Sarah Channels Emma Goldman

I recently had the intense displeasure of discovering that my camera had broken. For someone whose spare time is spent taking pictures of other people's tattoos, this was a harrowing experience, especially since my BlackBerry's camera is flash-less and takes good pictures under only specific lighting conditions.

So what's a poor inkspotter to do? Pass out his card and hope for the best.

And despite dozens of cards distributed to many people with cool tattoos, the only one who has really come through for me is Sarah, who I met last Friday on the subway platform at West Fourth Street, as I waited for the D train to Brooklyn.

Possessor of several tattoos, the one of Sarah's I spotted was on her inner left forearm. My photo was blurry and, as the D pulled into West Fourth, she handed me her card so I could follow-up with her. Thankfully, she is a woman of her word, and sent me this photo yesterday:

Since Sarah is a writer and journalist, I'll let her do the talking. You can check out her work at  her website ohyouprettythings.net and/or read her blog at champagnecandy.tumblr.com. Sarah explains:

It says "It's not my revolution if I can't dance to it"

The tattoo is my most recent, and it's a paraphrase of a possibly-apocryphal Emma Goldman quotation. It's a line that spoke to me the first time I heard it. I'm a political journalist and a feminist activist, and Goldman's always been someone I looked up to. Also, I became a political person through music, and dancing and music have a particular significance for me.


It was done by Ryoko at Brooklyn Tattoo [who we most recently saw inked Julie Powell's tattoo here] and she's super-awesome...

As a lover of type tattoos, I had inquired about the font used and Sarah did not disappoint: "the font is Garton and the words revolution and dance are in Miama".

Thanks to Sarah for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Tribal Japanese Dragon Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo!

Are you ready to get a new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo? This article will help you with your decision!

Picture this, the first time you go out proudly sporting your new tattoo you come face to face with that identical tattoo on someone else. You just lived your worst nightmare. Creepy, huh? Well, here's the good news, with a little planning you can go a long way towards making sure that never happens.

So here's the thing. When you are researching your tribal Japanese dragon tattoo graphic you are probably going to want to do a Google Image search. You will no doubt find plenty of fine examples for your tattoo; because tribal tattoos are very popular right now. The problem with this method of finding your design is that about a million other people are doing the exact same thing, looking at the exact same images, and carefully picking the same perfect graphic as you. You see the problem, don't you?

To narrow the field then, you should check out some of the pay tribal Japanese dragon tattoo sites. They're not expensive, but the extra step of paying for a service keeps most people from ever even getting into these sites to have a look. Already you are part of a more exclusive group. Not only will you have access to custom graphics that you would not otherwise find on the web but you will find sites that specialize in only tribal tattoos. You can find out what elements of the tattoo are important to you, and in doing this you can really develop a tattoo that is unique to you. And that is the point, after all, isn't it?

So once you commit to ink, do yourself a favor and use the best resources available by visiting some of the pay tribal tattoo sites.

Good luck getting your new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo!

Ganesh Waits for the A Train

Actually, Kerry was waiting on the platform for the uptown A Train when I walked by at 34th Street.

How could I not stop and ask her about this tattoo:

This absolutely stunning depiction of the Hindu deity Ganesh took between eight and nine hours to complete.

Guy Ursitti at Thicker Than Water is the tattooist responsible for this work of art, the newest (at the time I met her) of Kerry's approximately fifty tattoos.

The detail in the tattoo is absolutely incredible.

Work from Thicker Than Water has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Kerry for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Sean Shares a Host of Traditional Tattoos

I ran into Sean at the Foodtown in my neighborhood and when I stopped to talk to him about his tattoos (he has nine), I ended up with photos of several pieces, all of which reside on his left arm.

Most of the designs are traditional tattoo subjects, all of which were inked by Eli Quinters at Smith Street Tattoo Parlour in  Brooklyn. Work from Smith Street Tattoo has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

First up is this amazing lighthouse:

Sean explained that this tattoo is for his mother, as this tattoo is based on her "favorite lighthouse," the Fastnet Lighthouse on the most southerly point on the coast of Ireland.

Then there is this owl tattoo:

This was done for no other reason that Sean has always liked owls. If you love owl tattoos, be sure to head over to this site.

Then there is the elephant tattoo:

He has this piece because "elephants never forget".

I know we posted a sugar skull yesterday, but here's another one:

This was all Eli's design. Sean gave him free reign and likes the fact that it is unusual in that there are not a lot of colors in it, like one sees in most sugar skull tattoos. For all that have appeared on Tattoosday previously, check this link.

There is also the traditional female figure, not modeled after anyone in particular, just done in a traditional style:

And Sean's last tattoo is this bat:

He told Eli that he "wanted something spooky" that included the moon. Quinters free-handed this piece, starting with a white Sharpie and then finished with a darker Sharpie before finishing the tattoo.

What's neat about all of Sean's tattoos is that they flow nicely together, as readers can see elements of many of the tattoos on the borders of the photos of specific designs.

Thanks to Sean for sharing these amazing tattoos by Eli Quinters with us here on Tattoosday!

Sugar Skull Sunday - One From Ryan

Since I seem to capture more sugar skulls than any other design, why not reserve a day just for these decorative symbols which, at their roots, have deep religious significance?

Two weeks ago, I met Ryan, who has ten tattoos.

Of that lot, he offered up this design on his left bicep, which Charlie Foos created for him at FlyRite Studios in Brooklyn.

Charlie Foos is now at Read Street Tattoo Parlour in Baltimore.

Aside from the traditional nature of the sugar skull tattoo, Ryan also loves Mexico and this design recalls that beautiful and diverse culture south of the border.

Thanks to Ryan for sharing this decorative tattoo with us on Tattoosday!

Work from Charlie Foos has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.
Tattoosday posts tagged FlyRite Studios are here.
Tattoosday posts tagged Reade Street Tattoo Parlour are here.

Tattoo Designs - Kanji Symbols and What They Mean

Japanese Kanji symbols are very popular as tattoos as they are unique and they can convey a very personal and meaningful message in an artistic and exotic way.

Complex language

Kanji is one of three different types of alphabet character symbols used in a complex system of writing. The other two are Hiragana and Katakana. All three are used in different ways. Kanji conveys ideas in picture form, which may not always convey the exact meaning. Hiragana is sometimes used with the Kanji to modify or clarify the meaning.

Hiragana is used more for everyday use while Katakana is used mainly when dealing with foreign names.

The Japanese language contains literally thousands of characters. These were adopted from the Chinese, which have anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 characters. Scholars disagree on the number but, as you can see, it is a lot. In everyday use in Japan there are around 2000 - 3000 characters.

Multiple meanings

One of the major pitfalls in choosing a Kanji tattoo is the actual meaning of the symbol. The meaning can depend on the context and can have up to ten different meanings. It is essential to do some research before having a permanent symbol on your body. Make sure you get an accurate translation or, better still, use an artist who understands Japanese. Some artists are reluctant to do Kanji because they are not sure of the meanings.

There can be good reasons for getting a Kanji tattoo - with one symbol you can express a thought or an idea or a philosophy and you can do it in an artistic and different way. However, Kanji is limited, as its symbol will express a simple picture or expression. It does not lend itself to more involved quotes or phrases. One of the other scripts may have to be used with Kanji to express your words. This is where an artist's knowledge of Japanese can become important.

Artistic expression

Japanese calligraphy is an art form. In fact, one artist believes the meaning of the symbol is unimportant as it is more about the look and flow of the script - more about the artistic expression. This would not suit everyone, as most people like to use a tattoo to convey a message to themselves or others. However, for those who do want to express themselves artistically, the opportunity is there.

Kanji tattoos can be attractive, artistic and meaningful, but they can be a trap for the unwary. Do your homework and make sure your tattoo means what you want it to mean.

Sexy Tattoo Designs For Women - The Butterfly - Magical, Mystical, and Drop-Dead Sexy

The Butterfly: Grace, Beauty, Historical Symbolism

Without question, one of the most popular and sexy tattoo design choices for women is the colorful butterfly. And the symbolic butterfly continues to gain in popularity revealing a dominate feminine influence throughout tattoo culture.

There is a worldwide agreement, generally speaking, that colorful butterflies represent the feminine mysteries of life. Because of the butterfly's relatively short life span, many ancient cultures saw it as symbolizing the impermanence of mankind and his time on earth.

Some cultures attribute the butterflies flitting from flower to flower as representing the human soul, constantly seeking satisfaction of body, mind, and spirit.

Greek Mythology And The Goddess Psyche

In Greek mythology, the beautiful Psyche was the personification of the soul and the Goddess of Beauty. Psyche, in all her beauty, was represented in art, paintings, and sculpture with butterfly wings. She was said to have a free airborne soul, and represented in art with beautiful butterfly wings.

A romantic and lovely feeling among both ancient and present day Greeks is the belief that a human soul comes to life every time a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Yes, the colorful butterfly is seen as a symbol of transformation, re-birth, and flight.

A Belief That Butterflies Carry The Souls Of The Living And The Dead

Even today, many native cultures believe that butterflies carry souls from heaven to earth. Butterflies, in many cultures, are still believed to be the souls of the departed.

In some south American cultures, there are butterfly goddesses still regarded as symbols of beauty, love, and the spirits of the dead and departed.

Some of the Butterfly deities in ancient Mexico were looked upon as goddesses of war, human sacrifice, and symbols of feminine mother earth.

Not Just For The Ladies Though

It must be pointed out that the butterfly isn't the sole domain of the feminine. The Roman Emperor, Augustus, chose it as his personal symbol. Some male warrior priests of Mexico and south America wore the butterfly symbol on their armour plates.

In Japan, the Butterfly, has become a popular symbol for young women and girls, representing the change from young girl to mature woman.

In China, it continues to be a cultural symbol of marital bliss and harmony.

The butterfly tattoo design truly represents magical transformation and feminine change. A beautiful sexy tattoo design of a lovely butterfly can be a mystical and magical symbol for women.

Favorite spots for the butterfly design are the shoulders and lower back. The most popular spot on a woman's body for the butterfly is the lower back. It seems a tattoo on a woman's lower back tends to hypnotize male observers. The butterfly: a tattoo design with powerful mojo.

The Reason Behind the Power of the Lotus Tattoo

One good way to express your personality and your individuality is by means of a tattoo. Every tattoo design carries with it a certain meaning and symbolism that can represent you. The choice is up to you; you can choose from a wide variety of designs. Certain types of flowers, for example, give you a good choice for a design. A lot of people like flowers for this purpose. And when it comes to flowers, the lotus flower is a very popular choice. These flowers carry a significant amount of meaning.

And the meaning of a lotus flower is rooted in the way in which it grows. You don't usually think of the bottom of a still body of water is something pleasant; in fact, "pond scum" may come to mind. Yet it is here that the lotus flower gets its beginning.

The lotus flower begins to grow at the bottom of still water. Its beginning is as a small bud attached to a vine. The vine begins a gradual climb towards the surface of the water. What is interesting is that the bud keeps facing downward, even as the vine goes up towards the sun. When the bud is close to the surface, it finally turns around to face the sunlight. Once it reaches this state and it's free of the water, the flower blossoms into a stunningly beautiful state.

The symbolism is obviously powerful here. Namely, that something so beautiful could have risen out of the slimy muck of the bottom. Yet this is the progress it makes - from an ugly start to a beautiful finish.

These are some of the meanings of the lotus tattoo:

* It represents love and the nostalgia that goes with it
* It symbolizes birth and the beauty that rises with it
* It stands for a new beginning in life

So not only is the representation of the lotus flower something grand, it can also be something truly beautiful. If you can find a tattoo artist who can capture this beauty for you, you are bound to have a great work of art show up on your skin. The lotus flower tattoos tend to take on the vibrant colors that they have in real life.

A lotus flower tattoo is indeed a great choice if what you are after is a truly beautiful tattoo. You can be sure that this kind of tattoo will command a great deal of admiration wherever you go with it. So don't hesitate to get your own.

Katie's Tattoos: A Tribute and a Memorial

I met Katie on 34th Street one afternoon when I stopped to ask her about her foot tattoo:

This tribute piece on her left foot is for her cousin, whose initials are JMS. The letters sit astride the ribbon designating awareness for the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The two feet represent the fact that she helps raise awareness in the fight against MS by participating in an MS Walk each year.

For more information on MS, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's website here.

Katie also shared with me these wings on the back of her neck:

The initials "MCF" refer to her brother Mark, who was killed with a friend a few years back when a train struck them. This memorial piece ensures that her brother is always with her.

Katie's tattoos were inked by Spencer at Fat Kat Tattoos in Keyport, New Jersey. Work from  Fat Kat has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Katie for sharing two of her four tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Leyna's Balloon Keeps Her Grounded

Leyna was leaving the Borders at 2 Penn Plaza when I spotted one of her tattoos and asked about it.

This was the tattoo in question:

It is located on the back of her left leg, on the calf.

The design was inspired by the cover art from the Modest Mouse record We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.

Leyna thought the anchor was cool, and she feels it is a good representation of herself in her 20's.

The tattoo was inked by Derik Snell at Hand of Glory Tattoo in Brooklyn. He liked the design because he had never tattooed a hot air balloon before. Work from Hand of Glory has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Another one of Leyna's tattoos  caught my eyes, as well:

This two-word snippet, "ecstatic and insatiate" is an excerpt from Allen Ginsberg's Howl. I'd speak more about it, but it appeared first on the most awesome blog, Contrariwise. I'd direct you over here to read what Leyna had to say about this tattoo, and encourage you to linger about and check out the seemingly endless array of literary ink.

Thanks again to Leyna for sharing her tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Chris Returns with a New Tattoo Putting a Face on Addiction

Earlier this month, I posted about Chris's tattoos (here) and how they represented his battle with addiction.

This past weekend, Chris sent me a follow-up, showing me a new tattoo he had just had inked. It's certainly worth sharing here, as it is not only impressive work, but it continues addressing his struggle with addiction.

Check it out:

Chris explains:

"Just yesterday [June 18, 2010] Ii had an absolutely incredible piece done on my left shoulder. I work at The Painted Bird Tattoo and the newly-opened Boston Tattoo Company (same owners) ... To help celebrate the grand opening weekend of the Boston Tattoo Company, we were fortunate enough to bring in a very talented artist (not to mention one of the nicest most genuine people I've ever met), named Christian Perez. I was able to get an appointment with him and he channeled exactly what I wanted into my skin.

I talked to him prior to his visit and told him that it seemed like every tattoo I thought about getting lately was all dark imagery which I attribute to the disease of addiction which still lives inside me. I wanted to bring all the evil, sickness, and wickedness of my past life to the surface, give it form so I can "see" my demon, if you will. This was the result ... you should think about making trip to Boston sometime. Lots of great artists and great work around here. Also, as of July, Christian will be tattooing out of Hope Gallery in New Haven, CT."

Thanks to Chris for following up with us and sending in this photo of his new tattoo. Former contributors are always welcome to submit their new work for us all to see and enjoy here on Tattoosday.

Anthony's Dragon (and more!)

I spotted Anthony on the N train in Brooklyn and was happy to see him also switching for the local R train at 59th Street.

As luck would have it, both of us were headed home to Bay Ridge.

Anthony has a bunch of tattoos, and I snapped this photo of the dragon on his upper right arm:

It was inked by Joe at Brooklyn Ink.

He estimated that the work so far has been completed in about three two-hour sessions.

Work from Joe and other artists at Brooklyn Ink has previously appeared quite frequently on Tattoosday (all posts tagged as such here).

Anthony later emailed me photos of these shots as well:

The praying hands holding the rosary, I recall him telling me, were tattooed at Distinction Ink in Brooklyn. The tattoo reads "Forgive me Father, for I have sinned".

He did not tell me where he had this tribal sun done, but it's definitely an attention-grabbing piece and certainly worth a mention.

Thanks to Anthony for sharing his tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Jenn's Ink Celebrates a Seventies Vibe

On a day that found me unsuccessful with inkspotting the 5th Avenue Festival in Bay Ridge, Fate walked me past Jenn, sitting outside a laundromat a block away from my home.

She happily shared the work on her upper left arm:

These stunning colors encircled her biceps.

She said this piece, inked by Jared Stomber at Kustom Kulture Ink in Baldwin, New York, is an "ode to 1970's fashion". This is one area of interest to her that moves her artistically and she wanted to express it through body art.

Fictional character Rhoda Morgenstern (from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and spin off Rhoda) was among the cultural icons that inspired the design.

The inner part of Jenn's arm also features artwork that recalls the animated birds from the opening sequence of The Partridge Family.

Although her birds are much more elaborate.

Thanks to Jenn for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Cross Tattoos Design

Cross tattoo has been around for years and has never lost its appeal even up to the present day. The reason being is its universal meaning plus the powerful significance it can convey. It generally is a representation of one's spiritual beliefs and faith.

Aside from being a religious symbol, it is also use as in loving memory tattoo, also known as RIP tattoo. Sometimes, symbols like heart, banner and flowers are combined along with the name of the dead person and the death date. The cross is tattooed as a memory of a loved one who passed away as if serving as a gravestone on one's body.

This type of body art comes in many forms. It was a favorite among the old school type of tattoos patronized by bikers, seaman and merchants. It can be seen combined with other elements such as skull, star, flames, dagger, rose, heart and banner.

Celtic cross is another popular cross tat design which is a representation of Irish, Scottish or Welsh heritage. It is easily identifiable as it is interwoven with Celtic knot which is a symbol of the never ending cycle of life. Some tat enthusiasts also choose to incorporate tribal art into their tattoo design while some choose the Gothic style of cross tat.

The Christian cross tattoo is the most popular form that is meant to symbolize one's faith in God. It can be in the form of Latin cross (simple cross) or in the form of crucifix bearing Christ's image while he was being crucified. It can also be combined with other religious images such as the angel, the rosary, image of Mary and Jesus Christ.

The symbol of cross as a tat image is usually inked small, perhaps to retain the sincerity of their symbolism. It is usually seen on small parts of the body such as the ankle, foot, wrist, upper back and arm. Cross tattoo, with its wide appeal and holy implications will always remain as a tat image that will be around for more years to come.

Anime With Girl Tattoo Design

Anime With Girl Tattoo Design

The Wonders of Zodiac Tattoos

Ridding yourself of the usual and daily boring life can be quite difficult and even impossible for some. Some people may not know any means of how to spice up either their stagnant and plain attitude or their colorless and dull exterior. Are you one of these people? Or perhaps, you might be the type of person who frequently consults the stars and constantly asks for divine intervention? Well, ask no more as the answer to your prayers is definitely just around the corner! Want to know what it is? The thing you might be looking for is what you call - Zodiac signs tattoos!

For thousands of years, the ancient people of the world believed that the stars and all the heavenly bodies brought about the destiny and fortune of everyone. Almost every single constellation seen in the skies were given meaning and interpretation to help guide the people to the right path. As time passed, these people created the zodiac. The zodiac has two forms depending on its origin. The first form is the western form in which it consists of the 12 signs namely: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. On the other hand, the other form is the Chinese zodiac which consists of the 12 animals which represents each year namely: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

No matter what type of zodiac signs tattoos you get, you are surely going to have a lot of fun and memories with it. Most people particularly of the western hemisphere who do get this kind of tattoo design usually go for the western zodiac and get their own zodiac sign rather than another and the same goes for people of eastern descent, they mostly get the zodiac they were born in rather than someone else' zodiac sign.

It is important to take note however that the procedure of getting a tattoo whatever design it may be can prove to be quite painful and stingy to almost all first-timers. This is because of the method of using extremely pointed and sharp needles to prick into the surface of the skin continuously until the indelible ink reaches its final destination which is the dermis layer of the skin. This is vital because those inks that fail to be embedded into the dermis layer usually result to a not so permanent color meaning it will fade away in no time. Indelible ink that is on the other hand correctly placed in the dermis layer of the skin will have permanence and will not come off even with daily wear and tear and washing.

Also, it is vital that you not just get a tattoo from anyone. You must be really sure that you get a tattoo from an expert and respectable one. After all, you do not want to get hurt... much! Go for a clean and well-managed tattooing station or area, this will help you get an idea of how good their resident tattoo artists are.

Ladies Are You Thinking About a Breast Tattoo

Ladies tattoos are sometimes done in color, but they can also be done in regular black or green tattoo ink as well. These tattoos feature complex artwork and usually rendered on ink with plain black colors alone to maintain its authenticity. However, some tattoo enthusiasts also play it up by combining it with one or two colors which can come out as really interesting and striking.

Celebrity ladies breast tattoos are becoming more and more visible and socially acceptable in mainstream pop culture these days. Angelina Jolie recently voted most sexy woman has plenty of tattoos and is probably the most famous and desirable celebrity with tattoos in Hollywood.

Bad tattoos can be very expensive to retouch and fix, so Sexy girls the proper investigation before hand can make the difference between a good tattoo and being unhappy. There is the added benefit of locating a quality local and recommended tattoo artist to get your new breast tattoo. These designs last forever, make sure they are the right ones and in the right place.
Whatever the reason, it often becomes a consideration and one that must not be undertaken without some serious thought. If you are considering having a tattoo removed, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with a local physician or dermatologist in order to discuss your wishes, it's going to cost you some Cash.Usually ladies breast, ankle and lower back tattoos consist of elegant flowers or beautiful butterflies, it's very exciting when you see a beautiful woman with a breast tattoo or maybe a lower stomach or back tattoo and see about half of the design and wondering what the rest looks like, Yea Right.

There are many women who enjoy having tattoo's on there breast, they are able to hide them when need be or to show them at there discretion, all depends on the situation.

Lisa's Guardian Angel

I met Lisa recently on the subway platform at West 4th Street.

She had this cool tattoo on her right forearm:

The tattoo, which took four hours to complete, is Lisa's guardian angel.

Lisa told me that this is a representation of her guardian angel, a "spiritual guide," although she emphasized that she's not religious.

She had the basic idea for the tattoo and took it to Scott Campbell at Saved Tattoo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She pointed out that she absolutely loves the work he did with the shading in the tattoo:

Work from Saved has appeared previously on Tattoosday here. This, however, is the first work we've seen by Scott Campbell in our travels.

Thanks to Lisa for sharing her angelic tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Minimizing The Pain Of Tattoos

No matter what you may hear, there really is no way to predict the amount of pain that you’ll experience when getting a tattoo. If you arrive with determination and the right frame of mind, it may not hurt you as much as you thought. On the other hand, if you arrive at the studio scared half to death – it will more than likely hurt you more than you thought possible.

Tattoos involve piercing into skin, which almost always involves pain. No matter how big or how small the tattoo may be or where it is located, you can expect to feel some pain. The overall amount of pain you experience though, all depends on your tolerance. If you have a high pain tolerance, you may feel next to nothing during the entire process.

When you get a tattoo, the needles will puncture your skin at very fast rates and variable depths. The outline of the tattoo is easily the most painful, as the needles will be used to create a black line that will stand out on the tattoo. This part need to be inserted fairly deeply and carefully to ensure that it’s done correctly. The shading of the tattoo normally isn’t painful, although it depends on the penetration depth and effect that you desire.

Normally, the pain you feel is a slight burn or scratching feeling. If the tattoo is going to be on an area where there is less bone and tissue such as the wrist or chest, the pain will be a bit more intense. Areas like the arms and legs however, normally aren’t that painful. Areas such as these have more tissue and muscle, which will lessen the amount of pain you feel.

Even though some pain is to be expected, there are ways that you can minimize the pain. Below are some tips that will help you deal with the pain.

1. Never show up to a get a tattoo on drugs or drunk. This will thin out your blood, causing you to bleed more.
2. Always choose a tattoo artist that you are comfortable around. If you have confidence in your artist you can minimize the pain a great deal.
3. Show up at the studio with sheer determination. You should accept the fact that the tattoo will take time. Quality work is an art – and should never be rushed.
4. If the pain becomes too much to bear, you should let your tattoo artist know immediately. He will allow you to take a break, or stop and come back later. You can always break up your sessions, as tattoos don’t need to be finished immediately.
5. To ease your mind, listen to music. This way, you can take your mind to a different place and focus on something other than the tattoo.

A Father's Day Bonus: Janet Spots Ink on the Subway

Last month, my friend Janet (whose ink was featured on Tattoosday here) sent me the following photo:

 Janet reports:

"I took this pic in the 1 train, 23rd Street downtown subway station. The guy was *lovely* and looked like a big construction worker. His name is James, and so is his son's, pictured."

I figured this would be a nice father's day bonus.

Katie Carries Her Father's Heart (and Her Mom's and Brother's, Too)

As a tribute to dads today on Father's Day, here's a tattoo from earlier in the week:

This tattoo, on the upper left side of Katie's back, is more of a family tribute, than just a father's honor, but her dad did have a hand in the design.

The words are from the last line of an e.e. cummings poem, "i carry your heart with me":

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

The three hearts were drawn by Katie's mother, father, and brother. As she sees it, she is always carrying their hearts with her at all times.

It's a nice tribute to her family.

This is one of three tattoos that Katie has. The font used is designed to look similar to cummings' typewriter-style of print.

The artist was Cash at Addicted to Ink in White Plains, New York. Work from Addicted to Ink has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Katie for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Rose Tattoo Designs and Their Meaning

Getting a rose tattoo is cool. Aside from the fact that roses are among the most exquisite, beautiful, interesting and popular tattoo designs, it would be thrilling to know that roses are rich in symbolism. Whether the tattoo is a big one or a small one, for sure, a rose would always be an eye catcher. Men and women both prefer to have rose tattoos. It is interesting to note that despite its floral and feminine nature, the rose tattoo design is popular among men. Take note that men wearing rose tattoos do not have to be gay. A great number of straight guys also decide to have a rose marked on their skin.

Among the most usual and logical reasons why roses are popular is its overall beautiful and interesting design. Roses are interesting flowers, and as such are always good to look at. Rose tattoos often come with colorful color schemes. There may be hues and shades of read and some green parts. The tattoo design is so colorful and is almost always artistically done and implemented. The tattoo is also fun to look at and is often taken as a personal symbolism. Roses for tattoo fanatics mean liveliness and eagerness for specific life factors. The traditional symbolism is love and devotion, though now those symbolisms are becoming negligible.

A tattoo design can easily be personalized. Often, you can see rose tattoos bearing personal names. Men would readily have the names of their wives or girlfriends embossed and integrated in a rose design. The tattoo design itself, without any letters or names, is a sufficient symbolism and representation itself of romance and love. Thus, it is easy and logical to infer that a person getting a rose tattoo is romantically inclined and is a believer of the power of love.

Most of all, rose tattoos are among the most popular. You know how people would always be prepared to jump into bandwagons. The examples set by celebrities and icons also further bolster the popularity of the tattoo design. A rose is hardly related to femininity despite its floral nature. Thus, people still see a sense of mystery for reasons why people would prefer to get the simple, yet attractive rose tattoos on their skin. If you aim to get a tattoo now, consider having a rose design made and find out for yourself why such a choice is always satisfying.

Chest Tattoo For Women - Hot Designs and Ideas For the Best and Sexiest in Female Designs

If you have been considering getting a chest tattoo then now is the time. These are one of the hottest tattoos ever and they have honestly stood the test of time. Not only they but they are growing quickly in popularity now. With the advancements in color ink, feminine tattoo designs and the popularity of these great tattoo it has never been a better time to get a chest tattoo for women then now.

Locating The Design

Often one of the main reasons a person does not go and get a tattoo is lack of a design or idea. Often people have already made up their mind that they want a tattoo of some sort. They might have even chosen the location but finding the right design can be downright frustrating. The best way to go about locating a design is to take a bunch of ideas of things you have seen and like and even some possible designs and then consult with a professional tattoo artist. They will be able to easily listen to you and what you are after and then shape a design that is just right for you using the resources and ideas you bring to the table.

Design Shapes For Good Fit

A chest tattoo typically covers right under the collar bone area and across the upper part of the chest. This is a rather large tattoo and a good time commitment from the person seeking the tattoo. Therefore you want to consider the design carefully and match it to fit well in the area. Typically large rectangular shapes with a slight concave of v shape to them work best. Also since chest tattoos are such classics it can often be a good to look at the classic designs out there. You can always add to the design to make it unique and your own. However, anchors, swallows, a banner and other such classic themes can easily be restyled with new ink colors and a good conversation with your tattoo artist will help easily come up with something you are going to love.

Considerations

This is not meant to discourage anyone wanting to get a chest tattoo for women design however; you should know all the facts and plan for them ahead of time. One of the main considerations with chest tattoo is the professional setting you work in. Do you need to cover up tattoos and will you be able to cover it up easily? If not then you might want to look at a smaller design done a bit lower down the chest. Another consideration is the cost. Since chest tattoos are typically pretty large and often intricate pieces it can take some money to invest in such a design.

Overall chest tattoos are definitely growing in popularity. These days anything to do with women and tattoo designs is growing rapidly. Due to this rebirth of women and tattoos there have been tons of new bold design styles and ideas out there. Remember it is best not to rush the process. Instead find designs and ideas you like first. Then take you time to locate an artist that you can work easily with.