Free Tattoos or Custom Tattoo Designs ?

The decision to get a tattoo is a big one, because it's a life long commitment! Your tattoo will last as long as you do - unless of course you are brave enough and can stand the pain of the laser surgery required for tattoo removal. Bearing all of this in mind, you need to carefully consider each of the options that you are presented with when you decide you want a tattoo.

Chances are you've started exploring tattoos online and you may already be familiar with two design categories when it comes to tattoos: free tattoo designs and custom tattoo designs. We'll take a look at what these options involve right now so you can make the decision that's right for you.

Free Tattoo Designs and Custom Tattoo Designs Defined
Two categories and two fairly self-explanatory definitions of each, as you can see:

Free Tattoo Designs:
These refer to tattoo designs that are available for you to use free of charge. There are many websites that provide the user with a range of free designs to choose from. It is simply a matter of printing out the design you like and taking it to your tattoo artist.

Custom Tattoo Designs:
These refer to designs created especially for you by a professional tattoo artist. The artist will work with you to create a design using a number of design ideas you may have - even your own drawings. The artist will professionally design the tattoo for you.

The Case for Free Tattoo Designs
Chances are when it comes to shopping, you're on the look out for a great deal right? Of course you are! If you see an item in one store for less than that exact same item in another store, you're going to buy from the store with the lowest price! This mentality may also apply to some people who are considering getting a tattoo. Many people will ask, "Well, why should I pay a professional tattoo artist to design my tattoo, when I might find exactly what I want when I search free tattoo galleries online?" Sure, that's a valid question, however have you seen just how many free tattoo galleries there are online? There are so many of them! Check the majority of them out - and that will take you days - and you'll soon see that there isn't a whole lot out there when it comes to the range of decent free tattoo designs. Many of the free tattoo design galleries are tiny and only offer a small range of designs. Most of the available designs are of poor quality, and the great majority of these free tattoo websites are filled with designs that aren't even created by professional tattoo artists.

You may happen to find a design in a free tattoo design gallery that you like, however the reality is that although the design will be free - you simply download it and print it using your home computer - the stenciling and actually inking will not be. You will need to pay a tattoo artist to do this for you, and if the initial design wasn't professionally crafted, your tattoo, which you will more than likely wear for life, won't look as good as a professionally designed tattoo.

The Case for Custom Tattoo Design
You've heard the saying, "You get what you pay for" and it applies to tattoo design as well. As you have read and may already have discovered for yourself, there's not a whole lot of quality in the world of free tattoo design. By pursuing the custom tattoo design option, you are enlisting a professional tattoo artist from day one, which ensures your tattoo will look the best. It is advisable that you spend time searching tattoo designs prior to seeing your tattoo artist, so you make the right tattoo design decision. Once you know what you would like in your tattoo design, it's time to see the tattoo artist. The tattoo artist will draw a design specifically for you, taking into consideration your design requirements and tastes. Following this, a stencil will be created based upon that professionally created design. Then the design will be superimposed onto your skin using the stencil, and it will look like a professional tattoo - one that you will be happy to show off!

Of course ultimately it is up to you whether you wish to choose a free tattoo design or a custom tattoo design. To ensure you make the right decision, you must firmly decide what you want when it comes to your tattoo design and remember that it will be on your skin for life. It has to look good so make sure you give the design of your future tattoo careful consideration.

Backbone Tattoos, Cool Unique Idea

Backbone Tattoo
- cool unique tattoo idea -

Big Butterfly Tribal Tattoos Upper Back

Butterfly Tribal Tattoo
big upper back tattoo design

Neck Tattoos, Ancient Egypt and Born A Star

Neck Tattoo, ancient Egypt and born a star

Beachcombers! Henna Tattoos

Beachcombers! Henna Tattoo 10 Pre Mixed Paste Cone Party Pack w/Oil & Fine Metal Tip Applicator Bottles. The ancient Indian art of mehndi has had a surge of popularity recently in the US and other Western cultures. No longer confined to the hands and feet of Indian women, henna art is everywhere. You can find professional henna artists painting murals on both men and women's backs, navels, and legs.

Beachcombers party pack gives you everything you need and plenty of pre-mixed henna to create lots of henna tattoos. Each cones will yield 5-8 hand size designs. Transfer the henna paste to the included applicator bottles and make super fine lines and get precise control over the henna paste.

This kit includes: 10 natural henna paste cones (30 gm each cone), 1 bottle of henna oil (6 ml. each bottle), Complete instructions, 1 Beachcombers! Henna Design Sheet, 4 soft squeeze bottles with 5 tips with all caps and accessories, cleaning pin, 36 page Henna How To design book.

Wavy Star Tattoos 2009

Wavy star tattoo 2009
[beautiful colors]

Celtic Tattoos Upper Back Placement

Celtic Tattoo, upper back placement
- great area for big sizes tattoo -

Style of Japanese Tattoo for Girls

Japanese Tattoos are a popular request in the tattoo studios as they are a style of body art that's rich with symbolism and has links to ancient traditions. The majority of Japanese tattoos consist heavily of written symbols which can be divided into three main categories.

1) Kanji
Of the three types of Japanese tattoo symbols; Kanji is the most popular because it is so expressive and artistic. Each different Kanji symbol (of which there are reported to be more than 40,000) represents a specific idea or meaning. So by combining a number of different Kanji symbols in your tattoo design it's possible to create a stylish and unique tattoo that expresses an unlimited number of ideas and messages.

2) Hiragana
Unlike Kanji, Hiragana is a style of writing that's used in everyday Japanese life. You'll find it used in media such as newspapers and magazines, so it's much more amenable to literal translation than Kanji.

In terms of design, the hiragana characters are more rounded than Kanji symbols, which is worth bearing in mind depending upon your artistic tastes. Hiragana writing is also known as cursive, so don't get confused if you hear someone speaking about a cursive tattoo.

3) Katakana
The system of Katakana is similar to Hiragana. Together they're known as Kana and were originally based on the Kanji symbols which existed more than one thousand years ago. Since than they've developed into their present form and both Hiragana and Katakana each have their own set of 46 symbols with which to form their words.

The system of Katakana symbols is used almost exclusively to represent words that are non Japanese in origin. These symbols are similar to the system of hiragana with the main difference being that words in Katakana have sharper edges and are much more angular in appearance.

And that concludes the three types of Japanese tattoo symbols that are available. However, there's no rule that says you have to choose one style and stick to it. You could have your tattoo designed so that it includes more than one of these styles. For example, you could have a sentence written using Hiragana that includes various Kanji symbols to enrich it with greater meaning.

But whatever option you select, it's important to take one additional safety precaution before you go anywhere near a tattoo studio with your design. As you can see from this brief explanation of different character types, the system of Japanese writing is extremely complicated and subtle.

If you don't speak Japanese fluently, it's vital to get an accurate translation of your design from a Japanese language expert. It's also a good idea to make sure that you find a tattoo artist who has experience forming the various Japanese characters and symbols.

Ultimately, the tattoos that people are most pleased with are those that have deep personal meaning or significance.

Octopus Tattoos on Shoulder

Octopus tattoo on shoulder

Wolf Head and Tribal Tattoos

Wolf head and tribal tattoo art

Fairy Tattoos Design 2009

Fairy tattoo design 2009

Take Care Health Effects of Tattoo

Four patients developed contact dermatitis to black henna tattoos on holiday in the Middle East and Asia. Two to ten days after skin painting an itchy, reddish swelling developed at the site of the tattoo exactly following its sharply demarcated borders.

Histological investigation of the lesions revealed spongiotic dermatitis with dense lymphohistiocytic infiltrates. Patch testing in all patients showed a strong reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The other tests, including standard series and henna powder, were all negative.

Healing time after application of topical class III and IV steroids was prolonged. These reports show an impressive side effect of temporary tattoos with possible long-term damage. Rather than henna, the causative agent in the pastes used for temporary tattoos appears to be PPD, a widely used dye that is added to the pastes in high concentrations to produce a darker shade.

The growing incidence of this comlication requires close observation, while practitioners should be aware of this sensitisation and of possible subsequent allergic reactions, especially after hair colouring with dyes based on PPD. (abstract of a scientific paper)

Important Questions to Ask Your Tattoo Artist Before Getting Tattooed DO YOU:

- Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial solution immediately before and after each tattoo application?
- Wear latex gloves during the tattooing procedure?
- Use single service materials and equipment (i.e., each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated and sealed, and autoclave sterilized), and set up and open them in front of the client?
- Use sterile disposable needles?
- Have an FDA-regulated autoclave on site?
- Sanitize your work space with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-approved viricidal disinfectant, preferably one that kills tuberculosis, before and after each client?
- Thoroughly rinse tube/needle set from tattoo machine using an ultrasonic tank before discarding?
- Properly dispose of contaminated materials?

Measure how the person who you talk with answers your questions -- are they considerate and thorough, or are they annoyed by your inquisitiveness?

You have a right to have your questions answered thoroughly in advance. When you get there, check out the studio -- make sure it looks and feels clean. If you get there and you're uncomfortable, you can leave.

Britney Spears Tattoo - Feminine Tattoos

Some people may disagree with this sentiment, but if you boil it down, that's one of the major reasons people choose to get tattoos -- because they think they look good. Cute fairy tattoos are just one kind of design that's popular for the actual look of the design.

Did Britney Spears help to popularize fairy tattoo designs? There's a good chance that she did, given to how our society is so heavily influenced by pop culture and celebrity trends. This isn't necessarily a bad thing -- sometimes people don't find about things till they are given publicity. Britney's fairy tattoo is a small, cute, subtle lower back tattoo.

Fairies make for a feminine tattoo that can also keep you in touch with your inner child. A whimsical fairy on your hip or shoulder is the perfect reminder to stay young, happy, and carefree. The Britney Spears tattoo is a very child-like looking fairy, for instance. Life can get mundane and rote. A little fairy tattoo can add a little magic to your day and put a smile on your face.

Your fairy tattoo can also be done in a certain style, like Celtic or tribal. Linking your interests is a good way to get an excellent and unique tattoo that really suits your personal tastes. Indulge your feminine sensibilities and be as cute as you want. There are lots of great fairy designs out there.

Skull Tattoos With Medium Length Hair

Skull Tattoo with medium length hair :)

Tattoos Removal New York City - Broadway Office

If girl tattoos are tired of that old ink and are considering tattoo removal to remedy the situation, LiteTouch Plastic Surgery offers the best in high-tech for New York City at their Broadway Office.

Licensed skin care specialists and physicians are there to focus exclusively on the needs of their clients at LiteTouch. Using the most current laser technology, the technicians, specialists and physicians will determine how best to remove your tattoo and meet with you to create a treatment plan.

Other services provided by LiteTouch include:
- Laser Hair Removal
- Liposuction
- Mesotherapy
- Acne Treatment
- Botox Injection
- Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)

At LiteTouch, they use laser pulses to remove and lighten tattoos without causing damage unto the surrounding skin cells. Unlike earlier tattoo removal lasers that could only get rid of one kind of tattoo ink and were very painful, the new Q-switched laser developed in the late 90's can remove or lighten most ink colors and types. When the tattoo ink absorbs the light pulses or beam, the ink is broken into tiny particles, which are naturally cleansed.

Professional tattoos can require 1-10 sessions to lighten or remove. The average is 5-10 treatments. Homemade tattoos often only take 1-4 sessions. However, the type of ink used, amount of ink, and the depth of the ink under the skin will determine the number of treatments. In many cases, LiteTouch tattoo removal laser treatments will make all traces disappear.

If you need tattoo removal and live in New York City, the pros at LiteTouch Plastic Surgery's Broadway office will surpass your expectations. Call today and make an appointment.

Girl Tattoo at New York Tattoo Show

New York tattoo show is most famous show in America. Everthing is exciting ... I show some shot of video for you. See cool body tattoos.

Cool! - Angelina Jolie Tattoo Designs

Angelina Jolie is a famous actress with a serious love for tattoos, she's regularly featured in celebrity news magazines and websites with one of her new tattoo designs. She has at least a dozen tattoos over her body and she also has quiet a lot experience with tattoo removal.

Angelina Jolie and her famous tattoos.

• Billy Bob", the name of her former husband Billy Bob Thornton, on her left arm.
• Coordinates representing the locations where she adopted Maddox and Zahara , on her left arm
• A dragon tattoo on her left arm can still be seen faintly on her left arm, though she has been getting it lasered for months.
• A dragon she got in Amsterdam



• A large black cross tattoo on her left hip.
• The Latin quote “ Quod me nutrit me destruit”.
• Gothic letter tattoo between her shoulder blades says "Know Your Rights".
• Buddhist Pali incantation written in Khmer script. Position: Left shoulder.
• The letter H on her left wrist.
• Arabic phrase "Strength of will".
• The 12-inch long Bengal tiger is situated on her lower back.
• The dragon under the tiger.



• The window on her lower back.
• Two pointy black tribals on the lower parts of her back.
• The Roman numeral 13 (XIII) on her left forearm.
• On her left shoulder, she has had her tattoo with the Chinese character for death .

Eye of Horus Tattoos Design

Eye of Horus Tattoo Design

Choose The Right One of Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian tattoos are always impressive, and for good reason: the art of the Polynesian tattoo has been around since ancient times. Though the original means of getting a Polynesian Tribal tattoo is much more painful and time-consuming than modern tattoo methods, you can still have the beauty and symbolism by going to your favorite tattoo artist and requesting these special works of art.

Simply looking at pictures of Polynesian tattoos isn’t enough to make the best choice. Polynesian tattoos are special because of the symbolism of each one, so when you are seeking that perfect art to represent who you are and what you stand for, make sure you look into each different kind of Polynesian tattoo. Here are a few brief examples:

Maori Tattoos are popular among the native tribes of New Zealand. These tattoos are based on the spiral form, and are most commonly placed on the face.

Hawaiian Tattoos tend to have more personal meanings. The tattoos are mostly black, and in addition to being used as adornment, they were also used to show mourning for a loved one, as talismans for protection, and as a way of personal identification for the bearer.

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) tattoos are considered the most sacred of Polynesian tattoos. Traditionally, it was believed that the bold, vivid tattoos made the skin sacred, and allowed a pathway to communications with the gods.

There are many other forms of Polynesian Tribal Tattoos, all of which hold some meaning to the country or people they originated from. Keep in mind the symbolism and power behind the art, and when you look at those pictures of Polynesian tattoos, make sure you choose something that reflects who you are and what you want out of life, so that you can be proud of your art for many years to come.

Completely Removing Tattoo Without Scarring

When you are unhappy with a poor quality or totally inappropriate tattoo, tattoo can often be removed. You would certainly never want to put yourself into a position where you are faced with the desire or necessity of considering removing your tattoo. It is best to consider your tattoo permanent.

Removal is not a very pleasant or economical option, but if you made a mistake and have a tattoo that you would like to get removed, ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist. Visit a dermatologist to assess your options.

Laser tattoo removal is often successfully at completely removing a tattoo without much scarring. A laser removes tattoos from the skin by rapidly pulsing a specific wavelength of light onto the area. These wavelengths pass through the top layers of skin and are absorbed by the cells that hold the tattoo pigments. Because the light is flashing so quickly, it breaks up these pigment-filled cells, which are flushed out naturally by your body. Laser tattoo removal is a costly and lengthy procedure.

Another option is to have your tattoo covered. Covering techniques are quite advanced, a good tattooist can cover your tattoo with a first-class work of art. The only limitation with covering is that a tattoo can only be covered with a darker color.

Exotic Tribal Frog Tattoos Design

tribal frog tattoo design

How to Choosing a Tattoos Parlor?

Choosing the right tattoos parlor is very important, especially when getting your first tattoo. There are many things to consider when choosing a tattoo parlor.

Make sure that the parlor is a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Some people have had the experience of joining a friend for their tattooing session so you may already have an idea of a place like this. Most importantly, the parlor should be clean and professional. Clean is always important when dealing with needles and blood.

The tattoos parlor should be well lit. This is important for a few reasons. The bright, or better yet, natural light is a better way for you and the artist to see the true nature of the colors used and what the tattoo will actually look like. It also makes it easier to feel relaxed knowing that you can see what is going on all around you.

When walking into a tattoos parlor for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Are the needles and other materials one-time use? Will gloves be worn? How long have the artists been tattooing? Are they members of a professional organization?

Be sure that all of the needles are opened in front of you. This will ensure that they haven’t been used 15 minutes before you for the person down the street. If you know of anyone with a tattoo, feel free to ask them where they got it done and if they would recommend the parlor or a particular artist. Tattoo magazines are a good place too. You may find an article or advertisement for one in your area. Also, browse around the internet to find a place.

Remember, this is a permanent investment, be sure to choose the tattoo parlor that is right for you.

Pretty Pink Skull and Crossbones Tattoos

Pretty pink skull and crossbones tattoo

Tribal Vampire Skull Tattoos Design

Tribal vampire skull tattoo design

Tribal Arm Tattoos with Shadow

Tribal arm tattoo with shadow

Religious Tattoos are Quite Common

Religious tattoos are quite common nowadays. We see cross tattoos or religious symbols and images being sported by different individuals around. And, in all truthfulness, a few of these individuals do not fit into the bill of what a religious person should be. But one question remains: Is tattooing of religious symbols recognized as a religious act? It would depend on which religious sector you belong to, and on what your religious beliefs are.

The advent of religious tattoos dates back to the pre-biblical era when the art of tattooing was widely practiced by the pagans as a means of worship until it was forbidden when Constantine became the emperor of Rome. According to Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead; neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks. I am the Lord.” This then became the basis for Christians to shun tattooing.

Islam tradition forbids any bodily alterations made as a way to enhance physical beauty, and this includes body tattoos. Generally, the Muslim culture also considers tattoos unacceptable; as well as traditional Jews. However, maybe due to the changing of the times, this body art is now slowly being accepted by these religious sectors, though not as a religious act.

But in some Asian cultures, having religious tattoos is traditional practice. It is common custom for Buddhist monks to wear tattoos that are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and therefore serve as an amulet. In Hindu religion, tattooing is also common practice as part of their culture. For the Egyptians, religious tattoos such as The Eye Of Horus also serves as protection from evil spirits, to bring good luck, and to gain entry into after-life.

In recent times, religious tattoos seem to be just that: a skin-deep image of a once-revered symbol. The Ankh, Ichthus, the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix of the Christians; the Star of David, Menorah, and Allah symbols of the Islams; the Eye of Horus, Yin Yang, Dharma, and other religious symbols for different religious sectors are seen worn by people who do not practice the religion.

But it is also fairly common for a person to show his devotion by having something of religious importance etched on his body even on this day and age. So the question of whether religious tattoos are taboo or not lies on the personal belief of the wearer. It is no longer dictated by society but by how one chose to show his spirituality. Tattoos, like religion, have become a personal thing.

Great Full Back Tattoos by Alex Lugo

Great full back tattoo by Alex Lugo

Best Fairy Tattoos Design Today

Best Fairy Tattoo Design

Snake Tattoos on Back to Side

Snake Tattoo on Back to Side

Pretty Bird Tattoos Design

Pretty twin bird tattoo design

Skull Tattoos and V Guitar

Skull tattoo + victory guitar
Get rock now!

Tattoo of Girls are Typically

Tattoos of girls are typically more feminine in nature. They are generally smaller and more delicate with thinner lines and are usually isolated to one or two parts of the body. Almost like accessories or accent pieces. Where men like to have their tattoos on the upper arm, chest or shoulder But most girls are aware that what they are doing has to work with the somewhat more revealing fashions.

A girl needs to think about whether or not a tattoo will look good with a bikini, or a prom dress, or an evening gown. Likewise, girls tend to be a bit more careful about making sure that a tattoo is concealable with professional or casual attire.

So, when looking for a cute girl tattoo, the first thing to think of is “where to put it” on the back between the shoulder blades is a common place as is a circle around the upper arm, or a circle around a wrist or ankle.

Another popular place is at the small of the back, right over the crease of the buttocks, because it can be hidden with a modest swim suit – or shown off with a low cut one.

The positioning of girl tattoos can also give away their characteristics. For instance, a girl who is a romantic at heart will often chose the shoulder for her tattoo, especially if she isn’t ashamed to own up to being a romantic and a bit of a day dreamer.

Some tattoo ideas for girls that are feminine and have a long history include: sun, flower, angel wings, fairy, star, butterfly, Celtic and Zodiac symbols, dolphin, rose, and heart. Although traditional, these tattoo ideas are always unique by meaning to the person wearing them, and most tattoo artists are happy to create a one of a kind design.