Armband Tattoos

Armband Tattoo Designs

Armband tattoos have significantly increased in popularity over the past several years, thanks to the wealth of armband tattoos available to tattoo artists. They are ideal for a person who wants a bold, intricate tattoo, but wants to be able to cover it up as circumstances dictate. A long sleeved shirt is all that is needed to hide an armband tattoo.

These tattoos have also gained popularity because of their versatility. Nearly any type of design can be incorporated into armband tattoos, so it can be as unique as the person wearing it.

Basic armband tattoos consist of patterns – Celtic knotwork, barbed wire, and tribal patterns are common choices. A simple pattern is a good choice for a first timer, because it can be completed quickly. It can also be easily customized to suit the wearer.

While some people are satisfied with basic pattern designs, others prefer a tattoo that is more intricate. Dream catchers are frequently used as elements of armband tattoos, as are other Native American images, such as arrowheads and eagle feathers. Thousands of other images can be used as centerpieces of armbands, depending on what the wearer wishes the tattoo to symbolize.

Jewels are also good choices for armband tattoos, because they lend a bit of color to the design. Incorporating birthstones into armband designs can help create a personal work of body art that will hold unique significance for the wearer.

Repeated images can be used to create the armband itself, rather than simply being the centerpiece. Examples include flames, skulls, astrological symbols, and crosses. A bit of imagination is all that is needed to create an armband tattoo design that stands out in a crowd.

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Aztec Tattoos

Aztec Tattoo Designs

Because of their stark, immediately recognizable designs, Aztec tattoos have become more common in recent years. Ancient Aztec designs have shown up on people from all walks of life. However, many people are not aware of the rich history that is symbolized by the elements of these tattoos.

Aztec tattoos played a major role in the Aztec culture. The ancient people of the Aztec tribe took great pride in their art, and created elaborate designs to differentiate themselves from rival tribes. The tattoos of the Aztecs were also often used as part of religious rituals – many of the shapes and symbols found in these tattoo designs were considered sacred.

The sun was one of the most popular symbols among the Aztecs. They considered the sun to be the sustainer of life, and in some parts of Aztec culture, the sun was even thought to be heaven itself. Depictions of the moon and stars also figure prominently in Aztec tattoos.

Some of the symbols shown in Aztec tattoos signified rank among tribe members, and others were meant to give thanks to ancestors or to show a spirit of sacrifice.

The placement of tattoos was as important to the Aztecs as the symbols themselves. These people honored various gods by having tattoos placed on certain parts of their bodies. Most commonly, the tattoos were placed on the stomach, wrist, or chest, although other placements were appropriate for certain rituals and ceremonies.

When contemplating Aztec tattoos, it is important to study the history and meaning behind Aztec designs. Understanding the cultural significance of Aztec tattoos will make the design more meaningful and personally significant for the wearer.

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Cherry Blossom Tattoos for a feminine look

Cherry Blossom Tattoos

Cherry blossom tattoos have become increasingly popular tattoo designs in recent years, particularly among Westerners. These beautiful and delicate tattoos are also deeply meaningful and symbolic.

The cherry blossom holds a deeply-rooted meaning in both Chinese and Japanese culture. To the Chinese, the cherry blossom is often a symbol of love, as well a feminine beauty, sexuality, and power. To the Japanese, the cherry blossom is most often associated with the short and transitory nature of life. This symbolism has come about mainly due to the short blooming period of the cherry blossom. The Japanese meaning of the cherry blossom is also deeply rooted in the Buddhist belief that life is short, and often full of strife, but that all suffering is temporary and will pass in time.

In general, the cherry blossom evokes a feel of grace, beauty, mystique, and power. This makes them highly popular with young females.

Of course, the specific meaning of any tattoo should be decided by the person who chooses to wear it. Since a tattoo is a very personal and symbolic to its wearer, it should reflect an important part of his or her personality.

Cherry blossom tattoos are most commonly done in reds or pinks. Some people choose to pair them with other items. Commonly, cherry blossoms are coupled with ornate fans, Japanese or Chinese characters, geishas, and Koi . Pairing the cherry blossom with other symbols can further deepen the personal meaning and overall symbolism of the tattoo.

Cherry blossom tattoos also offer tremendous diversity in terms of size and placement. They can be used as large back pieces, shoulder pieces, side pieces, or coiled around the hands or over the foot.

Some people choose a single blossom or small grouping of blossoms. Others prefer more intricate designs, such as Bonsai styled trees or vine-like weaves over the shoulder, hands, feet, or across the back.

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Aquarius Tattoos

Aquarius Tattoo Designs

Many people are proud of their astrological signs, and Aquarians are no exception. Some of these people identify themselves and their personality traits through this sign, and look for Aquarius tattoos to show the world who they are and what they are about.

The traditional symbol of Aquarius is made up of two lines, on on top of the other, that look like waves of water. The simplest Aquarius tattoos depict this symbol in black or blue ink. Because of the simplicity of this design, this type of tattoo can be made quite small, and can be placed on the ankle, the wrist, or even the foot.

Some Aquarians prefer more intricate styles, and incorporate the symbol into other elements that are representative of their astrological sign. Water often figures prominently into Aquarius tattoos – a good tattoo artist can create a water design that is both realistic and visually appealing.

Other aquatic elements can also be used in Aquarius tattoos, such as fish, coral, and other sea life. Some designs also feature sweeping tribal lines that compliment the amorphous nature of the Aquarius symbol. Still other designs incorporate stars, a nod to the origin of astrology.

Aquarius tattoos can be made still more intricate, combining the symbol with images of fairies, water sprites, and other mythical creatures. The Aquarius symbol can be used as the basis for a highly personal, unique work of art that the wearer can enjoy for a lifetime.

Because of the versatility of the Aquarius symbol, there are virtually no limits to how it can be used in tattoo art. An experienced, creative tattoo artist can help design an Aquarius tattoo that will garner plenty of compliments.

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Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoo Design

For those wanting a unique and highly personal piece of body art, animal tattoos are an excellent choice. Nearly every animal imaginable can be used as part of a tattoo design, so the possibilities are virtually endless.

An experienced tattoo artist can render animals quite realistically, creating a visually stunning work or art that catches the eye and invites comments. Tattooing images of animals can be rather tricky, though, so it is important to look for an artist who has completed many similar tattoos. A good artist will be able to produce a portfolio of animal tattoos, showing his or her ability to use correct shading and detailing techniques.

One of the animals most commonly depicted in tattoos, the lion, is often used as a symbol of strength, pride, and loyalty. The lion is also frequently used in conjunction with the astrological symbol Leo.

Birds, especially toucans and macaws, are also used quite often in tattoo designs. The bright, contrasting colors of these birds, when correctly represented in tattoo art, translate to an attention-grabbing piece that garners many comments and much admiration.

Animal tattoos do not always depict real animals. Unicorns are popular among younger females – though they are mythical creatures, they can be rendered quite “realistically”. And the phoenix, a mythical firebird that is at the center of many regional legends, has been used in a variety of ways to represent strength, rebirth, and determination.

While animal tattoos can be a bit expensive because of their intricacy, they are well worth the cost for anyone who wants to have a stunning work of body art that they can be proud to show off.

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