Libra Tattoo Logo and Pictures

Libra Tattoo Logo and Pictures

Tattoos Are For a Lifetime

This post was written as part of Peeve Week 2: Misconceptions.

I do not like tattoos. It is highly unlikely I will ever get one. But some get tattoos because of sentimental reasons, or on a whim. Here are some reasons you should never get a tattoo if you have never gotten one already.

Fifty Percent of People Want Their Tattoos Removed

The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery estimates that roughly fifty percent of people who get tattoos want them removed. I imagine this is not taking into consideration the amount of people dissatisfied with their existing tattoo, but do not want it removed.

Parents often warn teenagers that tattoos are a “phase” and that the teenager will grow out of it. Unfortunately, teenagers are in their own little vacuum and get tattoos regardless of parental advise. My advise to any teenagers is to wait to see what kind of occupation awaits after college. For example, it wouldn’t be wise to go tattoo crazy in high school and college and then decide to become a politician or pastor.

Tattoo Removal is Expensive

In case you get that tattoo and do want it removed, it is helpful to note the costs involved. Removal of even small tattoos can cost thousands of dollars. That tattoo that was bought on a whim can mean years of debt paybacks if a loan is taken out to remove it.

Tattoo Removal is Painful

Tattoos are removed through lasers, dermabrasion, and/or surgical excision.

Dermabrasion is when the skin is “sanded” so that the tattoo can be removed. I could imagine this technique would be quite painful since the tattoo is literally being rubbed right out of your skin.

The surgical excision is when the surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. I wouldn’t want this done on large tattoos. So now instead of a tattoo is a nice little scar.

Tattoos are Unprofessional

Depending on where the tattoo is located, tattoos can be unprofessional. Even tattoos intentionally placed out of sight and out of mind can cause embarrassment on wedding days, days on the beach, and other activities.

When finding that day job, certain people view tattoos as being unprofessional. I personally find it very unprofessional to see people having tattoos on the backs of their necks, hands, and other visible places.

If you get a job at Hot Topic, there’s nothing unprofessional about having a tattoo. In other places, however, tattoos can actually prevent you from being hired.

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that tattoos will be loved by its owner for a lifetime. Unfortunately, in most cases, this just isn’t true.

Weird Tattoos, Art Popular in Many Parts of the World (17 HQs Pics)

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

tattoos design | Girl Tribal Tattoos

Girl Tribal Tattoos

The most popular areas of the body to have girl tattoo designs inked tend to be the lower back, below the belly button, ankles and legs. Necks, hands, wrists and legs are also popular spots for girl tattoo designs, though. As far as what girl tattoo designs to get, popular ones include angel wings, hearts and cherry blossoms. Some girls even like to get more controversial tattoos, like demons and dragons. Read More about Feminine Tattoos.

Tattoos Are For a Lifetime

This post was written as part of Peeve Week 2: Misconceptions.

I do not like tattoos. It is highly unlikely I will ever get one. But some get tattoos because of sentimental reasons, or on a whim. Here are some reasons you should never get a tattoo if you have never gotten one already.

Fifty Percent of People Want Their Tattoos Removed

The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery estimates that roughly fifty percent of people who get tattoos want them removed. I imagine this is not taking into consideration the amount of people dissatisfied with their existing tattoo, but do not want it removed.

Parents often warn teenagers that tattoos are a “phase” and that the teenager will grow out of it. Unfortunately, teenagers are in their own little vacuum and get tattoos regardless of parental advise. My advise to any teenagers is to wait to see what kind of occupation awaits after college. For example, it wouldn’t be wise to go tattoo crazy in high school and college and then decide to become a politician or pastor.

Tattoo Removal is Expensive

In case you get that tattoo and do want it removed, it is helpful to note the costs involved. Removal of even small tattoos can cost thousands of dollars. That tattoo that was bought on a whim can mean years of debt paybacks if a loan is taken out to remove it.

Tattoo Removal is Painful

Tattoos are removed through lasers, dermabrasion, and/or surgical excision.

Dermabrasion is when the skin is “sanded” so that the tattoo can be removed. I could imagine this technique would be quite painful since the tattoo is literally being rubbed right out of your skin.

The surgical excision is when the surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. I wouldn’t want this done on large tattoos. So now instead of a tattoo is a nice little scar.

Tattoos are Unprofessional

Depending on where the tattoo is located, tattoos can be unprofessional. Even tattoos intentionally placed out of sight and out of mind can cause embarrassment on wedding days, days on the beach, and other activities.

When finding that day job, certain people view tattoos as being unprofessional. I personally find it very unprofessional to see people having tattoos on the backs of their necks, hands, and other visible places.

If you get a job at Hot Topic, there’s nothing unprofessional about having a tattoo. In other places, however, tattoos can actually prevent you from being hired.

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that tattoos will be loved by its owner for a lifetime. Unfortunately, in most cases, this just isn’t true.

Weird Tattoos, Art Popular in Many Parts of the World (17 HQs Pics)

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

tattoos design | Girl Tribal Tattoos

Girl Tribal Tattoos

The most popular areas of the body to have girl tattoo designs inked tend to be the lower back, below the belly button, ankles and legs. Necks, hands, wrists and legs are also popular spots for girl tattoo designs, though. As far as what girl tattoo designs to get, popular ones include angel wings, hearts and cherry blossoms. Some girls even like to get more controversial tattoos, like demons and dragons. Read More about Feminine Tattoos.

Tattoos Are For a Lifetime

This post was written as part of Peeve Week 2: Misconceptions.

I do not like tattoos. It is highly unlikely I will ever get one. But some get tattoos because of sentimental reasons, or on a whim. Here are some reasons you should never get a tattoo if you have never gotten one already.

Fifty Percent of People Want Their Tattoos Removed

The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery estimates that roughly fifty percent of people who get tattoos want them removed. I imagine this is not taking into consideration the amount of people dissatisfied with their existing tattoo, but do not want it removed.

Parents often warn teenagers that tattoos are a “phase” and that the teenager will grow out of it. Unfortunately, teenagers are in their own little vacuum and get tattoos regardless of parental advise. My advise to any teenagers is to wait to see what kind of occupation awaits after college. For example, it wouldn’t be wise to go tattoo crazy in high school and college and then decide to become a politician or pastor.

Tattoo Removal is Expensive

In case you get that tattoo and do want it removed, it is helpful to note the costs involved. Removal of even small tattoos can cost thousands of dollars. That tattoo that was bought on a whim can mean years of debt paybacks if a loan is taken out to remove it.

Tattoo Removal is Painful

Tattoos are removed through lasers, dermabrasion, and/or surgical excision.

Dermabrasion is when the skin is “sanded” so that the tattoo can be removed. I could imagine this technique would be quite painful since the tattoo is literally being rubbed right out of your skin.

The surgical excision is when the surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. I wouldn’t want this done on large tattoos. So now instead of a tattoo is a nice little scar.

Tattoos are Unprofessional

Depending on where the tattoo is located, tattoos can be unprofessional. Even tattoos intentionally placed out of sight and out of mind can cause embarrassment on wedding days, days on the beach, and other activities.

When finding that day job, certain people view tattoos as being unprofessional. I personally find it very unprofessional to see people having tattoos on the backs of their necks, hands, and other visible places.

If you get a job at Hot Topic, there’s nothing unprofessional about having a tattoo. In other places, however, tattoos can actually prevent you from being hired.

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that tattoos will be loved by its owner for a lifetime. Unfortunately, in most cases, this just isn’t true.

Weird Tattoos, Art Popular in Many Parts of the World (17 HQs Pics)

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

tattoos design | Girl Tribal Tattoos

Girl Tribal Tattoos

The most popular areas of the body to have girl tattoo designs inked tend to be the lower back, below the belly button, ankles and legs. Necks, hands, wrists and legs are also popular spots for girl tattoo designs, though. As far as what girl tattoo designs to get, popular ones include angel wings, hearts and cherry blossoms. Some girls even like to get more controversial tattoos, like demons and dragons. Read More about Feminine Tattoos.

Tattoo model Michelle McGee tattoo

Arabic Tattoo-Years of Rich Heritage and Culture

With its different protrusions and symbolic and calligraphic presence, Arabic tattoo mesmerizes youth from all walks throughout the world. Arabic tattoo, for it flowing and exotic forms and visual richness, keeps holding the interests of so many Muslims and non-Muslims tattoo enthusiasts.

They ink the Arabic tattoos on different parts of their bodies. Black and several primary and secondary colors are used in Arabic tattoos. Several verses of Koran are used in Arabic tattoos.

Mostly done in henna, Arabic tattoos are done in ink these days on arm, wrists, chest, shoulder, upper back, and belly. The tattoo artists must understand the meanings of the Arabic phrases to avoid mistakes in design.

Miley Cyrus new tattoo design-just believe

Miley Cyrus new tattoo design-just believe

Lower Back Tribal Tattoos - Magical Historical Roots

Lower back tribal tattoos have become very popular in recent modern times, this article explains why.

For centuries we have painted ourselves with tattoos and recently the appearance of this body art form has exploded in popularity with great numbers of people getting themselves inked.

There are a variety of different styles in tattoo design from crude home made forms using a bottle of shop bought ink and a sewing needle to highly sophisticated methods involving the latest colors of ink and very quick needle guns employed by professional tattooists. They get the job done in record time and some of these tattooists are close to being the modern equivalent of a Michelangelo or Pablo Picasso.

What is achieved by the tattoo artists using their great designs and colored ink is quite remarkable.

Why do folk settle for getting inked with historical designs that are normally in the single colors of henna or black? The answer like most things is multi faceted and the roots of which begin in the mists of time itself. Historically, before we communicated properly with speech, we used this art form as a way of communicating with each other.

Many of us will have seen cavemen animal drawings on cave walls and the depiction was normally so good we could tell which animals they were. Drawing on their bodies became a natural extension of that art form. The inked body drawings would tell of great victories and other notable events.

The leaders of the tribe would have special designs that would depict their standing within the community and the most effective place for the tribal back tattoos was on the back so that they could be followed into battle or when hunting for animals. It was a case of follow the leader in those days and those generals led from the front rather than being safely deployed behind their troops which is the case in modern day wars.

Lower back tribal tattoos have become popular with women as they have a flattering effect on the shape of a woman's body. The waist is given the illusion of being smaller whereas the hips appear to be enhanced giving an overall more shapely appearance.

Men often prefer their tribal back tattoos on the upper back which again enhances the body shape appearance by giving the effect of widening the shoulders, reducing the waist and giving the impression of the classic V shape.

New ink

Yeah I know, I suck. I haven't been the greatest at keeping this blog updated. What can I say, having 2 jobs takes alot of time out of a day. Anyhow here is my latest work:

"We strive to be worthy of their devotion". I'd been looking for something that would represent dogs in way I loved. (One of my jobs is as a dog trainer.) I stumbled across this celtic version of a pawprint and knew this was it. My tattoo guy did a great job designing the rest of it with the quote. The forget-me-knots are in memory of the dogs gone but not forgotten. I think I'm going to go back and add more flowers above it on my shoulder.

Sexy Back Tattoos

When you choose the design and location of your newest tattoo, consider your back. Sexy back tattoos for women are plentiful and ideas are everywhere around you. If you are tattooing an image, consider color, shape, and size. If you want script on your tattoo, make decisions about style, size, and content. No matter what you choose, the best tattoo is something that represents you. It is something you will be proud of your entire life and tells a story to everyone who sees it. Think carefully about what you want your tattoo to say about you.

All About Back Tattoos

When it comes to both privacy and pride, no tattooable area is quite as versatile as the back. If you're the kind of person that's a bit shy about having a tattoo for all to see, you can cover your back tattoos by simply putting on a shirt or a blouse, but if you're a bit of the body proud type a back tattoo is perfect for putting your style and your decorated physique on display.

Consider Size Placement

Those tattoos lend themselves well to flattering you back. Because your back isn't just a flat space, there are so many possibilities; The shoulder blades can be emphasized by a tattoo design, the curve of the spine can be played up, back tattoos can mirror each other on either side to create a surreal effect or you can have a tattoo design stretching from one shoulder to the other to draw attention to their width and/or shape and the lower back; the most prefere tattoo location for the ladies.

The back tattoos you choose don't have to be all one tattoo or one kind either as long as they look attractive together. You can get one that are reminiscent of scenes in a favourite story of yours, or you can combine them such as flowers, tribal patterns and symbols or animals to make up a complex ensemble or even have a collage created with several tattoos overlapping each other in an interesting way. The only thing you need to keep in mind here about back tattoos is that where certain elements are along with the kinds of clothes that you plan on wearing will have an effect on how your back tattoos will be seen. Short tops, off shoulder shirts or V-back cuts, low rise pants, things like that will have your back tattoos peeping out to wink at anyone who might happen to notice the art your wearing so you kind of want to think about what they'll be seeing there.

Play with the surface

The back is a rather special place to get a tattoo because unlike anywhere else on the body it provides a large enough canvas to have a landscape scene depicted on it as well as any elaborate combination of tattoos or even a sizable graphic design that you might like to have. There's also a great freedom of choice when getting back tattoos because if you need to hide your tattoo you can.

Don't forget Healing time

The last thing you need to be mindful of is the healing. Think about your job, if you happen to have an office job you have to realize that it won't be great for your tattoos healing process. A back tattoo won't heal well if you've got to sit back in a chair with your fresh tattoo pressed up against it. Also if you've got to go every hour or so to the bathroom to wash it up and put medicine on it that can be more trouble than you want to put up with but don't drop the idea of getting your back tattoos. Just wait till your vacation time and you'll be able to take it easy and let your tattoo heal up stress free while you're out and about having a good time (J H).

All About Back Tattoos

When it comes to both privacy and pride, no tattooable area is quite as versatile as the back. If you're the kind of person that's a bit shy about having a tattoo for all to see, you can cover your back tattoos by simply putting on a shirt or a blouse, but if you're a bit of the body proud type a back tattoo is perfect for putting your style and your decorated physique on display.

Consider Size Placement

Those tattoos lend themselves well to flattering you back. Because your back isn't just a flat space, there are so many possibilities; The shoulder blades can be emphasized by a tattoo design, the curve of the spine can be played up, back tattoos can mirror each other on either side to create a surreal effect or you can have a tattoo design stretching from one shoulder to the other to draw attention to their width and/or shape and the lower back; the most prefere tattoo location for the ladies.

The back tattoos you choose don't have to be all one tattoo or one kind either as long as they look attractive together. You can get one that are reminiscent of scenes in a favourite story of yours, or you can combine them such as flowers, tribal patterns and symbols or animals to make up a complex ensemble or even have a collage created with several tattoos overlapping each other in an interesting way. The only thing you need to keep in mind here about back tattoos is that where certain elements are along with the kinds of clothes that you plan on wearing will have an effect on how your back tattoos will be seen. Short tops, off shoulder shirts or V-back cuts, low rise pants, things like that will have your back tattoos peeping out to wink at anyone who might happen to notice the art your wearing so you kind of want to think about what they'll be seeing there.

Play with the surface

The back is a rather special place to get a tattoo because unlike anywhere else on the body it provides a large enough canvas to have a landscape scene depicted on it as well as any elaborate combination of tattoos or even a sizable graphic design that you might like to have. There's also a great freedom of choice when getting back tattoos because if you need to hide your tattoo you can.

Don't forget Healing time

The last thing you need to be mindful of is the healing. Think about your job, if you happen to have an office job you have to realize that it won't be great for your tattoos healing process. A back tattoo won't heal well if you've got to sit back in a chair with your fresh tattoo pressed up against it. Also if you've got to go every hour or so to the bathroom to wash it up and put medicine on it that can be more trouble than you want to put up with but don't drop the idea of getting your back tattoos. Just wait till your vacation time and you'll be able to take it easy and let your tattoo heal up stress free while you're out and about having a good time (J H).

Tattoo News Review

Tons of tattoo stories topped the headlines, and I've trolled through them all to bring ya the good, bad and the whatthefuck.

N+S keeps our focus on stellar tattoo art, like this fresh work from Jondix in Spain (who's part of my upcoming Black Tattoo Art book); however, we will on occasion link to examples of the WTF if only to feel a sense of unbridled tattoo superiority. And so, behold COED Mag's What Were They Thinking gallery.

Many of the tattoos shown are featured the book No Regrets: The Best, Worst, & Most #$%*ing Ridiculous Tattoos Ever but there are some new gems like the Hasselhoff Ode and Chris Farley memorial tattoo. Looking at them, I feel better about myself already. And that is the power of tattoo. [Thanks, Father Panik, for the boobies COED tattoo link.]

UFC's Alan Belcher did not make the WTF list with his deformed Johnny Cash portrait tattoo.


As for the bad ...

I really don't know what's worse: Canada's CTA excessive use of "tramp stamp" in a removal story (and quoting a doc who says women can't get epidurals because of them -- not true) or starting off the article with reference to some shmuck who wanted a corkscrew tattoo removed from his penis. CTA did get the title right though -- Laser treatment is not quick fix. For stupid.

Then there's this going-to hell-bad: Texas Man Sought for Unpaid Bill for God Tattoo.

And the badass...

Burn Magazine's Eye of the Beholder story/photo by Anton Kusters who is documenting a Yakuza family in Kabukicho, Japan. One of our faves, Susanah Breslin, has been guest blogging for Boing Boing and included this powerful image in her collection of wondrous things.

This one is pretty wondrous to me ... "Man resurrects friend's ashes into tattoo." Granted, this isn't the first time I've heard stories like this but I always get goosebumps at the thought of actually wearing a loved one in my skin. I think it's a beautiful tribute but I wonder if anything else gets carried over in the ash. Just sayin.

In good news ...


Reuters reports that there are less Iraqis getting tattoos used to ID their bodies, and instead are opting for artful ink. In 2005 and 2006, I blogged, on Needled.com, stories of how many caught in the mission-accomplished zone were getting identifying information tattooed on various limbs in case they were mutilated. One Bagdad tattoo artist said that, while many young men today are coming in for motifs like dragons and tigers instead of their names and addresses, he still keeps a low profile "for fear of being attacked by extremists who see his work as being prohibited by Islam or too Westernized."

A couple seeking to open a tattoo studio in Tempe, Arizona who had their business permit revoked won the right to open up shop, again. The city had appealed a court ruling in favor of the couple but to no avail. When will cities learn to stop wasting money on these suits and allow studios to open, thereby bringing more money into city tax coffers?


In celeb tattoo news ...

The LA Times reports that High Voltage tattoo, featured on the reality show LA Ink, is now a top tourist destination along with Kim Kardashian's clothing stores and The Hill's hot spots. The article says, "The manager of High Voltage Tattoo estimates that 90% of its customers are fans of the TV show." So I guess that makes only 10% serious tattoo collectors?

I'm no hater, but I'm not lovin the show either, especially after reading in Inked Mag that top tattooists Hannah Aitchison and Kim Saigh won't be returning to the show because of their lack of drama. I prefer my artists drama-free, thanks, and if they have more time for yoga practice before opening up my skin, well, the better. [Although a faux Aitchison/Saigh lesbian relationship would've been a hot episode.]

The new season will get plenty of drama with the addition of Rock of Love hot mess Aubry Fisher.

By the way Kim's new Vans are out. Nice.

Also check Margaret Cho's tattoolicious cover for Unzipped [a gay adult industry mag is obvs NSFW]. Her new show Drop Dead Diva premiered this week and is a comedy with body image as its central theme, one not uncommon to heavily tattooed peeps. I loved it.

Ashley Tisdale got a tattoo. Yeah, I don't care either.

Another autograph tattoo, this time, Paul McCartney. Let it Be Bleed.

Cameron Diaz sports a faux tattoo on V Mag in her tribute cover to Madonna.

Life in Colour - Tattoo Inks for Long Lasting Effect

Talk to any "ink head" - that is, tattoo aficionado - and you'll find the same subject topping the conversation. How long tattoo inks last for, and what can be done to make sure they last as long as possible. Check out any new tattoo, compare it to one that is two or three years old, and you'll instantly see what is meant here. Tattoo ink fades, and the worse the quality of the ink the quicker that happens.

Look at a new tat on the body of a man or woman who has had previous work done in the past. The new tattoo is bright and bold next to the less obtrusive colours of the older images. The grail quest of the tattooist's art is to find those elusive tattoo inks that really work - the ones that hold their richness, depth and colour through years of sun, wind, rain and of course personal hygiene routines.

There are ways to ensure that tattoo ink and the tattoos it makes doesn't, or don't, fade with time: avoiding direct exposure to sunlight until a tattoo is well and truly "worn in", for example; or not using abrasive soaps or household cleaners. The best way, though, by far the best way, is to check that the inks being used in the first place are of the best possible quality - and the easiest way to do that is by sourcing tattoo inks from quality suppliers.

Fortunately, the shrinking world (brought close together by the invisible strands and byways of cyberspace) has made sourcing good quality anything pretty easy - and tattooist's inks are no exception. UK based sites like Tattoo Kit have excellent trade links with the world's best brand names and most prominent suppliers of ink. UK tattooists and ink heads can now get their hands on the real deal, imported from Japan and the US - ensuring that every kind of tattoo, from the old style Oriental look tats to modern South America flavoured images (skulls and flowers are big right now, done large and in vivid colours) is done with the proper tattoo inks.

In every case, a tattoo has a variety of ink it would be done best in. Older style inks are gentler, less boldly coloured but full of a soft depth. This kind of ink is best for the traditional tattoo designs first popularised by soldiers and sailors returning from World War postings in Asia and the Orient. Modern tattoo designs, which tend to have their roots more in mainstream underground music forms like rockabilly, and the Latin influenced rock music found on the West coast of the US, use brighter inks - larger areas of solid colour filled with blazing oranges and deep blues. The tattoo inks required for this kind of image are completely different - the kind of thing first used by the Californian chopper guru most famous for his 1980s skate and hot rod designs.

Source the right inks and one's tattoo will stay bright and clear forever. Just make sure the equipment matches the quality of the ink.