Maori Tattoos

Traditionally tattoo is used by Maori as a method of individual identification showing a persons heritage. They consist of curved spiral shapes in intricate patterns. A common theme amongst patterns is the shape of the "Koru" which is linked to the New Zealand fern. The young fern leaf unfurls and at this stage it is named "Koru". To the Maori the "Koru" represents the unfolding of new life or renewal. When you see the "Koru" you will see why the Maori have identified the unfurling frond with values of youth, strength and vitality, life unfolding, the Whanau (family) its care and protection.

Traditional Maori designs will generally include sacred symbols. Be aware Maori tattoo patterns symbolize a way of personal identification for the Maori people. Maori see it as stealing part of an identity when traditional tattoo designs are copied for the sake of a trend or fashion.

Maori have traditionally worn the tattoo on their face which was to show everyone who they were i.e. their family, tribe and status within an area grouping. Elaborate shapes and marks were used that showed the heritage of the particular to the wearer.

Maori tattoo designs are becoming extremely popular all over the world. It is disrespectful to get traditional Maori designs without thinking through the cultural sensitivities. These sacred tattoo designs are not simply for ornamental purposes.

Go out and get your Maori tattoo designed without the symbolic ties. If you are considering Maori tattoo designs you should find an experienced artist who knows about Maori culture and get them to design you a Maori tattoo that has the look of a moko (tattoo design) without the symbolic ties. Personalize your own design by incorporating celtic, tribal and Maori styles into your own absolutely unique piece. Mixed race people like to represent their heritage from both side and this can be achieved really effectively with a combination of two styles.

Tiger Tattoos

Tiger tattoos, along with dragon tattoos and other mammals and creatures, are excellent and popular ideas for those intending to acquire tattoos. It is also popular among tattoo designers and tattoo artists. Tiger tattoos are popular in modern times for various reasons.

For many individuals contemplating on getting tattoos, they would only go on to get tattoos that have a special meaning to them. Tattoos, in all reality are very personal and can help bring out the character and personality of the person. Since the dawn of time, there have been tens of thousands of tats portraying images and designs of tigers in different manner and perspective.

Among the various reasons tiger tats are popular is due to its symbol of wisdom, courage, strength, beauty and for being fierce. Tigers have long been portrayed both in the east and west. Due to this, there are many different images of tigers that have been tattooed. Today, with the modern tattooing technology, tiger tattoos are able to be tattooed as life-like as possible, making it one of the more popular tats for new as well as seasoned tattoo enthusiasts. As an example, 3D tiger tattoos is among one of the most popular choice of tats due to its striking resemblance to that of a real tiger coupled with the skill and experience of the tattoo artist at hand.

Tiger tats are mostly tattooed over large areas of the body. The body, in essence, acts as a large canvas for the tattoo artist to create his/her masterpiece. For that matter, tattoos portraying tigers are best tattooed in areas such as the back, front, hands, thighs and the likes. These tats will look good when tattooed as big as possibly could. Having mentioned that, there are also those who prefer to have tigers tattooed small. These small tiger tats include those that are tattooed in areas such as the upper arm, wrist or ankle for instance.

Tiger tattoos are not restricted to men only. Although tigers are often thought to be be tattooed by men, they are also favored by women. One can do almost no harm with a good tiger tattooed on most parts of the body. However, having mentioned this, it also largely depends on the tattoo design in itself as well as the ink and skill/experience of the tattoo artist involved.

Among the different available tiger tattoos that one can choose from include Chinese Zodiac Tiger (Year of the Tiger) tattoos, 3D tigers, black and white tigers or color tigers among others. The main issue when it comes to to these tattoos is the process of making a decision on the design in itself. This problem applies to both the newbies as well as those who are experienced in the world and art of tattooing.

Sports Tattoos

Sports team merchandise is part of a multi-million dollar industry, and the merchandise usually features a team's logo. While some people are content with collecting cards, t-shirts, magnets, jerseys, and caps or helmets, others take things a bit further and get sports tattoos. Some are even willing to pay a lot of money for a large logo.

You do not have to get the exact logo. You can have it customized however you want. This is a good idea if you want something unique. Sports tattoos are more than just team logos. You can get any tattoo if you want, and then have it filled in with your favorite team's colors.

Lizard Tattoos

There are definitely a lot of designs which people can choose from if they decide to get a tattoo for their bodies. If you go to tattoo shops or even search online, you can get as many ideas as possible and you can decide from there. However, if for some reason, lizard tattoos get stuck in your head and you definitely want to get one, then you must have a pretty good reason for doing so. Sure enough, they may look great on your body, but it is also important that they symbolize something important so that when people ask you about it, you can answer them with utmost knowledge and intelligence. Here are just some of the several reasons why people choose lizard tattoos to be printed on their bodies:

• One reason that people adore getting inked with lizard tattoo designs is that they look great in the body. Since these lizards have elongated bodies and flexible body parts, the tattoo artist can play around the designs so that they can look like they are actually crawling on your body. The finished result is definitely fascinating and if you choose a distinctive style of lizards, then sure enough people will automatically turn their heads on your tattoo.

• What is more, you will also notice that there are other lizard tattoos that are drawn in a very funny or comical way. A very popular kind of these lizard tattoo designs is the gecko which may create some sort of optical illusion when you look closely to it. However, in real life, you will learn that geckos are very colorful creatures and they can definitely stick to any surface. In addition, they have some sort of creepy manner on them that just fascinates people or at least zoologists and tattoo enthusiasts at that. That is why if you are also awed by such creatures, you can ask your tattoo artist to draw one on your body as well.

• If perhaps you are already planning to do gecko tattoos on your body, then you should make sure that they will come in bright yellow and green, and at times you may even add a little blue to the designs. When you choose to follow these color combinations, you are sure that your lizard tattoo will pop up on your body. However, if you do not want anything colorful for your tattoo, then you can go with black and white. Having a monochromatic tone on your tattoo is still as sophisticated and classy compared to colorful ones.

• On the other hand, if you do not want a gecko for a tattoo, then perhaps you can go with a chameleon design instead. It will look just as perfect and beautiful as a gecko and you can even ask your tattoo artist to have it drawn with bright colors. The best way of getting these tattoos is on your back so that people may look at it as if a true lizard is creeping on your shoulders or back.

Wrist Tattoos

Tattoos are more popular these days and more accepted, too, than they used to be. And the number of skilled tattoo artists who can work on you is also great. If you are not sure what kind of tattoo you would like to have, most tattoo parlors can show you books with many designs to choose from. In addition to the design, you also need to choose the part of your body that you would like to have your tattoo on. One particular part of your body is your wrist; it so happens that wrist tattoos are very popular.

If you do, however, wish to have a tattoo on your wrist, you need to take the following advice into consideration:

· More Pain: Getting a tattoo inked is going to involve some pain not matter what part of the body is involved. But it so happens that wrist tattoos are usually more painful than tattoos on any other part of the body. The reason for this is that the skin is thinner on your writs than anywhere else on your body. But on the positive side, tattoo on your wrists are small, so they don't take long to ink them in. So even if the pain is worse, you won't need to put up with it for long.

· Longer Healing Process: Unfortunately, it usually takes wrist tattoos to heal longer. The reason is that this part of your body is rather exposed, so it can take several weeks for a wrist tattoo to heal.

· May Need More Touch Up Work: Because wrists are rather exposed parts of your body, tattoos on your wrist may fade more quickly than on other parts of your body. This means that you may need to have them touched up than if they were on some less exposed part of the body.

· They Are Easy to Hide: Since wrist tattoos are easy to hide, this could be an advantage. A long-sleeve shirt will do the trick. Or even a watch or a bracelet can hide it. Depending on what kind of job you may be looking for, a wrist tattoo is a good option, provided you will remember to hide it.

· Cost is Reasonable: Since wrist tattoos tend to be small, they also cost less than those that go on other parts of your body. Larger and more colorful tattoos tend to cost more. Wrist tattoos are not only small, they usually don't use many colors. One or two is usually all they take.

In any case, having a tattoo is great for your self-expression. And choosing the part of your body for a tattoo is as important as the shape or form of it. The place on your body will also determine its size. If you are interested in having a small and very discreet kind of tattoo, a wrist tattoo is a good bet for you.

Devil Tattoos

Devil tattoos are usually dark and evil tattoos that people love to get as creative with as they can. The person can do almost anything with their design, letting out any kind of evil look they desire. Most devil tattoo designs are incorporated with an angel design. People incorporate the angel and devil together because of the fight against good and evil, light and dark, pure and sinful. These designs are mostly tainted towards the evil side.

Many tattoo artists are designing angel tattoos that can resemble both good and bad, depending on the person's personal conviction and style. By doing a little search on angel tattoos you could find many devil designs mixed in the results. The reason is because in today's world there is not a fine line of angel and devil tattoos. The good and bad between the two designs is whatever the person wishes it to be. This is not to say that all angel tattoos are leaning towards the devilish side, as there are many angel tattoos that depict what you might see in a book about angels, beings of light and fighting for good.

Tattoos Fonts

If you're looking for a tattoo that contains words, you really need to examine possible tattoo fonts to find the one that's best for what you want. After all, tattoos are really works of art. Not only that, but they are works of art that everyone will be able to see on your body for the rest of your life.

There are many tattoo fonts to choose from. Thanks to the computer age, anything you can dream up can be used for tattoo fonts. In fact, you can use software on the computer to combine a tattoo design with tattoo fonts and get a full image of what your finished tattoo will look like. Then, all you need to do is print it and take it to the tattoo artist at the tattoo parlor you have chosen. They can then trace the tattoo onto your body for you. Technological advances have really improved tattooing methods.

There are, of course, some tattoo fonts that are more popular than others. Fiery fonts and icy fonts are among the most popular. Those who want to look cool or spice things up often use tattoo fonts like that. Old English is another popular font for tattooing. Any tattoo fonts can be used, but usually people choose these fonts because they are eye-catching.

What are tattoo fonts used for? Well, primarily they are used to tattoo a person's name or initials. They're popular among people who are dating. Sometimes tattoo fonts are used to tattoo the name of a loved one who has died or the name of someone's pet or child. The possibilities are endless, but those are the more popular uses for tattoo fonts.

Kanji Japanese calligraphy is another of the tattoo fonts you may want to consider using. Originally Kanji was used to write on bones in a formal way. The rounded, natural calligraphy is often used, these days, by Japanese people to achieve an old-fashioned appeal. These days, Kanji has evolved a bit. It's split off into two different styles. One is SOSHO Kanji and one is MINCHO Kanji.

MINCHO Kanji is the equivalent of Times New Roman in English letters to the Japanese. It's the font found commonly in newspapers in Japan. MINCHO style is a bit formal and is starting to be used everywhere, even on billboards in Japan.

SOSHO Kanji is more of a modern, cursive twist on the Kanji style. It's usually brushed, which creates smooth, flowing lines. The movie âThe Last Samuraiâ used SOSHO Kanji lettering. It's also common to see SOSHO Kanji lettering in places that teach martial arts.

If you want the perfect tattoo, consider not just the meaning of the picture you choose, but also the origins and meanings behind the tattoo fonts. Take the time to research and you'll be sure to make a good selection. That way you can use tattoo fonts that really make people take notice of your tattoo in a positive way.