Tattoo Designs Faq's and Learning Centre


Innovative Tribal Designs

 

In the world of tattoo designs, there are thousands of potential tattoos to choose from. Each and every day, there are new designs added to studios and online tattoo websites. Tattoos are becoming more and more popular these days, making the designs all the more important. Although flowers and other designs are popular, tribal designs seem to be among the most common.

The one thing that sticks out with tribal tattoos is the innovation. Tribal tattoos feature unique artwork, with most being more or less solid black, with no other colours. Tribal can have several different meanings as well, as it all depends on the image that the artist is trying to bring to life. Tribal can either be a design that the artist already had, or the artist can take your feedback and do the entire tattoo freehand as he goes along. Experienced tattoo artists can normally do great work freehand, as it gives you the ability to make changes as he goes along. Some of the most popular designs with tribal tattoos include skulls and letters. Unique designs are also very popular, especially those that wrap around the arms or the back. Tribal can be put virtually anywhere on the body, just like any other tattoo. Depending on the tattoo design you have in mind, it may take quite a few hours before the artist has finished. With the larger tattoos, you may need to come back to have the work finished.

 ▲Go To Top▲

Celtic Tattoos

 

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years. Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewellery, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans. Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses. Over the years, modern Celtic evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are of Celtic descent. The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little written history. Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed. The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols. The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular. Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth. There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet. The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level. The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements. The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love. For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride. These tattoos help to re-establish pride, and give tribute to ones ancestors. The tattoos are not easy to do, most taking several hours. Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoo, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo. The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them. It’s always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly. The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement, which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

 ▲Go To Top▲

The Meaning Of Flower Tattoos

 

These days, more and more women are getting tattoos. As more women decide to get tattoos, flower designs continue to rise in popularity. The best thing about flower tattoos is the fact that there are many different colors and types of flowers, providing many different meanings as well. The flowers can mean a few different things, although specific types of flowers, such as the rose and the Lilly, may have a more specific meaning.

In general, flower tattoos have a connection with nature, bringing up thoughts and images of life and vitality. Anytime we look at a flower, we see the duration of life, simply flowers connect with us in the sense that we both grow. Flowers emerge from the earth and continue to grow on a daily basis. Then, the flowers bloom, knowing that they will later dry up and start to wilt away.

Having a tattoo with a flower brings back the entire process known as life. Keep in mind however, that different colors and flowers on tattoos will symbolize other things as well. White flower tattoos symbolize purity, while red flower tattoos can symbolize a burning passion. There are many colours and designs available, giving plenty of meaning to those desiring flower tattoos.

Roses are the most common flower design for tattoos, symbolizing love. Centuries ago, roses were tattooed on those who were sentenced to death. If they were to escape from the gallows, the rose tattoo would serve as a symbol to easily recognize them. These days, roses symbolize both love and passion. Roses have long been known as a romantic flower, popular for special occasions with the ones we love. In the western regions, rose tattoos are a symbol of love and purity. In the Eastern regions however, love and purity are symbolized by a lotus flower. Tattoos that feature lotus flowers also bring a little more meaning to the table. Lotus tattoos are also known to symbolize fortune, peace, beauty, and goodness. Even though roses are the most popular tattoos in North America, Lotus flower tattoos are more common in other regions.

Other examples include the acacia flower tattoo, which is the symbol for love and friendship. There are some people with Irish heritage, who choose to get tattoos with the flower known as the Bells of Ireland. This flower is well known throughout Ireland, with the tattoo symbolizing good luck. Irish who have this tattoo are known to be lucky, or have an insane trend with luck.

Those who think of themselves as being the perfect lover, may want to get a tulip tattooed on their arm. Tattoos with tulips represent passionate love and fame for being a great lover. If you happen to be shy and timid, you may want to go with a violet flower tattoo instead. Violets are common tattoos for those who are shy and timid, and enjoy taking things slow. Those wanting to symbolize wisdom and virtue on the other hand, would be well to get an Iris. Magnolias are also common with flower tattoos, as they symbolize an individual’s love for nature. Flower tattoos are very common and popular designs these days, giving plenty of meaning behind their beauty. The flowers can be large, or small, and as bold as you wish them to be. No matter which flower you have decided to use with your tattoo, you can ensure that the flower says the meaning you are looking for.

▲Go To Top▲

Free Tattoo Designs

 

With the Internet being so popular these days, many people often turn to the Internet for free tattoo designs. For most of us, free is always the way to go. When you stop and think about it, a free tattoo design sounds a lot better than paying for one at a tattoo studio. The fact about it is simple; someone could just as easily draw their tattoo design themselves and then pay the tattoo artist to put the tattoo on them. If you give it some thought, you may begin to wonder if free tattoo designs are actually worth it in the end. The fact of them being free is always great,  although you may wonder if the design is something you would like to display permanently on your body. When you show your new tattoo to friends, they may think negative thoughts when you tell them that you got the design free off the Internet. Each and every time you show your tattoo, people will want to know about the message and the design, which you will probably need to think about.

All of us are familiar with the old saying. You get what you pay for! And its truly no different in this scenario. Although there are hundreds and hundreds of websites on the Internet that provide free tattoo designs, few of them are really worth the interest. Most of the free designs out there on the Internet are very poor quality. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to wait and have a professional tattoo artist make the design for you.

Those who choose to go with free tattoo designs will tell you that tattoos are very expensive, and they cannot afford to have a professional tattoo artist draw up the design. Some people, when dealing with custom tattoo designs, will say that their tattoo artist does not do custom designs or that he just does not want to do theirs. Although most of this may be true to an extent, there truly is no better way to get a tattoo than using a design made by a professional tattoo artist.

As most already know, free tattoo designs are normally made by those who know next to nothing about tattoo designing. In most cases, these designs are made by someone who is looking to make a quick profit, instead of a true professional tattoo artist. You can easily tell that they are not professional quality simply by looking at them. Most free designs have poor quality, poor lines, and often times the work appears to be made on a personal computer. You certainly would not want to use something like this with your tattoo, simply because you will be showing it the rest of your life.

If you spend a lot of time searching on the Internet for free tattoo designs, you may be able to find a few with good quality. There are some good quality designs out there, although you will probably have to search quite a bit to find them. It is best to have an idea in mind about the tattoo you want, and then look for it that way. Although it may take you some time, you could very well find it. If you do come across it as a free tattoo design, you should always triple check the quality before you decide to have it done.

▲Go To Top▲

Tongue Tattoos

 

Although tattoos are very popular, the new trend that is rapidly taking effect in the world of tattoos is known as tongue tattoos. Although many are not familiar with tongue tattoos yet, they are just now starting to take shape. They resemble other designs and styles, although they cover the muscle known as the tongue. There are tattoos that cover the entire tongue, or just a single area. In most cases, those who already have them, chose to have their tongue tattooed a certain
color. Whether it be purple, orange, black, or blue, the tongue can be tattooed a variety of different colours.

The designs that are poplar with tongue tattoos include stars, tribal work, and other shapes and designs that cover a region of the tongue. Stars are popular with the lower area of the tongue, near the tip. There are also designs that can be tattooed farther back on the tongue, near the middle of it. As tongue tattoos become more and more popular, more and more designs are implemented.

As far as the procedure goes, its very similar to getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. The tongue, just like the skin, will swallow the pigments once the surface has been punctured by the needle. Once the pigments of ink are absorbed by the tongue, the colour will remain there forever.

Those who have had tongue tattoos in the past say that they are not very painful. Unlike tattoos on the skin, the tongue is a giant muscle. A tattoo on the tongue is often described as a tickling sensation, or the feeling of numbness in your mouth. When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he will normally use a tool to hold the tongue out. If you have ever had a tongue piercing, you will know what it looks like. Once the tongue is out, the artist will begin work.

If a tongue tattoo sounds interesting to you, the first thing to do is find a tattoo artist in your area who is experienced with doing them. Not a lot of tattoo artists are familiar with tongue tattoos, as they are just now beginning to surface.

 ▲Go To Top▲

Caring For A New Tattoo

 

Good tattoo artists will clean and apply antiseptic ointment to your tattoo as they create it. Expert artists know that this helps keep the tattoo healthy. Once the tattoo is finished, the artist will wipe it down, clean it off well, and apply another coat of antiseptic ointment. Once the ointment has been applied, he will put a piece of soft tissue or cellophane over the tattoo.

Once the tattoo is finished, the artists should tell you how to take care of your new tattoo. Some of the better artists will talk to you and give you a detailed sheet with all of the information you need. If you went to a tattoo artist who did not explain this to you, you may be wondering just what you should do. Taking care of a tattoo is not hard, as long as you know what you can and cannot do.

After getting your tattoo, if you notice any swelling or excessive redness around the tattoo, you should visit a doctor immediately, to find out if the tattoo is infected. In most cases, tattoo infections can be treated with medicine. If the infection is severe, you may be admitted to the hospital, so they can further treat you. In the more severe cases, you may end up having to get the tattoo removed to prevent further infection. Removing a tattoo requires surgery, which also involves risks as well.

When you first get home with your new tattoo, you should never hop right in the shower. You should keep it dry for the first few days, but also clean it every few hours. Before you touch the tattoo or clean it, you should always make sure that your hands are clean. If you keep your hands clean, you will have less worry about infection.

You will also want to visit your local drugstore and purchase a tube of A&D ointment. A&D ointment is the best to use. A&D will keep your tattoo clean and shiny and should be used for the first few days. Once the ointment starts to dry on the tattoo, you should wipe the old application off and apply some more. Do not rub it too hard, or you could damage the healing process. For the first few days, you should avoid using soap as well.

A&D ointment will keep your tattoo healthy, which you will notice the first time you apply it. After you stop using it, you should use an unscented body lotion. You want to avoid body lotions that have scents, as they can easily irritate the tender skin that resides under your tattoo. After you have used the lotion for a few days, you can stop using it. Most tattoos, after they have healed, tend to leave a scab in some areas. If your tattoo has a scab, you should try not to pick at it. If you are not careful, you could end up damaging your design. The best thing to do if you have a scab is to leave it alone. You can put A&D ointment on it if you want, as most of the time a scab will itch.

A tattoo can be a great thing to have, providing you take care of it. Tattoos will stay with you for the rest of your life, unless you choose to get them surgically removed. Taking care of your tattoo now will keep it healthy and infection free in the long run.

▲Go To Top▲

Time And Tattoos

 

Over time, tattoos will change with the skin because of the wind, sun, regeneration, water, and other things. The way a tattoo looks and the design will also change with the skin as it shrinks, stretches, and ages. The pigment that makes up the tattoo will remain essentially the same, although tanning and wrinkles can affect the color and clarity of the tattoo.

The overall length of time that a tattoo stays healthy and vibrant in colour all depends on how well it was taken care of after it was completed, and how the skin is taken care of afterwards. Even though infection is always a concern with tattoos, you must also promote healing in the sense of retaining as much ink as you possibly can. Most tattoos will heal completely within a few short weeks, although they must be kept moist to prevent scabbing. If allowed to scab, the scab that forms will remove some of the colour from the tattoo.

The number one enemy of tattoos is the sun. Just like other colours that are exposed to sunlight, the pigments found in tattoos will fade. Yellow and red are the hardest colours to maintain over time, blue and black are the easiest and most stable to maintain. Tattoos are considered to be part of the organism of living skin and need to be maintained to keep the colour alive and fresh. If you are going to be out in the sun, you should always cover your tattoos and wear a quality sunscreen as well, just to be on the safe side.

Tattoos that have been properly applied, properly healed, and protected from the rays of the sun can remain their best for years and years. Although the colours will remain vibrant as well, time and the sun are definite enemies for tattoos. No matter how well you take care of your tattoos and protect them, there really is no escape from changes that come as a result of time itself.

▲Go To Top▲

Things To Expect From Tattoo Removal

 

At some point or another or for various reasons, people often make the decision to get their tattoo removed. In some cases, the tattoo will reflect a lost love, and sometimes the tattoo will be something that the individual does not want anymore. Whatever the cause may be, getting a tattoo removed is a decision that takes quite of bit of time and thought. If you have been thinking about getting a tattoo removed, you will need to start out by making an appointment with a local doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon, and discuss your options. Your doctor will look over the tattoo, the condition of the tattoo, and which methods he thinks will work best for the removal.

All methods of tattoo removal do require a medical procedure, which in itself will carry along risks and side effects. Even though you may be getting a simple procedure, there may be complications with it as well. For this very reason, you should always consider getting a tattoo removed very carefully. It’s very important that you be extremely sure you want the tattoo removed before you proceed with any type of tattoo removal procedure.

Your doctor or dermatologist will be able to explain to you step by step how the procedure works, how long it will take to complete, and the type of recovery that you can expect. As you probably already know, the procedure site will be quite tender for a long period of time and will more than likely result in scarring. As time goes by, the scarring will tend to lessen eventually to the point where it is not all that visible.

The answer to scarring however, all depends on the tattoos size. If you have a large tattoo, the scarring result will be more than that of a smaller tattoo. Depending on where you have the tattoo that you want removed, you may notice quite a bit of pain. Certain areas of the body, such as the chest and elbows, are more sensitive than other areas. The costs of getting a tattoo removed can be very expensive. If the tattoo is a large one, the expenses can be outrageous. Most insurance companies will not pay for these costs unless there is a medical or health reason involved. With insurance not paying for the removal of the tattoo, you will need to pay costs out of pocket. You should always talk to your doctor and make payment arrangements beforehand.

Getting a tattoo removed can be expensive, painful, and impose risks that you will need to think about. Even though you can get a tattoo removed, many wonder if its worth it. The best way to deal with tattoos and their removal, is to avoid getting them in the first place, especially if there is any doubt in your mind that you may not want them later on.

▲Go To Top▲

Tattoo Removal Options

 

Currently, there are two options to remove tattoos that are rapidly becoming more and more popular, laser technology and light based technology.

Both surgeries use light energy to destroy the ink in the tattoo. The ink in the tattoo will absorb the energy of the light, breaking it up. Once the ink starts to break up, it can easily be passed through and out of your body through filtering. In most cases this is extremely safe, as the ink is broken down into micro size to where it can easily pass through the body with no complications.

The process is actually similar to the surgery in which hair is removed. The surgeon or doctor who performs the surgery will hold a wand to the skin that is being treated. As he does this, the pulses of light are aimed at the tattoo, breaking up the ink. The wand is normally held right up against the tattoo, as this makes the pulses of light much more effective.

Normally, the feeling that you will experience is best described as an elastic or rubber band flicking constantly against your skin. If the tattoo is big, the pain could certainly be a bit more intense. The area where the tattoo is at is also important, as sensitive areas may cause you quite a bit of pain and discomfort. If the area in which you have the tattoo does not have a lot of muscle or tissue, you will more than likely want to be numbed as much as possible before starting the procedure. Both laser and light based treatments are somewhat similar. With both tattoo removal procedures, the doctor that is doing the procedure will always apply a cooling gel to the tattoo area that is being treated to cool the skin and conduct the energy of the light. This cooling gel helps to draw the light, and at the same time protect your skin. The gel will feel cool to the touch and it will help your skin when the light pulses start to break the ink apart.

If you have been thinking about having a tattoo removed, you should consider both light and laser based procedures. Keep in mind that they are both expensive, and both impose risks. Depending on how big your tattoo is, and what the procedure involves, you may need to spend a night or two in the hospital.

▲Go To Top▲

Summary

 

Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the skin. Tattoo artists accomplish this by using an electric powered tattoo gun that almost sounds like the drill a dentist uses. The tattoo gun has a needle that moves up and down, putting the ink into the skin rapidly. The needle in the gun punctures the skin and deposits a small drop of ink with each puncture.

One of the biggest concerns regarding tattoos has always been safety. Tattoo machines work by puncturing the skin and injecting ink into the tattoo site. Whenever you are dealing with puncture wounds, there is always a risk of infection and disease. Because of these risks, tattoo applications are always focused on safety. Tattoo artists should always use sterile equipment, disposable materials, and proper sanitation to ensure protection for themselves and their customers.

To help prevent the risk of contamination, almost all tattoo materials, such as ink, ink cups, needles, and gloves are for single use only. Needles should never be used a second time, as they can lead to infection. Most of the single use products will arrive at the tattoo studio in sterile packaging, where the artist can open it up in front of you before he starts his work.

Before they start the tattoo, tattoo artists should always wash their hands with soap and water and check themselves for abrasions and cuts. After doing so, they will clean and disinfect their work area with the appropriate disinfectants. As they do this, they will normally explain to you what they are doing and how the sterilization process works. Once they have cleaned the area, they will then start to open their equipment from the sterile boxes. After the artist has opened everything, he will shave the area for the tattoo and disinfect it with water and soap. Once he starts the tattoo, the pain will all depend on your tolerance. Some people say that it feels like being pinched, while others describe it as a slight poking with needles. Your overall pain tolerance, the location and size of the tattoo, and the experience of the tattoo artist, will all be contributing factors to how much pain you will feel. The location is extremely important. If you are getting a tattoo in a sensitive area, it will probably hurt a bit more.

The tattoo artist will clean the tattoo throughout the process, and again once he has finished. Once he has finished, he will put some ointment on the tattoo and cover it. He will also explain how you should take care of it and what you can and can not do. Most tattoo artists will give you a sheet to take home that contains detailed instructions on caring for your new tattoo. If you have any questions, you should not hesitate to ask when he is going over your care instructions. When you get home, you should always follow those instructions. Taking care of your new tattoo is very important and may very well determine your risk of infection. Tattoos can be a great thing to have, providing you take care of them.

▲Go To Top▲