tattoo design from : 'ASTO JIWO' 2011

Unique Tattoo Designs

Everyone likes to be special. When you choose your tattoos, whether it be the first or a continuation of many, you'll want it to be as unique as possible.

Are there any unique tattoo designs? Or has everything possible already been drawn. Is the tattoo your having inked into your body simply one of thousands already in circulation?

Quite possibly yes, your tattoo is featured on someone else's body somewhere in the world. If you've chosen your design from the flash drawings featured on the walls and poster boards of your local tattoo studio, then you can bet your bottom dollar that the tattoo artist has inked that same design on someone else, somewhere local to you.

Some tattoo collectors are happy with that. They see the design that they like and have it tattooed, regardless of how generic it is. Certain designs will always be popular. Anchors, daggers, devils, skulls, dragons, eagles, the list goes on. These tattoos have existed for many years and future generations will still be getting these flash design tattoos in years to come.

If you want unique tattoo designs, you are going to have to put some work in. You will need to plan carefully and possible get the pencils out and start some rudimentary sketches of your own.

It might be that you are planning a memorial tattoo or some other design with meaning. This is already a unique tattoo design but most people refuse to put the extra leg work in. They simply pick a flash design of the wall and have their loved ones name written in a scroll underneath. It's a shame as a tattoo of this importance can be made so much more unique by having a one off design created.

By making some rough sketches your can approach your artist and at least be able to give them an idea to work from. They can then add their own suggestions and bring the sketch up to an acceptable standard.

If your going down this route, why not have a think about who the tattoo is celebrating. If it's your children, what are their favourite things in life? If you're remembering a parent, what was their occupation? What is your loved one's favourite animal? There are lots of directions to go in.

Script can then be added to identify the person but its doesn't have to be in English. Try looking at different languages or symbols, what about Egyptian Hieroglyphics for example. The possibilities are endless.

Your tattoo is likely to be with you for the rest of your life. Invest in yourself and take some time to really come up with a unique tattoo design, rather than just settling for any old flash on the tattoo wall.

Tribal Tattoo Designs

A tribal tattoo design is a popular tattoo choice in the 21st century. Go to any beach in the summer months and simply look at all of the tattoos on show. Tribal designs will represent a significant number of them.

You may be deciding on your first tattoo, or simply a continuation of your collection, and have decided to go the tribal route.

But where have tribal tattoos originated from?

In a bygone era tribes from all over the world have tattooed members of their group as part of their way of life. Whether it be a spiritual reason, a coming of age, a religious ceremony, or a celebration of an achievement in life.

The tattoos we know and love now started from these tribal origins. Tattoo equipment back then was crude and simple, with the ink and paraphernalia being sourced from natural products found within the environment.

The tribal tattooists did not have the benefit of 21st century tattoo guns and autoclaves back then. As a result the tattoo design was as crude as the equipment would allow. This is how they arrived at the tribal tattoo designs we see now.

Bold thick line work, a lack of intricacy, limited (if any) colouring. Simple patterns and pictures from a simpler time.

Over the ages travellers have experienced the trials of a tribal tattoo, These (quite often painful) tattoos have been transported back to western society and have influenced tattoo artists worldwide.

The benefits of tribal tattoo designs over conventional designs are:

1. The style of the tattoo, with the bold line work and simple designs, stands out well on the body. Intricate designs can be lost on a viewer where any distance is involved and thus the tribal tattoo can be admired from afar with ease.

2. The lack of vibrant colours and the use of (predominately) black ink means that the tattoo with retain its depth over time. Colours tend to fade, especially when the body area is exposed, A tribal tattoo is likely to last the lifetime of its collector without need for much if any touch up.

3. The style lends itself well to larger designs that can flow unencumbered over all areas of the body. Full sleeves are often completed in the tribal style and stand out more than a sleeve full of more than one intricate design. It is also possible to complete a tribal design on one part of the body, and then add further to it at a later stage, possibly leading to other parts of the body.

For example, I have a tribal design first started over ten years ago on my left thigh. Over the years I have added further sections to it, taking it down to my lower thigh. Although the individual work has been completed over many years, none of the tattoo has aged or changed in any way. It looks like one solid tattoo completed in one sitting.

4. The style is not limited to any shape size or body placement. There are thousands of different tribal tattoo designs. They can wrap around yours arms, your legs, go across your back, across your feet. Just about anywhere.

5. Just about any tattoo you can think of can be completed in the tribal style. If you still harbor for a conventional tattoo, for instance a dragon, it can be completed in the tribal style. You can even have script written on your body utilising tribal imagery.

Basic Tattoo Designs

Tribal Tattoos -Tribal Tattooing originated thousands of years ago, and it is still being used by various cultures throughout the world. Tribal tattoos originated in areas such as Hawaii and Samoa. Their characteristics include heavy black lines and shading of geometric designs. The great thing about tribal tattoos is the variety of creativity that a tattoo artist can use. In fact, any basic design can easily be given a tribal touch by a skilled tattoo artist by working freehand alone. With the flexibility of this design, anyone can easily come up with a unique tribal tattoo design.

Celtic Tattoos - Celtic designs are an incredibly popular choice today for those looking to get tattooed. A general rule of thumb is: the shape of the design often determines the "meaning" of a knotwork design. Circles represent unity or eternity, spirals reincarnation or cycles of life and rebirth, triangles and trefoils the threefold dominion of earth, sea, and sky. Squares or four-fold shapes are shield knots, symbols of protection from spirits or evil influences. Interlaced animals and men usually represent relationships, or emphasize the interdependence of mankind and nature. There are actually very few records of the Celts themselves, and most symbols are interpreted by archaeologists and other scholars who have studied the symbols in context. Some ancient Celtic symbols have changed in meaning over time, having been influenced by the introduction of the Church and the influence of other cultures. Be sure to seek advice from the tattoo artist when deciding on which design would best suit your personality.

Cross Tattoos -Cross designs are one of the oldest types of designs, and are still an incredibly popular choice for those who are looking to get tattooed. There are 4 basic cross designs that are very popular:

* Celtic Cross
* Iron Cross
* Gothic Cross
* Christian Cross

There are some people that just love a well done cross tattoo just for the sake of how beautiful it is. If it is done well, and the ridges and curves are very smooth and detailed, it will have an amazing result. It can almost have a three dimensional effect when you look at it from the sides.

Butterfly Tattoos - Butterfly tattoos are still an incredibly popular choice for those looking to get tattooed. They can be done in many ways. They can be done in a big way, with bold colors and details, or they can be done with a more subtle approach. They can be done to match the actual realistic look of a butterfly, or you can be very creative with your rendition. You can also combine them with other designs and themes. Before you have a huge butterfly tattooed on your body, please consider the following. The basic symbolism of the butterfly involves grace, beauty, spirituality, transition, so be sure to have your tattoo made delicately and carefully.

Dragon Tattoos - Dragon tattoos are one of the most sought after tattoo designs today! In Japan, dragons are an important part of the Japanese mythology. In Japan, they are water gods; therefore, that is why they are generally portrayed with clouds. Japanese dragon tattoos symbolize power, protection of home and family and longevity. In China, the dragon has a stronger, more masculine depiction of the Dragon. There, they represent strength, intelligence, luck, health, and harmony. They commonly protect life, fortune, and fertility. They generally have a snake-like appearance, and scales all over their body. They are also said to possess supernatural powers. The Tribal variation of the Dragon tattoo is also impressive. They are dragons that are designed with the strengths of the Tribal Tattoo style, such as the bold, black colors. The meaning of the Tribal Tattoo will depend more on how you decide to combine it with Tribal styles.

Angel Tattoos - Angel tattoos are another type of tattoo with multiple types and meanings. Generally, when women get an angel tattoo, this symbolizes calmness and serenity. When men get them, it usually symbolizes more of a connection to their spirituality and inner self. Some angel designs are designed to make the wearer safe and protected. Of course, there are some darker designs that can also represent a person's darker side. There are Cherub designs, which symbolize hope and optimism, relating to love. Generally speaking, the symbol of an angel represents a representative from God, and the spiritual and emotional support he gives us.

Arm Tattoos - Arm tattoos are also very common, and can be done in many ways. This is probably the most common place on the body to tattoo. They are common in both Eastern and Western cultures. This spot on the body is very visible, so you want to ensure that you get a design that is important to you. There are just so many choices in this area, upper arm tattoo, forearm tattoo, shoulder tattoo, sleeve tattoos, wrist tattoos, the list can go on and on. Full sleeve tattoos are probably the boldest choice. Tattoo sleeves seem to be preferred by men although many women also seem to be getting them. It should be noted that full sleeve tattoos take a very long time to complete and usually require more than one session. Now that being said, it also takes great deal of commitment and money to create quality sleeve tattoos.

Skull Tattoos - Skull tats have been a huge choice for many decades, and are still extremely popular. From fun and jovial, to scary and creepy, this tattoo can be expressed in hundreds or ways. The symbol of the skull is known all over the world as a sign of death. People generally assume that the Skull Tat is a representation of death or other negative images. It also symbolizes power, strength, and the ability to overcome a difficult time in life, and the ability to avoid death. Historically, the skull has also been seen as a triumph over an enemy. You can see many different styles of skulls based on the creative imagination of the person creating them. They can be seen in many places, video games, comic strips, books, and of course tattoos. Be sure to seek advice from the tattoo artist when deciding on which design would best suit your personality.

Zodiac Tattoo Designs

There are many tattoo designs to consider in your quest for your ideal art work, and zodiac symbols are some of the more popular.

The beauty of these tattoos is that you do not have to stick to a certain style. These are tattoos with meaning, so you can incorporate your zodiac symbol in any style, whether it be tribal, Japanese, Aztec, Polynesian and a simple old school design.

Some basic info on the zodiac

Briefly, there are a number of viewable constellation patterns of stars on a belt, or strip of constellations, on a path of the earth around the sun. We've all seen them in the sky, we've been taught about them since childhood.

There are 12 sections of the belt and each section has a constellation with a pattern and a story or myth behind it. They are all well known and are as follows:

1. Aquarius the Water Bearer
2. Pisces the Fish
3. Aries the Ram
4. Taurus the Bull
5. Gemini the Twins
6. Cancer the Crab
7. Leo the Lion
8. Virgo the Virgin
9. Libra the Scales
10. Scorpio the Scorpion
11. Sagittarius the Archer
12. Capricorn the Goat

We have all been taught our specific zodiac symbol (based on our birthday) since a young age. There is a hell of a lot more information on the internet regarding these symbols and star signs. I don't want to go to much more into that in this article as we are supposed to be talking about tattoos.

If you've set your heart on a zodiac tattoo design, be creative. If your star sign is Aries you don't necessarily have to have a big bull tattooed on your chest! What are you going to do if you're a Sagittarius? Get Robin Hood emblazoned on your back? Who fancies a crab on their forearm? You get the picture.

All of the star signs are associated with the elements and are grouped as follows:

1. Fire - Aries/Leo/Sagittarius
2. Earth - Taurus/Virgo/Capricorn
3. Air - Gemini/Libra/Aquarius
4. Water - Cancer/Scorpio/Pisces

So, if your a Leo, and you don't necessarily want a lion tattoo, you could created a zodiac tattoo design based around fire and flames. Like I said, be creative, there are a plethora of designs already out there to get you motivated. Speak to your local tattoo artist and he/she will be able to give you even more advice.

Music Tattoo Designs

Over the past many years, tattoos were perceived as some form of rebellion. Individuals have the feeling that those who tattoo their own bodies with assorted tattoos are extreme. In many European countries, tattoos were even criminalized. In the present day, you can find those that associate body art to gangs and even outlawed conduct. Yet, as time continues, many more people are becoming open to the concept of tattoos as self-expression. In relation to body tattoos as being a way of self-expression, music tattoo designs are extremely normal.

Even though music tattoo designs cannot really sing, the greater ones are equally as compelling and dynamic. High quality tattoos are energised and expressive. As music is certainly an instrument that sometimes tells your life tale, experience, or feeling, music tattoos present the capacity to show such principles.

Up to now, performers were just the only folks were are connected to having music tattoo designs. But, tats are increasingly being sported by music fans. This design of body art may also be an indication of your deepest sensations or love for a track or artist.

Music tattoos can simultaneously be very simple or complicated, similar to a song. It is able to either be as easy as a simple musical note and / or as complicated as a variety of musical devices. You have the opportunity to choose the height and width of the tattoo which will best convey its meanings for you.

There are many styles of music. Equally, there are various kinds of music tattoo designs which you can go for. Your primary style for music could very well be reflective of your preference of tattoo image. Anyone can chose the certain body art which will best portray their own type of music whether it be hip-hop, country, rock and roll, rap, or even punk rock.

A bunch of music body tattoos can include really romantic flowers whilst others can be as abrasive as shots of loose females or perhaps boozing guys. Bear in mind that music is a form of language that may link individuals from all walks of life. Use your imagination when choosing your own music tattoo design. You'll be able to find a musical instrument which will be vital to your most liked song. You may also have your artist etch your most-loved song sections.

Musical notes are very popular simply because they establish great designs. The flowing style, lines, and figure all make a contribution to the attraction of such tattoo images. Musical notations are also by far the most simple tattoo image which rapidly means affection to music and songs.

Musical instruments have also led music designs. Like many tattoos, musical instruments have also been elaborated by performers. Amongst the most common musical instrument tattoo image is a fiery guitar. In the world today even microphones and earphones are also being made as musical tattoos.

Samoan Tattoo Designs

The art of tattooing is an ancient practice. In fact, uncovered mummies show that it has been in practice for thousands of years already. So while the modern designs are also cool, it might be a good idea to revisit the old traditions to rediscover great body art ideas. One great find from the past are Samoan tattoo designs.

And when these ancient designs are combined with the modern equipments of today, and influenced by some modernization, the result can be a breathtaking tattoo design. And to help you understand better why Samoan tattoo designs are epic, here is a close look at its origin:

A Brief History
Samoan tattoo designs are believed to have been developed around 2,000 years ago in the lands of Polynesia. In the country, there resides an ancient ethnic group called Samoans which are known for their lust for tattooing. And for some reason, their heritage in body art survived until today.

According to the legend of the Samoan tribe, the art of tattooing was introduced to them by two women named Teama and Tilafaiga. And since then, it had flourished and became part of their culture and tradition. In the tribe, both men and women get the tattoo.

A Symbol Of Status
Along the history of the Samoans, the art introduced by Taema and Tilafaiga became a way to show an individual's status in society. Generally, the larger and the more elaborate the design, the higher is the status of the person wearing it. But gender-wise, men always seem to have bigger tattoos than women.

Also, the art of tattooing became almost a necessity among the males of the ethnic group. It is said that as soon as the boy's body is assumed to have stopped growing, the tattooing ceremony would begin. Later in Samoan history however, this privilege became secluded to the royalty.

A Rich Variety
Alright, so what makes Samoan tattoo designs attractive to the modern tattoo enthusiast? First of all, the striking variety in designs is stunning. There are so many patterns to choose from and each one of them is elaborate and beautiful.

Also, one feature of the Samoan tattoo design is that it covers a large portion of the body. It can run across the back and down to the knee and also around the arms. Although of course, the extent of the tattoo is subject to the person's taste and choice.

So if you are looking for a great new idea in body art and tattooing, you know that Samoan tattoo designs will make a sophisticated and unique choice. It may be old and ancient, but its long life is only a testimony of its success and its patronage by many people.

Tattoo Design Ideas

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of unique tattoo design ideas out there for you to choose from. There is also a plethora of avenues for you to go down in making that choice.

So what design do you have in mind? Is it a dragon, a portrait? a symbol? some written script? an emblem, a shield, a character from your favourite movie?

Think about what the tattoo is for and why you want it. Will it have any personal meaning to you? Is it a memorial to someone whose passed away? Or is it just the case that you want some pretty colours in your skin?

Once you have a design, you need to think about the style.

For instance, if you want a dragon tattoo, do you want a conventional picture of a dragon? A caricature? What about a tribal dragon, or just the very popular Japanese style?

Want some tips on getting tattoo design ideas? Read on.

1. Go online.

With some research in the comfort of your own home you will more than likely find exactly what you want. There are many tattoo galleries online. Some are a paid service whilst some avenues will be free. The paid services tend to enable you to print an outline for you to take directly to the tattoo artist. You just have to then think about the colouring.

2. Visit a tattoo artist.

Go to a tattoo studio. Not just the nearest one. Try many. Go out of your area if you have to. Tattoo parlours have changed significantly over time. They are no longer the haunt of criminals and hell angels. These are thriving businesses and the tattoo artist will have a keen interest in making you as comfortable as possible when making your choices. After all, should you want more ink in the future you would potentially be a repeat customer.

3. View other peoples tattoos.

The best form of inspiration is to look at other's tattoos and see what they generally look like in the flesh. Don't just copy their design if you like it. Their tattoo may be deeply personal and to go for an identical design may offend them. If you really like their design, embellish it. Perhaps so for the same thing in a different style, size, or colour.