Tattoos

Frequently asked questions about tattoos

Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoos
by Richard

Tattoos have been growing in popularity in recent years, and many people you would never suspect have taken the plunge. From the young lady at the day care center to the elderly gentleman at the casino, chances are increasingly good that they will be sporting a tattoo somewhere on their body.

Tattoos are at their heart a sign of individuality, and as more and more people seek a way to set themselves apart from the crowd, the popularity of tattoos as a form of self expression is only likely to grow.

Of course getting a tattoo is not something to be taken lightly, and if you have been considering a tattoo, chances are you have a number of questions. This article seeks to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about tattoos.

Does it hurt? This is probably the number one question encountered by tattoo artists, and the answer is yes. It does hurt to get a tattoo, but the level of pain will vary from person to person. When you get a tattoo, you are having the color inserted into your skin by needles, so there obviously will be some discomfort. However, getting a tattoo rarely hurts so much that the pain cannot be managed.

In general, the closer to the bone the tattoo is done the greater the level of pain will be, so if you have a low tolerance for pain be sure to ask the tattoo artist about the best location for your tattoo.

Will alcohol dull the pain? This is perhaps the second most frequently asked question, and one of the most persistent myths about getting tattooed is that being drunk will make it easier. This is not true, and no reputable tattoo artist will agree to tattoo a person who is clearly intoxicated. The best way to dull the pain is to go into the tattoo studio with a relaxed and positive attitude, and to focus on how great the finished product will look.

How is a tattoo applied? Many things have changed in the tattoo industry, but the machine used to create the tattoo has remained largely unchanged since it was invented way back in 1896. While there have been quite a few advances in the quality of the equipment used, the process is mostly the same.

The tattoo machine uses a needle or combination of needles to first draw a line and then to apply the color. The tattoo pigment is inserted directly into the cells of the epidermal layer of the skin, with the new skin growing over the top providing a protective layer over the new tattoo.

How long does it take to get a tattoo? The time required to get a tattoo will vary along with the size and complexity of the tattoo. In addition, some parts of the body will take longer to tattoo than others because the skin there is harder to work with. Areas of the body like the stomach can take longer to tattoo because the skin there is more difficult to stretch.

Is it safe to get a tattoo? If done by a quality, reputable tattoo artist, the process of getting a tattoo is quite safe. Tattoo artists used disposable needles, and the same needles never touch more than one patient. The practice of using disposable needles, coupled with good hygiene practices used in the shop, make for a safe and comfortable tattoo experience.

It is, of course, important to make sure the tattoo artist uses the most hygienic practices. As a customer, you can tell a lot simply by looking around the shop. Does the shop appear neat and tidy, or are lots of pieces of equipment lying around? If you are uneasy about the quality of the surroundings, find another tattoo artist.
About the Author
ArtBodyTattoo.com is a site full of articles and imformation about Tattoos. Click here to visit the site!

The Beauty and Meaning of Commemorative Tattoo’s

The Beauty and Meaning of Commemorative Tattoo’s
by Richard

For a number of years now, there has been a growing trend toward commemorative tattoos, and many people have used all kinds of tattoos, to remember all kinds of events.

Some of the events memorialized in tattoo ink are frivolous in nature, like the bowling team who had their tournament win permanently commemorated in ink.

Others events are far more profound, like the large number of policemen and fire fighters who tattooed the names of fallen colleagues on their arms for all to see.

In fact, there was a big up tick in the demand for commemorative tattoos in the months immediately following the 9/11 tragedy, and patriotic tattoos continue to be among the most popular of all commemorative tattoos. Many of those in the military understand the symbolic power of these special tattoos, and they often choose to remember fallen comrades in this special way. This trend toward commemorative tattoos in all branches of the military dates back at least as far as the Vietnam war, and probably much further.

Of course it is not just military members, police officers and fire fighters who understand the power of this most unique form of self expression and remembrance. There has also been a growing trend toward memorializing family members, friends and even beloved pets through the application of a tattoo.

From the lady who tattooed a picture of her beloved dog on her ankle, to the grieving father remembering a cherished son, there is nothing quite like the power and permanency of a tattoo to remember the life of a loved one.

Of course nowhere is the choice of tattoo artist more vital than in the case of a commemorative tattoo. Since a commemorative tattoo is much more than just another piece of body art, it is vital that the tattoo artist you choose be up to the job. It is vital as well that the tattoo artist chosen understand just how meaningful and personal this tattoo is, and how important it is that he or she does an exceptional job when creating it.

It may be a good idea to ask around for recommendations of tattoo artists who have experience creating these living tributes. If you know someone who has such a tattoo, ask for tattoo artist recommendations, and meet personally with the tattoo artist to discuss the tribute and what it means. A good tattoo artist will listen carefully and try to understand just what this tribute means to you and why it is so important.

If you are unable to get a personal recommendation for a local tattoo artist, the internet may be the next best thing. The internet is at once both global and local, and chances are you will be able to find lots of feedback, both good and bad, about local tattoo artists. While it is important to take these comments with a grain of salt, since it is impossible to verify the identity of the posters, these comments can provide a good starting point as you shop.

All the basic rules about choosing a tattoo artist certainly apply to commemorative tattoo, only much more so. You will, of course, want to carefully review the portfolio of the tattoo artists you interview, paying special attention to his or her freehand work. After all, there probably will not be a pattern to work from for the commemorative tattoo you want. It is important that the artist be comfortable doing the freehand work you need to memorialize a special event, or a beloved friend or family member. Keeping their memory alive on your own skin is one of the most unique, and memorable, of all possible tributes.

About the Author
ArtBodyTattoo.com is a site full of articles and imformation about Tattoos. Click here to visit the site!

Ankle Tattoos

Ankle Tattoos
by Ines Chulina

Tattoos were once thought to only be for big and burly men. They’d have an image tattooed onto their forearm and often it would symbolize a major event or a special person within their lives.

Tattoos have changed a great deal since then but the general idea of placing a mark on your body in a permanent way is still very appealing to many people today.

A discreet place for a tattoo is on the ankle. Ankle tattoos are one of the most popular types of tattoos. Most ankle tattoos are small and the design can reflect a part of the personality of the person who has it.

Some common designs in ankle tattoos are a tribal symbol, a floral arrangement or an initial. An ankle tattoo can be small enough that it isn’t noticeable unless the person is very close. Many professional women choose this type of tattoo because it isn’t overbearing and at the same time it allows them to carry something personal on their bodies always.

Once you have decided on a design and coloring for your ankle tattoos you’ll want to visit a reputable establishment that does tattoos. Looking through the yellow pages is one route but if you know anyone who has a tattoo you should ask them about their experience. Quite often they’ll be happy to share with you and they may recommend a place for you to visit.

After deciding on a tattoo parlor you’ll want to discuss with the artist your concept. If you come there without a design in mind they will be able to show you a range of images that you can choose from. Most people prefer a smaller design for ankle tattoos and if the artist feels that yours is too large, they will work with you to bring it down to a scale that is more appropriate.

At this time they will also explain the procedure involved with receiving ankle tattoos. It does involve the use of needles and therefore most people find eating a light meal about an hour before their appointment preferable. This helps to keep the blood sugar levels up and if you are even a bit uncomfortable around needles this can be very important.

It’s very important to care for your ankle tattoos. Tattoos can become infected without proper care and this can occur on any part of your body.

When you first receive your ankle tattoos you’ll be given a list of instructions to follow. This includes the proper way to clean and care for the tattoo.

Avoiding sunlight is important within the first few days after your tattoo. This means you’ll want to keep your ankle covered if you spend a significant amount of time outside. This also helps to keep the colors of the tattoo vibrant for years to come.

Salt water or chlorinated water is also not advisable for an ankle tattoo. Therefore you’re wise to stay out of any pools or hot tub in the days immediately following your tattooing. The chemicals can alter the look of ankle tattoos and lead to bleeding of the colors. This means that the color will be altered and for anyone who has recently received a tattoo that can be disappointing.

Ankle tattoos are a fun way to try a tattoo. They are also a great way to express your individuality and unique sense of style.

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Man Tattoos his company address on his forehead – genius or lunatic?

Man Tattoos His Company’s Website Address on His Forehead: Genius or Lunatic?
by Spencer Powers

It seems that everywhere you look today someone is starting a new Internet based business. With the resurge of online commerce pulling in thousands of new start-ups, competition levels are at a new high. The owner of one online based design company is well aware of the difficulty of standing out in what seems to be a completely saturated market, and has done something drastic about it. The 29 year old entrepreneur has tattooed his company website address, bsleek.com ( http://www.bsleek.com ), on his forehead.

After reading about a publicity stunt done by GoldenPalace.com when they paid a man $1999.00 dollars to tattoo their website address on his forehead, bsleek.com owner Stephen Allen decided he could do the same thing, but due to a tight budget, instead of paying someone else to adorn their forehead, he’d do it himself. When asked about the method behind his madness, he responded, “I started marketing my company on a shoestring budget and the business was growing at a turtle’s pace. I needed to do something drastic to get the word out about my company. At first I was really scared about the idea. I thought that everyone would think I was crazy – and I was right! They do think I’m crazy, but it’s great because when someone meets me they tell all their friends about me and they tell their friends and they tell their friends and so on and so on. It has been a marvel in viral marketing”.

The logical question that arises when examining this method of advertising is – has he gone too far? Is this marketing brilliance or complete lunacy? I think the answer is that it’s a combination of both. Yes, Allen will be bound to finger pointing and endless conversations explanation about the tattoo for the rest of his life, but on the bright side, he’ll have no shortage of traffic to his web site based on the public’s curiosity. Since being permanently branded traffic to his site has gone through the roof. He went from a 2 man company to a 10 person team in less than a year.

With the Internet making it easier for anyone to start a business these days, people will have to start thinking outside the box and coming up with new methods of advertising. After seeing the recent gain in popularity of Google Earth which gives people a bird’s eye view of our planet, Target decided to strategically place big red “targets” on rooftops around the globe. The press alone they have received for this has been worth its weight in gold. Allen has also been enjoying the media attention he’s been receiving for his innovative approach. Whether you think he’s crazy or consider him a pioneer who’s leading the way for a new generation of marketers, you must admire his passion to stop at nothing to make his business a success.
About the Author
Spencer Powers is an Internet marketing expert and is VP of Marketing for Daterade.com ( http://www.daterade.com ), and WittyShirts.com ( http://www.wittyshirts.com ).

Laser tattoo removal : Skin disorder

Skin Disorder; Laser Tatto Removal
by Hector Milla

An estimated half of all 18 to 30 years olds women have at least one tatto, and this is like, (they said), but what is the problem if later tattoo is done you do not want it any more. The biggest complaint is dissatisfaction and consequently the number of people seeking tattoos removal has increased. Indeed the last researches pointing that women number searching this one is bigger than men. And that is because there is less social stigma associated with them.

There are many problems with the inks used in tattoos, because there are not regulations for tattoo parlors or their colorful inks, thus many time might be used the same industrial-grade pigments that people use in printers or car paint, so if you think in the foreign bodies injected in the skin, you realize the risks associated with the skin tattooing. To say, in many U.S. states – for instance – there are not age restrictions or guidelines that range from minimum age requirements to the outlawing of tattooing.

But not forget the unsterile tattoo equipment that may transmit hepatitis B and C and other infectious disease, the there are serious risk of potential allergic reactions in the skin, some of them might be rashes, nodules or hives. These skin disorders are produced like reaction at sun exposure, but this is rare but it is.

Tatto removal; dermabrasion and skin grafting are options for removal tattoo but the most popular – specialy in women – is laser removal, because is fast. The laser zaps the metal ions in the skin tattoo pigments, fracturing the inks into microscopic pieces that are easily disposed of the body. The most common laser used is Q-Switched.

There many advantages with laser removal but there are risks too, for instance the patients who their tattoos were exposed to the sun and experienced allergic reactions, might experience the same effects or reactions – and maybe worst – with a laser removal treatment. Nonetheless these risks are relatively rare.

The tattoo laser removal may be painful, so most surgeons use numbing cream and local anesthetics to ease the discomfort, wish tends to vary based on skin sensitivity and pain tolerance.

There are many pretty beautiful tattoos walking outside, but be careful.

This article was written by Hector Milla, editor of “Disorder Skin .com”, visit http://www.disorderskin.com for skin disorder information, or you could see their last article ::skin disorder deramaxx treatment :: at http://www.disorderskin.com/1/skin-disorder-deramaxx-treatment.html. Thanks for use this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

About the Author
This article was written by Hector Milla, editor of “Disorder Skin .com”, visit http://www.disorderskin.com for skin disorder information

Tattoos – art or destruction?

Tattoos, Art Or Destruction?
by Hege Crowton

Have you been considering or wanting to get a tattoo put somewhere on your body? It seems like tattoos are becoming the latest craze within the fashion world today and even housewife’s are getting them now a days. Does this mean you should get one or even allow your child to get one? Remember trends fade and change while a tattoo is permanent; therefore there are many things to consider before getting a tattoo.

For the longest time the only people who could be seen with tattoos were sailors and people who had been in prison. Sailors were getting different tattoos from all over the world while convicts were getting tattoos made in prison even though these were illegal. This was how the norm was for the longest time until tattoos started becoming popular among gang members to tell everybody which gang they belong to.

Because of how popular the gang and rap culture has become among today’s youth we also see an increase in tattoos among this generation. Whether this is right or wrong is up to each individual family to decide before going out to get a tattoo but remember just as times and fashions change so do you. In a couple of years from now you might end up being very sorry for that tattoo on your shoulder and having it removed can be both costly and painful.

If you do decide to get a tattoo you should be happy to know that it is much less dangerous today than what it used to be when they used the same needles over and over again. Regardless you should make sure you are getting a new or at least a sterilized needle before you let the artist work on you. Although it is safer to get a tattoo today it is always a risk in what ever you do.

Another thing to remember before getting a tattoo is that your body ages with time and a tattoo wont look anything like it was supposed to when your skin gets older. Instead of looking like that beautiful flower it was it will look like you just smeared ink all over your arm, not a very pretty sight. The more tattoos you have, the more ink spots you will end up with all over your body as time goes by.

These are all things you need to consider before you go and get a tattoo and unless you are one hundred percent certain that a tattoo is for you, you might want to reconsider. Fortunately there are other avenues you can take instead of getting a permanent tattoo put on. There are temporary tattoos you can get and they are just as awesome as the regular ones the only difference is that you are not stuck with the tattoo for the rest of your life.

A temporary tattoo can last for anywhere from a couple of days to several months and may be an alternative for you who are not certain that a permanent tattoo is the right thing for you. Wanting a tattoo might just be a fashion stage you are going thru and with a permanent tattoo you will be in trouble when this stage in your life passes. Before doing anything impulsive make sure what kind of tattoo you would want, a permanent tattoo or a temporary one.

About the Author
Hege Crowton is an established expert copywriter. She is known for doing in-depth research before writing her articles. www.Ispjv.com www.Submitcontent.com Copyright 2006 www.TattooContent.com

Hawaiian tattoos

Hawaiian Arm Tattoo and Hawaiian Armbands
by Sam Smith

One of the biggest and hottest growing trends in the art of tattoo design is Hawaiian arm or leg band tattoos. As this trend goes a lot of people think to themselves, well of course.” At least that is what I said to myself at first. You can hardly drive more then 10 minutes on the freeway in southern California where I am from and not see a big SUV like a Lincoln Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade and not see a Hawaiian sticker. Things with flowers designs, or turtles, dolphins. Ya see it started off with the sticker and then the car seat covers with hibiscus flowers everywhere and it just grew from there.

This trend of Hawaiian design has then met it’s match with the whole tribal tattoo movement. Tribal tattoos have been the hottest thing in the tattoo world since sliced bread or the old school WWII era Hula dancer. You see these influences have been all around us for a long time my grandpa even has one of those Hula Girls tattoos still. Granted it is a little saggy and faded now but he still has one on his forearm nonetheless.

So the whole tribal tattoo and the growth in interest for Hawaiian designs have combined to make a hot and growing market for Hawaiian tattoos. This is really an up and coming thing and it not huge yet. However many tattoo artists are spotting the trend and jumping on it already.

Of course there is a lot of controversy on this subject also like anything. If you look on the internet there is a controversy about getting Kanji and Japanese Tattoos also. Anytime you try and take the designs of a culture and do not depict them accurately it creates a sense of bastardization or what I call the “Disney Effect” towards the culture. I mean how would you feel if you were in China and someone said, oh you should try this hot new restaurant out it serves this great food that is really American. They have fried chicken and apple pie that is the best.” Well, at first you would be excited right? Sure it would be nice for a good home cooked meal if you have been out of the US for a long time. However once you get there you see the place has really tacky and awful reproductions of 50’s art and the all the food tastes kind of strange. It would probably bee kind of close or resemble what you were thinking of but it would be missing something or a few key ingredients. I bet this would leave you feeling a little sad and like your culture was not totally understood.

Well, I can not speak for you and maybe you will feel different but I was pretty sad when after staying in Japan for 3 months I was invited to a 1950’s classic hamburger joint. When we got there it was Elvis with a funny accent playing on the jukebox and when my hamburger came it had a fried egg on top of it with teriyaki sauce. WOW what a surprise that was for me. I kind of felt weird about being in the place that had tried to recreate something from my own culture.

So, the same controversy rolls on in the world of tattoos. Anytime you get a tattoo design from another culture just make sure you go with a professional. Do not have your friend trace out some Kanji in a book for a tattoo and don’t go and rip some design of the internet because it states that it is Hawaiian. Go to a real custom tattoo designer and have them do the research and come up with some designs. After all this is going to be on your body for the rest of your life and since Hawaiian arm band tattoos and leg tattoos are typically big it will be a significant investment in pain, time and money to get the thing done. So you should consult with a professional and get top notch work done.

About the Author
Unique Hawaiin arm tattoo design done by professional tattoo artists or view other tattoo articles for great ideas on custom tattoo designs

Tattoos for women!

Tattoos For Women? You Bet!
by Willie Jones

It’s not really known how long tattooing has been around but it’s quite possibly as long as 12,000 years and we do know the ancient Egyptians practiced the art of tattooing.

One may think the art of tattooing has its history mainly with men. Not so. Women from various cultures tattooed their bodies for a variety of reasons. Take the women from Borneo. They would mark themselves to show what they were skilled at, such as weaving or the gatherer of medicinal herbs. This communicated their rank as marriage material. In western Asia, girls were marked in such a way as to show their place in society.

In the last 100 years tattooing was common among criminals, motorcyclists and gang members but in the last 20 years this has drastically changed, so much so that approximately 50% of all tattoos are done on women. And who are these women? These are the soccer moms, and professional women, the women from ages of 18 to 40.

Tattooing has gone through its ups and downs over the centuries, and has even been banned many times in different cultures for periods of time. It appears though that tattooing will never really go away. During periods of a ban it seems to go underground until such time it is free to resurface.

Tattooing, (which is a Tahitian word meaning “to be marked”) in some cultures, has only the women being allowed to do the markings.

Today’s women are free to make their own choices in regards to tattooing. It is becoming more and more popular to have artistic designs placed just about anywhere on the body. You commonly see tattoos adorning an ankle, or husbands or boyfriends names on a forearm. Some women like to have a private tattoo for their spouse only.

Even celebrities are getting them such as Pamela Anderson and Christina Applegate.

As little as twenty years ago, you did not see tattoos on women very much. Now you can go to any beach and see a design on the lower back of many young girls tanning in the sun.

There are many types of tattoos to choose from such as gothic or Celtic design, Polynesian or Tahitian. Our current day artists are becoming more creative in their custom patterns.

Taking the time to choose just the right design is of utmost importance because this is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Tattooing the name Bob just because he is the most current flame is probably not a wise choice especially when the real Mr. Right comes along. He may not appreciate the constant reminder.

Should you choose to get a tattoo, make sure you are dealing with a reputable shop that is safety conscious.

Women getting tattoos? Absolutely!

About the Author
Willie Jones http://www.drtattoo.com Willie is an author and researcher, artist and designer who dedicates her work to provide people with resources, books, articles, news and information on a variety of subjects. Tattoo Design & Info at Dr Tattoo’s

Nautical star Tattoos? All about the history, meaning and symbolism!

Nautical Star Tattoos the History, Meaning and Symbolism: a Strange Mix
by Sam Smith

The history, meaning and symbolism of nautical star tattoos is a hotly debated topic. Today many different groups have adopted the Nautical star tattoo as a symbol for their own movement and they have all ascribed their own meaning and history to the symbol. Thus has lead to a wide disagreement as the the meaning of the tattoo.

Historically most everyone agrees that Sailors were the first people to get nautical star tattoos. In fact the very word nautical relates back to sailing. So this connection has been pretty firmly established. Most people would agree the sailors were a pretty superstitious group historically and sailor lore abounds with superstitious and fantastical stories of life and death and being lost at sea. Early on sailors navigated by the stars at night and the north star became the symbol for finding ones way home. Once you know where the north star is you can point your ship in the right direction to get home. So the star became a symbol for finding ones way home or more symbolically even finding ones path in life. Therefore many sailors would tattoo nautical stars on their forearms as a good luck symbol in hopes of returning home.

However their modern day meaning is a more debated topic. Many believe that groups including gay and lesbians, punk rockers and those in the military have adopted the nautical star tattoo as a very important symbol. The diversity of these three groups has lead many to argue the meaning of their tattoos.

For the military the connection is pretty obviously point back to the early sailors and the symbolism and meaning is the same as the early sailors. Many military people get a nautical star tattoo as a symbol for finding ones path home safely. Of course this can also include more symbolically just finding ones way in life.

Here is a quote we found from a member of the armed services and his interpretation of the tattoo: “I am in the United States Army, an MP who searched towns and villages for Al Quida and insurgents. I was in Iraq for 1 year. I have a red and black nautical star on my wrist. The reason I got it was because when I was out there, I felt it was a guide to guide me home to my family safely. I got it so that it would remind me that I am going to make it to see my son grow up. I am not gay, it doesn’t matter what you believe it represents, it means something different for everyone. Out in the desert, I would look up at the stars and think about home. So anyone can think what they want to, that is what it means to me. ”

Punk rockers have also adopted this as a popular symbol to have tattooed. The punk movement traces its history and use of the nautical star tattoo back to Sailor Jerry. Sailor Jerry is historically one one of the most famous tattoo artists ever. He was well known for his innovative and “cool” designs. Punks have taken this symbol and it has very much the same meaning of finding one way in life. Being the rugged

individualists type Punks are drawing to the symbolism of true north and finding one own unique way in life. So the Nautical star has become a symbol for this. You see many punk bands that have full sleeve tattoos typically incorporate nautical star tattoos either on their elbows or elsewhere.

The lesbian and gay connection is the one that does not seem so obvious at first. Historically back in the 1940’s and 50’s when alternative lifestyles were not the norm and often women had to hide their alternative choices they would sport a hidden nautical star. Often they would get the star tattoo done on the inside of their wrist where it could easily be hidden by a watch during the day but shown off in the evening when out on the town. Today many lesbians where the nautical star tattoo to show their connection with their early pioneering sisters. Here is a little evidence to support my points.

“Here’s the passage (with some pieces dropped) from “Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community” by Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy and Madeilne D. Davis copyright 1993 p. 189. (talking about the 1940’s and 1950’s): “…During this same time period, the cultural push to be identified as lesbians- or at least different- all the time was so powerful that it generated a new form of identification among the tough bar lesbians: a star tattoo on the top of the wrist, which was usually covered by a watch. This was the first symbol of community identity that did not rely on butch-fem imagery. We can trace this phenomenon back to an evening of revelry in the late 1950’s, when a few butches trooped over to “Dirty Dick’s” tattoo parlor on Chippewa Street and had the tiny blue five-pointed star put on their wrists. Later, some of the fems of this group also go the idea one night and did it…The community views the tattoo as a definite mark of identification…”the Buffalo police knew [that] the people that had the stars on their wrist were lesbians and they had their names and so forth. That it was an identity thing with the gay community, with the lesbian community”. The fact that the star tattoo was created by those who were firmly into roles, in fact by the group that was considered the butchy butches and their fems, suggest that the force to assert lesbian identity was strong enough to break through the existing traditions of boldness based in butch-fem roles. The stars presage the methods of identity created by gay liberation. In fact, the mark has become something of a tradition in local circles and has seen a revival since the 1970s.”

This meaning of the symbol has of course created a lot of problems and arguments among the other two groups of bearers of nautical stars. Most puck and military people do not want to have a nautical star that points back to anything from the lesbian movement so many will say that there is no connection there and this is false.

Here is a quote from another armed forces member about the symbolism of the nautical star among the gay community: “This “gay symbol” is a load of hooey that someone made up VERY recently. The nautical star tattoo has been around nearly as long as tattooing itself. The late Celts (or early Irish, depending on your view of World History) were said to have been the first to have the tattoos, although evidence of it being used on ships in Spain has been found pre-dating the Irish claim. As a Marine, it’s a very commonplace symbol amongst us if we have been part of a Boat Raid company, red for port, green for starboard on varying parts of the body. On ship, I saw about a million different variations on the Sailors I was was serving with, obviously harking back to the sailor roots.”

Here is a quote from a punk rocker and his feelings about the symbolism of the tattoo: “what idiots..even the military boys dont know what it really means….JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW!!!!!it was used by OLD sailors.. and the symbol represents North on a Map …and it is the North Star the sailors would use it as a baring to get home….you can find it on Really really old maps and old navy vessels… Punk Rock.. well we use it because we can and because Sailor Jerry made the coolest tattoos who started putting them on everyone.. my grandfather even had one thus being used as a traditional icon”

It just goes to show that when the same powerful symbol is used over and over again over decades of time it can taken on very different meanings for different groups. So all of those that you see sporting a nautical star tattoo might not all have the same interpretation of its symbolism.

So do you have a nautical star tattoo or think about getting one in the future? Which meaning of the symbol will you get the nautical star for? As long as you know what the symbolism behind the star is for and you have gotten it for the right reason to either support the lesbian movement or as a symbol to finding your way!

About the Author
Unique Nautical Star tattoo design done by professional tattoo artists or view other tattoo articles for great ideas on custom tattoo designs

Getting a body tattoo?

Should You Get a Body Tattoo?
by Charles Kassotis

In the past, body tattoos seemed to be reserved for primal tribes out of the loop of civilization and sailors who voyaged far from home in quest of adventure. Neither of those lifestyles necessarily permeate today’s culture, and yet thousands of people from every walk of life are choosing to get tattoos of one kind or another, and sometimes multiple variations to adorn various parts of their exposed skin surface. Young and old, male and female, and rich or poor can be seen proudly displaying words, images, and designs on shoulders, backs, ankles, and even the face as today’s social climate fosters more tolerance of this tradition that was perhaps once forbidden or frowned upon in Western society.

Tattoos are made when the artist uses a sharp needle that has been sterilized to poke tiny holes in the skin to create a design of the customer’s choice. Then dark ink is inserted in each hole to link the holes and bring the design to living color. These can be tiny rosebuds or huge dragons, depending on the client’s choice. Some people decorate a small area of skin, while in others it may be difficult to find a square inch of un-tattooed flesh.

Tattoos are one way of proclaiming individuality. In the past, those who wore tattoos might have been considered renegades in one way or another. But today you can find tattoos on housewives, teenagers, teachers, and even clergy; it all depends on an individual’s background, taste, and purpose in choosing to have a tattoo emblazoned on his or her body.

Those who create body art of this type could be fly-by-night operators looking to make a fast buck on a fleeting sensation. But there are those who take their work seriously, having studied art over the ages or the human body to minute detail. Their goal is to create a lasting artwork that bears the imprint of their talent and expertise on the person receiving the tattoo. These artists are careful to use clean instruments and maintain a positive image in their studio. Some tattoo artists are interested only in this artistic expression on the human body, but others experiment with a variety of designs that include body piercing, implantations, and variant jewelry to accent the human-made artistry in a vivid array of hues.

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, look for a reputable parlor and someone who has received the license to perform this work. Look for word-of-mouth recommendations as well, to see if past customers would consider returning or recommend that others try a particular establishment. You have just one body, and tattoos last indefinitely, although they may need to be touched up from time to time. Take your time, check the local artists, and make a wise selection rather than rushing into something you may later regret.

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If you still have questions about tattoos, visit the Totally Tattooed website at http://www.totallytattooed.com