to be limited to men. If you didn't want to get your mother's or sweetheart's name tattooed on a bulging bicep, you were out of luck. But tattoo designs have changed, just like society. You can get any tattoo design you want, virtually anywhere on your body, and still be considered feminine.


Now, you can find female tattoos in a variety of unexpected places: on the back, on the shoulder, on the hip, on the heart, on the arm, on the ankle, and on other places you might not see. The reason that women have the freedom to choose these locations is that the kinds of tattoos they are choosing vary widely.

Some women choose smaller, more traditional, tattoos, like butterflies, flowers, or their initials. These tattoos can be inked almost anywhere on the body, because they do not require much surface area of accessible skin. They might also be a good choice because they can be easily concealed if need be, which can be important when you’re applying for a job.

Another source of variety in tattoo designs is color. No matter what size or shape tattoo you choose, you have the option of monochrome black ink or multicolored ink. Your color choice probably depends on your other design choices - some kinds of tattoos look better in color than others.

If you're stuck without a good idea for your tattoo, there are a variety of resources to consult for possible designs. Try running a quick search on the internet, or visiting your local parlor, where you can browse original and stock artwork.

Female tattoo designs are as diverse as the women who choose them. Because getting a tattoo is an important, permanent decision, make sure you devote careful consideration to making this choice - and be sure that you get exactly what you want. You deserve it!
For more great ideas on female tattoo designs, please visit: Tattoo Ideas
By Timothy Croy
Published: 2/14/2008

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A Phoenix Tattoo Design is Hot!

The phoenix incorporates notions of life, rebirth and renewal. If you are contemplating a phoenix bird tattoo you need to take these values into account. Also, a phoenix bird of fire tattoo must be of sufficient size to make an impact. This is a magnificent bird and deserves respect - size is important. You simply can't represent the idea of eternal life with a small tattoo!
With so many tattoo designs around it can be somewhat bewildering trying to figure out which one is right for you. There are many factors to take into account but, essentially, the most important factor is decoding the meaning behind the tattoo design. Ask yourself, "What does this design represent?" It's true that some tattoos are loads of fun and don't really have any significance - nothing wrong with that! But a phoenix tattoo doesn't really fall into that category. A phoenix tattoo design has a definite purpose and significance which you need to know about before going ahead and getting this tattoo design inked.

The Magnificent Phoenix

So who or what is the phoenix? Well, this mythological bird is extremely mystical and enigmatic. Because of this, it is a very popular motif in tattoo artwork around the world. This bird's origins are believed to lie in the ancient country of Ethiopia in Africa. The bird's name is connected with 'fire' and the color 'red.' Amongst other ideas, the phoenix incorporates notions of life, rebirth and renewal. This is a great symbol for 'starting again' or 'washing away the old.' If you are contemplating a phoenix bird tattoo you need to take these values into account. Also, a phoenix bird of fire tattoo must be of sufficient size to make an impact. This is a magnificent bird and deserves respect - size is important. You simply can't represent the idea of eternal life and rebirth with a small tattoo!

Finding a Suitable Design

If you have made up your mind to get a phoenix tattoo design, the next stage in your planning should involve research into finding a suitable design. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of tattoo galleries, both online and offline, from which you can choose your perfect phoenix tattoo. These galleries are usually full of color and are a pleasant way to while away the time as you make up your mind. However, try not to get too distracted by the dozens of alternative designs available. Stick to the phoenix design!

Vitally important in your final decision should be the color and size; you have to like the design, but it also has to coordinate and blend and all these elements must match if your design is to be esthetically pleasing. A balance is, therefore, needed: not too many similar or contrasting colors. Your tattoo will be with you for a long, long time so make sure it doesn't look awkward or out of place.

Finally, once you've decided on a phoenix tattoo design, you should spend a good deal of time with your chosen tattoo artist and explain exactly what it is that you are looking for and maybe even suggest a few alternate phoenix designs. Who knows, between you both you may come up with a new 'hybrid' phoenix design. It's a big decision, so take your time and 'live' with the various designs for a period of time before finally having it inked.

Tom Moore invites you to learn more about the phoenix tattoo design and also discover the best tattoo art and tattoo ideas at his website www.BestTattooForYou.com

By Alan Moore
Published: 2/4/2008

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Top 5 Most Popular Tattoo Designs

There are many popular designs for tattoos. A tattoo is a very personal experience and you should change slightly whatever design you get to help make it unique. With this being said here are 5 of the most popular tattoo designs and a little about them.

1. Angel Tattoos - Angels are very symbolic and represent a sense of peace and also protection, like a guardian angel. A sense of spirituality may play a part in someone picking an angel for a tattoo also.

2. Tribal Tattoos - These are extremely popular and account for many of the requests that a tattoo artists will see. In today's society, unlike what you would see in the past, these are a fashion statement. They help to show off a bit of mystery and individuality. They use aggressive lines that are usually dark and are usually found in symmetrical shapes.

3. Wing Tattoos - These can represent a freedom and also can be linked with angels in that they offer protection from above. Dragons, fairies, birds, and butterflies are usually associated with wings. The lower back is a popular spot on many women for this design.

4. Star Tattoos - the nautical star is very popular with sailors. Regular stars are also very popular because of the fact that they can be re-sized easy and place anywhere. Places that people usually get a star would be the navel, ankles, or around the shoulders.

5. Cross Tattoos - These have significant religious meaning and are a strong symbol of belief hope and faith. They can be combined with many other designs to help define what it means to you, they can also fit anywhere on the body.

There are many other popular tattoo designs. These are ones that I find people look for the most. Just remember to make the experience of picking a tattoo fun and pick something that is meaningful to you.

Most Popular Tattoo Designs is a great place to find popular tattoo designs. I hope you enjoy your tattoos as much as I enjoy mine!

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

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Heart Tattoos - The Meanings Behind The Tattoo Of Love

The heart is an enduring symbol of love that has lasted the test of time, and heart tattoos provide a special way to display that love. It has been used by many cultures throughout history, and its popularity as a tattoo design is growing year by year.

Heart Tattoos Design
The first noted group to use the symbol as a tattoo were sailors. They used the heart tat as a show of love, and to provide a connection to, their loved ones back on shore. These days the basic design has evolved significantly and now includes banners, other designs such as flowers or angels and other symbols. With a splash of color, the designs can look absolutely stunning. The beauty of the heart tattoo is that they can be used by men and women alike, and the style of the design itself can vary widely from tribal to celtic to cartoon just to name a few.

Heart tattoos look good both as a large design with other symbols, or as a small tat. The small design is popular because it can be located on many parts of the body, and depending on whether the wearer wants the tattoo to be visible it is easy for the design to be covered up. They are popular on the shoulder, bicep and arm for men, and ankles, hips, around the belly button and on the lower back for women.



Meanings
The heart tattoo is very symbolic and it can have many meanings for the people who wear them. Here are some common meanings.

The red heart symbolizes love. It is common for people to have a banner stretch across the heart with a loved ones name in the banner. What a great way to show eternal love.

Another popular theme is to combine the red heart with roses or flowers to portray love and a loving environment. For example, the rose is itself a symbol of love and passion, so the two go together well, and make a strong statement.

When heart tattoos are combined with knives, daggers or swords, this normally represents lost love, or betrayal. For example, the dagger must be used by someone close to you to be effective. Therefore, a dagger through a heart means someone you let get close has hurt you. Very symbolic.

Wings on a heart portrays a free spirit, or someone who is happy in love and is care free. New variations include hearts with other symbols such as animals or objects, to show a connection with, or love for the symbol portrayed. Other great designs that I have seen are hearts with skulls, with flames, a patriotic design with a flag of country in the design, and a heart made up of flowers. There are so many more combinations that you could use.

Where to Get Them
The next step is to check out some designs. If you are serious about getting a top quality design, it is a good idea to get one of the tattoo galleries with thousands of tattoo designs for you to choose from. Check out the free sites on the net to get ideas, but remember those are low quality designs, and thousands upon thousands see these designs everyday. You can imagine how many people will have the same designs now. As they say, you get what you pay for.

I have checked out heaps of sites while looking for my tattoo, both free and paid, and I have provided a review of the top three sites for heart tattoos.

The best Heart Tattoo Gallery on the net is revealed here to save you time and money. Check out my review of the Best Heart Tattoos gallery. I compare the top three galleries, revealing numbers of heart tats in each, quality and range offered. Also check out my review of Chopper Tattoo Gallery and the review of Tattoo Me Now Gallery. Good luck in your search.


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