Being Careful With Dragon Tattoo Designs

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As with anything that will last forever, you should be cautious when you pick it out. This is especially true for dragon tattoo designs. First time tattooers may not realize the complications they will face if they do not think about their tattoo well enough ahead of time. Draw it out yourself on the part of skin you are thinking of designing. Use pen or marker so it will last a few days. If you do not get sick of it then that is the first step.

The colors of the dragon design should also be carefully selected. If you get lighter colors, they will fade and blend in with your skin tone. This can ruin a dragon tattoo if it is not regularly freshened up with new ink. If you opt to get your whites, pinks, and yellows redone every six months or so, you can find yourself with a hefty maintenance bill. Darker colors fade, too, but they will show up better for far longer.

Do not rush into tattoos. Give thought to how they affect your future. If you aspire to do office or business work, will you have a tougher time succeeding due to a visible dragon tattoo? Often business courses instruct pupils never to have any tattoos showing. This is because there is a social stigma on people with tattoos. They may not be hired due to that, even if they are perfectly qualified.

What about other occasions? Do you have any events that will require you to dress up, say, for a wedding? Would a dragon tattoo mar how you want to look that day? Does your fairy tale wedding dress include a dragon tattoo showing on your arm? If you do not think it would bother you, then you can start looking for a place to get the work done.

Make sure when you consult the artist he or she gives you a price--preferably in writing. Some jobs can take hours. Artists who take longer get paid more. Get your price up front before you are under the needle and find your dragon tattoo design only half finished when you have exceeded your price range.

Pick a place that has excellent reviews and a good sanitary record. Ask around and do your research. You will find a big division between good places and bad. Look at examples of the artist's work. Perhaps you will not like his or her style of dragon tattoo designs.

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

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I know the film has been out for over a year and the DVD for a while but I only got to watch 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' - whose original and more potent title was 'Men Who Hate Women' (a far more appropriate title given the nature of the book) - the other day. Having read the Millennium Trilogy (this is part one) by Stieg Larsson last year I was always looking forward to the film versions of the books. They're made for film whether on the big or small screen (infact, I believe this film was originally a two part television film re-edited into a big screen version) as they're over the top, with plenty of puzzle solving, plot twists, melodrama, violence and filled with well drawn characters engaged in a plot that moves forward at a relentless pace. Underlying the books is of course a number of serious subjects including racism, patriarchal misogyny, sexual violence and globalization - a reminder that all is not well in social democratic Sweden, a country we often view as enlightened and liberal, a country unlike our own.

So, for those of you who haven't read the books I'm afraid you'll have to go elsewhere for a synopsis. Suffice to say that the trilogy makes for great holiday reading and if like me you're prone to reading thrillers late at night be warned; this book and its companions are pages turners and the chances of you getting much sleep are minimal.

So to the film, let me begin by saying that I'm glad I saw the Swedish version first. David Fincher is directing the Hollywood version next year with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara (Tanner Hall, Dare, The Winning Season, The Social Network) in the lead roles and although I'm looking forward to seeing how they approach it I can't see quite how they're going to capture the psychological atmosphere of Sweden well as their Swedish counterparts.

I think there's an inherent problem with all films adapted from a book written by someone from another culture. To visually express the tonal qualities, nuances and spirit of another culture through film is extremely difficult. This is made all the more harder when you're trying to condense and stay true to a book that has a packed narrative - and enough plotlines to make a number of films - running to over 500 pages. I have no doubt that David Fincher - a Director I very much admire - will do a great job with the pulp aspect of the 'Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' and its partner books in the trilogy. However, underneath the surface of the books lie important questions about Swedish society. These ugly truths, the sub text, are far more difficult to thread into the film - as they need to be given space to breathe and tell their own story - and are best approached through tone, rhythm, colour, atmosphere and a Swedish cultural sensibility. It is this aspect of the film that I fear will be lost in translation. So America taking on plot and character, yes definitely, dealing with the dark undercurrent that runs throughout the book and the rest of the trilogy, namely the societal issues that preoccupy many Swedish crime writers including; Henning Mankell, Hakan Nesser, Mari Jungstedt and of course Stieg Larsson, I don't think so.

Now let's talk about the film itself. It is not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination but it's a good thriller, its star definitely Noomi Rapace - an incredible performance - as the androgynous, bisexual, computer-hacking twenty-something, Lisbeth Salander. She is a cool chick and uber - nerd, the perfect anti - heroine for the 21st century. She's odd, disturbed, intelligent, highly moral (in her own way), utterly uncompromising, violent, full of righteous anger and dispassionate - a fascinating character and wholly engaging. To be honest I can't see anyone matching her. She's going to be a real hard act to follow. Apparently she got the part after the producer saw her in a Sarah Kane play in Stockholm. If you know the work of Sarah Kane then it might give you some idea of the difficulty and depth of character one would need to have to play the part convincingly.

The other lead character, Mikael Blomkvist played by Mchael Nyqvist, plays his part well as the investigative journalist, the locations are beautiful and bleak, the Director, Niels Arden Opley does a good job of keeping the various plot threads (and there are many) together and the cinematography has a consistent wintery and atmospheric feeling to it.

So, if you haven't read the books and enjoy a fast paced thriller involving complicated relationships (something the film actually leaves out), great characters, violent set pieces and a cracking yarn then buy them, read them, enjoy them. If you want to be entertained any night of the week then you won't go wrong by renting this film out from your local video shop. No, it's not a great film but it's a good Friday night flick to be watched with munchies. I for one am looking forward to the next two films in the series; 'The Girl Who Played With Fire' and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest' and am particularly looking forward to watching Noomi Rapace play Lisbeth Salander again. As for the David Fincher version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, It'll make for interesting comparisons.

Male Tattoo Pictures - A Great Way to Find Tattoo Design Ideas

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Thinking about getting an artwork tattooed on a specific part of your body? One of the most common designs among male tattoos is a fire dragon. Girls rarely sport dragon tattoos, but they are quite popular among men. Dragons symbolize power and heroism. The strongest dragon is the fire dragon. You can have a fire dragon portrayed on your full sleeve, along with fire coming out from its mouths and nostrils.

If dragon tattoo pictures are too common for your taste, why not go for tiger tattoo pictures? Tigers may be a little smaller in size than dragons, but they equally symbolize power, ferocity and speed.

Another wonderful idea is Celtic designs. Celts were always associated with its brave warriors. King Arthur was a very famous Celtic, do you know? Celt warriors, nobles and knights were well known in history for their courage and strength.

If you're stuck for ideas, make the World Wide Web your best friend. The internet is a great way to find great ideas for male tattoo pictures! You can search for tattoo pictures of your favorite image (such as a skull or dragon). Or, you can look for tattoos of your favorite male celebrity or star and have it copied!

Another creative source for tattoo pictures is a tattoo artwork gallery. There are plenty of galleries with decent artwork! Do not settle for boring and generic designs, as many men opt to when they're too lazy or they give up easily. Do not settle with generic junk, or you will truly regret about it later.

Tattoo Designs and Ideas For Dragon Tattoos

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Dragon tattoos are popular with men because they symbolize strength and power. However, it should be noted that dragon tattoo designs are favored by women as well. This is a mythical and interesting creature that has a great potential for a beautiful tattoo piece. They can be seen inked on the arm, chest, back, rib cage and calf area. They can be the focal point for a stunning full back tattoo design or they can be the star of a full sleeve tattoo design.

Dragon tattoos come in different themes and styles. There are tribal dragon tattoos which are usually inked in black color, the Chinese dragon which is usually seen as a sign of fortune and the fire-breathing Western dragon. There is also the koi dragon which according to Japanese tradition started out as a koi fish and then convert into dragon after successfully climbing the falls at a point called Yellow River. The viking dragon, on the other hand, is originally from the norse mythology and is generally seen as evil.

The dragon is seen as a powerful mythical creature which possesses the wings of a bird and the scale of a fish or snake. In the Western world, it breathes fire and guard treasures in the castle. In the Eastern world, it is seen as helpful and kind and symbol of fortune and wisdom. In early Christianity, it is seen as a creature of ill-omen who brings destructiveness and complete chaos.

Though dragon differs in how they are perceived, it is still no doubt a great image for body art. It can be portrayed in amazing colors and it can be tattooed in intricate details. Inking it on one's body and putting it to life on the skin can be a delight for a tattoo artist's creative expression.

Tribal Wings Tattoos - Tips on Your New Tattoo!

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You have decided that you want a tribal wings tattoo but you aren't necessarily sure how to start your research. This type of tattoo has become quite popular with tribal tattoo lovers. But before you head down to your local tattoo parlor and drop your hard earned money, you may want to do some research first. The truth is this research can mean the difference between a great tattoo that you're happy with or a disappointing tattoo. Would you like to know more?

My biggest concern is that I don't want you to do what everyone else does and that is start your research for artwork by using Google images. Google images isn't a bad place for ideas, but because everyone uses this method you run the risk of duplicating someone else's tattoo. And I am sure that isn't what you want.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to invest in a paid tattoo site. A paid tattoo site gives use so many resources before you get your tattoo. You will gain access to artists that specialize in tribal tattoo artwork. You can work with one of these artists to come up with something unique for your new ink. You also gain access to a huge community of tattoo enthusiasts that will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. These paid tattoo sites also have reviews of local tattoo parlors so you can find the right parlor for your new tribal tattoo.

I'm sure that you can see that doing some research before you get your new ink can help you make a better decision. Good luck on getting your new tribal wings tattoo!

Dragon Tattoo Art - Finding Printable Designs For Your Dragon Tattoos

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Dragon tattoo art has been one of the most sought after designs especially among male tat enthusiasts. The creature, although mythical and non-existent has strong symbolism attached to it, not to mention the artistic appeal it has when inked on one's body.

Dragon tattoos can represent two different meanings depending on how they are portrayed. In the West, they are regarded as an evil and mean winged creature who breathes fire and guards caves with golds and jewels. Those who want to get these treasures have to slay the dragon first. In this case, dragon tattoos can mean fearless, power, courage and strong will.

The other symbolism of dragon tattoo art is good luck, fortune and wisdom as how they are look upon in the East. In China, they are the main symbol during the celebration of Chinese New Year as they are believed to bring prosperity, benevolence and good will. As a tattoo design, they can mean intelligence, protection, balance and harmony.

Dragon tattoo designs are very adaptable and flexible body art and looks great on large areas of the body such as the arm, rib cage, chest, back and shoulder blade. They can be seen inked in colors such as red and green while others opt for the plain black ink with some tribal touch. They can be portrayed as terrifying or monster-like, charming and kind and even small and innocent. It all depends on what kind of message the person sporting the tattoo wants to portray.

When it comes to resources for design of dragon tattoo art, its always best to do your research first before purchasing one. Read reviews online of the tattoo gallery membership being promoted and see which one best suit your need.

The Meaning Behind a Celtic Knot Tattoo

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A Celtic knot tattoo is one of the most recognized body art. Its origins lay in the ancient history of the Celtic people and even if you are not affiliated with any clan, you may want to mark your body with such a notorious and beautiful tattoo.

First Appearances

The Celtic knot tattoo made its first appearance circa 450 AD. Because the Celts were not ones to have a written record, the meaning behind a Celtic knot tattoo is pretty vague. They have been a constant throughout history and many have tried to infer some basic significance regarding the design.

These tattoo's can be referred to as an endless knot or the mystical knot. This points to its meaning in a spiritual or esoteric sense as it can symbolize endings or beginnings. The tattoo is so appealing to us because it reminds us of our primordial self and our quest to understand the cycles of life in both the otherworldly realms and our physical self.

It is Not Just About the Mystical

Those that sport a this type of design tattoo don't always assign a spiritual meaning to it. It can also refer to a life cycle that is never interrupted. It can also be used as a magical charm to ward off setbacks, sickness or anything else that can interfere with a happy and peaceful life. Celtic knots are not just found in body art, but in jewelry, home décor and clothing as well.

In the past, when a person received a gift that was adorned with a Celtic knot, it meant that the gift giver was wishing the recipient a life of luck, longevity, and prosperity in any endeavor they may follow.

The Celtic Trinity Knot

The Celtic trinity knot is often referred to as the Triquetra. From the Latin, Triquetra means three cornered and is one of the most common of the Celtic tattoos. There are many interpretations when it comes to this ancient knot and not all agree on its true meaning.

The one thing all agree on is that it is based on a culmination of 3 parts. For Christians this often refers to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost or Spirit. For those with a more Wiccan or pagan persuasion it can stand for three of the powers of the feminine; the Maiden, the Crone and the Mother. New age thinkers can assign it to mean spirit, body and mind.

All of these varied interpretations show us that the meaning of the Celtic knot tattoo is not something that is set solidly in stone. Without a written history, it leaves plenty of room for personal interpretations.

If you are seeking to ink a Celtic knot tattoo on your body, there are many meanings you may assign to this magical symbol for what is most important in your life and in your personal beliefs. No matter how you look at it, this tattoo is one that will be forever treasured and never regretted.

How To Design Your Own Tattoo

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For many people one of the most important aspects of getting a tattoo done is the ability to design your own tattoo. Almost every tattoo shop in the world has this sort of service with some of them doing more of this type of personalized business than others. The ability of any tattoo shop to offer this service will ensure that the tattoo shop and its artists will always have a lot of business.

More and more people are designing their own tattoo images and bringing them to tattoo artists to have their dream tattoo realized. The artist at the tattoo shop may add a few elements or rearrange certain parts of the design but ultimately the design will be unique to that customer. There are many tattoo designs all over the Internet that people can download and change to fit their own personal styles and tastes. Even the people who have little artistic ability can choose what they'd like to have changed or kept the same about the design.

Many people have at least one friend who can help them decide what design elements to save or change and if that person is at all artistic then the design will become much more personalized. For anyone who's ever wanted to have a certain image of tattoo on his or her body but who wasn't sure how to go about getting that image from their head onto the artist's sketchpad, this is the best solution.

By searching for a design on the Internet anyone can find the image they want to have for their own unique tattoo design. It will require a little tweaking to make it their own but that's where the uniqueness comes into the plan. There are many sites on the web that specialize in tattoo designs and they have many images that you can download to your computer. These images can then be sent to the tattoo shop with special instructions for what you'd like to have changed in the design.

This service will have a charge of course depending on the amount of design work that is required to bring the design closer to what the customer wants. Not all tattoo shops have this service but many of them are starting to offer a personalized service such as this to tap into the popularity of creating your own tattoo designs. If all a customer wanted was a plain old tattoo design then many of the tattoo shops around the world would probably close because they'd all have the same old designs for tattoos. Creativity and imagination are required to keep any business afloat and a tattoo shop is no exception to that rule.

Free Tattoo Designs - Best Places to Look

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Here are the best places to find free tattoo designs. Most free tattoo designs are generic and boring, and you've seen them a thousand times before. You want to find a free tattoo design which is strong, unique, and can stand out.

Finding your tattoo design:

1. The Tattoo Parlor. Obviously this must be mentioned as this is a major resource for many free tattoo designs ranging from old school tats, to more modern. The downside to the parlor is the sheer volume of designs you'll have to go through, and likely you'll have to keep coming back to sift through their books and look on the walls for a tattoo design which fits you.

2. Graffiti pits or parks. If there are areas designated for graffiti then it's worth a stroll through with your camera to pick up on some free tattoo design ideas. This option is often overlooked and it's too bad because you can see some great art that could be translated over to skin art. Especially if your tattoo has mural elements to it then this can be a great source of inspiration.

3. Online tattoo catalogues. Probably the best and easiest place to pick up a free tattoo design is through tattoo catalogues or books that you can access on the internet. Many require you sign up for a membership which requires a fee for joining, but once you're in you have access to literally hundreds of unique and creative designs which are all free to use for a tattoo. This works well because you can really "sit" with the tattoo for several days or weeks before making the choice to get it done. Every day you can access it online, give it a look over and see if it feels as strong 2 weeks from now as it did when you first saw it. If you are serious about getting the right free tattoo design, then an online tattoo book is a smart and strong way to go.

Tribal Tattoo Designs For The Foot, Shoulder And Back

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There seems to be an explosion in the popularity of tribal tattoos. Specifically, shoulder and back tribal pieces. Everywhere you look, from celebrity to Average Joe, someone has got a beautiful, striking tribal tattoo on their shoulder. Or they have the the tribal tattoo that goes from one shoulder, across the back, and down the other shoulder. Why are they fast becoming the most popular tattoo? How do you choose the best tribal tattoo design for you? Do a little research. Check out tribal tattoo designs in your culture or heritage. You are sure to get tons of ideas. I did a little research on tribal tattoos, and I now have a few theories as to the popularity surge. Probably the most important of all of these theories is that tribal shoulder tattoos look so cool!

Tribal tattoos were used in different cultures to delineate between the tribes. They were also used to distinguish between classes or rank within the tribe. Everyone in the tribe had some form of the tattoo. In most cultures, the tattoos were given in a ceremonial way, to celebrate the passage from childhood to adulthood.

It is widely believed that the Polynesian culture brought us our most popular tribal tattoos. The Samoans, the Maori, the Hawaiians. The most detailed of these are the Maori. These tattoos are intricate and curvilinear in nature. They are based on the spiral which give them such powerful movement within the design. The design begins in the center and radiates out, forming beautiful curves that are filled with pattern. The tribal tattoos were carved into the skin and rubbed with ash. Maori tattoos were placed on the face, back, chest, and arms. The more important you were, the more tattooing you had.

The traditional Samoan tattoo consists of very detailed geometric patterns. Traditionally, they cover a man from his waist to his knees. Woman have the same tattooing, but it is not as detailed or dense. A more modern Hawaiian Tattoo is the shoulder tattoo. Images are rich with geometric design.

The Celts and Danes tattooed their family crest on themselves. The ancient Egyptians tattooed themselves as a form of adornment.

In Japan, woman that were of age and getting married were tattooed. If a woman was not properly tattooed, she was thought to have committed a sin and was sentenced to death. (Yikes!)

The Christians tattooed Jesus Fish on themselves. The Native American Indians tattooed animals and images that linked them to a tribe. The ancient Mexico, the Aztecs tattooed images of their slain enemies.

So, each culture seems to have some form of tattooing in their ancient history. Does our love affair with tribal tattoos have roots in our wanting to belong? Is it pride in our heritage? Is it our personal passage into adulthood? I think it is all of the above. A little bit of heritage, a little culture, a feeling of inclusion. There is nothing like a powerful, beautiful shoulder tattoo that is meaningful to you.

Whatever your reason, tribal tattoos are really intricate in nature, and powerful in design. Find the right one and you will be happy with it forever. Don't spend enough time looking and tweaking the design, and you will be very unhappy. Tribal tattoos are generally large and most have a lot of black. Difficult to cover over, and difficult to remove. Think hard, do your research, find an excellent tattoo artist, and you will be all set. Peace always.

Star Tattoo Design

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The most controversial design is the star tattoo design. It is quite possible that different meanings are attached to the same sketch of star tattoo. Star tattoo is very easy to ink in to the body. Due to its simplicity and ease of application, it is advisable for newcomer to start with the star tattoo. Basic design of 4,5,6,7 or 8 pointed star is very simple and there are lots of scopes to develop it according to your imagination. It is not necessary that you pierced it with only black ink. There are great designs with multiple colors. In fact colors add the beauty to simple star tattoo. You can add different colors according to the traditional meaning or you can add the colors according to your liking. Don't worry if the color you like very much has different meaning, since tattoo is basically a personal thing.

It is very easy to find lots of star tattoo designs. You can even draw your own design if you are good at the drawing. But it is not easy to find some unique star tattoo designs. The free sketches you will find on the net or in the albums of parlors are more or less same and often repeated. If you really want to find one of its kind star tattoo designs then spend some money and become the member of a good website that offers unique drawings to their members only.

As the expenses of piercing is very less compare to other types, it is really worthwhile to spend some time and money to find out the best star tattoo sketch which will not only enhance your self confidence but you will be very proud of it even after you get old.

Purchasing a Tattoo Gun

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A tattoo gun is the most central piece of tattoo equipment. If you are serious about tattooing, then your tattoo gun purchase is very important. Whether you are looking for a tattoo gun in order to start practicing the art of tattoo, or you are looking to supply a tattoo parlor, purchasing a tattoo gun is a very big step. Let us show you how to go about it.

The first thing you need to know before purchasing a tattoo gun is the type of materials a good tattoo gun is made of. Tattoo guns need to be made of high quality metal. This will keep them from breaking when you are doing a tattoo. Tattoo guns are traditionally made of conductive materials such as iron, brass or copper. Look for tattoo guns made of these strong types of metal to be sure you are getting one that is a high quality.

The second thing you need to know about purchasing a tattoo gun is what size and variety of gun to purchase. Tattoo guns usually serve one purpose-either "lining" or "shading". Many stores will sell a "lining" gun and a "shading" gun together for one price. On the other hand, some guns are made to be "liners" and "shaders". These versatile machines are usually more expensive and more powerful and should be used by experienced tattoo artists only. This is because a tattoo machine needs to be tuned to switch between lining and shading functions. A tattoo gun that serves both purposes will need to be tuned often.

If you are new to the art of tattooing, you should consider purchasing a tattoo gun in a kit. These kits are available everywhere and are great for tattoo artists who are just starting out. Many of these kits come with a "lining" gun and a "shading" gun as well as a wide variety of additional supplies.

Dermal Piercings look Great with Tattoos

Dermal Piercings are taking the piercing world by storm.

Now you can place a piercing most anywhere on the body

The most popular use of a dermal piercing has been to accent a tattoo

Dragon Tattoo Designs a Rage Among Tattoos

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Mankind has always had a fascination with dragons. These mythological creations have fired up the imagination for generations. Even in ancient caves, archeologists have discovered drawings of dragons. This attraction for the dragon has carried on till the present day making dragon tattoo designs, by far the most requested tattoo design. So if you are planning to get a dragon tattoo, you will have to do more research into getting a design which is not mediocre or common. But dragon tattoos can be easily customized by using different colors, shapes and numbers, so if you go to a good tattoo artist, he can take a regular dragon tattoo and create something unique.

Dragon tattoos have different meanings throughout the world and the way they are drawn is also different in different parts of the world. So before you pick a dragon tattoo design be sure to find out what it represents and if that representation is in line with what you would like it to epitomize in your life. Dragons are most commonly used to exemplify a powerful and commanding beast which has supremacy over all other creatures. But in countries such as China and Japan, dragons represent something benign and friendly but still powerful none the less. The Japanese have used dragons to represent their emperors for several generations. In Chinese culture dragons are considered to bring in good luck and fortune, so they are depicted as happy and cheerful. On the other hand, in the west dragons have always been associated with negative energy; they are portrayed as something fuming and atrocious. Here they are sketched as huge, winged, fire breathing creatures. But most often people getting a dragon tattoo want to depict the powerful, majestic nature of the dragon rather than the evil, blood sucking, beast eating one.

Also while considering the best dragon tattoo art you would also need to think about what part of your body, you are planning to get it inked on and the size of the tattoo. Dragon tattoos look really sexy and hot if done on the entire back. Getting a huge dragon tattooed on your entire back may also increase your self image. Normally dragons look good if they are medium to large sized, if you want to get a small tattoo, then you might not want to consider this design rather you can consider small delicate designs such as butterfly, floral, fairy, fish, etc. Other really nice locations for the dragon tattoo can be the upper arm with the head of the dragon on the chest or the shoulder blade, especially if you have big arms you can beautify them with having large dragon tattoos inked on them.

Keep in mind because of the immense popularity of the dragon tattoo, on the internet you will find a lot of cookie cutter tattoo designs. It is best not to use one of these designs but to get a custom design from a membership based tattoo gallery. Also it is important to use the services of an excellent tattoo artist for the dragon tattoo as it is a very difficult tattoo to ink. A good tattoo artist will be able to get the best out of the design by paying attention to details and colors.

Tribal Phoenix Tattoo - Tips on Your New Tribal Phoenix Tattoo!

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So you want a new tattoo and you've decided on a tribal phoenix tattoo. Great decision considering all the meanings that the symbol of a phoenix can mean. But getting a new tribal tattoo brings up a lot of questions. You've got some major decisions to make if you are going to get such a permanent piece of artwork on your body, not to mention the price of getting the tattoo. The proper research can truly mean the difference between an ordinary tattoo and a fantastic tattoo!

My biggest concern for you is that you've done what so many others have done before you and that is this: you immediately went to Google images to browse through phoenix tattoos. Do you think that you are the first one to use Google images for their research? That means that you are looking at tattoos that someone else already has. And I have a feeling that what you really want is something unique, right?

I would highly recommend that you check out a pay tattoo site for your research. There are so many benefits to having access to a site like this, but the main benefit is finding artists that specialize in tribal tattoos. As I'm sure you well know, tribal tattoo art is handled differently than regular tattoos. You can browse a tribal tattoo artists online portfolio and you can also work hand in hand on coming up with something original for your tribal phoenix tattoo. You also get access to a community of tribal tattoo enthusiasts that can help you with any questions you may have, as well as read reviews on local tattoo parlors so you can find a parlor that suits your needs.

Good luck on your new tribal phoenix tattoo!

My New Dragon Tattoo

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Ok so I just got back about an hour ago from a tattoo artist I know and trust. I had been wanting to get a dragon tattoo for some time now on my calf but wasn't really happy with the typical tattoo flash art I had seen. And being a girl I take getting any new tattoo very seriously. I did some research.

First I had to decide what type of dragon. I never realized there was so many variations of a dragon. Throughout recorded history we have written and drawn pictures about dragons. Many of our modern day religions have dragons in their beliefs. Whether these mythical creatures actually existed, were legends passed down from sightings of the last dinosaurs, or were just stories to excite and scare who knows. Anyway I looked two of the standard dragons for my tattoo.

The Chinese Dragon. Exhibiting the mystique and beauty of the orient these graceful serpentine dragons come in an abundance of colors and shapes. Some have wings, some fly without them. Many were considered to be holy beings which appeared to help mankind in their times of needs. I found that some didn't even look like what I had always envisioned a dragon to be. Many were covered with fur and feathers instead of scales. But all were beautiful and had individual meaning to the people of China.

The Medieval Dragon. Ok here was my idea of a dragon. Being an avid online fantasy gamer these were the dragons I had encountered. Huge, scaled, winged, fire-breathing creatures that struck dread into the heart of the masses. These were the foes of shining knights and powerful wizards for centuries past.

But what about a combination of the two? Nowhere I looked could I find a tattoo of one of each of these legendary beasts, the Chinese and the Medieval Dragon, together or locked in battle. Last year I had subscribed to an online database of thousands of tattoos for me to research and download. After some great suggestions on the forums there and a merging of a couple tattoos I had a unique and one of a kind dragon tat just for me!

Choosing the Right Dragon Tattoo Design

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Dragons are mythical creatures of unparalleled fame and prestige. They are so vastly known that nearly all known writings - from the most ancient to contemporary, religious and pagan, Eastern and Western - makes mention of them. In fact, dragon lore is one of the richest collections of mythical stories. Dragon literature has inspired a lot of artists, then and now, to bring to life these mysteriously powerful beasts in a work of art. And tattoo artists and aficionados alike are not immune to the same fascination. They would love nothing more than to ink this mythical figure in the canvass of the human body.

With an immense array of research sources and an even richer selection of tattoo designs, where do you begin looking for the dragon tattoo design that's just right for you? The inclination is to pick the design that instantly catches your eye. But if you really want your dragon tattoo to mean something and represent a part of yourself, it is important to familiarize yourself with the kinds of dragons and their meanings.

Western Dragons

Western mythology and Christian scriptures are full of references to dragons. They are often cast in a negative light. Did you know that they were first mentioned in Norse tradition as worms or "wyrms? They were viewed as spreaders of annihilation. The Norse dragon is illustrated as an enormous snake - a large scaly serpent - that breathed fire and regenerated when cut. They are multicolored and often zoomed across the sky. When in land, Norse dragons were believed to live in caves or mountains.

In the Arthurian legend, dragons represented conflict, dissention, and chaos. The heroism of medieval knights was displayed through dragon-slaying. British dragons were mostly water dwellers. The Celtic dragon is also closely associated with water, often taking the form of gargantuan winged sea serpent. Unlike other Western dragons, however, they are depicted to have no legends. In Celtic art, dragons are illustrated with their tails in their mouths, symbolizing immortality and the cyclic nature of the world.

In the Bible, dragons are used as symbols of evil. In the book of Revelations, Satan was described in a serpent-dragon form. Legends about some saints refer to encounters with these creatures. St. Peter and St. Philip were believed to have slain a dragon during their mission to evangelize the world.

Eastern Dragons

In direct contrast to Western dragons, Chinese dragons are symbols of benevolence, good fortune, and wisdom. They were revered and sometimes regarded as demi-gods. Eastern dragons come from China, Japan, and Korea. Their image of the dragon is more precise, with minimal variations - it has the body of a snake, belly of a frog, scales of a carp, head of a camel, horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a hare, ears like a bull, a neck like an iguana, paws like a tiger's, and claws like an eagle's. Unlike most of their Western counterparts, Eastern dragons have no wings. Orientals believed that they flew with the use of magical powers.

The Eastern literature about dragons is noticeably more consistent and detailed. They have writings about the kinds of dragons as well as their life stages, gender differences, life span, powers, and even their fears. Colors are assigned to tell a dragon's age.

Getting the Dragon Tattoo for You

If you're determined to get a dragon tattoo for yourself, ask yourself first how you see dragons: do they represent good or evil? The next step is to integrate that personal view of dragon lore into the design that appeals aesthetically to you. With all that done, you are now ready to walk in that tattoo shop to discuss what you want with your artist.

The Coolest Sleeve Tattoo Designs For 2009

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Tattoos have hit the prime time in a big way. They are all over the TV on shows like Inked and the more popular Miami Ink. You can find tons of videos, pictures and just about anything to do with tattoos on the internet. Tattoo Conventions are bursting at the seams as more and more people appreciate this gritty art form from the street. Thus had lead to an increasing number of people getting bigger and bigger tattoo designs and get more and more tattoo work done on their body. Thus today it is becoming pretty common for guys and even gals to have sleeve tattoos. Thus leads to the natural discussion of what Sleeve Tattoo Designs are best and where can you get your design done.

Of course any time a person talks, writes or reads about tattoos it has to be taken through their own personal filter. It is an art form after all and what one might think is the perfect tattoo might not be right for another person. This article examines some of the most common and cool sleeve tattoo designs. However, it is not exhaustive and it is meant merely to give ideas and suggestions. The best tattoos are the ones that a person creates with their own unique ideas and visions and then working closely with a tattoo artist makes these ideas come to life.

Japanese Sleeve Tattoo Designs

The Japanese have been involved with tattoo ink permanently on to a person's body for centuries now. They have a very old, rich and traditional culture and their tattoos are now less meaningful. They have produced some of the most incredible body suit tattoos which often include sleeve tattoos. Thus they have a long tradition of sleeve tattoo designs. Many of these designs have been accepted in the west and in fact some of the most popular tattoo artists and designs today are from traditional Japanese tattoos. Probably the most common of these is the koi fish tattoo. These make a great sleeve design with a large goldish/orange fish swimming upstream and splashing the water. These designs symbolism strength, power and individualism. The Hanya masks used in traditional Japanese Noh performances are also a very popular design. The mask is typically very evil and scary looking and is meant as a symbol of protection and to ward off bad spirits. For the women in the group and the men also another very popular Japanese design is the Cherry blossom tattoo which can also be done very easily as a sleeve design.



Flames And Skulls Designs

Flames and skull have always been a very popular theme within tattooing. For those who love hot rods and racing or living life to the fullest flame and skulls can work very well into a tattoo design. Flames are very colorful and of course look great when integrated into a sleeve tattoo design. Starting down at the wrist and then burning up the arm.

Dragon Tattoo Designs

Dragon tattoos are also very popular and look great as a full sleeve or even a half or quarter sleeve tattoo design. They can start down low on the forearm and weave their way up the arm and onto the top of the chest or shoulder area. The only decisions you have to make here is do you want a more Western and medieval times looking dragon or a Chinese dragon design but either way you cannot go wrong with a dragon design for a sleeve tattoo.

Tribal Japanese Dragon Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo!

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Are you ready to get a new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo? This article will help you with your decision!

Picture this, the first time you go out proudly sporting your new tattoo you come face to face with that identical tattoo on someone else. You just lived your worst nightmare. Creepy, huh? Well, here's the good news, with a little planning you can go a long way towards making sure that never happens.

So here's the thing. When you are researching your tribal Japanese dragon tattoo graphic you are probably going to want to do a Google Image search. You will no doubt find plenty of fine examples for your tattoo; because tribal tattoos are very popular right now. The problem with this method of finding your design is that about a million other people are doing the exact same thing, looking at the exact same images, and carefully picking the same perfect graphic as you. You see the problem, don't you?

To narrow the field then, you should check out some of the pay tribal Japanese dragon tattoo sites. They're not expensive, but the extra step of paying for a service keeps most people from ever even getting into these sites to have a look. Already you are part of a more exclusive group. Not only will you have access to custom graphics that you would not otherwise find on the web but you will find sites that specialize in only tribal tattoos. You can find out what elements of the tattoo are important to you, and in doing this you can really develop a tattoo that is unique to you. And that is the point, after all, isn't it?

So once you commit to ink, do yourself a favor and use the best resources available by visiting some of the pay tribal tattoo sites.

Good luck getting your new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo!

Advice Before You Get a Tattoo

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Tattoos have become an incredible phenomenon today. Not too many years ago it seems tattoos were just for a select crowd like bikers and the fringes of society.

Well times have really changed and anywhere you go today you will see boys and girls, men and women, young or old sporting a tattoo or two or three.

Getting a tattoo is definitely a long-term commitment and getting the wrong tattoo that you were inspired at the time to have applied can be a nightmare.

When I was in my late teens I was in Amsterdam, Holland and had the name of my favorite rock band tattooed on my arm, a few years later I was really sorry for making that decision.

Of course you can have a tattoo removed with laser surgery, but who wants to go through all that when you can apply a temporary tattoo and test it out to see if you can really live with it for your whole life time.

Now that I am older and hopefully wiser I have a few more tattoos but I just did not get inspired about something on a whim and head to the tattoo shop and get inked. I had an idea for a tattoo design and I purchased some temporary tattoo paper, printed the design out, applied it to my arm, wore it around for a week and then had a very good idea if I was making the right decision or not.

As it turns out I liked it and went to my favorite tattoo artist and now it is a part of me that lives on my forearm.

We all know the warning about drinking and driving, well the same applies to getting tattooed, do not drink and get tattooed. I think the majority of tattoo ideas that have gone bad were a product of good intentions and alcoholic beverages.

So do yourself a favor before you go out and get inked, try out your tattoo idea on some temporary tattoo paper, you will not be sorry that you did.