Body Tattoo

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Matt's Golden Silence

I met Matt one afternoon as he stood among the masses at the southwest corner of Madison Square Garden, waiting for a bus out of town.

This is his tattoo which he shared with us, covering his upper right arm:


The message is simple: silence is golden. I love how the side skulls spill off of the front skull, and how the teeth of the primary jaw are fused together.



Matt attributes this piece to "deep life experiences" and how it serves as a reminder to keep his head on straight.

He told me he's "been low and wants to stay higher" and that "keeping what I've done to myself has given me the ability to achieve what I have in life".

This tattoo was inked by Loki M. LaChapelle when he was at Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Loki now works out of Mazel Custom Tattoo & Piercing in Everett, Massachusetts.

Thanks to Matt for sharing his tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tattoo from a Francophile

Earlier this summer, I posted a couple of tattoos from Joe, seen here.

Needless to say, Joe became a fan, and updated me with a new tattoo, below:


Joe explains:


"The picture is fresh from the artist finishing it. It is "C077X" and is a nod to James Franco and General Hospital. He is my fav actor and I have been watching General Hospital for at least 21 years. It is the the tag that "Franco" sprayed on everything when he recently guest starred on GH as an artist/serial killer. His character's name is Franco, reflecting that art imitates life. A motto the actor and character believe, and so do I. That is why I got the tattoo. To prove art imitates life!"
Photo Credit: ABC via http://sn.soapnet.go.com
The tattoo was inked by Rob at Brooklyn Ink. Rob originally appeared here as a contributor here. And is one of several artists that has represented Brooklyn Ink over the years on Tattoosday. This label links all of the work from the shop previously seen on Tattoosday.

Thanks to Joe for sharing his new tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Shooting Star Tattoo Designs

Shooting Star Tattoo Designs - Change the Quality of the Artwork You See



This is the most important thing to take into account when searching for shooting star tattoos. This can be one of the absolute best design choices possible, but not if you're staring at long pages of generic junk. Is that what you're seeing? If you are, then I have some very valuable tips to share with you, because it's quite easy to move forward and find original, perfectly drawn shooting star tattoo designs.

Let me break this first tip to you very gently: The more generic artwork you see, the bigger the possibility is of you picking one of those basic tattoos to get inked with. Do you know how many people regret putting a cookie cutter tat on themselves, though? The number is staggering. Let's just leave it at that. Many of these people just weren't able to find the better, higher quality artwork, which is why they just "settled" on something. You can easily avoid this by discontinuing your use of search engines when looking for shooting star tattoo designs.

Most of you might think that this is too drastic of a step to take, but it's really not. It's just a necessary one. The only kind of artwork you find in search results will be the generic stuff, because that's the only kind of artwork gallery they show to you. They are always leaving out the bigger, fresher and higher quality galleries. So, if you want to pick shooting star tattoo designs from real, original artwork, you're best shot at finding tons of it is by using big forums to your advantage.

You're not going to find the actual tattoos in the galleries, so you don't have to worry about that. You are just using the big forum because of their massive archives, which are loaded with topics about tattoos. This is the ultimate place to gather links and names to the unbelievable artwork sites you've been missing. The info about these websites are shared freely and regularly through the topics, by people just looking to help each other out. That's how you change the quality of the shooting star tattoo designs you find. It's really that simple.

In the future, you can use this to find any other style, not just shooting star tattoo designs.

Shooting Star Tattoo Designs

Shooting Star Tattoo Designs - Change the Quality of the Artwork You See



This is the most important thing to take into account when searching for shooting star tattoos. This can be one of the absolute best design choices possible, but not if you're staring at long pages of generic junk. Is that what you're seeing? If you are, then I have some very valuable tips to share with you, because it's quite easy to move forward and find original, perfectly drawn shooting star tattoo designs.

Let me break this first tip to you very gently: The more generic artwork you see, the bigger the possibility is of you picking one of those basic tattoos to get inked with. Do you know how many people regret putting a cookie cutter tat on themselves, though? The number is staggering. Let's just leave it at that. Many of these people just weren't able to find the better, higher quality artwork, which is why they just "settled" on something. You can easily avoid this by discontinuing your use of search engines when looking for shooting star tattoo designs.

Most of you might think that this is too drastic of a step to take, but it's really not. It's just a necessary one. The only kind of artwork you find in search results will be the generic stuff, because that's the only kind of artwork gallery they show to you. They are always leaving out the bigger, fresher and higher quality galleries. So, if you want to pick shooting star tattoo designs from real, original artwork, you're best shot at finding tons of it is by using big forums to your advantage.

You're not going to find the actual tattoos in the galleries, so you don't have to worry about that. You are just using the big forum because of their massive archives, which are loaded with topics about tattoos. This is the ultimate place to gather links and names to the unbelievable artwork sites you've been missing. The info about these websites are shared freely and regularly through the topics, by people just looking to help each other out. That's how you change the quality of the shooting star tattoo designs you find. It's really that simple.

In the future, you can use this to find any other style, not just shooting star tattoo designs.

Rachel's Bird Helped Her Let Go

The same night I met Brian, I met Rachel, who has eight tattoos.

She shared this one with me:


This piece on her left biceps is based on the work of artist Kurt Halsey. This little bird appears in multiple works by the artist, but Rachel imagined it for her own personal situation. She got it after a break-up a couple of years ago, and the tattoo gave her the strength to "let the bird go". In this case, the bird represents the ended relationship and the tattoo is a transitional piece that helped her recover from the difficulty of moving past it.

From Memphis, Tennessee, Rachel had this inked at Underground Art Tattoos and Body Piercing by Chris Fitzgerald. Chris had been a piercer at the shop and then moved into tattooing. He has since left tattooing and moved to photography. His new business is Cult Noir Photography, and his work can be seen here.

Thanks to Rachel for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Brian's Ink Speaks About Art

I met Brian in Barnes & Noble, Union Square, back in August and he shared two tattoos with us. Put your thinking caps on, folks, because Brian, who is a video artist (website here), has very cerebral ink.

First up is this tattoo, on Brian's left biceps:


This tattoo is based on an illustration entitled "Every Night We Are Haunted by a Dream" by the artist Alfred Kubin (1877-1959).

Jede Nacht besucht uns ein Traum (Every Night We are Haunted by a Dream), ca. 1902-03
Pen and ink, brush, wash, and spray on paper
39.1 x 31.8 cm (15 3/8 x 12 1/2 in.)
Albertina, Vienna
Brian explained that this work corresponded very closely to the publication of Sigmund Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams, and that Kubin's illustration represents "art between the cusp of pre-surrealism/expressionism and surrealism". It speaks to Brian's understanding of the perception of dreams and art.

Brian also had these words inscribed on his inner right forearm:


The words "Créer Dangereusement" are the French title of a 1957 essay by Albert Camus entitled "Create Dangerously". This "essay on realism and artistic creation" likewise spoke to Brian who acknowledged that "all art is a political act". It makes perfect sense, if you think about it, in that no great work of art was ever created by the artist playing it safe. It is those who created dangerously that are remembered as trailblazers and icons in their respective fields.

Brian had both of these tattoos done in Austin, Texas.

Thanks to Brian for sharing his artistic ink with us here on Tattoosday!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Danny's Koi Struggles Upstream

I met Danny in Penn Station early in August just as he was about to board a train.

Before he headed to his platform, however, he allowed me to take this photo of his tattoo-in-progress on his upper right arm:


He explained that the koi swimming upward on his bicep represented that he was still moving upstream, that is, he was "still overcoming struggles, trials and tribulations". He added that he would get another koi on his left arm, facing downstream, when he had completed his struggle in life.

Before we could talk further, however, he had to run for his train. Fortunately for me (and for you, dear Readers), he e-mailed me shortly thereafter with some more details:

"The leaves are Japanese maples...Everyone gets the traditional lotus flowers, etc. But I chose a leaf that represents no religion or significant meaning to it. I would have gone with the Korean national flower [Hibiscus syriacus] but that, too, had meaning behind it. Many flowers that are traditionally on bodies are either Buddhist or Catholic, etc. Coming from a Christian background, I chose one without any meaning. How can I live with a Buddhist lotus on my arm?

At the time I got the tattoo I was confused with life... Direction, purpose, goals, meaning.. I had obstacles and self goals I had to achieve and was in a standstill (not drug-related or any of that sort). I looked to the pain tattooing offers and how it puts your mind in a zoned-out state, which I now thrive for when I'm stressed. It's therapy to me. I'll update you when I find an artist to finish this tattoo. The windbars were left open to expand."

The tattoo was done by Lee at Infinity Tattoo in Manhattan.

Thanks again yo Danny for sharing his koi with us here at Tattoosday!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Phoenix Tattoo Design is Hot



With so many tattoo designs around it can be somewhat bewildering trying to figure out which one is right for you. There are many factors to take into account but, essentially, the most important factor is decoding the meaning behind the tattoo design. Ask yourself, "What does this design represent?" It's true that some tattoos are loads of fun and don't really have any significance - nothing wrong with that! But a phoenix tattoo doesn't really fall into that category. A phoenix tattoo design has a definite purpose and significance which you need to know about before going ahead and getting this tattoo design inked.

The Magnificent Phoenix

So who or what is the phoenix? Well, this mythological bird is extremely mystical and enigmatic. Because of this, it is a very popular motif in tattoo artwork around the world. This bird's origins are believed to lie in the ancient country of Ethiopia in Africa. The bird's name is connected with 'fire' and the color 'red.'

Amongst other ideas, the phoenix incorporates notions of life, rebirth and renewal. This is a great symbol for 'starting again' or 'washing away the old.' If you are contemplating a phoenix bird tattoo you need to take these values into account. Also, a phoenix bird of fire tattoo must be of sufficient size to make an impact. This is a magnificent bird and deserves respect - size is important. You simply can't represent the idea of eternal life and rebirth with a small tattoo!

Finding a Suitable Design

If you have made up your mind to get a phoenix tattoo design, the next stage in your planning should involve research into finding a suitable design. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of tattoo galleries, both online and offline, from which you can choose your perfect phoenix tattoo. These galleries are usually full of color and are a pleasant way to while away the time as you make up your mind. However, try not to get too distracted by the dozens of alternative designs available. Stick to the phoenix design!

Vitally important in your final decision should be the color and size; you have to like the design, but it also has to coordinate and blend and all these elements must match if your design is to be esthetically pleasing. A balance is, therefore, needed: not too many similar or contrasting colors. Your tattoo will be with you for a long, long time so make sure it doesn't look awkward or out of place.

Finally, once you've decided on a phoenix tattoo design, you should spend a good deal of time with your chosen tattoo artist and explain exactly what it is that you are looking for and maybe even suggest a few alternate phoenix designs. Who knows, between you both you may come up with a new 'hybrid' phoenix design. It's a big decision, so take your time and 'live' with the various designs for a period of time before finally having it inked.

Butterfly Tattoo Designs - Get Lost In Mother Nature


Tattoo art form are increasing in popularity especially in the US and European countries. Trendy and decorative tattoo designs are a choice of every next person. Moreover, the choice is not less. Tattoos are available in several design and sizes, so you need not worry about how to decorate your body. Few of the most fashionable contemporary tattoos are butterfly tattoo designs, dragon tattoo designs, tribal tattoo designs, cross tattoo designs, henna tattoo designs, and religious tattoo designs, the list is long!

Butterflies have essentially been thought of as a style statement for years together. Be it garments, accessories, baggage, or jewellery, this lovely creature has managed to form a creative idea. The vibrant colors of the butterfly sported on you would make you look hot. Butterflies tattoo designs are very colorful and have a nice blend of eye-catching colors.

Tattoos with butterfly pictures will leave you in confusion for the selection. Some of the coolest butterfly tattoo designs are tribal butterfly tattoos, fairy butterfly tattoos, lower back butterfly tattoos, animal butterfly tattoos and Celtic butterfly tattoos. Tribal butterfly tattoos are generally influenced by ancestral art from local and native tribes. The tribal art comes from the large clans or tribes from Ireland and Scotland and even some of the tribes of Borneo. Butterflies since many ages have been linked with fairies. Butterfly wings are considered fairy wings and vice versa. A butterfly really represents a multi-colored picture of Mother Nature itself. Hence, these fairy butterfly tattoo designs are even more famed especially with females and modern males.

These butterfly tattoo designs have held a special place in a woman's heart. Amongst the preferred designs, the butterfly tattoo designs are one of the favorites. Butterfly tattoos come in wide-ranging designs and color formats, from two toned ones to multicolored. Normally, its are tattooed on the arm or on the shoulder blade no matter it is permanent or not. There are the energetic ones who have butterfly tattoos positioned on their neck or ankle if they can take the pain of the needles for lasting and permanent tattoos.

They are a subject of creative expression and the blending of colors is very unique and expressive. Butterfly tattoo designs are all about taking butterfly in the kingdom of fashion and combining it with art forms. The butterfly tattoos not only interest the lady world, but are amongst the chosen designs of the artists too. Permanent or temporary stick ones, even body painting; the tattoo designers love to play with colors that make the butterfly wings.

Some butterfly tattoos survive just a few days and can be cleaned off by any paint remover, some of them just need soap and water to vanish. Body painted butterfly tattoo designs are not very lasting and thus give a better chance of variety. Irrespective of the type a butterfly tattoo design, it is always amongst the finest designs as one can have fun with colors which are not likely with any other design.

Dragon Art Tattoos


Tattoos started getting popular from the sailors that would get tattoos representing the foreign lands they had been stationed in. Wearing a dragon tattoo meant that the sailor had served in Japan or China. Sailors today are still getting tattoos and wear them proudly.

One reason the dragon tattoo is so popular is because it's long winding shape can go on practically any part of the body. You can cover your whole back with this tattoo or have it snaking and winding around your arm.

There are many different types of dragons that can be used. The Japanese have always used dragons in their art and literature so there are many designs to choose from. The most popular is the full back dragon tattoo where you have plenty of room to make it truly spectacular. The Asian dragons are usually viewed as powerful and empowered with wisdom, making these dragons very popular.

The Celtic design tattoos are also very popular with their intricate knots. The Celtic heart is often chosen for it's beauty and design.

On a man the dragon tattoos represent power, strength, and warrior skills. It can define his personality. Although you can also have a mystical, magical dragon design that makes the man more approachable.

On a woman the dragon tattoo usually represents strength and a hotly passionate nature, ready to protect her family against all dangers. Some women would be intimated by wearing a dragon tattoo and would worry about what people would think. The dragon tattoo on a woman shows she is not afraid of criticism and can stand up for herself and for those in her care.

If you want to create an aura of strength and fantasy, get a dragon art tattoo. Some people fear them and are nervous of the superstitions surrounding them, but they have to respect them.

Steve's Sleeve of Leaves Ushers in the Fall Season

Earlier this month, I met Steve on the D train, as we headed home to Brooklyn.

He had a veritable panorama of fall foliage on his left arm and he happily shared his autumnal tattoos with us here at Tattoosday.

It only seemed fitting that, as summer has ended, we celebrate the new season with some fall colors.

Behold, Steve's sleeve o' leaves:



The eleven maple leaves on Steve's arm were all inked free hand by Mark Harada at Manhattan's East Side Ink over four sittings.


Steve acknowledges that the leaves changing colors represent a change, and these colorful symbols remind him that change is good.


Happy Autumn to all! And thanks to Steve for sharing his fallen maple leaves with us here on Tattoosday!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sara's Psalm Speaks to the Desires of Her Heart

I met Sara on the 36th Street subway platform in Brooklyn last month during the late afternoon rush hour commute.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for words and this tattoo looked poetic:


Sara filled me in. She has three tattoos and this passage "spoke to her". She wanted something religious for her 30th birthday.

This is an excerpt (verse 4) from Psalm 37 in the Bible.


The verse reads "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" [King James Version]. Sara changed the thee and thine to read me and my, respectively, making the verse more personal.

This was tattooed by Alex Franklin at Brooklyn Ink in Bay Ridge. Work from Brooklyn Ink (and much from Alex) can be seen on this Tattoosday label here.

Thanks to Sara for sharing her source of inspiration with us here on Tattoosday!

Cherry Blossom Tattoos - What Do They Mean

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you're somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Cherry Blossom Tattoos - What Do They Mean

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you're somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Feeling Bold? Try a Unique Tribal Tattoo Design!

Over three million people, according to Google, search for Tribal Tattoos online every month. These truly unique tattoos are one of the most sought-after of all tattoo ideas, and are highly prized by people from all over the world.

As the name suggests, Tribal Tattoos originated within certain groups or clans. Some of the most common of these are still worn by American Indians, Polynesians, Native Hawaiians and the Maori of New Zealand. They have deep significance for those who wear them, and they are one of the most recognizable of all tattoo designs. The bold & beautiful lines and inter-weavings represent many different things, including family or clan membership, rank or peerage within a tribe, attainment of feats of strength or endurance, or association with battles (both modern and ancient).

In the modern era, with so much emphasis now on the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of all peoples in the world, these tattoos are being proudly worn by those who claim association with their traditional tribes. Long gone are the days when conquerors and religious zealots tried to assimilate these cultures and wipe out their long-held traditions, and this is one of the main reasons that Tribal Tattoos have become so increasingly popular.

These tattoos are very well-known to most of us due to the fact that they are commonly displayed on areas of the skin that are exposed in public. This includes the face, arms (in the form of armbands or sleeves), shoulder and legs. With the changing of attitudes in recent times about wearing tattoos, it is now quite common to see people proudly displaying their own unique designs, whether it be on the sporting arena or in a corporate boardroom!

Because of their intricate designs and bold message, these tattoos have broad appeal to just about everyone who is into tattoos. Specific unique design themes are often 'adopted' by certain groups to signify allegiance to a goal or ideal, and this art will sometimes incorporate lettering to make the association even more obvious. These tattoos were used traditionally not only for internal significance, but also to instill fear into the hearts of their enemies, and anyone sporting a well-inked tribal tattoo is guaranteed to get their fair share of attention!

Tribal Tattoos are also one of the most frequently 'blended' tattoo designs. This means that skilled artists are able to mix genres, producing an almost limitless variety of truly unique tattoo designs. Some of the more common ones are Tribal Celtic Crosses, Tribal Chinese Dragons, and even tribal insect designs, such as dragonflies. These masterpieces can take years to complete, and are truly breath-taking mosaics to anyone lucky enough to come across them!

There is a small note of caution when it comes to getting a Tribal Tattoo. Remember that there are specific designs and themes which have significance to certain groups, and wearing them without the required authority or association can cause offence. Make sure you either design your own unique tattoo, or ensure that an existing image that you like is not culturally significant.

When it comes to finding your own tribal tattoo, one of the best ideas is to join an online site. These resources have thousands of designs from all genres, plus the tools to create your own truly unique design. They will also have lists of the best studios & parlors to get your tattoo applied!

Tribal Tattoo Designs Bring Primitive Art to Life

Tribal art tattoos look great, but more importantly, every tribal design has a deeper meaning. When choosing a tribal tattoo, you should consider these meanings, and make sure that you believe in the statement that you are making.

Choosing A Tribal Design Tattoo

There are several different tribal tattoo designs to choose from. There are tribal zodiac designs, suns and stars, religious symbols, and even tribal band tattoos. Each design has a meaning, be it spiritual or societal. This has been the case since ancient times, when tattoos were used either to mark affiliation with a group, or religious, magical, or spiritual beliefs.

Some of the oldest known tribal tattoos existed thousands of years ago. Many of these tattoos depicted the sun and stars to honor the Sun God and the element of fire. Tribal sun tattoos, as well as stars, can vary in size and detail. This makes them adaptable for any part of your body, though the shoulders and back seem to be the most popular locations. If you want to get creative, you can make a chain of tribal stars with a tribal sun image as the center point.

Another choice of recent popularity is zodiac tribal tattoos. The zodiac is the first known celestial coordinate system. The Greek and Roman zodiac is the most popular, but cultures all over the world have applied astrological meaning to the stars for millenia. While there is no scientific basis, many people identify with the traits of their zodiac sign. If you are one of these people, a tribal zodiac tattoo may be right for you.

As stated, tattoos have represented religious meaning for many years. Because of this, many people have chosen to represent their beliefs in primitive ways with a tribal design of religious symbols. Depending on your beliefs, you may want to do some research before you make your decision. The key is to make sure that you use a symbol that is most meaningful to you. From there, you can be creative in your design, or allow your tattoo artist to design a tattoo for you.

Cherry Blossom Tattoos - What Do They Mean

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you're somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Christina's Owl and Lighthouse

I met Christina one day after work while walking outside of Madison Square Garden.

She had this incredible tattoo, which she gladly shared with us here on Tattoosday:


This tattoo that covers her upper left arm was actually done in two segments by artist Orrin Hurley, who currently tattoos at Dare Devil Tattoo in Manhattan.

As for the source material behind this beautiful tattoo, Christina chose a piece of art by Frances Olive Esme Eve:


A closer look at the tattooed owl shows how it was changed, but you can still see that there is still a lot from the original design:


The lighthouse was inspired by the Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth, Maine.


Thanks to Christina for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday.

Stacy's Amigo Tugs Her Back to Milwaukee

At the end of July, I ran into Stacy waiting for the F train at West 4th Street in Manhattan.

She had a panther peeking out from under her shirt on her back, but we couldn't get the whole tattoo in a shot, so she offered up this piece on her right arm:


Stacy is a poet and the Artistic Director of The Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church in New York City. She has been here five years and originally hails from Milwaukee.

Living next to Lake Michigan has many benefits. Having always lived in a location near a large body of water, I can relate to her admiration for the beauty of a seascape, whether it be an ocean or a great lake.

Stacy told me she enjoyed watching the tugboats in her home town, and that these small vessels are a "connective image" that draws her back to her original home.

This tattoo was designed and inked by Stephanie Tamez at New York Adorned. Work from Stephanie on Tattoosday can be viewed here.

This is also the second tugboat of the summer. The first one is here.

Thanks to Stacy for sharing her tugboat with us here at Tattoosday. Perhaps we'll see her panther when the Tattooed Poets Project returns next April for its third year!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Tyler's Bald Eagle

I spotted Tyler outside of my office building on Seventh Avenue last month.

Actually, the first thing I noticed was Tyler's eagle:


One of three tattoos he has, Tyler explained that he really likes traditional designs, and that eagles, in his opinion, are among the coolest animals.

He also likes the way feathers look in tattoo designs, and this eagle's plumage is inked exceptionally well.

He credits Jeremy at Imperial Tattoo in Portland, Oregon with this piece.

Thanks to Tyler for allowing his eagle to fly here on Tattoosday!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Bob Marley - Celebrity Portrait Tattoos

Bob Marley Tattoo
Bob Marley Tattoo
Bob Marley was a musician and singer of reggae style music. He wrote songs that touch the hearts of many with topics ranging from love to the hardships and struggles of everyday life. Even now his music is still played among our younger generations. He has inspired hope and strength for many people with the lyrics of his music. Bob Marley passed away in 1981 due to cancer. With the inspiration he gave to many people through his songs, his music and memory still lives on. In remembrance of this talented artist some fan's have opted to get a tattoo of Bob Marley as in this portrait tattoo design.

Hope - Breast Cancer Awareness Tattoo

Hope - Cancer Awareness Tattoo
Breast Cancer Awareness Tattoo
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo to commemorate a loved one or yourself battling breast cancer. Getting a pink cancer ribbon tattoo is a good choice as it symbolizes the whole ordeal of awareness and fighting cancer. It is a symbol of hope, strength, courage, love and for many it can be a symbol to never give up or give in. Tattoo ideas for cancer ribbons are not too hard to find. As we see in this picture, which displays a well thought out tattoo design of implementing the pink cancer ribbon into a lettering design of the word "HOPE".

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Nick's AK-47

I met Nick outside of Penn Station and, of his "six or seven" tattoos, he offered up this one:


Nick had this AK-47 inked on his stomach to pay homage to his Russian heritage. He told me that this tattoo was done by Fernando Alvarez out in Los Angeles.


Thanks to Nick for sharing his ink with us here at Tattoosday!


 

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