Getting Inked with Tattoo Art

Once a symbol of a “bad boy" and even “badder” girl, tattoos have become household conversation. In the past, “good people” simply didn’t get a tattoo and if you did, well you certainly you didn’t show it your mother.

A boy with a tattoo may have been deemed as inappropriate for a young girl to date. Today, mothers are getting tattoos - even grandmas! They are no longer a “rite of passage” or a symbol of negativity, but a colorful expression of one's inner self and creativity, and totally acceptable in all social circles.

Reality television shows such as Inked and Miami Ink, have brought tattoos into our living room. Due to this mainstreaming of tattoos, the “badness” associated with tattooing, and “dirtiness” associated with tattoo parlors has become virtually null.

No longer do you see tattoo shops only open in the dark hours of the night. Given enough time, an individual could get a tattoo on their lunch break. Tattoo establishments now receive certifications from the local Health Departments, and have used needle boxes with biohazard markings.

Cleanliness and Health Department Certifications are important standards to be aware of as tattoo needles can be a source of blood borne pathogens and disease if proper sterilization and waste procedures are not adhered to.

Click here to see some online tattoo designs!

The only limitation on a person when choosing where to place a tattoo is your own imagination. A tattoo can virtually be placed anywhere you like on your body: Head, toes, back, legs arms cheeks and everywhere in between.

Some things to remember when choosing where to be inked are location, location, location! Obviously, you’ll have to “bear it all” for that special mom tattoo to be drawn on your butt, and the tattoo shop is not a private office like the doctor, others customers, friends, and artists will be able to see the gifts God gave you, so if you aren’t comfortable, then choose a location not covered by clothing.

Another thing to consider when choosing were to place your tattoo is people will ask to see your new “ink.” If you choose to have a tattoo in an area covered by clothing like on your butt or breast, people will ask to see it, so be prepared.

Also, tattoos have to be cleaned regularly, so if you don’t want your mother cleaning your backside like a baby, and you can’t reach it yourself, choose a spot you can manage on your own.

When deciding where to get inked, take your own personal pain tolerance into consideration. For example, it’s widely known that tattoos done on boney areas such the back, elbows and feet tend to hurt much more than fleshy portions of the skin, like breasts, thighs and calves.

Recently the popularity of a lower back tattoo for women has grown. Women get inked with an intricate “tribal” designed in their lower back region. These tattoos are usually beautiful and detailed, and placed just below the natural waistline, thus able to be seen when wearing low-rise jeans.

Caution to young ladies seeking this type of tattoo - it carries a label of TRAMP STAMP, but that only matters if you care. Tattoo “sleeves” are becoming increasingly popular, mostly with men, but women too.

Typically sleeves are a compilation of tattoos done over years, or one artistic idea that covers the entire arm. One thing to consider with sleeves is while they may look “cool,” many employers don’t want their employees to have visible artwork on their bodies.

If you can think it, your tattoo artist can design and draw it. Perhaps the fun of the tattoo lies in dreaming of your perfect ink. Tattoo parlors always have you several examples of their artist’s work and available designs.

Butterfly tattoos, dolphin tattoos, heart tattoos and cross tattoos are just some of the possibilities. Large, colorful dragon tattoos and wizards, skulls, and sexy women with large breasts are popular, too.

Other options are words, names, and Asian lettering tattoos. Word to the wise when choosing a design: TATTOOS are intended to be PERMANENT. Tattooing a boyfriend or girlfriend’s name in 3 inch Old English lettering across your lower back is NEVER a good idea, and some tattoo artists will actually attempt to talk the client out of doing it, or refuse because they know it’s a bad idea.

Many people take a lot of pride in where they come from: a particular region, zip code, or area code. Be wary if you tattoo this – you’ll look silly with the 909 area code on your back when your 909 area code changes to 951.

When a client uses his or her own original design, then it’s less trendy, and totally personal. Then no one else has your design, it’s your own personal piece, its artwork, and the gallery is your body.

Can’t draw? Try developing an idea from a sticker, or magazine picture, and create your masterpiece from there. Most tattoo artists will be able to take your verbal ideas and make them visual for your approval before making it a permanent part of your body.

Most importantly, try to avoid being trendy with your tat. Trends fade, like legwarmers and big hair in the 80s. Opt for a tattoo design that is 100% unique - just like you are!

Click here to view MORE online tattoo designs!

Here are some ideas you may want to consider when designing your perfect tattoo:

• Tribal tattoos
• Butterfly tattoos
• Cross tattoos
• Star tattoos
• Fairy tattoos
• Angel tattoos
• In loving memory tattoos
• Heart tattoos
• Flower tattoos
• Celtic tattoos
• Polynesian tattoos
• Dragon tattoos
• Chinese lettering tattoos
• Phoenix tattoos
• Skull tattoos
• Gothic tattoos
• Hawaiian tattoos
• Japanese tattoos
• Tattoos of women
• Zodiac sign tattoos
• Maori tattoos
• Jesus or religious tattoos
• Vampire tattoos
• Irish tattoos
• Lion tattoos

These are just the most popular designs today, but by far not the only designs you can choose from. It may provide a good starting point for you to considerif it's your first time getting inked or you're looking to add to your body art collection.