Tattoo Featured Article

Behind the Words: Tattoo Lettering

Tattoos carry a kind of reputation, a predetermined opinion and a very generic conception. Skulls and roses, stars and hearts, grim reapers and naked fairies: all of these images are popular tattoo designs, timeless and infinite, but bearing often-negative connotations. These tattoos, often drawn from flash, or pre-drawn artwork, are seen as unoriginal, and no matter what personal beliefs or emotions wears attach to these pictures, tattoo enthusiasts will forever look at them as uncreative and boring. But sometimes an individual is able to twist these pre-conceived icons into something beautifully original, something so terribly his or her own that onlookers completely forget the social connotations of the images. Tattoo lettering, like hearts and stars and rainbows, can be transformed into something unique with a little time, effort and imagination.

Writing on the Skin

While most tattoo lettering is available as flash, wearers can present their own personal inscriptions to most tattoo artists. Flash tattoo lettering is usually comprised of popular phrases, sayings, slang terms or quotations in foreign language. When an individual decides to work with an artist on an original piece, he or she can choose from the artist’s portfolio of fonts or attempt to collaborate on a new font. However, tattoo lettering is usually more successful when the font used is a little more scripted; using stencils, the artist will be able to immortalize any personal quote in ink a lot more consistently and neatly than if he or she is attempting to create the font as well. Ideas for original fonts can be gathering from computer programs and graphic design software, as well as from fine art or pop culture; fonts can either be taken directly from advertisements or slogans, or can be twisted into unique, hybrid tattoo lettering.

Still, a lot of what people want to say has already been said before, and will often be included in some set of flash or in an artist’s portfolio. If this is the case, individuals must use caution before selecting flash. If the tattoo lettering is meant to accompany a picture, especially if it is added afterward, the font should match the ambiance of the other tattoo. Usually, tattoo lettering can be built from components of the original tattoo; letters can be drawn as ropes, wires, knots or flames. Foreign language symbols and tattoo lettering must be researched prior to selection, otherwise the terminology used could be improper, and the entire sentence or phrase could read differently in the end. Tattoos are permanent, and such a mistake is embarrassing.

Tattoos fade overtime, becoming less distinct, duller and far less imposing. Pictures and graphics hold up fairly well to time, but tattoo lettering can easily become illegible over time, especially of the font used is small or fine. For this reason, wearers must select their fonts carefully, taking into consideration the future of their tattoos; even lines, well-spaced letters and bolder fonts enjoy longer lives than their more intricate, softer-spoken counterparts. Tattoo artists will offer their expectations concerning tattoo lettering, and many will even set size and space limits on tattoos they design, ensuring that individuals understand the tattoo aging process.


Filed under Chinese Tattoo, Tattoo Care, Tattoo Flash, Tattoo Gallery, Tattoo Guns, Tattoo Ideas, Tattoo Infections, Tattoo Lettering, Tattoo Supplies, Tattoos, Tribal Tattoo Designs by Tattoo Expert

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July 3, 2009

Tattoo Designs of Crosses

Far the most popular Christian tattoo would have to be one illustrating the cross. People have been getting cross tattoo designs put on them for a long time now. That being said, as tattooing has become a good deal more socially acceptable, countless more people are choosing to convey their belief and theology in other ways.

Cross tattoo designs indicate a dedication to the Christian faith but they also comprise of other meanings. So don’t think that as if merely have one design to decide from; read on and find out that you have many types!

When you observe somebody with a cross tattoo, you would most likely believe that person is rather religious. But that just might not be correct. The cross has been present for centuries.

Of course, you could obviously track it back to biblical times, but what about prior to then? Although we may never know the precise origins of the cross, scientists have found pictures on stone caves in Europe dating as far back as the Stone Age! Back then, people employed the cross to indicate life, or the Tree of Life, when sketched. Since that time, the cross has discovered itself numerous adaptions and implications.

One of these adaptations is the ankh. The ankh originated in Egypt and is a hieroglyphic that means “eternal life”. The ancient Egyptians were incredibly fascinated in what ensues after you expire, so this symbol was employed quite frequently on tombs and pyramids.

On the whole, the ankh is quite prevalent because of its place in history and culture. As far as its relation to the cross we are most familiar with today, we need only to find the Latin name for the ankh, which was “crux ansata”, or “cross with a handle”.

Another variant of the Christian cross can be found right here in America. This one is identified as the sun cross. Basically, this cross looks like a cross surrounded by a circle. Native Americans used this symbol exceptionally commonly. Inside their culture, it stands for the Medicine Wheel of life. Regardless of what the name may cause you think, these “wheels” were not used for any remedial reasons. Instead, they were utilized to represent blessed lands.

Possible one of the most easily distinguished and recognized of all the crosses is the high cross. They are highly ornamented and sometimes have a circle going through the spot where all four arms convene. When this transpires, it forms a Celtic cross.

High crosses are free standing, which makes them very common as garden decorations and statues. In truth, though most significantly displayed in Ireland, these crosses are tremendously common in cemeteries. People tend to like this cross as its exterior is very “Irish” in nature; those proud of their Irish legacy are likely to get this and other Celtic cross tattoos.

Now that you understand the qualities of many of the most prevalent cross tattoo designs, you can make a worthy decision regarding your tattoo. Bear in mind, it doesn’t have to be the spiritual feature of crosses that make you want one, it’s the feeling and meaning you have for the cross. Thus be bold and get that beautiful cross tattoo!

Filed under Tattoo Care by Tattoo Expert

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July 2, 2009

Angel Wing Tattoos

There is no uncertainty that angel and angel wing tattoos have turned out to be tremendously trendy in recent years. And why should they be? Angels are some of the purest beings that one can choose to ink on their bodies.

Angel tattoos and angle wing tattoos are especially devine; these tattoos are just about the most religious out there! Yet, not everybody who decides on angel wing tattoos or angel tattoo designs is getting them because of spiritual motives. Angels stand for so much more than that.

Angel wing tattoos can be found in several shapes and sizes. Some cover the entire area of people’s backs while others are tiny enough to fit perfectly on your ankle. So how do you know what size to get? It’s totally about your individual preference.

Many people simply don’t fancy an enormous tattoo covering their backs. Smaller angel wing tattoos are a great deal easier to hide and many find them more attractive.

Full-bodied angel tattoo designs are just as or even more trendy than angel wing tattoos. While the wings are pretty and subtle, an full angel can precisely what you want them to be thinking and feeling.

The tattoo can depict a content, peaceful angel or a protective guardian angel. Some show a distressed fallen angel, while others represent delightful, cheery cherubs.

Although angels are accurately known as beings living below God, people have interpreted them in other ways. Some indentify guardian angels as the main class because of all that they do for the living.

When people opt for guardian angel tattoos, they normally act on the full-back wing tattoo designs. This noteworthy angel wing tattoo is usually the largest you will locate. After all, the back is the biggest empty canvas on our bodies!

Any chat about angel tattoo designs without referencing the enchanting cherub angels would simply be shameful. Everyone knows about Cupid: the cherub who gives love to all he comes across. There are oodles of people who love his personality and choose to get his image tattooed on themselves. Cherubs are customarily jovial, cunning and chubby.

The type of angel wing tattoos that has developed the most over the years is the fallen angel. This can be portrayed as either a full angel tattoo or merely the wings. Fallen angels are those who have been exiled from heaven for disobeying or mutiny against God.

The most well-known angel is Lucifer, also identified as Satan. Fallen angel tattoo designs usually illustrate a gloomy, sometimes weeping angel either sobbing in pain or slumped to the ground to where you cannot see their faces. Straightforward fallen angel wing tattoos display the wings in a frail status, frequently with ripped or lost feathers.

If there was an angel tattoo design made for men, the archangel is it. They are known as fighters for God. For that reason, they generally have armor and weapons on or with them in tattoo designs. Michael, the most illustrious archangel for leading the fight against Lucifer, is frequently celebrated with this sort of angel tattoo design.

Whichever of the angel tattoo designs or angel wing tattoos you pick, be certain it’s the right decision for you.

Getting a tattoo isn’t simply regarding the look of the tat itself, but it’s also concerning what it symbolizes. Individuals will constantly interpret tattoos differently. As long as you are comfortable with what your tattoo means to you, the splendor of your angel tattoo will glow!

Filed under Tattoo Care by Tattoo Expert

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