Tattoo Designs For Men & Women

Anyone who walks into a tattoo parlor will be greeted with a variety of eye-catching and colorful tattoo designs, including everything from simple to images that are very complex. With the exception of those that have already chosen their preferred image, it can be very difficult to select from the many tattoo designs on the spot. Even if you have already selected a design, the artist may be able to present you with several different options to make your tattoo designs even more personable.

Before arriving for the application of a tattoo, it is best to have a selection of tattoo designs in mind before you enter the parlor. Although there are some exceptions, most men and women will naturally be drawn to different tattoo designs. Men, for instance, would likely prefer something masculine, while women often prefer something dainty and sexy. Of all tattoo designs, women commonly select hearts, butterflies, flowers, lettering, etc. The most popular placement, for women, is the shoulder, lower back and ankle. Men, on the other hand, often prefer that their tattoo designs be placed on the upper arm, chest or back.

While there are tattoo designs that are gender specific, it is important to keep in mind that getting a tattoo is a very personal thing and the image that is ultimately chosen should be one that reflects something that is important to the wearer. Upon discussing the various tattoo designs with the artist, the customer will gain a better understanding of the different options and designs available.

Many individuals select tattoo designs from those presented at the parlor, while others prefer to do some research and help ensure that their design is unlike any other. For certain tattoo designs, some people prefer to look at real life photos or browse through artwork for ideas pertaining to their tattoo designs. If you find an image that you like, simply take it to the artist for an evaluation as to whether or not the image can be recreated in the form of a tattoo.

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 or recommendations for tattoo designs or placement. Prior to getting a tattoo, individuals should consult with their physician to make sure that it is a safe procedure for them to endure. Some individuals should not get a tattoo if they have certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system. For further information, consult a physician or dermatologist.

Finding A Tattoo Artist – Important Questions To Ask

If you want to get the perfect tattoo, choosing the right artist is just as important as finding the right design. After all, a poor quality artist will take your perfect design and ruin it…permanently.

So here’s a list of the most important questions to ask your tattoo artist. Don’t feel bad or awkward about asking any of these questions. Tattoo artists will have heard them all before and true professionals will be only too happy to give you honest, open answers.

1) How long have you been a tattoo artist?

This is an important part of working out the strength of a tattoo artist’s reputation. In general, the longer they’ve been in the business, the more experience they’ll have and the better their reputation. Artists with a bad reputation don’t tend to last that long.

2) What are your qualifications?

As with all professional trades it’s important that tattoo artists are properly qualified. Tattooing is a precision job that involves the use of needles, so it’s vital that a tattoo artist has been professionally trained and has a thorough knowledge of hygiene procedures.

3) How many tattoos have you done?

This is a good indication of an artist’s level of skill and experience. Tattooing is an art, and the more designs a person has created, the better they’re likely to be. The answer to this question also allows you to work out roughly how busy the artist has been, which is again closely linked to their popularity and reputation.

4) Can I see some of your previous work? Can you provide references?

Top quality artists will be able to provide you with pictures of their work and references from previous clients that they have worked on. But make sure that you see their work once it has healed properly to give you an accurate idea of what it looks like.

An artist who doesn’t have a portfolio of their work or appears evasive when you ask these questions should be avoided at all costs.

5) How much will the work cost?

Large tattoos that are full of intricate detail can be extremely expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. Even smaller designs can cost over a hundred dollars. So if you’re on a tight budget, make sure that you agree on the full cost of your chosen tattoo before work begins. This will avoid any nasty surprises or misunderstandings.

6) Do you guarantee your work?

What happens if you’re not happy with the completed design? Will they drop the charge, or just reduce it? Do they have a refund policy? Make sure you find out your artist’s guarantee policy before work begins as it will have a bearing on the quality of after sale service that you receive.

7) How long will the tattoo take?

This depends upon the size of your chosen design and the level of intricacy. Ultra small tattoos may take a matter of minutes to complete, while a full sleeve design may take several hours spread over a number of sessions. But if it’s your first tattoo, it’s important to know as much about the procedure as possible so that you feel more relaxed about it.

How should I care for my tattoo during the healing process?

Aftercare is an important part of the overall tattoo process. Poor aftercare can damage your tattoo design, lead to scarring of your skin and increase the chance of an infection developing. So all competent artists should be able to give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo during the healing process. If they seem more interested in getting the tattoo started, go find another more responsible tattoo artist.

9) How can I reduce the chances of an infection occurring?

All tattoo artists should be able to give you advice that will help you to keep your tattoo clean and reduce the risk of infection. They’ll also be able to advise you what to do if you think that an infection is developing.

10) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent a person from getting a tattoo?

Certain medical conditions mean that individuals should either avoid tattoos completely or take certain precautions prior to being tattooed. Your tattoo artist should be able to give you general advice on this matter. However, if you have any doubts about the effects of a tattoo upon your health, please consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner.

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When Thinking About Getting A Tattoo!

Obviously there is some concern about getting a tattoo because when you get a tattoo, you risk getting an infection, pain and wonder about the possibilities of infectious diseases. The process needs to be better understood.

1. Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?

There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases (particularly Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist’s office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced.

2. Can I Get Aids From Tattooing?

When needles are passed from IDU to IDU and reused without sterilization, some of that blood remains in the syringe and is passed on to the next user. If infected blood is passed, the recipient can become infected with HIV, which leads to AIDS.

Tattooing is VERY different from injecting drugs. The needles used in
tattooing are not hollow. They do, however, travel back and forth
through a hollow tube that acts as an ink reservoir. The tip of the tube is dipped into the ink, which draws a little into the tube.

3. Can My Tattoo’s Get Infected?

Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the Ebook that covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble healing tattoos with colors they are allergic to.

4. What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?

Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious).

Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading
but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your
tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep
them out of bright sunlight.

No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use some common sense. Think of your tat as an investment–slather on that sunblock so it doesn’t turn into a dark blob.

Tattoo art has become very popular and people are getting tattoo’s for lots of reasons. Taking good steps in choosing the right tattoo, getting it applied properly and with the proper care is probably the most important things to consider when thinking about getting a tattoo. Read all you can about tattoo art safety and when you’re ready to get your tattoo, you will feel much better about your decision!

Everything You Need To Know About Tattoos

If you are considering tattoos, keep in mind that they are a permanent part of your skin. Because tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin, they are a lifelong fixture unless you later decide to have them removed. Having a tattoo removed involves surgery, which is very expensive and carries it’s own risks. As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications. If you are thinking of getting tattoos, it’s best to make sure that you really want them in order to avoid having to later go through surgery just to remove them.

Tattoos can be very expensive depending on the size of the design. They can range from the tiniest of symbol to a large detailed image. Because tattoos can be priced very high, many parlors offer an unconventional, yet practical, way to purchase your design of choice. Many businesses offer a convenient layaway plan with the tattoos being created after the last payment is made. If you have the cash to pay upfront, you may be able to make an appointment and get the design imprinted on the same day as payment. Depending on the design and complexity of the tattoos that you select, the process can be brief or may last for hours.

When considering tattoos, it is important to do some research on the design parlor before hiring them. How long have they been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience? It is very important to follow up with references and as much of a background check as you can possibly get before agreeing to have your tattoos created.

In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with make sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job.

Tattoos are colorful and can be an expression of art if done correctly. They often reflect a person’s lifestyle, name of a spouse or other sentiment. At the same time, they can cause a concern of infection.

Everything You Need to Know About Chinese Symbol Tattoos

Chinese symbol tattoos are very popular today because they are really beautiful. And because most of us in the Western people cannot read Chinese symbol, Chinese symbol tattoos become an exotic form of expression.

My Name is Yingying and I am a Chinese Tattoo Artist. I have been providing custom Chinese tattoo translation and design service during the past three years.
Western people sometimes ask me some questions when they are planning to get Chinese symbols tattoos.

I have listed some of the most FAQs as below. you may find the answers are very useful information if you are planning to get one soon.

Can anything be translated and written in Chinese symbols?
Yes, anything can be translated and written in Chinese symbols. Chinese has more than 4000 years history. The most ancient Chinese symbols called oracle were written on animal bones. Chinese is a fully developed writing system with over 70,000 symbols (characters), capable of recording all nuances of contemporary language.

What are the differences between kanji and Chinese symbols?
Kanji is the term for Chinese symbols that are used in the Japanese language. Kanji in Japanese are typically characters from the Chinese language that have been adapted to mean Japanese words. The meanings in Chinese and Japanese can be the same but pronounced differently, or they may have entirely different meanings.

Why do I need the custom designs for a Chinese tattoo?
Your tattooist needs the design as a clear reference while inking. If you get free translation from web or somewhere else, it is usually a small and blur image which can not be used for inking purpose. If the tattooist does use it for inking, then your Chinese tattoo is worse than do not have one at all. (You may find some vivid samples of both bad and good Chinese tattoos on my website). Comparing the free crap, the custom tattoo design is large clear image come with stencil outline which your tattooist will use it to ink a high quality Chinese symbol tattoo on your body.

Can one English word be translated into either one symbol or two symbols?
The answer is it depends on the English word to be translated. Some English words can be translated into either one symbol or two symbols. For example, beauty can be translated into either one or two symbols, and the meaning is the same. Whereas, some words must be translated into two symbols, hope is an example, there is no single Chinese symbol which can be express the meaning of hope.

Having your body inked can be a very rewarding experience which can last for the rest of your life. Many people who have Chinese symbol tattoos feel that they are very much symbolic representations of their inner feelings and personality. That is the power of choosing a Chinese symbol tattoo that represents your true self, so it is of the up most importance to select the Chinese Symbols perfect match the meanings you want to express through your tattoos.

Tattoo Mistakes – How To Avoid Them

Every day, thousands of tattoo mistakes are made. And while it’s possible to make a tattoo fade using laser removal technology, it’s time consuming, costly and painful. So here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes that people make with tattoos.

1) Never Agree To Get A Tattoo When You’re In The Wrong State Of Mind

Getting a tattoo when you’re in the wrong frame of mind is a shortcut to disaster.

So don’t even think about getting tattooed when you’re drunk, depressed or under pressure (it’s not a good enough reason just because all your friends are getting one, or have got one). And don’t get a tattoo done on a whim.

You know it’s a whim when you find yourself in a tattoo studio and you hadn’t even considered getting a tattoo the night before!

It’s good to be spontaneous, but not with something that will last you the rest of your life. So before you get a tattoo, always ask yourself “Do I want to get this tattoo?”

And keep asking yourself that question every day for a fortnight. And only after you genuinely answer yes every day, do you go anywhere near a tattoo parlour.

2) Choose The Right Design

Choosing the right design is absolutely vital to the amount of pleasure you get from your tattoo.

Let’s face it, if you want a dragon, you won’t be happy with a flower design. And if you want a large tattoo, you won’t be happy with a small design.

So don’t compromise on what you want. The final choice of tatoo design must be yours and not that of your friends, partner of tattoo artist. After all, you’re the one who’ll have to live with it.

It should be a piece of artwork that you absolutely love. And something that you’re certain you’ll continue to love for years into the future.

Another mistake that many people make is believing the they have to select a design offered by their chosen tattoo studio. If you choose a reputable artist, they’ll be able to create a tattoo from any design that you take along with you.

In fact, this is one of the best ways to get the right tattoo.

Browse the internet where you can find thousands of high quality tattoo designs to choose from. Most cost less than $20. Take time from the comfort of your own home to decide which design you want. Take a few days to think about the designs that you like. Then, once you’ve made up your mind, print out both the color reference guide and the tattoo stencil and take them to your chosen artist.

This option is much more relaxed, and you’re much more likely to select the right design. It certainly beats picking a design on the spot when you’re waiting in the tattoo studio.

3) Cheap Isn’t Always Best

Whatever happens, make sure that you select a high quality stencil for your tattoo design.

All high quality tattoo designs consist of two parts, the main tattoo design which includes the color reference, and a matching stencil of the design.

What many people don’t realise, is that the stencil is applied directly to your skin by the tattooist using a machine caller a “liner”.

So don’t be tempted to do things on the cheap. Buy a quality tattoo stencil (most cost less than $20). Trying to create a tattoo from the color reference design or trying to trace a stencil is a shortcut to a tattoo disaster.

A poor stencil will always lead to a poor tattoo. Traced stencils are not accurate and will translate into a shaky looking design. Regardless of how good they are, a tattoo artist can only quality work from a quality stencil.

4) Test Your Tattoo First

Okay, you’ve found the tattoo design that you want, but you’re not sure where to place it and what size to go for. Do you take a risk?

No. There are millions of people around the world who wish they’d chosen a slightly different tattoo design, gone slightly bigger, or placed it further to the left etc.

So if you want to avoid adding to these regrets, it’s important to test your tattoo before you take the plunge.

It’s now possible to get special tattoo test paper that will allow you to turn your design into a temporary test tattoo. Just print your chosen design onto the test paper and apply it to your skin.

Then it just a case of living with it for a day to two and forming your own opinion. How does it make you feel? Are you happy with the size and the position that you’ve selected? Does it catch your eyeline when you’re not looking at it? Is it distracting? And then comes the big question; ask yourself, “could I live with this for the rest of my life?”

Testing your intended tattoo is the only way to confirm whether you’ve made the right decision.

5) The Tattoo And Aftercare

On the day your tattoo is created, a better overall affect will be achieved if you are well slept (it will help to keep you relaxed and to sit still) and well fed (an empty stomach can lead to feeling faint). If you are tense, full of stress or restless, it will take longer and the tattoo won’t be as perfect.

Once completed, most tattoos will take up to a month to heal properly. During the first five days, the area may be uncomfortable, irritated and slightly swollen. Make sure that you keep the area clean during this time. If possible, wash the area gently with an antibacterial soap four or five times a day. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth or piece of tissue.

It’s also suggested that you apply a thin skin of antibiotic ointment after every wash. A good quality aftercare product will help to reduce scabbing and protect your skin from infections which can cause scarring and make your tattoo appear blemished. They will also help to reduce irritation and redness and keep your skin supple.

The second stage of the healing process (weeks 2-4) will have the biggest influence over the look and lifespan of your tattoo. Taking care of the affected skin during this stage will ensure your tattoo stays bright and clear for as long as possible.

Just make sure that you use aftercare products that are specifically recommended for use with tattooed areas, as these won’t contain any artificial colors or fragrances which might irritate your skin.

Different artists will recommend different aftercare techniques, but the vast majority agree on three things.

Number One: Keep your tattoo clean

Number Two: As your tattoo heals, the skin will naturally dry out, so it’s vital to keep the area moist.

Number Three: Keep your tattoo away from direct sunlight.

What To Expect From Tattoo Removal

For one reason or another, individuals often decide to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps it depicts a former love that is no longer a part of that person’s life or perhaps they just no longer want that specific tattoo on their body. Whatever the reason, it often becomes a consideration and one that must not be undertaken without some serious thought.

If you are considering having a tattoo removed, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with a local physician or dermatologist in order to discuss your wishes. He/she will examine the tattoo, it’s condition and will then determine which method is the best for complete removal. It is important to note that tattoo removal does involve surgery which, in itself, does carry potential risks and side effects. Even the simplest surgery can result in complications, so be sure to consider tattoo removal very carefully. This is why it is so important to make sure that you really want the tattoo before going ahead with it’s application.

In most cases, your physician or dermatologist will be able to give you a step-by-step explanation of how the procedure will be done, how long it will take and what type of recovery you can expect. Understandably, the site of surgery will be tender for some time and will likely result in some type of scarring. However, with time both will lessen until the scarring is minimally visible. The ultimate answer as to the level of scarring will depend on the size of the tattoo. A larger image will result in a larger scar than, for instance, a small butterfly tattoo. As one would expect, certain areas of the body are more sensitive and are therefore more likely to be sensitive to pain.

Once a decision has been made to remove the tattoo, an appointment will be made for the procedure. This may or may not be an outpatient surgery, which will determined by any complications that arise during the procedure, the patient’s overall health and/or the likelihood of an allergic reaction to any medication given. Often, patients are held overnight for observation before being sent home. It is important that patients speak with the surgeon regarding any possible risks associated with the procedure.

The cost of having a tattoo removed can be quite high, especially if the tattoo is large. The majority of health insurance companies will not cover these costs unless the tattoo must be removed for medical/health reasons. Otherwise, the full financial responsibility will be assigned to the patient who must then figure out a way to pay for the surgery. Many hospitals offer a payment plan to those who cannot afford the total cost upfront. Arrangements for any type of payment plan must be made prior to the surgery and must be approved through the hospital’s billing department.

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 or recommendations for tattoo placement. 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.

How To Care For Your Tattoo

The First Day:

Leave bandage on for at least four hours, overnight if you received the tattoo late before your sleeptime. Make sure you can wash your tattoo when you remove the bandage. Handwash it, no cloths or sponges, using warm water & soap. Use water to soak off any of the bandage that sticks. Do not Rebandage. Wash tattoo at least twice a day while it is healing. Let tattoo dry out for one day, you may wash it to keep it clean during this time, After, start applying skin/hand conditioning lotion or lightly massage A&D ointment into tattoo.

Some people have been known to develop an allergy to Bacitracin, Triple antibiotic and other ointments may contain it. We do not recommend it. Nor do we recommend plain Vaseline. Lotions are safest in warm weather. Keeping it moist will speed the healing process, but your tattoo needs to breathe. Heavy application of petroleum based ointments can suffocate the tattoo and cause a rash. You can wet your tattoo, but don’t soak in the tub or shower for a long time while it is healing.

If you work under very dirty conditions or have to wear tight clothes, you can tape dry papertowel over your tattoo. Try to wear loose clothing around your tattoo. It is normal for your tattoo to flake off tiny pieces of colored skin while it is healing, but you don’t want to force it. So…Do not ever rub or scratch or pick your tattoo! you can smack it if it itches too much.

Wash your tattoo more often if you work near grease, chemicals, dirt, or if you got your tattoo in or near a high-bacteria area such as the armpit, buttocks, or genitals. Do not expose tattoo to chlorine, salt,alcohol or sun for 10 days. Careful with lotions containing excessive alcohol.

Only expose tattoo to long periods of sun after it is fully healed and then with a strong sunscreen applied, so as to protect it from the fading effects of radiation. Tattoos normally take 7-10 days to heal.

Special: Get our free e-zine “All Tattoos and design” for more free advice and monthly free tattoo designs.
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Temporary Tattoos – A Quick Guide

These days, more and more people have taken the decision to get a tattoo. However, if you like the idea of body art, but don’t want to leave a permanent mark on your skin, it might be worth taking a look at temporary tattoos.

It’s not exactly known when temporary tattoos first appeared, but it’s generally accepted that they were first commercially available around 1900.

Initially, they were created using food coloring and provided on special paper that was impregnated with the design of tattoo. These pieces of paper were then held over the desired area of the body and transferred to the skin using water. These temporary tattoos were widely distributed for free with various food products.

Initially, there wasn’t a great choice of temporary tattoos available, but in recent years their popularity has grown rapidly, as have the number of products.

It has now reached the stage where they are regarded as legitimate pieces of body art and are widely used as fashion accessories.

At this stage it’s important to bear in mind that these temporary tattoos only last a few hours or a few days. As soon as you wash the tattooed area the design will begin to break up.

It is possible to find other temporary designs that last slightly longer, such as henna tattoos, but that’s the subject of another article.

The main attraction of temporary tattoos is revealed in the name. They won’t last forever, so if you don’t like the design, you won’t have to put up with it for the rest of your life. And if you’re the type of person who likes change, it gives you an opportunity to alter the look of your body on a regular basis.

There’s also a sizable number of people who would like a tattoo but are concerned about poor hygiene, infection, needles or anxious about the potential pain of getting a tattoo.

Temporary tattoos are also a great way to help you decide whether or not to get a permanent tattoo. They can help you to decide the type of designs that you like, where to place them on your body, and most importantly, whether you could live with a certain tattoo design forever.

Temporary tattoo designs can be found online or perhaps even at your local tattoo parlor. And if you opt for a high quality temporary design it should look exactly like a tattoo of the permanent variety.

There are thousands of different designs to choose from ranging in size from tiny to large and covering a whole range of styles.

So you want a traditional heart and anchor design? No problem. Or how about the latest ultra cool design or perhaps a cute pixie on your shoulder? Temporary Celtic tattoos are also extremely popular.

It’s also possible to get temporary tattoos that display words and phrases. So why not get a heart that bears the name of your partner? At least it doesn’t present the same risk as a traditional permanent tattoo which may last longer than the relationship is represents.

And finally, if you can’t find a temporary design that you like, there are numerous tattoo packages that allow you to design your own temporary tattoo designs. So you can be as artistic or as outrageous as you want.

You just create a design using the materials provided, then transfer it onto the relevant part of your body. And if it doesn’t turn out as intended, it can be washed away with nothing more than soap and water. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s fun, and most importantly it’s not permanent.

Japanese dragon tattoo Meanings

Dragon is one of the most popular mythological creatures picked for inking and a classic choice for a tattoo design. It is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily-scaled snake-like creature with small clawed legs and a horned or antlered camel head, and is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens. Japanese dragons tend to be much more slender and fly less frequently than the Chinese counterparts. The breath of the Japanese Dragon changes into clouds from which come either rain or fire. It is able to expand or contract its body, and in addition it has the power of transformation and invisibility. This is merely a general description and does not apply to all Japanese dragons, some of which have heads of so extraordinary a kind that they cannot be compared with anything in the animal kingdom.

According to most sources, the Japanese dragon is closely related to the Chinese counterparts, with the exception that the Japanese dragon has only three claws, while that of the Celestial Kingdom (China) has five.

Tattoo artists have taken the art of the Japanese dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a full back design or a half sleeve design, you will find an incredible gallery of amazing designs to choose from. They can be in color, or black & white. The dragon tattoo may appear with sea wave or clouds or pearls. If the dragon claw holds an enormous magical pearl, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches, the “pearl” symbolized the most precious treasure: Wisdom. Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves — strength, wisdom and freedom…

The popular locations for inking Japanese dragon tattoos.
Japanese dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body, full body and full back dragon tattoos are quite common, and the most popular location is half sleeve, the body of the dragon wrap around the upper arm and the dragon head extend out the upper front, just above the heart. Because of the long shape of the dragon, it also suited for inking on arms and legs.

Where to Find Perfect Japanese dragon tattoo designs for Inking?
After all, getting an awesome Japanese dragon tattoo that perfectly flows with your body is what makes you feel proud. Am I right? There are many good reasons to get an awesome Japanese tattoo and there are many ways to screw it up. The most important thing to find a perfect Japanese tattoo is to take your time browsing through numerous tattoo collections before you settle the one for inking.

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