Dragons have been featured in worldwide symbolism for thousands of years, so it's only natural that they would find their way into popular tattoo art. And despite their rich and complex allure, some of the best tattoo renditions are the simplest. The medieval European dragon provided the classic fire-breathing archetype we uphold today in our storytelling, with the depiction of...
Sometimes the smaller the tattoo, the greater the impression it creates for the collector and viewer alike. Small geometric tattoos are no exception. Poetic mandalas, mathematical figures, and all manner of organic subjects are often best depicted in a subtle, understated style. Founded out of necessity for one's field of work or in preference for a simpler aesthetic, there's no...
Leg tattoos are ideal for those who prefer to show off their movable art in warmer weather and steamier settings, and geometric designs are sure to be far from a deterrent. Multi-faceted shapes, patterns, subjects, and hues abound in what can be committed to the calf, from watercolor koi fish to complicated DNA strand-like line work. The length of the...
Our hands tell the story of our lives: our hardships, our pursuits, and the ultimate triumph of our strengths. Hand tattoos not only showcase but enhance those stories, and geometric designs make for ideal inspiration. From animals forged from delicate black perforation lines and squares to intricate crop circles ascending the fingers, sometimes the smaller the subject, the greater the...
Looking for that new ink and struggling to come up with something new? Phrases in any language are too overdone, and getting a tribal tattoo is just not your thing. If you are looking for that perfect geometric tattoo with a deep meaning, then a maze is the way to go. You might think that a maze is just something...
The art of tattooing was once an integral part of tribal culture in the Philippines. Unfortunately, by the 1700s, the practice had all but fallen by the wayside due to the influence of invaders such as the Spanish Conquistadors. Now, true Filipino tribal tattoos (called batek, batok, or patik in the Philippines) are a rarity, and a Filipino tattoo artist...
Latin tattoos are incredibly popular for their simplicity and the air of ancient mystery about them. Men seeking Latin tattoos can choose from nearly endless style, placement and size options. Many clients interested in Latin tattoos primarily want lettering to feature in their ink. A favorite phrase in a font of the client’s choosing always looks sharp, as long as...
Sanskrit tattoos are beautiful but complex designs. Names and mantras are the most popular tattoo choices, but because Sanskrit is a phonetic language there are different factors that influence how a name should be written. Sanskrit deals with ancient language and fonts that must be understood to be applied properly. One reason it’s so important to find an artist with experience working up Sanskrit sayings is the context shifting within...
If you're worried about the pain involved with a getting new tattoo, don't be! Truthfully, it's uncomfortable, but far from extreme. When I got my first tattoo I naturally picked one of the most painful places I could think of at the time: The rib cage. Of course, I hated needles with a passion and I can't say I had...
Arrows hold significant symbolic meaning while being strikingly effortless. An arrow is admirable for both experienced tattoo-lovers and newbies alike. The symbolic meaning of an arrow tattoo depends largely on the number of arrows involved and the way that they are positioned. For instance, single arrows represent protection against evil forces while a bundle of arrows symbolizes the strength of...
