Teenagers who are afraid to get a flu shot from the doctor will sit for hours on a table and allow a stranger to pierce their skin repeatedly until a multi-coloured picture emerges on their skin. The skin is swollen red and painful but the teen emerges from this operation with a smile and a feeling of pride ?

Big strong men who refuse to go to a doctor for a checkup medication will allow an unknown person to use a needle to inject ink on to their skin for hours. Sometimes this ink is projected on every personal parts of the body. They leave the little tattoo shop beaming and proud.

The purpose of getting a tattoo is as diverse as the symbols, signs and pictures that are available to adorn the body. At one time tattoos provided a non-status symbols for the radical members of society, hippies, motorcycle rider and prostitutes. The tattoo kept them apart from mainstream society.

On August 1, 1981, television changed forever. MTV devoted an entire cable network to a combination of music and video. MTV showcased musicians who were sporting tattoos. MTV exploded and so did the tattoo industry.

Tattoos have now became mainstream. People from all walks of life wanted to tattoo. Everyone wanted to be have a mark. Teenagers were allowed to get tattoos. Businessman took off their shirts and got symbols or their favorite cartoons characters. Lawyers and doctors marked themselves with the symbols of their profession.

The reason for the need to have tattoos maybe less to do with being rebellious and stepping outside the established status quo as it is an ancient custom that is older than the modern craft of body art.

Human have an intrinsic need to express themselves. If you have artistic talent you can express your thoughts and feeling using traditional methods. You can write a song, or write poetry. If you have a lot to say you may even write a book. Artist must draw or paint to showcase their feelings. But if you have feelings or needs that you cannot communicate in the standard formats, you may find the need to tell the world about you, your thoughts or ideas via a tattoo.

The act of getting tattoo maybe even more than the need of self expression. Some cultures believe tattoos have magical powers. Other think that tattoos offer protection againts evil, sickness and misfortune. In African cultures tattoos are used in some fertility rites.

It is claimed that the art of putting symbols and pictures on the body existed 12,000 years BC. It is believed that the Egyptians created the art of tattooing. The theory is that Egyptians believed that amulets for protection. The permanent protection that could not be lost or stolen was a permanent adornment of the body that today we refer to as a tattoo. Although the word tattoo comes from the Tahitian “tatu” which means to mark something.

the world of tattoo

When David Beckham, Sachin Tendulkar or Tiger woods enter their Arena, they are greeted by their fans, who generally decorate themselves with paintings on the face, head or shoulders, which can be seen by the whole world in the media. More ardent fans identify themselves with their Heroes with almost semi or permanent body marks or designs based on their regions culture or Background. These marks or paintings perform more dominantly than their Heroes of the Day! These performers are the Tattoos that have been the most widely exhibited forms of expressions since the beginning of mankind. The working or labor class people followed tattoos, for a long time throughout the Globe, a major form of expression of their emotions, loyalty or identity etc., It is not the fans alone, who flaunt tattoos so prominently. For instance, in 2004 Louis Malloy flew from UK, to give David Beckham a new winged Cross Tattoo on the back of his neck - right in the midst of a soccer Game. Not just sports men - Angelina Jolie is probably the most tattooed Academy Award winning Actress to date. She has a Tribal - Dragon tattoo, a Thai Tiger and various Latin sayings across her shoulders. Such is the influence of Tattoos in modern days. They are being flaunted not only by celebrities but also by their fans. Today, middle and upper class people along with their thirst for custom Jewelry, Fashion Boutiques, high-end Antique shop, also throng the Tattoo shops in every Area of the world. Even films are portraying Tattoos in their films. Films like MYSTIC RIVER and BARBWIRE, exhibited tattoos in them. It is estimated that 35% of the RICH and FAMOUS in various fields have been sporting tattoos. It has had a major impact on tattoo business. Thy have created a new market for high-end custom tattoo art studios geared to an affluent and demanding clientele that only patronizes vendors who provide high standards of service in clean, respectable surroundings. The more established and popular tattoos can be classified mainly as Angel tattoos, Butterfly tattoos, Celtic tattoos, Cross tattoos, Dragon tattoos, Fairy tattoos, Flower tattoos, Henna tattoos, Lower Back tattoos and Tribal tattoos. The tattoo related arts are studied and celebrated by leading museums, galleries and art institutions across the globe. Millions of tattoo designs are available across the world in various forms like CDs, Internet and Albums. Most tattoo enthusiasts refer to tattoos as art and to Tattooists as artists. This usage is rapidly gaining support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of tattoo designs and photographs of tattoos. Tattoo designs are mass produced and sold to tattoo artists and such studios are called Flash. “Tattoo Flash” is also the name of an American tattoo magazine.This article is written by Dagfinn Rognerud, former Norwegian officer. This article may be reproduced as long as all Live link is included.

Author: An Article 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.

While many tattoos are given with success, there are some that do not have such a happy outcome. There are risks of getting a tattoo that cannot be discounted. Among them, the risk of contracting a disease from unsanitary equipment. In addition, a tattoo recipient may be subject to a skin infection if the tattoo is not properly cleaned and cared for after it?s creation.

Any type of problems that may arise as a result of getting a tattoo will likely have to be handled with the help of a licensed physician. This may include medication to treat any illness or infection that may occur. In addition to the immediate concerns, there may be a later need for a physician if the tattoo recipient should later decide to have it removed. In this scenario, the only way to remove a tattoo is through surgery.

If a tattoo recipient decides to have the image removed, there are even more risks associated with surgery. And, since the surgery is to remove a tattoo, these risks may be considered as a direct result of the tattoo itself. With tattoo removal, the patient may experience either an out-patient or brief stay in the hospital. This will depend on whether or not any complications occur during surgery. Some of the most common risks associated with surgery include infection, allergic reactions to medication or permanent scarring. Depending on the health of the patient, more serious complications may arise and questions relating to these possibilities will be addressed by a qualified physician.

A cosmetic risk, but not necessarily one relating to health, is the possibility that a tattoo artist is not experienced and may not properly design or seal the tattoo. If a design is not done properly, it can look unprofessional and may be an embarrassment to the tattoo recipient. While this may not present a direct health risk, it may force the patient to attempt ways at covering the tattoo that he/she had once planned to showcase. If a tattoo is done incorrectly, some customers may elect for removal surgery and this can carry the risks as mentioned above.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

Not too long ago, tattoos were mostly associated with sailors, bikers and sideshow artists. But today they are gradually becoming a popular form of art and the people who get them are as diverse as the styles and designs they choose.
The style of doing Tattoos in the shades of black and gray originated in the prisons North America, due to the prisoner’s difficulty in obtaining colored ink. This style has become very popular these days as tattooists found that there is great artistic potential in adapting it.
The western or American tattoo of arranging scrolls of words amongst decorative vignettes, flowers, hearts and animals. The images are cartoon like, the lines thick and bold and the colors used are limited. Still this style that developed in the 40’s is quite popular.
H.R. Giger popularized the bio-mechanical style. Such work usually involves lesh intertwined with machines. Fine line style refers to highly detailed tattoos with delicate outlines. Under this style, a drawing or painting is similarly reproduced on the skin. This type of tattooing falls into two categories - “color work” and “Black and Gray”.
Tribal tattoos are bold, silhouette style designs. Using this style traditional tribal designs are made. These are self contained, abstract and without shading. Tattoos made using this style can be classified as those which have a specific meaning and those which do not have any meaning. Realistic styles are used to make tattoos which portray scenes from nature or portraits. Celtic style refers to tattoo work based on Celtic art and design. Cross, circle and other interweaving motif designs are popular under this style. Oriental style refers to the approach rather that t he design. Swirling patterns and figures from eastern mythology are incorporated into the designs. Individuals in traditional Japanese dress are immensely popular designs.
Custom made designs are also gaining popularity these days. Original work may be created by the bearer, his friends or with help from the tattooist. Based on the taste, budget, color sense and attitude of the bearer, the design can widely vary. In few groups or religions, tattoo is an integral part and each person belonging to the group or following the religion is required to have a specific tattoo mark on their body symbolizing the person’s authority as a group member. For example, a significant number of military and patriotic service tattoos prominently feature eagles. This habit brought in to existence se the Gangsta style tattoos.
This article is written by Dagfinn Rognerud, former Norwegian officer.

Do you have a tattoo? Are you wondering if you should get one? Of course there is no such answer that can be given that fit everyone, but regardless of who you are there are a few things to consider. Answering these questions honestly and openly will help you realize whether or not tattooing is right for you. Remember, short of getting expensive and painful laser removal, they will be with you forever.

There are no doubt a range of different perspectives when it comes to tattoos. Many people get tattoos to express how they are feeling, or what they care about. Others use them to make statements, whether it be political, religious, or just about anything. However, youll also get people who are completely against tattoos and couldnt imagine who in their right mind would allow something to be permanently inked on their skin. Some even believe that you are desecrating your body by getting tattoos.
Tattooing, the process of embedding ink under the skin to produce a permanent design, has been around since virtually the dawn of man. Many indiginious cultures practiced tattooing for both adornment, status and spiritual renderings. Though there has been a recent resurgence in native and tribal tattooing, most tattoos today are done strictly as a way of decorating one’s self in an artistically expressive manner.
Do you have a tattoo? Are you wondering if you should get one? Of course there is no such answer that can be given that fit everyone, but regardless of who you are there are a few things to consider. Answering these questions honestly and openly will help you realize whether or not tattooing is right for you. Remember, short of getting expensive and painful laser removal, they will be with you forever.
First of all, are there any images that holds significant meaning in your life? If so then be sure if this will be something that is important to you in the years to come. Most people who are satisfied with their tattoos years on down the road are happy because they have chosen images or text that is meaningful to them and that they will be attatched to for the rest of their lives.
By the same token, many of the people that want to get them removed are the ones that put very little thought into getting them in the first place and now are stuck with tattoos that they do not like and no longer want. Before you get something inked on your skin permanently, think about if youll still like the image ten, twenty, or thirty years down the road. Can you see yourself with the same tattoo when your seventy-five years old? I hope so because you will own it forever.
Since a tattoo is permanent, dont just waltz into the nearest tattoo parlor, take a quick look at their offerings and decided what you like. Though this can be a good technique for getting ideas for you tattoo, theres no rush to get inked. But some serious thought into it. Choose an image you like and think about it for a few weeks or perhaps even months before making your final decision.
Now you need to make the decision of where on your body you want your tattoo to go. Most people who get tattooed, even those with large tattoos covering their arms, legs, or back, will avoid getting tattoos on their hands, neck, or face, due to the fact that many employers frown on tattooing and because tattoos which are always visible can make it tougher to get hired at certain jobs. You may want to give serious consideration of placing your tattoo of a place that can easily be covered up.
Finally, make sure you get tattooed at a respectable tattoo parlor. Disease and infection are very real risks of getting a tattoo. All of the needles should be sterile, as should the general working conditions. When you choose your tattoo artist be sure to choose one that you have seen their work. Take a good luck at their portfolio and see a sketch of your design before getting inked, because you want to be completely satisfied with your tattoo and not take any unnecessary chances.