Tattoos

Symbolism of an Anchor Tattoo

The Symbolism of an Anchor tattoo
by Sam Smith

Anchor tattoos were all the rage for sailors. It was often the symbol of a very experienced sailor. Anchor tattoo designs are one of the oldest types of tattoos. However with an interest in all things retro and chic these have come back into fashion. In fact in the tattoo field as a whole retro tattoo designs have been experiencing a resurgence. These retro tattoo designs have come back to life with new more vibrant tattoo colors, designs and placements on the body. This trend originated on the west coast mostly and has even become known as west coast tattoo style. Retro themes in tattoo designs are especially popular with the rockabilly group.

So what is the symbolism behind the anchor tattoo design? While the earliest forms of an anchor being used as a symbol harkens all the way back to the early Christians. They would often use the anchor as a hidden symbol for the cross. This was often used to show that they were Christian while escaping persecution from the Greeks.

The symbol much later became popular with sailors. This is a pretty obvious connection here being that sailor use anchors constantly in their work.

The anchor tattoo design has become a symbol for stability and a strong foundation. It can also mean a boyfriend, girlfriend or significant other in someone’s life. You see a man might get an anchor tattoo to show that his girlfriend is the stability in his life. These have become increasingly popular for women to get and they often place them just below their collar bone on the right of left side.

So the anchor tattoo is a great tattoo with lots of symbolism and history behind it. If you are looking for something to remind you to stay grounded or want to symbolism a particularly stable or grounding relationship that you have then an anchor tattoo design might be something to look into.

About the Author
Looking for custom Anchor tattoo designs Get a Custom Tattoo? Or visit our celebrity tattoo galleries at the Tattoo directory

History of tattooing

A Brief History of Tattooing
by David Z

How to choose an tattoo artist? here are a few suggestions you should consider.

Needless to say, finding the right tattoist to do your tattoo work is very important to a successful piece of body art. Remember, this is the only body you have and it can never be taken seriously enough when choosing an tattooist. Here are a few ways you should consider when selecting your tattooist:

1. Read Tattoo Books and Tattoo Magzines

There are many different tattoo publications in the book store or library, go buy or burrow a few and look through the materials. The best one will educate you, inspire you, and expose you to a wide variety of work from artists all over the world.

2. Talk to Your Friends,Relatives or Somebody on the Street That haveTattoo Style You Like

Paying attention to other people’s work. Ask the people who had tattoo done about: who did the work for them? how long ago did they have the tattoo done? Would they recommend the tatttoist to you? Why and why not?

Tattoo fans are usually very opinionated about artists, styles and trends, they will have a lot to say on these subjects, learn from somebody else’s success or failure.

3. Visit Local Tattoo Parlors

Stop and look around at your local tattoo shops, walk in and ask questions, ask to see examples to the artist’s work.. If a tattoo studio won’t let you look around or answer your questions, they are probably too busy to accommodate you at that moment. In this case, make an appointment to come back at an approperiate time.

4. Attend Tattoo Conventions, Tattoo Expos and Tattoo Shows

Attending one of the many annual body-art conventions, expos and shows will give you great opportunities to see many of the artists in your area, as well as artists from all over the world.

Go talk to the tattoo artist you think has the best talent for the style you choose, you can probably even get your tattoo done at the scene with a reasonable price.

5. Contact Your Favorite Tattooist via Emails or Phone Calls

Many artists travel extensively and spend time tattooing as “guest artists” in reputable tattoo studios around the world. If you are interested in getting work by an artist who lives far from you, call or write and ask whether she/he will be coming to your area sometime in the near future. You may save yourself a lot of time and travel expenses, and spend that money on getting the best quality tattoo.

About the Author
http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ – the starting place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments.

Minimize and cope with tattoo pain

Cope With and Minimize Tattoo Pain
by David Z

While there is no way to anticipate the amount of pain you will experience, arriving with certain amount of determination will almost certainly guarantee you that it won’t hurt as nearly as much as you expected.

Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin, and so there is going to be some pain involved, no matter how small the tattoo and no matter where it is on your body. The amount and type of pain experienced is highly variable depending on each individual’s tolerance to and acceptance of pain.

While tattooing, the needles puncture the skin at a very fast rate and at a variable depth. The outline is usually the most painful work, because the needles are being used to create a nice solid black line that will define the tattoo, and so it is inserted deeply and carefully to ensure complete and effective coverage. The shading is usually not as painful, but this also depends upon the depth of penetration and the desired effect.

The pain you feel is generally as a slight burning or hot scratching sensation. Generally, the tattoo is more painful if applied to areas of the body where there is less muscle and fatty tissue covering bone, like wrists, ankles, chests, and other normally sensitive body areas. Upper arms are usually the least painful, while the ankles and sternum can be quite sensitive.

The tattoo pain is certainly not unbearable, here are some tips for coping with and minimizing the pain:

Find a reputable tattooist that you feel comfortable with to get the tattoo work done, the confidence you get from a tattooist can minimize your pain to the highest.

Don’t show up drunk or on drugs.

Go in with some determination and accept the fact that a few hours of discomfort without giving the tattooist a hard time will help ensure that you get a first-rate tattoo.

If you feel you can’t take the pain anymore, tell your tattooist. Take a short break, or come back in a few days. Tattoos don’t have to be applied all in one sitting. Break up your session if needed.

Listen to music or let your imagination go wild during the procedure, a certain degree of distraction set by your self will help you put less concentration on the pain.

After all, the pain you experience while getting tattooed is a unique and certainly bearable pain. Take the opportunity to enjoy a new and unique experience that will mark the emergence of a “new you” from the tattoo studio.

About the Author
http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ – the starting place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments.

Preparation before tattooing

Preparation Before Tattooing
by David Z

Avoid the pain and misery that a lot of people have gone through when they got their tattoos.

You must be eighteen years old to get a tattoo. This is not because the age of legal consent, but also because most of your physical growth has stopped at that point.

When the time comes, here are a few recommendation to prepare yourself to get the tattoo done in a comfortable condition:

Eat a light, healthy meal two or four hours before your tattooing appointment, or at least drink some juice or non diet soda to keep your blood sugar level up. Never go to a tattooist under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Bring a friend or family member, if that will help you sooth your nervousness and give your somewhat strength

Take along your favorite CD or MP3 player to listen to while tattoo is being placed.

Come to the studio in comfortable, loose clothing. Take a shower or bath beforehand, be clean. You may have to refrain from shower or bath for a few days after the procedure, be prepared for that.

Get a good night rest the night before the procedure.

Absolutely NO drugs or alcohol before your appointment, come in sober.

About the Author
http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ – the starting place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments.

Tattoo Machine and Tattoo Technique

Tattoo Machine and Tattoo Technique
by David Z

How Tattoo Machine works and what Tattoo Techniques are used by tattooist? Read below to find out.

Most people think tattoo machines just like sewing machines – rotating needles up and down with hollow needles, but it is not true.

Actually, tattoo machine is essentially an electromagnet powered by a variable power supply. The artist dips the needs into a small cap which has been filled with pigment (ink) from a squeeze bottle. There are from one for some outlines and fine work to many bunched needles tight together for shading in a given tattoo machine. The needles are soldered to a bar which is attached to the electromagnet.

Whenpower is applied to the handheldmagnet/bar combination, the pigment-coated needles vibrate together up and down thousands of times per minute.

As the needles pierce the skin, the colored pigments are injected under the skin, between the permanent bottom layer and the surface layer which is constantly dying off and being replaced by fresh skin cells.

The tattooing technique of placing the pigment at the right depth is very important to the quality of the tattoo. If the needles penetratetoo deeply, the pigment will mix with body fluid and cause the color to spread. If the pigment is not placed deep enough, the tattoo will fade and come out prematurely as new skin emerges from the lower layers.

About the Author
http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ – the starting place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments.

Tattoo safety

Tattoo Safety
by David Z

Tattooing process involves needles that penetrate the outermost layers of skin, safety and common sense are the most important consideration.

A legitimate, well-trained tattooist follows strict health guidelines and is willing to answer any of your questions about tattooing procedures and concerns.

The primary fear most people express about getting tattooed is that they may contract the HIV virus, which can cause AIDS. In fact, HIV is only one of many viruses that can be transmitted. Syphilis, tuberculosis, strep, staph, and hepatitis are just a few of the other diseases to take into consideration. YES, you could get these diseases from a tattoo needle.

Like many activity, tattooing is potentially dangerous, but minimizing or eliminating the potential danger is not unreasonably difficult. In fact, the strict code of practices takes every safety measure so the risk of transmitting HIV or other diseases is virtually nonexistent.

A qualified tattooist will have and use a real steam pressure autoclave – an autoclave is the only reliable means of sterilization recognized by the Center for Disease Control. Alcohol, bleach, and ultrasonic cleaning do not sterilize instruments, they only clean them before autoclaving.

Your tattooist should wear disposable rubber gloves during tattooing procedure. All items such as ointment spreaders and wiping rags should be disposable as well. The tattoo studio and tattooist’s equipment and working area should be absolutely clean and sanitary.

Also make sure each customer get a fresh set of needles, and the tattooist dips the needle into a small cap filled with pigment from a large squeeze bottle. If the needle is dipped into a large jar or bottle of pigment, you are sharing body fluids with other people who have been tattooed with that batch of pigment.

When it comes to tattoo safety, use your common sense as well:

Is the tattoo studio clean?

Are tattoo supplies kept in a sterile receptacles with lids?

Does the tattooist wash hands a lot?

Does the tattooist use latex gloves when working on other clients? and do tattooist change gloves when they touch something else during the procedure?

Take responsibility for your own health and welfare!

About the Author
http://www.tattoo-symbol-design.com/ – the starting place for exploring and learning all about tattoos, tattoo ideas, tattoo design concept, tattoo supplies and equipments.

History of Tattoos

The History Of Tattoos
by Dan Caron

The History Of Tattoos Arguably, tattoos date back to about 3000 B.C. Marks found on a mummified human body dating that old, have tattoos. Tattoos have also been found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies that date back to about 2000 B.C. Many references can also be found in books from classical authors referring to the Greeks, Germans and Gauls.

Europeans rediscovered tattooing when they encountered Polynesians and American Indians during some exploration. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word “tattau” which means “to mark”. European and U.S. societies considered tattoos very exotic so many tattooed Indians and Polynesians drew a crowd at the circus and fairs during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The reason for tattooing has changed over the years and across various cultures. In the early practice of tattooing, it was primarily for decoration. This ancient practice still holds true today for most people. Early Romans used tattoos for identification. They would tattoo slaves and criminals so that everyone would know their status. Tahitian tattoos were rites of passage and told to story and history of the person’s life. In the early days of the U.S. when sailors would travel to foreign lands, they would collect tattoos as souvenirs of their travels and experiences.

Methods of tattooing varied across cultures and time as well. Many Indians in North and South America created tattoos simply by pricking. Some tribes in California then began to introduce scratches when introducing color. In Polynesia, pigment was pricked into the skin by using a small tool that resembled a rake. In New Zealand, the Maori people used wood carving techniques using a bone-cutting tool to make shallow, colored grooves in the skin. When the Europeans arrived, they began to use metal, taking a small step toward the puncture style of tattooing we see today.

About the Author
Dan has been providing tattoo designs and tattoo ideas to the Internet community since 2002. To download tattoo designs visit www.tattoosunlimited.com.

Body Art

Body Art
by David Chandler

There are several forms of body art. Body art can be temporary, for example, body painting, or permanent, such as shaping, dyeing, and scarification, tattooing, and piercing. This article will provide some insight into body art.

Body art painting and shaping

Body painting transforms a person into a spirit or work of art; this can include another gender or a sacred place. Emphasizing on the visual appeal of the subject, the protective body paint is what gives it the appeal.

Body shaping is a technique in which to sculpt the body. Culturally defined ideals of beauty have caused people to bind the soft bones of children’s skulls and feet, stretched necks with rings, and removed ribs to make their waist smaller. The most common method today of body sculpting is plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can sculpt and define almost any part of the body.

Skin Dyeing

Henna, is used as a temporary skin dye, in which different patterns and designs are applied to the body. The crushed leaves of the henna plant, when mixed with other natural ingredients, provides a thick, aromatic paste used for painting hands and feet. The olive green, dried out henna powder, mixed with such ingredients as black tea and coffee turns dark. When applied to the skin and left on overnight, it will harden and when pealed leaves a red tone to the skin.

Body art piercing, tattooing, and scarification

Piercing is ornamental as it allows the body to hold certain kinds of ornaments, which are inserted through the skin. The most common parts of the body that are pierced is the face although you will often find ear, nose and lip ornaments. Piercing is often part of a ceremony marking the coming of age. Ornaments might be limited to certain people or worn only on certain occasions

Tattoos are intended to be permanent and the patterns and techniques have varied over the years. The effects of tattooing depend on the country you live in. As an example, in the United States, tattooing is typically looked upon as being rebellious. Tattooing, in the last decade, has become a very popular form of body art throughout the world.

Scarification is much like tattooing, instead of placing a color into the skin with a tattoo needle, the color, or substance is placed into the wound or cut. Once the wound has healed, a permanent mark will remain on the skin

All of the forms of body art listed above can have adverse effects on individuals. There are health concerns with types of body art. If you are contemplating any of the above procedures, be sure to consider all the risks and facts before making any commitments.

About the Author
For more information, visit www.BodyArtGuide.com

What is TOO extreme for body modification?

What is TOO extreme for body modification?
by Adam

So what is extreme body modification, or hardcore body modification? There really is no answer for that, as it’s really up to each person. But assuming we’re dealing with an average Joe, most people consider hardcore body modification to be lots of facial piercings, tattoos on their heads or faces, and even the new craze of tongue splitting (yes, people split their tongues for complete aesthetic purposes). Now, if you walk to something that’s a little bit deeper in the body modification scene, that’s nothing! Hardcore body modification to them would be splitting the head of your penis, suspending yourself from a single hook in your chest, or doing what’s known as skin peeling (where long strips or shapes of skin are sliced off). If you go even deeper, the more hardcore body modifications would be amputation or nullification (from the removal of part of a finger, to an entire arm). The obvious question that most people would have after reading this is, “Why?” And the answer is simple. It’s because they wanted to! That’s it! That’s the beauty of each and every one of us having our own lives, we get to do what we want with it. For the same reason someone wouldn’t get a tattoo, another person would. These are basic civil liberties that every human has been with for thousands of years and will always have. So, the next time you want to know why, think why not! If you want to see photos of people sharing their experience is various hardcore body modifications, head on over to BodyMod.org (http://www.BodyMod.org), and have fun looking through the galleries. And if one day you decide to venture down this road, post a pic of it. We’d all like to see!

About the Author
Owner and Administrator of one of the worlds largest Body Modification web sites.

How to take care of new tattoos – Tattoo art tips!

Tattoo Art Tips : How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
by Ispas Marin

If you finally decide to get a tattoo you will go to a recommended tattoo artist. He will probably show you some designs to pick from. If you don’t like any of them you can ask him to do a custom one. Be careful when choosing the design of your new tattoo because you will live with it all your life. anyway, after getting a tattoo done you should know some aftercare tips that cannot be ignored.

If you go to a good tattoo shop than the tattooist will clean and apply antiseptic ointment to the tattoo while creating it. This is the healthiest way to make a tattoo.

After the job is finished the artist will clean it and use another coat of ointment. Then will apply a piece of cellophane or soft tissue.

After all that is done the tattooist will explain you how to take care of your new tattoo or he will give you a sheet with detailed instructions. in case none of this happens i will explain you in the rest of this article what you should do.

1. First of all, when you get home, don’t jump immediately in the shower. My advice is to keep it dry(but also clean). Be sure to wash your hands very well before touching the new tattoo. This way you won’t have any complications or infections.

2. Next, go to the first drug store you find and buy a tube of A&D Ointment. Apply it on the tattoo the first four too six days. After it gets dry remove the old application with a piece of soft cloth and then apply another one. Be very careful not to rub too hard the new tattoo. Do not use soap in the first few day, it’s not recommended.

3. After few days you can stop using the A&D Ointment. Try to use some kind unscented, unmedicated body lotion, as some scents may irritate the still-tender skin of your tattoo.

4. After you have applied the body lotion for around week you can stop doing that. A problem is that when the tattoo heals it will scab in some portions. When you will try to pick this cabs be very careful not to damage your tattoo design. So the best for you and your tattoo is to let it heal alone.

So after you get a new tattoo and fallow this after car instructions you can be sure that you won’t have any problems. I use this methods my self and i can sincerly recommend it.

About the Author
For low prices on all tattoo supplies and equipment visit our tattoo art site now.