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The word “tattoo” is a borrowing of the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or striketwice (the latter referring to traditional methods of applying the designs). The first syllable “ta”, meaning “hand”, is repeated twice as an onomatopoeic reference to the repetitive nature of the action, and the final syllable “U” translates to “color”. The instrument used to pierce the skin in Polynesian tattooing is called a hahau, the syllable “ha” meaning to “strike or pierce”

Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures, sometimes with unintended consequences.

A poll conducted online in July 2003 estimated that 16% of all adults in the United States have at least one tattoo. The highest incidence of tattoos was found among the gay, lesbian and bisexual population

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The good thing about visiting a few tattooists is that you’ll get to know which tattooist you’d like to create your tattoo art, based on how they relate to you, and their level of skill. In fact, I recommend using the Net to find out as much information about the various tattooists in your area. Ideally, they will have websites that display some of their art. This will give you an indication of what kinds of art they are experienced with and capable of performing. Some may specialize in certain kinds of tattoos e.g. Japanese style tattoos, pirate style tattoos or tribal tattoos. In addition, you may find that some tattooists are more or less helpful when it comes to helping you determine the ideal tattoo for you.

Richie Sambora Arm Tattoo

Remember that just because you find some tattoo art that looks great in a book or on someone else, it doesn’t mean it will suit you. A picture of a snake slithering up your arm may be more or less attractive depending on the width and relative length of your arm. Also think of how certain colors will look on your skin. Since your tattoo is going to be with you forever (unless you wish to remove it via an agonizing procedure that will likely leave unattractive scars!) take your time and carefully consider your options.

Danica Patrick Lower Back Tattoo

After you’re happy with your chosen tattoo art, your tattooist will begin scratching the picture onto the chosen area of your body. This may be somewhat uncomfortable, so be prepared! And just make sure that, before the tattooist begins, the environment and equipment they use are of the highest, most hygienic standard. The last thing you want is to develop an infection where you’re supposed to be wearing a stunning tattoo!

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Where To Find Great Tattoo Art

By Harley Davis

As any tattooist - and certainly anyone wearing tattoos - would agree, it’s wise to take your time and carefully choose the most appropriate tattoo art for your body. That means taking into account your body - your size and build - as well as what you like, and the kind of look you wish to project when chosing Tattoo Designs.

Back Tattoos

After reaching the conclusion that you want a tattoo, your next question will probably be: “where can I find great tattoo art?” Well, the Internet is a great place to start! There are lots of online galleries featuring the tattoo art of accomplished tattooists. Many are run by tattooists or tattoo enthusiasts. Meanwhile, visit a few tattooists and have a flick through their flash books. Flash books contain various tattoo designs. Where does the term “flash” come from? It stems from when customers used to go into a tattoo salon, look at the art on the wall, and ask the tattooist to replicate one of those designs on their body. This would all happen as quick as a “flash”.

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What Tattoos Will Look Best?

By Harley Davis

Planning to have one or more tattoos done? If so, your first thought is probably about where and how to find the right picture or Tattoo Design. Which tattoo or tattoos will look best on you? Well, a lot depends on which part of your body will display the tattoo, the size of the tattoo, and the kind of impression you want it to make.

Fortunately, there are numerous places to find tattoo images to decide on. There are many, many websites on the web that display various pictures. Plus, your local tattoo shop will likely have a few flash books that you can look through. A flash book is a book of tattoo pictures. The word “flash” originates from the days when tattoo shops displayed pictures on their walls. Customers were able to stroll into the shop, decide on one of these images, and the tattooist would perform the tattoo chosen on the spot.

Tribal Skull by: Flash2xs.com

Whether or not you find inspiration from images you see on the web or from a flash book, you may or may not wish to choose the image “as is”. It’s ideal to discuss your ideas with the staff at your chosen tattoo shop. They may have some alternative suggestions. Alternatively, if you haven’t found the exact image you want, but have something specific in mind, you can discuss this with the tattoo shop and they may be able to sketch out some ideas.

It’s also important to think about what kind of image is likely to look good on you. While an image may look great in a flash book - or indeed on someone else - it may not have quite the same impact on you. By way of example, a certain image may not look good on your arm. For instance, an image of a soaring eagle with a wide wingspan may not suit someone with a thin arm. The reverse is also true: an image that doesn’t look quite so good on someone else may look great on you. In any case, the tattoo you decide on is going to be permanent, so be careful to decide on one that you’ll be proud of in the future.

When you’ve made a decision about which image or images, the artist at the tattoo shop will begin his or her work. If this is the first time you’ve had a tattoo done, you should be prepared for a little discomfort - perhaps a little pain. Also, make certain that the tattoo shop is completely hygienic and uses sterile tools. A legitimate tattoo shop will take all appropriate precautions but you won’t lose anything by satisfying yourself that everything is done properly.

It’s always a good idea to check out tattoo designs before inking up. TattooSmart has a look at this Awesome Samoan Tribal Tattoo of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

In early 2003, The Rock traveled to Hawaii to have his family history tattooed on him—a Samoan tradition. Here we reveal the meanings of his tattoo. Traditionally, Samoan tattooing was done by an artist, assisted by multiple people. The tattooist would use two tools, one a bone-tipped rake and the other the striking stick. The rake would be dipped in ink, then struck with the other stick to puncture the skin. The assistants had the job of holding the skin of the tattooee taut so that the artist could work. In his recent interview with Playboy magazine, Johnson did mention that that work took sixty hours total to execute, spread out over three sessions and was composed entirely freehand (meaning the artist worked right on his skin without a stencil or transfer). He did not mention if the tattoo was done with the traditional hand tools or if any of the ink was tattooed by conventional machine.

This is traditional Samoan style Tribal Tattoo Art

 How To Find Better Tattoo Designs

One thing to keep in mind about getting the right tattoo design is that it’s a good idea to be realistic about what is likely to look good on you. For example, certain colors may suit different people based on their complexion. And certain sizes and designs may suit different people based on how big they are. Again, consult the tattoo artist about what is likely to be appropriate for you. Remember, you’re going to have to live with the design you choose for the rest of your life… so you want to make sure it will look good for years to come.

Once you’ve agreed with your artist on an appropriate tattoo design, they will get to work. If you haven’t had a tattoo before, just be aware of what getting a tattoo is all about. For one thing, it’s a medical procedure with some risks involved. You want to make absolutely sure that the tattoo artist you hire works in a clean, hygienic environment. For another, it’s permanent. If you have any second thoughts, raise them before you get your tattoo done!

Which Tattoo Design Is Best For You?

By Steve Renner

Once you’ve decided on getting a tattoo, the next step is to choose a good tattoo design. What kind of design to choose will vary according to where (on your body) you want your tattoo, what kind of look you want, how big you want your tattoo to be, and other such factors.

When it comes to getting a good tattoo design, you’ll be happy to know that they can be readily found on the Internet or at the various tattoo shops accessible to you. Most tattoo shops will have “flash” books featuring various designs that the tattoo artists at the shop are able to perform. The term “flash” derives from the fact that years ago sheets of tattoo designs used to be tacked or hung on the walls of the average tattoo shop. Clients could come into the shop, pick a design off the wall, and - “in a flash” - the tattoo artist (typically “scratchers” or beginning tattoo artists) would copy the design on the wall onto the client’s skin. With the emergence of the Internet, there are numerous websites containing webpages and ebooks that are effectively flash books.

 It’s one thing to peruse a flash book; it’s another to settle on a tattoo design. You may, in fact, want an original design. For example, you may want the tattoo artist to scratch an image that you’ve seen somewhere… or you may even want the tattoo artist to use their creativity to adapt an existing image (or tattoo) design for your use. In either case, discuss your ideas with your tattoo artist to find out what they suggest, as well as what they’re skilled to do.

TattooSmart Better Tattoo Designs

A Tattoo is for life, so before you ink up why be sure the design you choose is the one you really want. TattooSmart.net will provide you with thousands of award winning tattoo designs that you can browse from the comfort of your home. Here you will find designs that will be happy with for the rest of your life.

Colin Farrell Tattoo

Angelina Jolie Tattoo

Find Your Dream Tattoo Design at TattooSmart.net !

If you are looking for high quality tattoo designs, then look no further. TattooSmart provides you with a growing database of thousands of ideas. Choose from Arm Band Tattoos, Belly Button Tattoos, Butterfly Tattoos, Cartoon Tattoos, Cat Tattoos, Celtic Tattoos, Chinese Tattoos, Cross Tattoos, Devil Tattoos, Dragon Tattoos, Eagle Tattoos, Fairy Tattoos, Fantasy Tattoos, Fish Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Zodiac Tattoos, Harley Tattoos, Heart Tattoos, Insect Tattoos, Japanese Symbol Tattoos, Lizard Tattoos, Lower Back Tattoos, Mermaid Tattoos, Angel Tattoos, Abstract Tattoos, Animal Tattoos, Monkey Tattoos, Monster Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Patriotic Tattoos, Women Tattoos, Rose Tattoos, Skull Tattoos, Snake Tattoos, Sport Tattoos, Star Tattoos, Sun Tattoos, Symbol Tattoos, Tiger Tattoos, Tribal Tattoos, Celebrity Tattoos, Member Photo’s and much more. Chopper-Tattoo is the largest tattoo gallery on the internet. Browse through our tattoos from the convenience of your computer, and find that perfect tattoo to print out and take to your favorite tattoo artist.