As many tattoo enthusiasts can tell you, going under the gun can become quite addictive. Not everyone is able to stop with just one or two, but proceed on to receive elaborate, large scale tattoo designs. Sometimes it will begin as a quarter sleeve design. Then, after a little while longer, it will become a full sleeve. It can even spread from there.
It can become quite an investment, not only of money, but of time too. These rich, colorful designs require a bit of ink, and the ink requires a bit of patience! But the results are well worth it.
Full scale tattoo designs are like a window into another world. These designs open up such a wide variety of possibilities. From fantasy to science fiction, and even on into a terrifying world of horror, complete with monsters, demons and devils, you can find yourself carried to strange and unbelievable dimensions.
So, how do you go about choosing a full scale body tattoo design? Well, it helps to start out with a lot of imagination, and a good grasp of the principles of "exterior design".
Sometimes, a small, simple tribal tattoo design may be what inspires you to take that giant leap into the world of the human canvas. There are also people who receive their inspiration from Hollywood and the media. Spending a few moments (or hours, or days) pouring over pictures in a recent tattoo gallery publication doesn't hurt either.
But, obviously, in order for someone to go to such levels, there's got to be a compulsion.
For some people, it's the thought of the attention (both positive and negative) that their full body art designs will gather. People across the country with full scale tattoo designs are an elite group, who often compete with one another for awards and prizes for the most beautiful, scariest or even the most bizarre designs.
Others, who are both artistic and sadomasochistic, do it for the sheer pleasure of this beautiful trademark. Faithful and true to their own inner inspirations, they endeavor to fully achieve and realize their own amazing creations.
Additionally, there are large numbers of people who simply wake up one day and have suddenly gone from having had "a tattoo" to having the ability to say, "I am a tattoo." These designs, while not originally worn with any connection between their lizard on the ankle and the lips on their hips, suddenly become an all encompassing melting pot that somehow just works.
Of course, despite their beauty and popularity, you'd be better off closely examining the virtues and drawbacks of venturing into this extreme realm of the tattoo world. While it is possible to have tattoos removed, changing your mind after full-body tattoo art is hardly an option. The time, cost and side affects of tattoo removal would make it nearly impossible for someone wishing to remove the effects of their "wild oats" stage. It should be understood before you go under the gun that once you get your full body tattooed, what's done is done, no turning back.
Still not scared?
Well, then it sounds like you've got your heart set on joining the ranks of famous icons like:
Dennis Smith, who is renowned for transforming his human body (through the use of tattoos and various surgeries) into that of a tiger, his get-up comes complete with fangs and whiskers.
Fred Durst, of the band Limp Bizkit, has extensive tattoo work across his body, including a picture portrait of Kurt Cobain on his chest and some really impressive full sleeves.
Rapper 50 Cent is covered with ink, including his arms and a gorgeous, colorful centerpiece that covers his back.
Angelina Jolie, who is well on her way to covering her entire body with tattoos. Her latest design was a truly authentic Thai tattoo of a tiger which spans most of her back.
Whatever reason has prompted you to join the ranks of the extremely tattooed, be sure to take the opportunity for a little introspection. It would be far better to chasten yourself for NOT getting full scale body tattoos than it would be to get the job done and hate yourself for it later.
