Tattoo Design Guide

The Tattoo Johnny Tattoo Design Guide

Understanding the meaning and symbolism of the body art gallery

Tattoo Designs:
And Their Many Different Meanings

When it comes to deciding upon what image you'll chose to wear until the end of your life (or the sting of the laser), you're embarking on a long, internal search for meaning and significance. You'll be in league with men and women who, across the millennia, have chosen to brand themselves for their gods, their families and their higher ideals.

In our present time, hundred of thousands millions even of adults are sporting body art, from single, simple tattoos to more elaborate large scale or full-body pictures. All you need is a little inspiration!

Whether you're seeking to draw up and design your own tattoo idea, or you decide to turn to a tattoo artists' gallery for your tattoo designs, the multitude of options you'll find will ensure that you can express your own unique individuality.

There are tribal patterns galore, and Celtic knots and armbands. You can enter into the world of legends and myths by bearing images of dragons, fairies, gods and goddesses, unicorns, the Minotaur, or elves. Stars and stripes, eagles and military designs speak out of patriotism and loyalty to country.

Family crests have inspired some really great tattoo design ideas, and are a great western way to express the clannish bonds that prevail in so many different Polynesian and tribal designs.

But regardless of the designs you already have in mind, we have something to offerBehind each picture in every tattoo, there is more meaning and symbolism than may meet the eye. Symbols and images have histories, and meanings outside of our own Western ways and connotations. Sure, the tattoo design you want may have star in it, but what kind of star? How many points? Different stars have different symbolism, and allude to different things.

Yet again, aside from designs, the placement of your tattoo adds a lot to its meaning and significance. A dragon rising up from your lower back, wings spread, jaws gaping, eyes glowing will make a totally different impression of a small dragon hatching from an egg on your hip. And then, if you aren't careful, and live in areas of high gang activity, you should certainly be careful as to what designs you chose and where you decide to put them. Decisions like those have cost people their lives and/or their reputations.

Here, you'll also be able to learn more about other forms of body modification that are popular in today's society, ranging from the simple things like tattoos and piercing up to beading, implants, and scarification.

Or, if you're looking to try out an idea before eternally branding yourself with it, you can read more about looking for temporary tattoo designs, full body airbrushing and the ancient Indian art of mehndi, or henna tattoos.

Whatever reason you came here, we've got answers for you. From meanings, to histories, to religious significance and mythical lore, we've got it all. You certainly won't leave here empty handed!

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9/11 Tattoos: Memory, Mourning and Patriotism in 9/11 Tattoo Design 9/11 Tattoos: Memory, Mourning and Patriotism in 9/11 Tattoo Design

After the tragedy on September 11, 2001 that left thousands of Americans dead and the entire country in mourning, there was an incredible influx of support for members of the military, the police departments and the fire departments throughout the country, focusing in particular on the divisions in New York City. As people looked for a way to deal with their grief and commemorate the people who died in the plane crashes, in the Pentagon and as a result of the collapse of the Twin Towers, they sought a method of memorial that would be public and permanent. For many, including those whose professions or personal tastes had never previously run toward body art, the memorial tattoo or the 9/11 tattoo was the perfect and highly appropriate solution.

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A Rose By Any Other Name: Rose Tattoo Symbolism in Rose Tattoo Color and Rose Tattoo Design A Rose By Any Other Name: Rose Tattoo Symbolism in Rose Tattoo Color and Rose Tattoo Design

The rose is the single most popular tattoo design among men and women alike. This flower, which is classically used to symbolize romantic love, has become an integral part of tattoo culture and tattoo design. However, there is actually a great deal more to the rose tattoo than you might first expect. While of course rose tattoos nearly always indicate a level of affection and deep emotion, the various types of emotion and...

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Airbrush Body Art Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Airbrush Body Art Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Are you going to a rave, or a really hot club? Is there a masquerade, festival or party coming up, and you really want to make an impression? Then maybe its time to consider airbrush body art tattoo designs.

With them, you can transform yourself into nearly anything from a wood nymph, to a fairy, to a monster or demon. You can use art to transform your body from flesh into a magical canvas showing hints and peeks into a strange and magical land. You can become a cosmic goddess covered in suns and stars, or a goddess of nature whos body art displays butterflies and flowers.

Regardless of what image you choose to portray, with full-body airbrushed temporary tattoos, youre sure to illicit some kind of response!

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An Introduction and Initiation to Military Tattoos and Military Tattoo Design An Introduction and Initiation to Military Tattoos and Military Tattoo Design

Ever since the United States military was founded in 1775, military tattoos have been an integral part of the brotherhood that unites all branches of the military. Tattoos are not only a means of expressing individuality, but they are also a means of identification and even a rite of passage for many members of the military. For military men and women in particular, tattoos are a particularly personal way of taking pride in service and dealing with the emotions of anger and loss that inevitably accompany military service as a portion of ones comrades ultimately meet their demise in service of their country.

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Anarchy Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Anarchy Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Anarchy tattoos are very popular with those who have considered themselves to be on the fringes of accepted society due to their beliefs or lifestyles. Anarchist value the rights of the individual over that of the majority. Just a few of the groups that have embraced the symbols of anarchy are punks, skin-heads, labor activists, and environmental activists.

The most common symbol of ...

Anchor Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Anchor Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Anchor tattoos hold a special place in sailor culture. It is common to get an anchor tattoo after a sailor's first crossing of the Atlantic, giving them the mark of an experienced sailor. Anchors are often incorporated with other nautical design elements, like sailing ships, mermaids or military emblems, particularly the Navy or Coast Guard. An anchor tattoo is thought to be able to hold the we ...

Angel Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Angel Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Angels, winged beings independent from physical life, are found in many religions. In the major religions, angels are messengers of God. (The word angel comes from the Greek word "aggelos", which means messenger. They can also act as warriors or guardians, carrying out God's will in the affairs of man. Angel tattoos are often accompanied by the symbols associated with them, like trumpets, harps ...

Animal Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Animal Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

A great majority of tattoo galleries across the world devote a good majority of their selection to pictures inspired by the animal kingdom. Whether worn as a visual witness to animal rights and protection or as a personal testimony of religious or spiritual convictions and beliefs, animal tattoo designs are being worn by humanity all across the globe. Indeed, animals have been viewed by some religions with such respect that all of their followers refuse to eat meat or other animal products. Others revere certain creatures (like cows in India) and offer them special protection and/or homage. Still others avoid particular animals because of undesirable capabilities or. Throughout the ages, mankind has come to respect certain living things for their strengths and capabilities. This is attested to by the number of popular proverbs, clichs and metaphors that extol (or admonish against) certain animals characteristics. A few would include:

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Ankh Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Ankh Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

The ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyph or symbol that means "life". The exact origin is unknown but it is one of the oldest symbols in the ancient world. It is depicted a cross with a loop over the top, symbolizing many different natural phenomena. Some say that its shape represents the male and female gods, Osiris and Isis, with the cross representing the male phallus and the oval representing the ...

Aquarius Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Aquarius Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

The sign of Aquarius is the eleventh sign in the Zodiac and originates from the constellation Aquarius. In the western world, those born from January 20th to February 18th are said to be born under the sign of Aquarius. In astrology, Aquarius is a masculine, extroverted, air sign. Although Aquarius was traditionally ruled by the planet Saturn, but modern astrologers consider Uranus to be its ru ...

Aries Tattoos and Tattoo Designs Aries Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Aries, the ram, is the first astrological sign in the Zodiac and originates from the constellation Aries. Those born between March 21st and April 19th are said to be born under the sign of Aries. Aries is considered a masculine, extrovert, fire sign and ruled by the planet Mars.

In mythology, Aries is associated with the Greek mythological figure of Theseus from the Greek myth of th ...

Armband Tattoos and Armband Tattoo Designs Armband Tattoos and Armband Tattoo Designs

In ancient Japan, an armband tattoo was not a good thing. In fact, any potentially visible tattoo often meant that you were ostracized from society due to committing a terrible (or not so terrible, depending on the judge or emperor in question) crime. Interestingly, the tattoos which once meant a fate that some considered worse than death one merciful emperor saved a mans life when he was sentenced to death, but commanded him to be tattooed...

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