The Tattoo Story

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. tattoo's on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.
Tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world, particularly in North and South America, Japan, and Europe. The growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine arts training. Coupled with advancements in tattoo pigments and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

During the first decade of the 21st century, the presence of tattoos became evident within pop culture, inspiring television shows such as A&E's Inked and TLC's Miami Ink and LA Ink. The decoration of blues singer Janis Joplin with a wristlet and a small heart on her left breast, by the San Francisco tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, is taken as a seminal moment in the popular acceptance of tattoos as art. As seen in the 2007 movie Eastern Promises, body art again features heavily, showcasing the ink-embroidered torso of a Russian mobster. Tattoos are generally considered an important part of the culture of the Russian mafia.

Lower back tattoos are more common among young women.In many traditional cultures tattooing has also enjoyed a resurgence, partially in deference to cultural heritage. Historically, a decline in traditional tribal tattooing in Europe occurred with the spread of Christianity. However, some Christian groups, such as the Knights of St. John of Malta, sported tattoos to show their allegiance. A decline often occurred in other cultures following European efforts to convert aboriginal and indigenous people to Western religious and cultural practices that held tattooing to be a "pagan" or "heathen" activity. Within some traditional indigenous cultures, tattooing takes place within the context of a rite of passage between adolescence and adulthood.

Are Tattoos An Addiction?Tell The Truth .....

The longtime connection between tattoos and individuals of questionable character is not the sole account for why tattoos are frequently given a bad reputation. While of course this connection, which is becoming less and less of a factor as each generation progresses, has been true in many circumstances, the subject of tattoos in the present day has yet another cloud over its reputation; it is darker, and rarely based on the truth.

From both those who know and those who do not, there are frequent insinuations about the "addictive" characteristics of tattooing. Many people sport multiple tattoos; some have acquired them over a number of years or decades, while others make regular trips to their favorite tattoo studios, but arbitrarily labeling this as an "addiction" is unfair, unrealistic, and rarely based in fact. As each person has his or her own individual reason for getting tattoos, it is impossible to know what a person's reason is unless he or she states it. Some like artwork, some wish to honor a special person, some get tattoos in order to feel a part of some specific group, some people just enjoy spending money. In other words, most people have their own individual reasons for getting tattoos, and it is almost never a matter of being "addicted" to them.

There are two parts of this misconception. Both play a role in giving a bad reputation to the subject of tattoos as well as to the people who elect to get them. The first is that people are addicted to the tattoos themselves; the second misconception is that people are addicted to the process of getting them-- specifically, that they are "addicted to pain." One might wonder the mindset of anyone who states the latter opinion; but it certainly provides quite a scope of misunderstandings on the entire subject.

One tattoo artist, in remarking that tattoos are a "fever," had been referring to the simple, if odd, enjoyment which many of his clients had in being able to spend money to buy permanent artwork for themselves. "I think I'll get another one" was something often heard in his studio. This did not constitute "addiction" by any definition of the word. Nor, in his decades of practice as a tattoo artist, did he ever have a customer who even remotely enjoyed the discomfort of the tattooing process.

The word, and its mistaken applicability to tattoos, is often tossed around by those who know too well what the word "addiction" really means. Addiction is a compulsion, something over which a person has no self-control. Addiction cannot differentiate between a "want" and a "need." Individuals who do have numerous addictions-- drugs, alcohol, behaviors, etc.-- can very well become addicted to tattoos. However, that is certainly not the case for the majority of people who decide to get them. Most people who get tattoos do so simply because they want them; they do not possess the weakness of character which leads addicts in the position of being compelled to do something.

The concept that a person gets tattoos because he or she is addicted to pain and therefore enjoys the painful process of being tattooed can only come from either the most ignorant or those who have some personal issues of their own.

Unfortunately, both of these misconceptions shed a very negative light on both the subject of tattoos and the people who wear them. It is a bad reputation which neither deserve, for there is almost never any fact in either point of view. While there are those who get tattoos with less than desirable motives, most people who get them do so with no negative attachment to either the tattoos or the process whatsoever. The bottom line is if you find someone who is attempting to convince you that getting tattoos is an addiction, you've probably found someone who actually is an addict and does not realize that most people are not.

Do you know the Different Tattoos From All over the world

Do you know the Different Tattoos From All over the world
As tattoos are slowly but surely gaining acceptance and popularity amongst most of the American population, it is interesting to note how widespread the appeal of this practice is becoming in other countries all over the world. It's also interesting to consider how other cultures view this practice, and whether those views have changed over time as has been the case with the united states.

Although it may be surprising to Americans whose main source of familiarity with Oriental symbols and other artwork comes from viewing this lovely, traditional art in tattoo studios all across the united states, because of the significant influence of Buddhist and Confucianism religions both the Japanese and Chinese societies take a very negative view of tattoos. In these societies, tattooing was a means of branding criminals; it was not acceptable for citizens to engage in the process. In today's society, tattoos are still unacceptable. Although their younger generation usually takes a more liberal view of tattooing, the younger children who have them generally keep them covered.

Tattoos have long been a part of life for royalty in Great Britain. Following in the footsteps of his predecessors King George the fifth and King Edward the seventh, one of today's most familiar royal figures, Prince Charles, also sports a tattoo. Unlike in a time long ago, however, tattoos in great Britain are no longer limited to the class of royalty; during recent years decades, tattoos showing up on their rock stars has brought the practice to the mainstream population. What was once a status symbol for wealthy public figures is now a widespread part of everyday life for the younger generations.

In Mexico, tattoos were originally thought of as a symbol of courage. The early explorers who arrived in Mexico in 1519 believed the practice to be the influence of Satan. In a recent survey, more than half of those polled who were over age thirteen stated that they would consider getting a tattoo. While most expressed a preference for designs such as flowers, religious symbols, or names, some said they would like a tattoo of their favorite brands of soda or beer. This is assisting in marketing to some degree, as many people in Mexico City now consider tattoos to be a fashion accessory, not only widely acceptable but in style.

In Vietnam, tattooing is still these days illegal, and is rarely done except in prisons. For those who insist on having some type of body modification in light of the laws against tattooing, cigarette burns are used instead. It is rare that anyone other than gang members utilize this practice.

Considering both the Biblical prohibitions against tattooing and the still-present memories of the Holocaust, it's not surprising that the majority of the older generation in Israel continues to hold a negative view of tattoos. It is a little surprising, though, that the younger generation not only does not always share this viewpoint, and actually considers the practice of getting tattoos of religious symbols to be a visible sign of pride in their Jewish heritage and identity.

In assessing both the historical aspects and present-day points of view, it's not difficult to see that for many countries around the world culture plays a significant role in whether or not tattoos are looked at as an acceptable form of self-expression. In most cases it is also clear that with or without cultural influences, times change and with the changing times comes different ways of exploring the subject of tattoos. What took a very long time to gain widespread popularity in the united states has proceeded in a similar fashion in most other countries also.

Chopper Tattoo- Get A Design That You Like

Chopper Tattoo- Get A Design That You Like
If you have decided to get a tattoo and you are searching for the right design for yourself, you need to make sure that you make the right choice, because the design will be there for life. Searching the right design for you can be fun yet stressing and difficult also. Chopper tattoo is a tattoo design website which makes it easy for you to search the right design for yourself with its design gallery comprising of about 4000 tattoo designs. The site claims to have the largest design database on the net which is updated regularly.

When you have purchased the membership you will have many different categories to choose from in the membership area. The categories include Tribal Tattoos, Dragon Tattoos, Cross Tattoos, Star Tattoos, Gothic Tattoos, Armband Tattoos and many more categories. The best feature of the site besides its impressive collection of designs is the ease of use of the members' area of the website. It's a really simple layout, and you don't have to be a computer nerd to find your tattoo design quickly.

You can search as many designs as you want to and you can also customize your search according to size, category and color. After you have selected your design you can simply download it, print it and take it your tattoo artist.

If you are an aspiring tattoo artist yourself, then you can increase your exposure because there is a section of the site that allows you to submit your designs. The section on lettering will give you a lot of ideas on different styles and lets you customize whatever ideas that you have right on to your computer.

The site also offers some bonuses; you can play games and download your favorite music while searching for a tattoo for you.

Chopper Tattoo memberships are priced reasonably. One of the things that you will like about Chopper Tattoo is its flexible membership choices. Obviously if you are only planning on getting one tattoo in your lifetime the 1 month membership makes sense. But for those people who are planning more tattoos in future and for tattoo freaks lifetime membership is recommended.

The site also offers a refund policy; if you are not satisfied with their services they offer you a full refund.

In short if you are looking for a tattoo that suits you chopper tattoo can help you a lot in a very reasonable cost compared to other such sites and the flexible membership plans also make it suitable for every type of users.

How TaTToo's Are Made Does it hurt?

How TaTToo's Are Made
Does it hurt?
To understand what getting a tattoo means, we have to in the beginning take a quick look at a small part of the human anatomy. The skin is made up of two layers; the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin; the part we can understand and touch. The dermis is the deeper layer, or secondary layer.

When a tattoo is applied, the ink is injected deep into the dermis. As the epidermis sheds an giant amount of cells every day, the dermis is a much more appropriate place to inject ink. Otherwise, shedding occurs causing the tattoo to be only temporary. When injected into the dermis, the tattoo's ink lasts a lifetime.

The method of creating a tattoo's has not altered much since the start. It is supposed that designs were created in the skin using piercing pieces of bone in the distant ancient history. Today, needles supply the ink into the dermis. These needles can supply up to 30,000 punctures per minute.

Tattoo's are made by a process related to stippling. A progression of dots creates the image of the design. More dots closer together creates a darker or more solid in appearance picture. Spread apart, the dots make a lighter image or a shading effect.

The tattoo machine that the artist uses to create the design consists of three major parts. An ink source that contains the special ink of the chosen color is typically connected to the machine. A tube connects the ink source to the machine. The needle is the part of the piece of equipment that pierces the skin administering the ink.

Most tattoo artists use single use or disposable needles. Sterilization is one of the most critical things with tattoo art. These needles should always be completely sterilized prior to being used on a person. Needles are then discarded after use.

The tattoo ink comes in a extensive array of colors. Virtually any design with any color combination can be shaped. Tattoo artists and parlors have samples on demonstrate but can always vary aspects of a design to fit an individual's preference.

With the chosen design and color choice, the tattoo machine with selected needle type and the decided location on the body, the tattoo is administered by puncturing the skin while the ink is injected. The time frame that it takes to get a tattoo varies depending on the intricacy
and size of the design.

Pain can be a part of the experience. However, it isn't often as bad as anticipated. Many people with tattoo's express the procedure as bothersome more than painful. Many times the most uncomfortable part is having to sit still in the same stance for the given length of time.

After care is an central part of the tattoo process. Bandaging will be crucial, some bleeding may occur and concern will need to be taken to reduce exposure to sunlight and excessive water. Rubbing and scratching the newly created tattoo can cause scaring. It can also cause the image to distort permanently.

Pain can vary depending on the individual's pain tolerance. Where the tattoo's will be applied on the body can also be a variable in the amount of pain. Overall, the process is quite quick and painless when compared to the end effect.

Famous Tattoos In History .

Famous Tattoos In History .
What did President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's mum have in common? Both had tattoos. President Roosevelt's daughter Alice also had a tattoo which was in a hidden location. While Jennie Churchill's tattoo was allegedly covered for the sake of reputation, and Teddy Roosevelt's was simply in a location which was not readily visible, this information caused a stir among lots of their day as well as modern-day history buffs. Neither Mrs. Churchill's nor President Roosevelt's design, however, lent itself to gaining a sense of respectability among the average voters. Even when such important figures possessed tattoos, they were still said to be socially unacceptable for the general public.

Going as far back as any studies have been on the subject, it is claimed the "Ice Man " who lived some 3300 years B.C, had some form of tattoos. Upon discovering the remains, researchers have been able to do small but guess this most primitive form of tattoo was for the purpose of warding off noxious spirits, or that it might have been some type of rite-of-passage. Mixed on his backbone and behind one knee and on one ankle, the Ice Man had approximately fifty-seven tattoos. While it's not possible to do more than speculate re the actual reason for them, it certainly shows that tattoos are not unique to current times nor to the folk in the modern-day world.

In the distant past, tattoos were attached to a totally different nature than they have been in the last few decades. As the Ice Man was the oldest mummified human remains found in Europe, today's tattoo fans have history on their side-- there's nothing "modern " about tattoos. There was nothing scandalous or rebellious about them. Tattoos were available only to-- and an indication of-- people who were well off, important, and customarily in some high position of government or royalty. It used to be that tattoos were reserved for those of high social standing, and weren't available to average folk. Sweden's King Oscar had tattoos ; so did England's King George the fifth.

In other time-periods, tattoos also served categorical purposes. In that time, tattoos were a symbol of standing. Going the furthest back in American history, many native American tribes used the practice of tattoos ; it was primarily with the goal of showing one's connection to one's specific tribe. For the Polynesians, tattooing was a technique of relating family history ; each individual person had his own individual tattoos to show the story of his folks.

A couple of the oldest Egyptian mummies were found to possess had tattoos. Some of the earliest explorers on the American continent have been claimed to have purchased this practice from the Polynesians' forms of tattoos. These tattoos, which have only been found on female mummies, consist of patterns of lines, dots and dashes. As the women themselves were connected to ritualistic practices, it is believed that the tattoos they'd in common were in some form representative of that fact.

Although Oriental symbols are quite popular for tattoos in America, it's not generally known that both the Japanese and Chinese cultures have held a strong opposition to the practice of tattooing through history. It is just supposition on the parts of the analysts, naturally, based mostly on their knowledge of the lifestyles of that period in time. With both societal and spiritual viewpoints agreeing that tattooing is something which shouldn't be done, it still is thought to be a means of contaminating one's body. For the ancient Chinese, tattooing was employed as a punishment for criminal activity, putting such tangible marks on someone to forever brand him as a criminal.

Why People See The Positive Attributes Of Tattoos

Why People See The Positive Attributes Of Tattoos
Thinking about how prevalent the negative reputation is of tattoos and people who have them, one might wonder if there is anything positive about tattoos, and if it is reason enough to get one. You undoubtedly have heard plenty about the problems, attitudes, risk factors, etc., so perhaps you would also like to consider the opposite viewpoint so that you can help you make the best decision regarding whether getting this type of artwork is right for you.

First, let's examine a few of the factors why getting a tattoo may not be advisable. If you're the type of person who tends to do things impulsively; or if you're considering a tattoo based primarily on a different person wanting you to get one or not wanting you to get one; these factors will very likely lead to you regretting your decision at some point in time. If getting a tattoo is not solely your own decision on your own sake, and a decision which you have put careful thought into making, you will likely end up wanting to get it removed later on.

If none of those situations fit you, and you're considering getting a tattoo, hearing some things which are good about tattoos may assist in your decision.

Some people simply like art; if you're one of them, a tattoo may be the type of art you are looking for. In that we now have essentially no limits to what kinds of artwork can be created into tattoos, there's no doubt you'll find something which will suit your tastes. You can consult a tattoo artist to assist you in making the best choice for the artwork which you will like the most. Tattoo studios routinely have huge selections of tattoo art on posters and books; your artist can tell you which forms he is most familiar with and practiced in creating. For those who have a unique design in mind, all it usually takes is a rough sketch or even a description, and most artists will be happy to create a tailor-made design for you. Tattoo artists have been very skilled artists in general; you'll be happily surprised at how elaborate and professional their work can be. If you would like beautiful, unique art which is both yours alone and permanent, a tattoo is ideal!

Have you got something to say, something you wish to share with the planet? If so, a tattoo may be the answer you are considering! Whether you opt for wording, or a design which has some form of special meaning to you, a tattoo can be one of the greatest forms of self-expression. You can select something that is very obvious to everybody who sees it, or, in contrast, can have some thing which is purely symbolic. We not longer have to settle for temporary expression on t-shirts, tattoos are everlasting; plus they are available to nearly everyone almost everywhere.

A tattoo may also be a permanent memorial. If there is someone or someplace that you intend to honor, a tattoo can be a wonderful way to do this. Contrary to occasional opinion, memorializing a person or a place with a tattoo is generally not morbid, and is not usually sad; instead, it focuses on one's subject in a positive light. In addition, a tattoo of memory does not necessarily have to be about a person, it is also a special symbol of a place, a period, a circumstance, that you intend to always keep in your memory.

For those who have decided to get a tattoo, and have good reasons for wishing to take action, all you want to do is visit a nearby tattoo studio and allow your vision to be became a reality.

Vine Tattoos Are Highly Decorative

Vine Tattoos Are Highly Decorative
Vine Tattoos are superbly decorative tattoos that can cover much body space with only a little bit of ink. The most ivy vine tattoos are done in a spiraling style up a leg or arm, you may even sometimes see this type growing up the back and shoulders.

Sometimes these types of vine tattoos are floral or leafy and may be delicate or bold depending on whether they are tropical or of the traditional English garden style.

Randy Orton's Tattoos I think people who get tattoos should be ready, because they're forever

Randy Orton's Tattoos
I think people who get tattoos should be ready, because they're forever



Well, Randy sure had tons of tattoos on his back, personally i like Randy's tattoos especially back of it. It evolved from a simple group of letters into something much more elaborate.

Randy claimed that: "I had a tattoo on my left arm that read 'USMC' for United States Marine Corps. When I got my bad conduct discharge and got sent home I got rid of the tattoo by getting it covered up," he said. "It was covered up once in San Diego while I was still in the Marines and they did an awful job so I had to go to another guy - the guy who eventually did work on my shoulder - and have him fix it for me."



According to WWE, Orton had his back piece done while he was training in Ohio Valley Wrestling. "The thing is, I was wrestling all the time and it had no time to heal, so it became this big, bloody scab," he said. "It was horrible; every two weeks I'd go in to have it retouched because I kept ruining it." Source WWE

"Biggest Tattoo Collection I've Ever Seen!"

Most Popular Tattoos for 2010

Most Popular Tattoos for 2010
Top 10...
Here's a look at the top Tattoo designs for 2010, so you can choose a design that fits your style and personality.
1. Ambigram - An ambigram is a word that is not only read one way, but also can be read another way, usually backwards. Often, these are written in very artistic and decorative writing styles.

2. Kanji Tattoos - Kanji tattoos are basically ideographic characters. What this means is that each Kanji character represents a WHOLE object, idea, or meaning in a visually expressive way. Kanjis are a popular choice among those seeking Japanese style tattoo designs. With Kanji style characters, you can easily create and express nearly any meaning you want.

3. Sanskrit - Anything in Sanskrit writing is in. Sanskrit is a language from India that is popular for religious ceremonies in most cases, but as of late having bands or phrases in Sanskrit are very popular.

4. Bright Colors - Color has come a long way in tattoos in recent years and that is something many new Tattoos are showing off. If you are thinking of going for color, go bright and vibrant.

5. Celtic - Celtic knot work designs are very popular and not just for people who are interest in history and Irish lore. Knot work designs are very in this year.

6. Fantasy - Fairies are big in this category. From Tinkerbell, to a fairy out of a fantasy novel, they are always a popular selection.

7. Dragons - Dragons and Gargoyles have always been popular and that has not changed inrecent years. They're still popular, mostly for men or 'Gothic Types'

8. Flowers - For girls, a nicely placed flower is a very popular Tattoo.

9. Animals/Native American - many people are picking an animal that they feel represents themselves. Becoming more popular.

10. Stars - Stars are in. Whether it is a single star to signify something in life or a design of a series of stars, they will all be popular.

Different Types...

Different Types...
There are many different types of Tattoos and countless designs to choose from. Think for a bit about what you like, and what kind of Tattoo would best fit your personality. It sounds like common sense, but a lot of people get a Tattoo off impulse, regretting their decision later in life.

People always ask me what Tattoos they should get. It is a difficult question because there is no correct answer, each person is different, and it is dependant on personal preference. Instead, I will give insight as to some general types of Tattoos and also the most popular categories for 2010. Happy inking.

Different Types of Tattoos:

Naturalistic Tattoos
An attempt is made to portray the Tattoo(s) in a realistic style, or the 'natural' form. The portrayal, involving minute detailing, shading and perspective, is done in such a way that imparts a tattoo design as much realism as possible. With their cost a little on the higher side, naturalistic tattoos more popularly comprise of faces of Native Americans and religious leaders.

Abstraction Tattoos
Abstraction tattoos, derived from archaic styles of tattooing, do not involve too much artwork. Abstraction Tattoos are mostly done in shades of black and gray. Abstractions tattoos include tribal and Celtic style tattoos, Old English and Chinese symbols.

Simplification Tattoos
Simplification tattoos don't have any limits in terms of the designs. Almost any and every shape and size can be included in this type, as long as it is stylized by the tattoo maker. Right from the action figurines and animals to flowers and hearts, the range of designs in simplification tattoos is quite wide. Panthers and lions are the popular designs in standard simplification tattoos, while dragons and zodiac signs rule in custom-made stylized tattoos.

Dedication Tattoos
Dedication tattoos, involve the use of the sailor-based designs, like the heart and name banner, the anchor with a ship name, and the insignia of a military regiment or crosses. They command a reasonable price, mainly because of this reason they are amongst the standard designs offered at a tattoo parlor.

Complex Tattoos
Complex Tattoos, as their name suggests, involve designs that are much more intricate than the other styles. Also known as combo Tattoos, they are comprised of a mixture of various tattoos. The most popular complex tattoos comprise of traditional Japanese body suits and combinations of unrelated images.

Best Tattoo Ideas for 2009-2010

Best Tattoo Ideas for 2009-2010

General info on Tattoo Types and best design Categories for 2010-2011


Getting a Tattoo is something that should not be taken lightly. Remember that a Tattoo is forever so please do your research before you 'go for the gusto'. Get yourself well prepared by checking out designs and techniques on the web. A Tattoo can be a beautiful expression of one's personality if done well and placed in an appropriate location. Please people, stop getting ink on your necks, unless you have a job that allows for it. We call those job killers or interview breakers ;-)