| The rise in popularity of the ancient art of applying a | | | | commonly include lions, dragons and Chinese lettering. |
| tattoo has been simply inspiring! Whilst these icons | | | | These unique tattoos are often larger in size |
| have always been acceptably worn by cultures to | | | | (although they can also be small) and sometimes |
| signify rank, feats of strength or membership of a | | | | represent a specific element of Chinese myth. Pay |
| clan, they were shunned for many years by modern | | | | specific attention to any Chinese symbols you decide |
| mainstream society. Now it seems more and more | | | | to get inked - remember, they can mean different |
| people are proudly displaying their own unique tattoo | | | | things to different people! These tattoos can be |
| - whether it is a tiny angelfish or a huge Tribal tattoo | | | | worn anywhere on the body, but the larger ones |
| masterpiece! | | | | often cover the chest or back area. |
| With such a vast choice of new tattoos, it can be a | | | | 4. Celtic Tattoo Designs - Said with a hard 'c' (as in |
| little daunting when it comes to selecting one that is | | | | 'Keltic'), these intricate and beautiful tattoos are really |
| just right for you. Everyone has their own tattoo | | | | the murals of body art. They seem to flow easily |
| ideas, and each one sends a message - from subtle | | | | within themselves, with the eye drawn to common |
| to overt - and it is extremely important to ensure | | | | elements such as knots, crosses and the number '3'. |
| your new tattoo looks awesome AND sends the | | | | Applying these tattoos properly requires a highly |
| message you want it to send! | | | | skilled artist and a reasonable amount of time - make |
| To help you decide which tattoo is right for you, this | | | | sure you see examples of their work before taking |
| article will discuss briefly five of the most common | | | | the plunge! These tattoos are often worn on the |
| categories of tattoo. You may not find your perfect | | | | next or upper arms. |
| tattoo within these genres, but at least it may give | | | | 5. Tribal Tattoos - this is the serious end of the |
| you some ideas of where to start, and also some of | | | | tattoo market! Nothing sends a message more |
| the messages that these tattoos send. | | | | powerfully than a large tribal tattoo. These tattoos |
| 1. Cross Tattoo Designs - this is a very common | | | | have been in use for thousands of years, and are still |
| genre. Although not necessarily worn to denote | | | | commonly applied by cultures around the world |
| religion, it is very hard not to infer a Christian religious | | | | (including American Indians, Polynesians and Ma'ori). |
| message in these images. There are seemingly | | | | These tattoos have significance in that they denote |
| limitless variations of cross designs available, and they | | | | membership of a clan, rank, and sometimes victory in |
| are often blended or super-imposed onto other | | | | battle. They can be described as the ancient |
| existing tattoos. Most commonly worn on the | | | | equivalent of our modern military insignia and medals |
| shoulder or wrist. | | | | of valor. These tattoos can cover large areas of the |
| 2. Star Tattoo Designs - unless made to look | | | | body - take care when deciding to get one, as they |
| specifically like the 'Star of David' or a pentacle, these | | | | send an obvious message to both friend & foe! |
| tattoo designs are nearly always decorative in nature | | | | This, of course, is just a few tattoo ideas, but |
| and enhance the look of the wearer. Like crosses, | | | | hopefully it will get you started! Remember to search |
| they are often just one part of a larger tattoo, and | | | | out tattoo designs from as many sources as possible, |
| are often worn on the back or chest. | | | | and then choose that perfect, unique tattoo that is |
| 3. Chinese Tattoo Designs - these tattoos | | | | unique to you! |
| encompass a wide variety of features, but | | | | |