Hip Hop Tattoo

Some people claim tattoos are being marketed primarily to a white Rock & Roll generation. Hip hop and R&B artists - from Tupac to 50 Cent to Eminem - have donned elaborate, detailed and beautiful tattoos even though tattoos are primarily associated with rock and bikers. Slain rapper Tupac Shakur illustrates how tattoos began to symbolize a 'gangsta' lifestyle in the tattoo he chose to put across his abdomen which read "THUG LIFE."

Hip hop and R&B artists are a kind of modern-day aristocracy. All you have to do is switch on MTV to find out how prevalent is their desire to be covered with tattoos. Rappers are both insiders and outsiders. Tattoos lend themselves very well to this double meaning because througout the history of tattoos they have appealed to the extremes of society from the drawing room aristocracy to the lowly criminal.

Source : http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/hip-hop-rnb-artists.html

The Rose Tattoos Meaning

One of the most popular and symbolic tattoos offered is that of a rose. Many people may think of a rose as being a tattoo for women only, but that is not the case. Because a rose can either be made into a feminine or masculine design, it is one of the most universal tattoos available.

In ancient times, roses were viewed as a masculine flower. However, as the years progressed and different colors of the rose were discovered, this beautiful flower became the popular choice for wedding bouquets and was then associated with women and love.

If you are thinking of getting a rose tattoo, it’s important to be familiar with the color variations and each of their meanings. A red rose, for instance, symbolized love and passion. White roses, which are often used in weddings, signify innocense, purity and spirituality. A yellow rose implies friendship and happiness. Pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration. When mixed, red and white roses symbolize unity.

Now that you know the symbolism behind the most popular colors of the rose, it’s important to know what various images mean. A rose in bloom may imply being faithful, a new beginning and/or a celebration of a happy occasion. A withered rose, on the other hand, signifies separation from a loved one.

As previously mentioned, a rose tattoo can either be worn as a masculine or feminine design. For women, placement is usually on the ankle, shoulder, lower back or hip. For men, a rose tattoo is often designed in the form of a vine that wraps around the name of their sweetheart. In some cases, the name of a wife or girlfriend may be placed underneath the image of a rose. The most popular placement for a masculine rose tattoo is on the upper arm.

Because a tattoo is forever, designs and images should be chosen carefully. When individuals purchase a trendy or fashionable design, he/she risks having that particular style fade with time. However, roses are classic. They are beautiful and they never go out of style, which makes them an ideal choice for the trend-conscious wearer.

As a final thought for tattoo selection and placement, it’s a good idea to make sure that the size of the tattoo fits the size of the area being inked. Proportion is very important, especially if you only plan to have one tattoo. Women who choose placement of a rose tattoo on their ankle, lower back or hip may choose a smaller design in order to convey a dainty image. For men who want to make a bold statement and prefer placement on their forearm, that design will likely be larger in order to convey a masculine image.

Source : http://www.todaytattoos.com/Tattoo-Meaning/70.html

Cobra Tattoo

The cobra is one of the fiercest of the poisonous snakes, yet it is also one of the most popular ones for tattoos and body art. Is it because it makes someone look fierce, or cool, or is it just a sign of a fiery personality as it opens its mouth to expose the fangs? It’s difficult to say what the reason is for the popularity of cobra tattoo designs, but there is no doubt that their popularity has existed throughout many years of tattoo designs.


In essence, cobra tattoo designs are more of a masculine symbol, but that doesn’t mean that females will not be interested in cobra tattoo designs. The sign of the snake in most cultures symbolizes masculinity, thus the reason one does not often think of this design as one that would appeal to the female population. In fact, one online tattoo artist refers to this design under the title “masculine tattoo designs,” so it is obviously not seen as something that will appeal to a female in most cases. It is likely the idea that women, in most cases, do not like snakes, and even fear them. This is especially true of the cobra and its counterpart, the king cobra, both of which can snap your life from you with their powerful fangs.


It is perhaps the power that is within the nature of the cobra that gives cobra tattoo designs appeal so much to the male population. In many cases, a male chooses tattoo designs to make him feel important, powerful, and masculine. This is the reason you see many men with snakes, devils, scorpions, serpents, and aliens. All of these reptiles and demons are symbols of male power and dignity, and thus give a man an added sense of self-confidence that he does not otherwise exert. Not only that, but also many women are drawn to men who have cobra tattoo designs because of the power it has in opening the gap of male self-consciousness and sexual prowess. What better way exists for a man to prove his power over women than with a cobra tattoo design?

Some women may choose a scaled-down version of one of the cobra tattoo designs, simply because it is feminine in nature, and with the fangs hanging from its mouth, it may not be appealing to others in a larger form. Ask your tattooist what he has available if you are a female looking for a smaller version of this design.



Source : http://www.tattoodesignshop.com/cobra-tattoos.html

The Female Tattoos - Tattoo Ideas for Women

Why should guys be the only ones to enjoy the permanent body art of tattoos? Although some people might have the idea that tattoos detract from a woman's essential femininity, nothing could be farther from the truth. A tattoo is a banner telling the world something about you, and it can be as feminine as you want it to be!

One thing that can make a tattoo really pop is its placement and there are plenty of places on the female body that can really work for this purpose. Think about the natural curve of your hip and imagine how well a tattoo could fit that curve. For instance, many women who have floral or vine tattoos curve them over their waist and down to their thigh, creating a design that works with their body. Many women also consider getting a tattoo at the small of their back; there is a lovely flat piece of skin there that can display a tattoo wonderfully. If you're looking for something especially cute think about a tattoo that winds its way around your ankle or foot. This is one place to get a tattoo that doesn't stand out immediately and can add a delightfully whimsical touch to your entire look.

If you don't mind mixing and matching, why not consider a feminine tattoo placed in a typically masculine place? Tattoos on the arms are usually associated with tough guys, but what about something delightfully girlish taking its place? Instead of a ring of barbed wire around the upper arm, what about a flowing Celtic design, or a twining vine of leaves and flowers? Forearm tattoos are often considered masculine, but remember that it's all in perception. Think about about an elegant design of snakes, or butterflies. Either of these designs can be ideal, depending on what your view of femininity is.


Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/female-tattoos-tattoo-ideas-for-women-217819.html

Tattoo Story-Daerice:masculine And Feminine Tattoo

This tattoo is about my first heartbreak. When my first love and I permanently split I decided to get this tattoo, both the cleanse some of the pain, mark the time, and to make a promise to myself. I decided that no matter how much it hurt I wasn’t going to be bitter or give up my dream which is this tattoo. A complete circle created by two complimentary elements, that of the masculine and feminine.

I designed this one myself, but it was a combination of artists who created the final image you see here. First I described it to a friend named Bernie who drew it out. The first tatto artist to work on it was a guy named Kelly, a Mormon biker in Reno. He filled in the male side really well, but only traced out the female side minimally. I sat for him about 2 hours.

Years later in Seattle I went to see an artist named Magenta in a shop on Broadway and she put another 2.5 hours of ink into it. She basically did the female side herself - sort of freelance. I just let her go. I liked her work so well, I trusted her to do it right. She also put back in the yellow which had faded from the fiery parts. The photo I have here is years after Magenta’s work, so a lot of the yellow has faded again.

Source : http://www.tattooconfidential.com/33/tattoo-story-daerice-masculine-and-feminine/

Temporary Tattoo

Body art has become increasingly popular for males in recent years. Tattoos and body piercings tend to reflect the “tough guy” image. Hundreds of years ago in various tribes all over the world, male body art was required. If men weren’t painted, pierced, or tattooed, they were not considered men, but instead, they were viewed as boys or even animals. This perspective is one way that body art has been linked to masculinity over the years.

Another reason why male body art sometimes represents masculinity is because of the level of pain involved in the process of getting most types of body art. Tattoos and piercings all involve a certain level of pain, which is sometimes viewed as a test of one’s manhood. Especially for those who have a large part of their bodies tattooed or pierced, often the amount of pain imagined is impressive.

The subject matter involved in male body art, especially tattoos, will most often deal with tough images and masculine tattoo symbols. A large portion of men with tattoos will choose images involving animals--some believing that the animal’s characteristics are, in part, given to the bearer of the animal’s tattoo. Therefore, the strength, courage, and power that many animals hold, may also be bestowed onto the one wearing the tattoo of the lion, tiger, dragon, or snake. This concept certainly enhances the masculinity of the tattoo as well.

The location of male body art is usually quite visible. Arms, backs, and legs are the most common places to find a tattoo on a guy. Nose, ears, and eyebrows are their common piercings, and because men like to show off their masculinity, their body art is likely to be seen by all.

Source : http://www.rankmytattoos.com/tattoos/body-art/male-body-art/

Orchid Flower Tattoo Can Be Feminine Or Masculine

Tattoos or at least the concept of tattoo art designs have been around for many, many years. Ranging from simple dots and lines to the more intricate designs are present in mummified remains found in several caves and burial grounds all over the world. This just goes to show that tattoos have been a long fascination of the human mind, ancient or modern.

Now, if you are planning to enter the world of tattoo art designs, then go and read on. Still, if you are just really in for the knowledge, then read on. If you are planning to start to have a tattoo art, then start it simple. Remember, that tattoos are permanent, so you might want to think about what to get first before you actually start the inking.

If you want a tattoo for life, then try an Orchid flower tattoo designs. Flower tattoos are great designs, as they show dual sides of simplicity and complexity. Simplicity in a sense that it's just a flower, but complexity in a way that the design varies, the shapes and colors vary as well.

Rushing for a good Orchid flower tattoo design in a tattoo parlor? A pretty good suggestion is to first have a temporary tattoo that lasts for around a week or so. Have a feel of the flower design. Then, just as this design starts to fade, you can go back to your tattoo artist to have it inked permanently.

Orchid flower tattoos are not just for the females. Men have tried this design and also loved the way the flower art has shown color and beauty in the tattoo art.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Orchid-Flower-Tattoos-Can-Be-Feminine-Or-Masculine&id=1565071

Family Tattoo

First things first. To those of you who read my last entry, especially those who commented: Thank you!! Thank you for sticking around. It was really nice to know that my crappy blogging habits have not lost me *all* of my readers.

When my brother Dan and his friend Mike visited last year, Dan and I got matching tattoos. I can't believe it's taken me this long to post a photo, but that's them, above. Rachael took the photo for us when Dan visited again this summer. A year on, we're both still pretty nuts about these tattoos, though we both need touch-ups.

Posting this makes me think of all the tattoos I have that match those on other people. Of the 16 I currently have, 8 have a match that lives on someone else. Of the remaining 8, 3 were acquired as shared experiences with friends or family.

I'll post photos another time, but for now here's what I've got:

1 and 2: Zak and I have matching tattoos on one finger of each hand. The first, on the traditional fingers, are our wedding rings. We call the others (on the index fingers of our right hands) our engagement rings, though we got them over a year after we were married.

3 and 4: My mother, her 2 sisters and I all have a little vine tattooed on a toe. When we got them, I also got the Chinese charater for "family" done on my ankle. My great-aunt went for a tattoo with us, but got a butterfly on her ankle instead. At the beginning of that day, I was the only one in the group of us that had tattoos.

5: My sister and I have little matching blue stars on our stomachs. You will never, never see a photo of my blue star. We got them on the same day I got #6:

6: I have an abstracted cog wheel on my right shoulder, which was designed by my high school friend Chrys, who ended up doing 10 of my tattoos, including our wedding rings and the blue star. He has the same design circling his navel.

7: My aunt Sandy and I have matching maple leaves. Mine is on the inside of my left wrist, hers is on her ankle. My friend Jane went with us and got the same maple leaf, on her upper chest. My friend Sara also joined us, though she got a different tattoo. I've lost touch with both Sara and Jane.

8 and 9 are, of course, the lovely monkeys you see above. They're derived from a joke my brother and I have which falls 100% into the category of you-had-to-be-there. I've now got matching tattoos with everyone in my immediate family except my Dad, who hates tattoos, so I don't think that one will ever happen!

10 and 11: When I visited my friends Amber and Brigitte in Montreal in 2003, Amber and I got tattooed together. She got a fabulous abstracted fish design on her leg. I got a rocket ship on my inner right wrist, and a beautiful moth on my upper right arm. I get more compliments on that moth than on anything else, even from people who profess to dislike tattoos.

That leaves the ones I got alone:

12: A star behind my right ear. I got this in 2000, at the same time as the one that would become the "engagement ring".

13: A frog on my upper back, with the character for "love" by its foot, and with a speech balloon containing the character for "happiness". I got this for our wedding, and had the dress cut to show it.

14. I love the frog tattoo so much I got the exact same frog on my left foot... so I could see it! I had saved the stencil from the first frog.

15: If you have read The Little Prince, you will be familiar with an illustration of a tiny planet ovewhelmed by 3 huge baobab trees. I adapted this illustration for a tattoo on my inner right forearm.

16: I have a large octopus around my right knee. Its body sits on the outside of my leg, with tentacles trailing down my kneecap and the top of my shin, and up the back of my thigh. It hurt like fuck.

And that concludes our tour. I would like to close with some sort of reflection on what my tattoos mean to me, or their place in my life or SOMETHING, but unfortunately the only reason I'm awake at this godforsaken hour is that the empty house was making freaky noises in the rainstorm last night, and I psyched myself out and couldn't sleep. So I'm afraid the best I can do is a list, and a rambilng, run-on sentence or five.

I'd love to hear thoughts about tattoos from other folks. If you have them, how do you choose the tattoos you get? How do your feelings about them change over time? If you don't have them, do you want them? What do you think of them?



Source : http://yarnageddon.com/2007/09/family-tattoos.html