Thursday, August 12, 2010
American Flag Tattoo - Making the Right Choice
Getting an American flag tattoo anywhere in your body is a great act of patriotism. A lot of people acquire tattoos for many different reasons. Your American flag tattoo will be sure to attract attention and leave you with a feeling pride that you can only get from displaying your red, white, and blue.
There are however some special considerations before choosing an American flag...
First of all before choosing your American flag tattoo design, make sure you are selecting quality designs, as well as acquiring a professional to do the work of tattooing for you! It would really be best if you ask an American Tattooist to do your design as they are known to be excellent and have made a mark in the tattoo world.
Since American flag designs are very popular nowadays, a lot of native and non native Americans who stay in the US are acquiring them. The most common areas of their body which get tattooed are the lower back, foot, wrist, ankle, chest, armband, back of the neck, shoulder blades, upper arms, thighs/hips, sides of the neck and a lot more. But, you are free to choose where in your body you want to get tattooed.
So Many Choices
As you may know, the American flag we honor these days has undergone a total of 26 transformations from the novel version of 1777. With that, people find it real interesting and exciting as they get the chance to choose to which American flag tattoo designs they would go for. The fact is, there are many versions to choose from:
* The military version of the flag which is seen as patches on military uniforms
* Today's flag with 50 stars and 13 stripes
* The flag created by Betsy Ross with 13 stars on a blue background (in a circle) including 13 white and red stripes.
Naturally people in America are very creative and artistic. They love making new styles in almost anything and when it comes to tattooing, they take pleasure in getting different styles of American Flag tattoos. Tattooists have fashioned different styles of the American flag; portraying it as if it is flying for example, or making it appear similar to patches in military uniforms. They can even blend and layer American flags with animals and objects like eagles and crosses.
Some immigrants from Europe and Asia who have migrated to America have also grown fond of American flag tattoos. They choose to combine the American flag with the flag of their homeland allowing them to salute both countries that they hold dear in their hearts.
There are however some special considerations before choosing an American flag...
First of all before choosing your American flag tattoo design, make sure you are selecting quality designs, as well as acquiring a professional to do the work of tattooing for you! It would really be best if you ask an American Tattooist to do your design as they are known to be excellent and have made a mark in the tattoo world.
Since American flag designs are very popular nowadays, a lot of native and non native Americans who stay in the US are acquiring them. The most common areas of their body which get tattooed are the lower back, foot, wrist, ankle, chest, armband, back of the neck, shoulder blades, upper arms, thighs/hips, sides of the neck and a lot more. But, you are free to choose where in your body you want to get tattooed.
So Many Choices
As you may know, the American flag we honor these days has undergone a total of 26 transformations from the novel version of 1777. With that, people find it real interesting and exciting as they get the chance to choose to which American flag tattoo designs they would go for. The fact is, there are many versions to choose from:
* The military version of the flag which is seen as patches on military uniforms
* Today's flag with 50 stars and 13 stripes
* The flag created by Betsy Ross with 13 stars on a blue background (in a circle) including 13 white and red stripes.
Naturally people in America are very creative and artistic. They love making new styles in almost anything and when it comes to tattooing, they take pleasure in getting different styles of American Flag tattoos. Tattooists have fashioned different styles of the American flag; portraying it as if it is flying for example, or making it appear similar to patches in military uniforms. They can even blend and layer American flags with animals and objects like eagles and crosses.
Some immigrants from Europe and Asia who have migrated to America have also grown fond of American flag tattoos. They choose to combine the American flag with the flag of their homeland allowing them to salute both countries that they hold dear in their hearts.
Tattoos and Celebrities
Over the years tattoos have caught rage with Hollywood celebrities to such an extent that more than these stars their tattoos are getting more attention. One of the biggest stars who carry tattoos with élan is Angelina Jolie and has been know to wear a number of tattoos all around her body. She has been known to wear Thai tiger, tribal dragon and a number of Latin verses on her arms and shoulders.
The trend of tattoos started catching up with Hollywood celebrities in the sixties and as far as I can remember Janis Joplin was one of the first celebrities who got tattooed by Lyle Tuttle who is considered to be the forefather of American tattooing. Even one of the sexiest celebrities on Earth Johnny Depp has been known to sport tattoo on his arms which a number of fans have emulated. David Beckham too is known for his love for tattoos and has been caught sporting a range of tattoos both on and off the field with the likes of Hindu scriptures too appearing on his body.
Even rock bands have been found to sport tattoos giving a further push to the popularity of this art. If you love Red Hot Chilli Peppers then you would probably even love the tattoos which they have been sporting over the years. Other stars such as Pharrel, 50 cents and Justin Timberlake too have been sporting tattoos as a tool for expression.
You can probably consider celebrities as unofficial brand ambassador for tattoos. They surely have highlighted the art of tattoo in good light making it one of the most asked for art in the industry. You will find a number of fans emulating the tattoos worn by their favorite stars and this in itself will make you realize that this art will only gain further popularity in the years to come.
The trend of tattoos started catching up with Hollywood celebrities in the sixties and as far as I can remember Janis Joplin was one of the first celebrities who got tattooed by Lyle Tuttle who is considered to be the forefather of American tattooing. Even one of the sexiest celebrities on Earth Johnny Depp has been known to sport tattoo on his arms which a number of fans have emulated. David Beckham too is known for his love for tattoos and has been caught sporting a range of tattoos both on and off the field with the likes of Hindu scriptures too appearing on his body.
Even rock bands have been found to sport tattoos giving a further push to the popularity of this art. If you love Red Hot Chilli Peppers then you would probably even love the tattoos which they have been sporting over the years. Other stars such as Pharrel, 50 cents and Justin Timberlake too have been sporting tattoos as a tool for expression.
You can probably consider celebrities as unofficial brand ambassador for tattoos. They surely have highlighted the art of tattoo in good light making it one of the most asked for art in the industry. You will find a number of fans emulating the tattoos worn by their favorite stars and this in itself will make you realize that this art will only gain further popularity in the years to come.
Tattoos and Body Art on Hollywood Celebrities
Celebrity tattoos are becoming more and more visible and socially acceptable in mainstream pop culture these days. Angelina Jolie recently voted most sexy woman has plenty of tattoos and is probably the most famous and desirable celebrity with tattoos in Hollywood. Her tattoos to date consist of tribal dragons, a Thai tiger, and various Latin sayings across her shoulders and arms.
This surge in popularity of celebrity tattoos began in the 1960s. Lyle Tuttle the forefather of American tattooing tattooed Janis Joplin. Time was when tattoos were the preserve of those on the fringes of society but now it is not uncommon to see celebrity tattoos. Even super models such as Kate Moss and Sarah O'Hare strut around flashing their body art on the cover of glossy magazines or on the cat walk.
Actor Johnny Depp ranks as heavily tattooed for his caliber of talent and breadth of acting work. His tattooed arms are as often painted to be blank flesh as left with their own tattoos showing and incorporated into the character.
Vin Diesel is covered with a mix of modern tattoos styles, as befitting an underground government secret agent in the movie xXx. The character he plays agent X has one full sleeve, one partial sleeve, chest work and tattoos on his stomach.
As vampire slayer BLADE, Wesley Snipes has tribal blackwork on his arms, chest and back, as well as the sides of his head and the back of his nect. Pamela Anderson had her arm tattooed for real with a barbed wire armband for her role in the movie BARBWIRE. Following her split from husband Tommy Lee, (who is heavily tattooed) she had the "Tommy" tattoo on her finger edited to read "Mommy" in reference to her two sons. She also has tribal tattoos on the small of her back and a tattoo on her ankle.
Musicians have traditionally enjoyed more freedom than actors when it comes to body art. For movie stars having to transform into a different character each time they shoot a movie can be limiting especially if they are playing historical figures. But that has not stopped a lot of actors from getting tattooed in very visible places.
This surge in popularity of celebrity tattoos began in the 1960s. Lyle Tuttle the forefather of American tattooing tattooed Janis Joplin. Time was when tattoos were the preserve of those on the fringes of society but now it is not uncommon to see celebrity tattoos. Even super models such as Kate Moss and Sarah O'Hare strut around flashing their body art on the cover of glossy magazines or on the cat walk.
Actor Johnny Depp ranks as heavily tattooed for his caliber of talent and breadth of acting work. His tattooed arms are as often painted to be blank flesh as left with their own tattoos showing and incorporated into the character.
Vin Diesel is covered with a mix of modern tattoos styles, as befitting an underground government secret agent in the movie xXx. The character he plays agent X has one full sleeve, one partial sleeve, chest work and tattoos on his stomach.
As vampire slayer BLADE, Wesley Snipes has tribal blackwork on his arms, chest and back, as well as the sides of his head and the back of his nect. Pamela Anderson had her arm tattooed for real with a barbed wire armband for her role in the movie BARBWIRE. Following her split from husband Tommy Lee, (who is heavily tattooed) she had the "Tommy" tattoo on her finger edited to read "Mommy" in reference to her two sons. She also has tribal tattoos on the small of her back and a tattoo on her ankle.
Musicians have traditionally enjoyed more freedom than actors when it comes to body art. For movie stars having to transform into a different character each time they shoot a movie can be limiting especially if they are playing historical figures. But that has not stopped a lot of actors from getting tattooed in very visible places.
The Worst Tattoo Sleeve Trends
Tribal Sleeve - Leo Zulueta is credited with bringing tribal style tattooing from the South Pacific to the United States in the late 70's. But is was George Clooney's character in the movie From Dusk Till Dawn that caused the tribal sleeve to explode in popularity. Tribal sleeves may be the worst sleeve trend of all as they take another peoples tattoo culture, remove all the meaning and mock the origins of tattoo designs that date back centuries. They are also next to impossible to cover up once tattoo regret sets in.
Biomechanical Sleeve - Biomechanical tattooing was pioneered by tattoo artist like Aaron Cain and other tattooist in the San Francisco bay area. A breakaway from traditional style American tattooing, biomechanical uses images of the human flesh mixed with machine parts. Basically biomechanical tattoos mix organic images with inorganic images. It quickly became over used.
Flame Sleeve - No clear origins on the flame sleeve but whoever created it should be ashamed. The sleeve is not only hard to look at but is unbelievable boring for the tattoo artist. Flame tattoos are not only a waste of good skin but will also prove difficult to cover.
Random Cool Stuff Sleeve - A twist on the American style hodgepodge sleeve that is acquired over time, the random cool stuff sleeve is acquired quickly. The images often include skulls, flowers, brass knuckles, something with wings,maybe a couple of flames. A newer variation on this sleeve is to get random candy pieces or random kids toys tattooed as a sleeve.
Biomechanical Sleeve - Biomechanical tattooing was pioneered by tattoo artist like Aaron Cain and other tattooist in the San Francisco bay area. A breakaway from traditional style American tattooing, biomechanical uses images of the human flesh mixed with machine parts. Basically biomechanical tattoos mix organic images with inorganic images. It quickly became over used.
Flame Sleeve - No clear origins on the flame sleeve but whoever created it should be ashamed. The sleeve is not only hard to look at but is unbelievable boring for the tattoo artist. Flame tattoos are not only a waste of good skin but will also prove difficult to cover.
Random Cool Stuff Sleeve - A twist on the American style hodgepodge sleeve that is acquired over time, the random cool stuff sleeve is acquired quickly. The images often include skulls, flowers, brass knuckles, something with wings,maybe a couple of flames. A newer variation on this sleeve is to get random candy pieces or random kids toys tattooed as a sleeve.
Girl Tattoos - How to Find the Right Design For You
If shows such as Miami Ink and L.A. Ink show us anything, it's that tattoos are not some passing fad. What once was a form of rebellion is now seen by many as an outward extension of who they are. Women today are becoming increasingly tattooed and searches on the net for girl tattoos have skyrocketed. Some tattoo studios (once called tattoo 'parlors) can even have a female to male ratio of 60% to 40%.
What drives a woman to get a tattoo? The most heard reason in studios is that they just broke up with someone. Some get their first ink after a divorce or other major change in their life such as losing a loved one, childbirth, marriage or even religion (think cross tattoos or The Virgin Mary). This is a practice that dates back thousands of years.
What are women having done tattoo-wise? The most popular are typically flowers, tribal designs, butterflies, fairies and cartoons. These tattoos are also starting to get larger and more customized. There was a time when women usually "hid" something very small on their shoulder or ankle. Today popular spots include the small of the back, arms legs and even chests. Although, the ankle and shoulder are still tremendously popular locations...the tattoos are just larger. Typically being more stylish that men, women are more concerned about tattoos they want and where on their body to put it. Part of the tattoo artist's job is to help the client select a design or possible location that will accentuate a certain part or shape of the body.
Women also seem to be better than men when actually getting tattooed. Men like to think they are tough can take the pain. But when the needle hits their skin they pass out in the chair. Women, on the other hand anticipate the pain and will have a higher tolerance.
Have you been searching the internet looking for tattoo designs, a tattoo finder or more particularly girl tattoo art? Finding the right design can be downright exhausting. People with tattoos will tell you how long it takes to choose the right one. After all, they last forever and shouldn't be rushed. It could take 20-30 hours to find the right tattoo design, so don't get a tattoo on a whim or go with cute and trendy. A feminine tattoo should be unique and should speak about who you are and not copied from someone else.
If you are like most women, you have searched and searched for the right design; be it a cross tattoo, a floral tattoo or butterfly tattoo. You may have searched the internet, looked for a tattoo finder or even searched the books of your local tattoo studio. Take your time and try to visualize the type of tattoo you want before you get it. Try to find examples that resemble your idea to see what it may end up looking like. Never be tempted to 'just pick one off the wall'...never settle for less just because you can't make up your mind. The first half of 2008 shows the 5 most popular girl tattoos to be Traditional Japanese tattoos (koi fish, dragons, etc.), Traditional American tattoos (pin ups, classic cars, etc.), Floral tattoos, Anime (although I think this is a passing fad) and Indian / Hindu tattoo designs. Be careful, though, some designs can have totally different meanings than what you thought and can also be associated with particular cultural groups; such as gang tattoos. Also be sure to have any foreign tattoos, such as Japanese lettering, translated before having them permanently affixed to your body! The estimate is that 25% of all translation in tattoo studio is wrong! There are tons of cases of people going to get a Japanese tattoo of "strong will" and the lettering actually spelling out "small fish" or something worse.
What drives a woman to get a tattoo? The most heard reason in studios is that they just broke up with someone. Some get their first ink after a divorce or other major change in their life such as losing a loved one, childbirth, marriage or even religion (think cross tattoos or The Virgin Mary). This is a practice that dates back thousands of years.
What are women having done tattoo-wise? The most popular are typically flowers, tribal designs, butterflies, fairies and cartoons. These tattoos are also starting to get larger and more customized. There was a time when women usually "hid" something very small on their shoulder or ankle. Today popular spots include the small of the back, arms legs and even chests. Although, the ankle and shoulder are still tremendously popular locations...the tattoos are just larger. Typically being more stylish that men, women are more concerned about tattoos they want and where on their body to put it. Part of the tattoo artist's job is to help the client select a design or possible location that will accentuate a certain part or shape of the body.
Women also seem to be better than men when actually getting tattooed. Men like to think they are tough can take the pain. But when the needle hits their skin they pass out in the chair. Women, on the other hand anticipate the pain and will have a higher tolerance.
Have you been searching the internet looking for tattoo designs, a tattoo finder or more particularly girl tattoo art? Finding the right design can be downright exhausting. People with tattoos will tell you how long it takes to choose the right one. After all, they last forever and shouldn't be rushed. It could take 20-30 hours to find the right tattoo design, so don't get a tattoo on a whim or go with cute and trendy. A feminine tattoo should be unique and should speak about who you are and not copied from someone else.
If you are like most women, you have searched and searched for the right design; be it a cross tattoo, a floral tattoo or butterfly tattoo. You may have searched the internet, looked for a tattoo finder or even searched the books of your local tattoo studio. Take your time and try to visualize the type of tattoo you want before you get it. Try to find examples that resemble your idea to see what it may end up looking like. Never be tempted to 'just pick one off the wall'...never settle for less just because you can't make up your mind. The first half of 2008 shows the 5 most popular girl tattoos to be Traditional Japanese tattoos (koi fish, dragons, etc.), Traditional American tattoos (pin ups, classic cars, etc.), Floral tattoos, Anime (although I think this is a passing fad) and Indian / Hindu tattoo designs. Be careful, though, some designs can have totally different meanings than what you thought and can also be associated with particular cultural groups; such as gang tattoos. Also be sure to have any foreign tattoos, such as Japanese lettering, translated before having them permanently affixed to your body! The estimate is that 25% of all translation in tattoo studio is wrong! There are tons of cases of people going to get a Japanese tattoo of "strong will" and the lettering actually spelling out "small fish" or something worse.
The Eagle Tattoo Has Been Around a Long Time
Eagle tattoos never really disappeared, although they are mostly seen on a biker-kind-of guy or girl. Also popular and full of symbolism are tattoos of the mythical phoenix bird, aka firebird, and tribal bird tattoos.
Birds, as well as other animals, were some of the first pictorial tattoos done on humans. These animal tattoos often held meaning beyond the usual symbolism of a particular species - they also designated belonging to groups and societies. Birds are often included with other tattoo images.
Whatever the pattern may be it depends on the private?s selection therefore reflecting a region of the personality of the individual who has it. Many prefers tattooing tiny pattern because they are less traumatic and at the same moment it allows them to transport something private on their bodies ever which cannot be located well.Eagle tattoos are a way to show your patriotic feelings for America. Such a design could work with an American flag or a military symbol. These type are a typically male tattoo design that crosses over a significant number of tattoo genres, and the influence of the eagle in American tattooing cannot be underestimated.
Eagle tattoos are one of them, which reflect the strength and common are the choices for the men and women serving in the police, firefighters, military personnel, or other members of the service. Stressing articulates such as freedom, the strength and freedom are added to the most popular choice of banners or a tattoo of an eagle particularly if the tattoo is done as a tribute to the memory of someone or to turn the 'whole image impressive.Eagles are counted among the birds with strong resistance heel that climbs high in the sky, which have a strong view.
Birds, as well as other animals, were some of the first pictorial tattoos done on humans. These animal tattoos often held meaning beyond the usual symbolism of a particular species - they also designated belonging to groups and societies. Birds are often included with other tattoo images.
Whatever the pattern may be it depends on the private?s selection therefore reflecting a region of the personality of the individual who has it. Many prefers tattooing tiny pattern because they are less traumatic and at the same moment it allows them to transport something private on their bodies ever which cannot be located well.Eagle tattoos are a way to show your patriotic feelings for America. Such a design could work with an American flag or a military symbol. These type are a typically male tattoo design that crosses over a significant number of tattoo genres, and the influence of the eagle in American tattooing cannot be underestimated.
Eagle tattoos are one of them, which reflect the strength and common are the choices for the men and women serving in the police, firefighters, military personnel, or other members of the service. Stressing articulates such as freedom, the strength and freedom are added to the most popular choice of banners or a tattoo of an eagle particularly if the tattoo is done as a tribute to the memory of someone or to turn the 'whole image impressive.Eagles are counted among the birds with strong resistance heel that climbs high in the sky, which have a strong view.
Tattoos-Popular Tattoo Designs for Girls
Girls are always asking me what tattoos they should get or what I think are the hottest tattoos for girls. Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer simply because there are as many different types of tattoos are there are girls. What one person might find sexy another might consider unattractive or very unfeminine.
Certain styles of tattoos might not suit the image you want to project. For example certain work environments may not accept highly visible tattoos even though tattoos are becoming more and more accepted. It may be wise to hold off getting that sacred heart tattoo emblazoned across your chest if your boss is going to flip out if (s)he sees it!
So in saying that what I hope to do in this short article is offer my insight and experience within the tattoo industry for the past 9 or 10 years and point out the current tattoo trends and what the most popular styles of tattoos are for girls. At the end of the day you want a tattoo that has lasting appeal and not a tattoo that was done on a whim. If I give you some good ideas for your next tattoo all the better...
Trends come and go. What was cool ten years ago is no longer cool. In the nineties certain types of tattoos such as cartoon characters like Betty Boop, barbed wire armbands and dolphins were in. Looking at them now they appear very cheesy and basic.
Tattoo art has come such a long way in the past few years even. Certain styles of tattoos have become perennial and have risen to a point where they are getting the respect and acknowledged they deserve for their intricacy and artistry.
Styles as diverse as Japanese tattoos, Indian/Hindu tattoos, Anime, Traditional American and Floral designs are raising the bar higher and higher and becoming increasingly popular.
Alongside that is the fact that people are beginning to see their skin as a human canvas and not just settling for random tattoos placed haphazardly on a part of the body that is hidden. Nowadays more and more girls are getting larger tattoos and more of them.
This may explain the popularity of Japanese tattoos. In traditional Japanese tattoos each character has a meaning and interacts with the other tattoo designs as part of the whole.
The same is true for Traditional American tattoos. Previously what were once done as individual tattoos from disparate elements of American culture are now being woven into an organic and is more like a story unfolding.
Top Five Most Popular Tattoos for Girls
Irezumi - Traditional Japanese tattoos - More and more girls are asking for large tattoo designs such as koi fish, dragons on their hips, back and arms.
Traditional American tattoos - Old school 'Sailor Jerry' tattoos and images such as classic American cars, pin-ups, swallows and nautical stars are becoming more popular on girls chests, abdomen, back and legs.
Floral tattoos - So many girls are getting flower tattoos as full sleeve tattoos or covering their entire back or legs with floral designs. Flower tattoo designs such as lotus flowers, peonies, orchids, chrysanthemums and flowering vines are the most popular.
Anime - Japanese animation has become massive and doesn't show any sign of disappearing any time soon. As a result Anime tattoos have become popular in the past five years or so. The only risk with Anime tattoo is that unlike other styles will probably age much quicker even though it looks great now.
Indian / Hindu tattoo designs - Like ancient Indian texts and spirituality being rediscovered by people in the West since the 1960's it has been reflected in the demand for Indian tattoo designs. They say everything old become new again.
Certain styles of tattoos might not suit the image you want to project. For example certain work environments may not accept highly visible tattoos even though tattoos are becoming more and more accepted. It may be wise to hold off getting that sacred heart tattoo emblazoned across your chest if your boss is going to flip out if (s)he sees it!
So in saying that what I hope to do in this short article is offer my insight and experience within the tattoo industry for the past 9 or 10 years and point out the current tattoo trends and what the most popular styles of tattoos are for girls. At the end of the day you want a tattoo that has lasting appeal and not a tattoo that was done on a whim. If I give you some good ideas for your next tattoo all the better...
Trends come and go. What was cool ten years ago is no longer cool. In the nineties certain types of tattoos such as cartoon characters like Betty Boop, barbed wire armbands and dolphins were in. Looking at them now they appear very cheesy and basic.
Tattoo art has come such a long way in the past few years even. Certain styles of tattoos have become perennial and have risen to a point where they are getting the respect and acknowledged they deserve for their intricacy and artistry.
Styles as diverse as Japanese tattoos, Indian/Hindu tattoos, Anime, Traditional American and Floral designs are raising the bar higher and higher and becoming increasingly popular.
Alongside that is the fact that people are beginning to see their skin as a human canvas and not just settling for random tattoos placed haphazardly on a part of the body that is hidden. Nowadays more and more girls are getting larger tattoos and more of them.
This may explain the popularity of Japanese tattoos. In traditional Japanese tattoos each character has a meaning and interacts with the other tattoo designs as part of the whole.
The same is true for Traditional American tattoos. Previously what were once done as individual tattoos from disparate elements of American culture are now being woven into an organic and is more like a story unfolding.
Top Five Most Popular Tattoos for Girls
Irezumi - Traditional Japanese tattoos - More and more girls are asking for large tattoo designs such as koi fish, dragons on their hips, back and arms.
Traditional American tattoos - Old school 'Sailor Jerry' tattoos and images such as classic American cars, pin-ups, swallows and nautical stars are becoming more popular on girls chests, abdomen, back and legs.
Floral tattoos - So many girls are getting flower tattoos as full sleeve tattoos or covering their entire back or legs with floral designs. Flower tattoo designs such as lotus flowers, peonies, orchids, chrysanthemums and flowering vines are the most popular.
Anime - Japanese animation has become massive and doesn't show any sign of disappearing any time soon. As a result Anime tattoos have become popular in the past five years or so. The only risk with Anime tattoo is that unlike other styles will probably age much quicker even though it looks great now.
Indian / Hindu tattoo designs - Like ancient Indian texts and spirituality being rediscovered by people in the West since the 1960's it has been reflected in the demand for Indian tattoo designs. They say everything old become new again.
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