Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian Tattoo Designs - How Can You Ignore a Tattoo Which Has This?

Definitely Not Your Typical Tattoo

Polynesian tattoo designs are far more than a mere piece of decorative body art. Tribal art tattoo designs, as often as they're replicated in flash designs, were once seen as a link between man and the gods in Polynesian culture. As legend has it, the Gods taught men the art of tattooing. By being marked through a trial of pain and blood, as the elders claimed, initiates could develop a closer relationship with the spiritual world.




Take the Maori and Samoan tribes for example, Polynesian tattoo designs were a Tapu, or sacred art form. Thus the revered tattoo artists in these societies, were held in the same esteemed regard as the higher echelon virtuosos of today. Yet the community where I lived, saw all tattooing, including tribal art tattoos, as an indication of a degenerate, or at best 'an eccentric' - and eccentric is, in many ways, another word for contemptible. "Yeah, thanks for the positive support Dad!"

Paying Reverence To Islanders' Heritage

The islanders' history suggests that the Polynesian conflation of soul with body, and the belief that one could gain special advantages in the afterlife, through tribal tattoo designs, was far from limited to their culture. ("Special advantages in the afterlife? Well ink me up then!"). Similar beliefs can be found in ancient European and Asian cultures, which were responsible for the prevalence of tribal art designs among the natives of North Africa and Papua, New Guinea.

The extreme proficiency of Polynesian design creation, has become renowned amid the great and meaningful art forms the world over. After all, when people are willing to spend their entire lives in the presence of such articulated art, and be judged by everyone that sees it, is truly a mark of admiration for such a specialized technique. They are such striking, intriguing and alluring forms of expression, I knew I had to have one, or two, or three...I was worried about running out of skin space!

Polynesian tattoo designs, as one of the last surviving sacred forms of body art, were the natural locus for my studies. Indeed, the word 'tattoo' emerged from their language, (originating from the Tahitian term - 'Tatu', meaning - "to mark"). Furthermore, in the absence of any written language, those cultures created a form of articulation, dialogue and communication from their tribal tattoo designs. Various parts of the body which displayed the jet-black patterns, symbolized certain facets of their lives, experiences and beliefs respectively.

Immersed In Both The Culture And The Art-Form

Having lived for two years in the Marquesas islands, witnessing the art from descendants of tribal masters, I've found that Polynesian tattoo designs, for the original islanders, both provided a sense of belonging (through the sharing of an experience), and a sense of individuality. The designs, and their positioning on the body, were generally decided by one's family history, societal ranking, succession of maturity and personal achievements.

I learned first-hand how the Polynesians used symbols, intricate patterns, plus swirling and linear motifs, to typify storytelling among other representations, when composing tribal tattoo designs. Watching the rituals carried out with such primitive, yet effective tools such as bird-bones for needles and burnt gum from indigenous trees as ink. At times, they even used burnt vegetable caterpillars to form a black soot-like pigment to tap into the body using a mallet.

The definitions and history of what they symbolize, dates back generations, more so than any other tattoo art designs that I can immediately recall. Other societies across the oceans, have shown a great deal of respect and reverence to those island cultures, who took this form of expression far beyond what we as westerners could typically ever imagine. Plus the fact, they really do stand out from other tribal tattoo art, due to their incredibly unique and distinct appearance. Just like eating peanuts or potato chips...it's extremely difficult to just have one!(EzineArticles.com)

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Japanese Tattoos

A Look at Japanese Tattoos

There are many different meanings that are symbolized, at the same time, by Japanese tattoos. Japan has always had a vast and varied history, and a lot of this imagery goes into Japanese tattoos in a very visually stimulating and attractive way, carrying symbolic meaning along with it.

Dating back to some of the oldest points in history, Japanese tattoos carry some of the most ancient styles known. They are known for the strong lines that hold so much impact, historical images from important points in the past, and intricate designs showing Japanese traditions, the complexity and beauty of the designs set them apart.

The art of decorating the body with symbols and images of historical importance has been practiced in Japan for well over 10 000 years. The symbolic meaning of the tattoos is also of great significance in the Japanese tattooing tradition.




In the embryonic days of Japanese tattoos they were done by hand, these hand made needles were called "Tebori".

Some of the most requested and wanted tattoos are of beasts with mythic stature such as phoenixes, dragons and Kirin. The image of the geisha woman is also very popular,as well as the well known Koi fish. Also blossoms and Japanese trees, are another popular request.

The practice of tattooing was banned in 1870, as the Japanese Government was attempting to impress the west, and felt making tattooing illegal was a move in the right direction, at this point. Tattooing remained only as an underground practice supplying tattoos to Japanese and non Japanese alike who loved the look of traditional Japanese tattoos.

Legalizing the practice again in 1945, japan has never really shaken the darker insinuations of criminal groups such as the mafia organized "Yakuza", also tipping into the negative realm, tattoos, were associated with petty felons, and prostitutes who used certain tattoos to draw clients.

Due to the fine detail and intricacy involved with Japanese tattoos they can be expensive and take up a lot of time to get done. For someone into the different aspects and elements of Japanese culture combining different themes can be desirable, such as a blend of cherry blossoms, samurai warriors the classical known Koi fish and Japanese mythological beasts such as the phoenix. Japanese tattoos are a great choice if you want a classy, interesting and timeless tattoo that invokes imagery of tranquility, beauty and strength, and also can symbolize the history and symbolism of a fascinating and charismatic culture.(EzineArticles.com)

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Fairy Tattoos

What You Should Know About Fairy Tattoos

Body art takes on various forms in different cultures and at different times. In war time it was fashionable for sailors to have a swallow, an anchor or a star tattooed on their forearms. Nowadays tattoo art has gone beyond the tribal and the traditional to include all kinds of designs.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in fairies. Everywhere that you go you see pictures of fairies and fairy ornaments. The world of tattoo art has been no exception and an increasing number of women are now sporting fairy tattoos. For most of us fairies are associated with childhood, with a never-never land where no-one suffers and everyone lives for ever. Fairies are also associated with freedom, the ability to fly has long preoccupied us humans and fairies have this ability.

There are many different fairy tattoos each carrying its own meaning and significance for the person carrying that particular design. A fairy tattoo can signify freedom and innocence but in Ireland fairies are believed to be doing the work of the devil. It is believed that fairies live in a sort of underworld who want to bring bad luck to anyone they take a dislike to. However, Walt Disney's fairies were playful and imaginative and this seems to be the way the modern world understands fairies. The colors, the facial expression and the adopted pose are all important when it comes to fairy tattoos. The choices we make if we have a fairy tattoo say as much about us as they do the fairies. Fairy tattoos are most often worn in a place where they can be seen, people want to show off their fairy tattoos.




Fairies are part of almost everyone's folklore and just as with other mythical beings fairies change their appearance and their significance with each succeeding generation. Whether you have a fairy in a white dress or a beautiful wood nymph wrapped in leaves depends upon your taste. In many ancient civilizations it was believed that if you angered the fairies then you could bring disaster on the world. Animal death and crop failure was often blamed on the fact that somebody had upset the fairies. So if you do decide to have a fairy tattoo you could be saying something about the mischievous side of your character. Some people see fairies as exiting and spontaneous beings and you could be telling the world that this is part of your nature.

When you speak about fairies it is often Disney's image of Tinkerbell that comes to mind. Tinkerbell is playfully mischievous and light and frothy. So the wearer of a fairy tattoo might be seen as having a lightness of spirit. When fairies are etched in dark colors then this may be saying something about a darker side. If you do decide to have a mythical being as part of your body art make sure that the design you choose is saying what you want it to say. You have to live with tattoos for a long time so it is as well to be happy with the design that you choose.(EzineArticles.com)

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Old School Tattoos

Old School Tattoos - Why The Popularity?

Why the rise in popularity? How did they start and who are the original tattoo artists that brought these bold, bright tattoo designs to us?

If you follow tattooing back to the first part of the century, you will find a few incredibly talented, wonderfully colorful characters. Top among these fine characters is "Sailor Jerry". Story goes, Sailor Jerry began his career traveling around the country on freight trains and tattooing the drifters. He joined the Navy at 19 and sailed the Pacific. If you look at Sailor Jerry's artwork, you can see the influence of Southeast Asia. Sailor Jerry's images have bold deep outlines, bold blocks of color, and large, oversized images.




Old School Tattoos Designs include imagery of stars, hearts and daggers. There are anchors, and nautical themes. What we now would say is "pirate imagery" are all found in Old School Tattoos. Beautiful, busty pin-up girls, suggestive women, skeletons, and skulls. Hearts with daggers through them and roses with massive thorns and ribbons, in bold bright colors with deep outlining. Everything that we now would consider "vintage" is included in the imagery of Old School Tattoos. They have almost a whimsical and animated quality.

Two of Sailor Jerry's students, Ed Hardy and Mike Malone have been extremely influential in keeping interest in, and reviving the Old School Tattoo Designs. Ed Hardy and Mike Malone both use the bold patterns and the bright colors typical in Old School Tattoos. Images are outlined and you can see the Asian influence in the design.

When Sailor Jerry died, he left instructions that one of his students, Ed Hardy or Mike Malone, could buy his tattoo shop in Hawaii. Mike Malone took the offer and with the purchase of the shop, he also got all of Sailor Jerry's artwork. That artwork, or "flash" can now be seen on tattoo shop walls all across America.

Don Ed Hardy, on the other hand, exploded his popularity and brought Old School Tattoo designs to the main stream by licensing his artwork to Christian Audigier. Ed Hardy Designs was formed and Christian Audigier began incorporating the artwork into fashion. This was the first time tattoo design and tattoo artwork has made it to the runways of Paris, New York and Italy. Ed Hardy artwork and tattoo design could now be seen on Rock Stars and Celebrities alike. The Beautiful Old School Tattoo Designs were now part of mainstream culture and highly sought after.

Maybe another reason for the rise in popularity of Old School Tattoos is the simple fact that we have a fascination with "vintage" What's old is new. This happens in fashion all the time. How many times have you heard people say, "I had those gym shoes in 7th grade", or "That blouse is in my moms attic". From brands like Puma, Nike, P.F. Flyers to Levi, there is always a vintage look or design just around the corner. Old School Tattoos are the "vintage" of the tattoo world. They are also the brightest, most colorful, quirky, kitschy and whimsical tattoo designs. If you are looking for a "vintage" look in your tattoo design, beautiful busty pin-up girls, colorful funky skulls, pierced hearts, fat roses with ribbon sayings, check out the Old School Tattoos. And here is a piece of advice from the infamous Lyle Tuttle: "Don't put anyone's name on your tattoo. They are not going to be around forever. Just put "Sweetheart" and call them ALL "Sweetheart"."(EzineArticles.com)

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Lower Back Tattoos

Lower Back Tattoos - Symbols of Female Power

Breaking onto the tattoo scene during the late 1990's, lower back tattoos are still very popular a decade later.

Designs for lower back tattoos range from small or large symbols or designs that are placed centrally on the lower back, to large oblong designs that follow the curves of the lower back and buttocks.

Although any design can be placed on the lower back, there are some designs that are specifically created for the lower back. Some of the most popular designs incorporate flowing lines that follow the curves of the back. Common designs include flowers, tribal designs, dragons, angels, suns and hearts.

As popular as lower back tattoos are, it's disappointing to note that tattoos on the lower back have become a subject of controversy and speculation.




Lower back tattoos became popular in part because they are a powerful symbol of female sexuality. There was just something about the placement that was very intriguing both to the women who were getting them, and the men who admired them. The designs that were used swept over the curves of a woman's back, creating a surprisingly sensual appeal on an area of the body that was previously considered unimportant.

Unfortunately, there was a period of time when this new symbol of female empowerment created a huge backlash for the women who had them. Instead of merely being admired for the strength they were intended to convey, they were rumored to be a symbol of loose morals and sexual impropriety. Lower back tattoos began to be called "tramp stamps." Because of this malicious label, women who wore them suddenly found their reputations being called into question merely because of where they chose to have their body art. This was especially difficult to understand, because women who had tattoos on other areas of their body didn't experience the same type of vicious accusations.

Like female-created symbols of power throughout history, women have been able to take back lower back tattoos as symbols of strength and femininity. This was due in large part to tattoos becoming acceptable in mainstream society. Tattoos no longer need to be hidden from view except in the most corporate and conservative of environments.

Lower back tattoos are also a topic of medical controversy. There is a concern among some physicians that the ink in lower back tattoos can cause problems during epidural anesthesia, which is a common procedure to help women with pain control while giving birth.

A search of several well-known medical websites reveals that this is generally an urban legend. It should be noted that there is a theoretical possibility that if the epidural needle passes through tattoo ink that there could be some neurological complications; however, there are no reported cases of this happening. Anesthesiologists can easily avoid this theoretical possibility simply by inserting the epidural needle through an area of skin that doesn't contain tattoo ink, or making a small incision in the skin before introducing the needle.

Lower back tattoos are certainly a surprising source of controversy, from medical studies to social backlash. Regardless of that, the lower back is, and will continue to be a powerful and sensual location for body art.(EzineArticles.com)

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Wolf Tattoo

Wolf Tattoo Designs - Where is the Good Artwork At?

You can head over to your favorite browser right now and find a bunch of wolf tattoo designs. I bet that 95% of them will be nothing close to the quality you are looking for, though. That's the problem with much of the artwork on the web, especially if you are using a search-engine to find them. Here is why that happens and how to fix it.

If you want to settle on some generic, cookie cutter wolf tattoo designs and get them inked on your body, go right ahead. If you truly want to be able to uncover the websites that will have original, superb wolf tattoo designs then you'll need to know this next tip.

Search-engines are not your best buddy when trying to find quality image for tattoos art. Sure, you can find thousands of images out there, but search-engines are horrible at showing you where the truly great galleries are. Most of what you'll find will be low end galleries that are sizzling with cookie cutter type images that are over seven years old. On top of that, these galleries even post a slew of images that weren't even supposed to be used as real tattoos! That's right. If you pick one of those wolf tattoo designs, you might not like the result once you get it tattooed. Images that weren't drawn specifically with tattoos in mind tend to come out looking far less crisp as it looked on paper.




Ok, enough of that. You want to know how to find amazing wolf tattoo designs on the web...

You can do this by using the full power of internet forums. Finding wolf tattoo designs or any other artwork you want is simple here. Tattoos are a pretty large subject inside of most forums. With that said, you better believe that people are posting questions about where the great galleries are located. This is where you can eat up information, because the people that have uncovered the hidden galleries will always help out and post links to the fantastic galleries that they have found over the years. It's just an easy trick to find fresh wolf tattoo designs and all other style you might be considering.

No matter which wolf tattoo designs you might be thinking about getting tattooed, just make certain you care picking the exact one that you want and don't settle for less.(EzineArticles.com)

Maori Tattoos

Maori Tattoos - What You Should Know

Traditionally tattoo is used by Maori as a method of individual identification showing a persons heritage. They consist of curved spiral shapes in intricate patterns. A common theme amongst patterns is the shape of the "Koru" which is linked to the New Zealand fern. The young fern leaf unfurls and at this stage it is named "Koru". To the Maori the "Koru" represents the unfolding of new life or renewal. When you see the "Koru" you will see why the Maori have identified the unfurling frond with values of youth, strength and vitality, life unfolding, the Whanau (family) its care and protection.

Traditional Maori designs will generally include sacred symbols. Be aware Maori tattoo patterns symbolize a way of personal identification for the Maori people. Maori see it as stealing part of an identity when traditional tattoo designs are copied for the sake of a trend or fashion.

Maori have traditionally worn the tattoo on their face which was to show everyone who they were i.e. their family, tribe and status within an area grouping. Elaborate shapes and marks were used that showed the heritage of the particular to the wearer.




Maori tattoos designs are becoming extremely popular all over the world. It is disrespectful to get traditional Maori designs without thinking through the cultural sensitivities. These sacred tattoo designs are not simply for ornamental purposes.

Go out and get your Maori tattoo designed without the symbolic ties. If you are considering Maori tattoo designs you should find an experienced artist who knows about Maori culture and get them to design you a Maori tattoo that has the look of a moko (tattoo design) without the symbolic ties. Personalize your own design by incorporating celtic, tribal and Maori styles into your own absolutely unique piece. Mixed race people like to represent their heritage from both side and this can be achieved really effectively with a combination of two styles.

The new term for skin art or body art in New Zealand is "Kirituhi"(writing on skin). Kirituhi should not be mistaken for or confused with "Ta Moko" the traditional and sacred form of Maori tattoo.(EzineArticles.com)

Angel Tattoos

Angel Tattoos Are Very Popular

There is no doubt that angel tattoos have grown to be extremely popular in recent years. Why is this so? Angels are some of the purest creatures that one can choose to ink on their bodies. They are quite religious; these types of tattoos remain one of the most spiritual at hand! Then again, not everybody who makes a decision on angel tattoos is actually obtaining them on account of religious factors. Angels indicate so much more than this.

Tattoos can be found in countless size and shapes. A number cover the complete area of peoples' back although some are small-scale enough to fit properly on the ankle. So how do you determine what specifications to get? It is exactly about your personal choice. Lots of people just simply don't want a significant skin image spread over their backs. Smaller tattoos are less difficult to cover and some see these more attractive.




Full-bodied tattoo styles are merely as or even more common than angel tattoos. As the wings are cute as well as subtle, an entire angel can illustrate particularly what you need all of them to be thinking and feeling. The actual tattoo can express a joyful, quiet angel or maybe a protecting guardian angel. A number show a saddened downed angel, while some stand for lovable, cheery cherubs.

Though angels tend to be correctly identified as beings existing below Jesus, folks have viewed these differently. Some understand guardian angels as the greatest class because of everything they do for the actual living. When men and women opt for guardian angel tattoos, these people most often select the full-back tattoo styles. This specific tattoo is generally the biggest you will find. All things considered, the back certainly is the largest empty canvas on your body!

Just about any tattoo discussion regarding angel tattoo designs without mentioning the actual charming cherub angels would certainly be shameful.Everyone is aware of the Cupid: the cherub who produces love to all he comes across. There are lots of people that adore his character and choose to receive his likeness tattooed on his or her self. Cherubs are normally jovial, crafty as well as chubby.No matter which of the angel tattoo styles you select, be sure it's the correct final decision for you personally.(EzineArticles.com)

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Best Tattoo

Best Tattoo Removal Option - Don't Waste Your Time Or Money on Ineffective Treatments

There are a million reasons why somebody might want to remove a tattoo. Maybe you're trying to get a job with a conservative company that wouldn't appreciate your body art. Maybe your girlfriend dumped you for another guy and it's time to take her name off of your forearm. Whatever the reason, nobody wants to waste their time or their money so it's a good idea to find the best tattoo removal method without going through the trial and error of attempting methods that just don't work.

A quick and relatively inexpensive method to get rid of the tattoo is to actually not remove it at all but to simply cover it up with another tattoo. However, altering or covering up an existing tattoo with a new one is not always a possibility. Sometimes you just need to get rid of it.

Fading creams that are supposed to remove tattoos have become more and more popular in recent years. They're relatively inexpensive and can supposedly fade your tattoo painlessly and from the comfort of your own home. That sounds pretty good but there's no evidence that these creams actually work. A best case scenario would be a lighter tattoo but it would still remain visible. In addition to the fact that complete removal with a fading cream is all but impossible there are also the risks of skin irritation, rashes, and even permanent changes to the pigmentation of your skin.

There are surgical methods for removing tattoos as well but does anyone really want to get a skin graft to get rid of a tattoo? Dermabrasion is another option but it is excruciatingly painful and carries a significant risk of infection and/or scarring.




The best tattoo removal option available today would be laser treatments. This method works by focusing intense beams of light to pass through the top layers of skin and where they are then absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo. This causes the pigment in the ink to break into tiny particles that are then removed by your body's immune system. Laser treatments offer you the best chance at getting as close as possible to 100% removal where the old tattoo is no longer visible but even this method is not perfect. One laser treatment session can cost a couple of hundred dollars and it will take multiple sessions to achieve the best results.

Tattoos are meant to be permanent so obviously removing them is no easy task. There are no pain free and inexpensive methods available. The creams that offer the least amount of pain are also the least effective. The most effective option, laser treatment, is also painful and quite expensive but it is the best tattoo removal option available today.(EzineArticles.com)

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Japanese Paintings

Japanese Paintings

Painting is one of the most popular forms of art in Japan. Japanese paintings, which were highly influenced by Chinese style of painting, are exquisite and at times can be very intricate. In the Muromachi period (1338-1573), Chinese paintings were introduced in Japan, owing to the influx of Chinese trade. Many Japanese noblemen started purchasing Chinese paintings to adorn their house and developed a liking for the Chinese style of painting. Due to this affinity for Chinese paintings, many Japanese painters adopted this style to create fine masterpieces that would appeal to Japanese taste.

The Japanese painters belonging to the Muromachi period reflected deep sense of space and each painting depicted a story. Later, landscape painting was developed in the Momoyama period (1573-1603); the paintings were usually produced on giant screens. During the Edo period (1603-1867), a different style of painting evolved where paintings had gold leaf backgrounds to create an effect similar to holy mosaics belonging to the Western Medieval period. Around the same time, the Ukiyo-e style emerged; it involved woodblock printing.




In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japanese paintings came under the influence of western styles as well. Several painting schools were established in Japan and each school pursued a style of their choice. The term "Suibokuga" refers to paintings that utilized black ink for painting. It was inherited from China and bore the distinct mark of Zen Buddhism.

Kano Masanobu, along with his son Kano Motonobu (1476-1559), laid the foundation of the Kano painting school, which was started in protest against the Chinese black ink painting method. The Kano school made use of bright and vibrant colors and experimented with bold compositions that included large and flat areas. These paintings became a source of inspiration for the Ukiyo-e designs. The "nanga" painting style was highly prominent during the Bunka and Bunsai era.

Japanese paintings have managed to capture the hearts of many people mostly due to their sense of space and aesthetic beauty. Japanese artists utilized a wide range of mediums for their paintings. Some of the popular subjects of Japanese paintings include landscapes, women, famous places, and spectacular views.(EzineArticles.com)

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Tattoo Flash

Flower Tattoo Flash - Symbolism to Consider When Choosing a Flower Design For a Tattoo

Flower tattoos are very popular among women but are not limited only to females. Males also work flower tattoos into other symbols to create unique pieces of art. Flowers can represent a timeless symbol of beauty and are great for incorporating into tattoo designs due to the large array of meanings that individual flowers hold within themselves. You should consider the symbolism of different flowers when choosing your Flower Tattoo Flash in order to get the most out of your new tattoo.




Roses are probably the most common flower used in tattoo flash art and just by altering the color of the rose you can make it have different meanings. For Example:

Pink = Friendship
Red = Passionate Love
Red & White = Unity
White = Purity
Yellow = Zealous

This is just a small example of things you should consider when choosing or designing flower flash designs, all flowers have a meaning behind them and some research may be in order to get the most out of your tattoo design. For many, certain flowers or colors may remind them of a special event or place in time that represents something significant in their lives. All these factors considered will give meaning to your tattoo and will help you create the perfect flower tattoo flash with a great story to go along with it.

Other good ideas to consider for Flower Tattoo Flash are things such as birth month flowers or state flowers. The ideas are endless when designing flower flash and with careful thought and consideration a truly unique piece of art can be formed, artwork that you will be proud to wear, and show off, and share the story behind with others for years to come.

Flower tattoos make great stand alone tattoos as well as blend in easily with almost any other tattoo art, making them a very versatile flash to work with. Flower flash is also easily adaptable to pretty much any area of the body you may be considering to place your new tattoo, which is just another reason they're so great to work with. So be creative, give it some thought, consider all things and cover all bases and you will be able to create a unique Flower Tattoo Flash design that really has something to say!(EzineArticles.com)

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