Classic designs are classic for a reason: they are well-established and can exude the definition of manhood. Among the most classic designs for a well-loved masculine tattoo is infamous, traditional Mom tattoo. Legend has it that the first Mom tattoo was on chest of an Irish sailor, who had been inspired by an old sailor's song that spoke of the...
For thousands of years, people have tattooed themselves with tribal designs to solidify their spiritual beliefs, social status, and warrior ferocity. Tribal tattoos will link you with your ancestry, remind you of the shoulders you are standing on, and form a bond with past generations that you'll carry everywhere you go. The most popular tribal tattooing cultures come from the...
In Chinese and Japanese culture, the Koi fish has a deep history and symbolic meaning. They mark one of the rare instances of domesticated fish. Originally carp, they were bred for their rich colors. Some believe, however, that long ago, they descended from dragons. The story goes that once there was a huge school of fish made up of thousands...
Is there possibly anything more fierce than a mountain lion? For hundreds of thousands of years, these beasts have stalked the hills and valleys of the western hemisphere. Puma, panther, catamount, whatever it is in your region, these mountain lions are the biggest cat in North America. They can leap 15 feet in the air and move silent as a...
Tribal tattoos, fad as they once were, have become melded into the inking culture. Long gone are the days of the “basic dude” with tribal armbands. Men’s necks have increased in popularity as tattoo canvases. While the bicep is a highly typical spot, the neck offers more challenging surfaces and more bold design choices. Traditionally done in black ink only,...
"If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees."—Hal Borland. The olive tree serves as the ultimate symbol of stoic might amidst peace. In general, any tree lends an air of eternal evolution. Trees are constant, old, wise, and morph in tune with their environs. Olive trees and the fruits of their labors are cited widely in...
Owls stand quite alone among birds of prey. Whereas others are fierce hawks of speed, owls are heralded as symbols of wisdom, change, transition, and the balance between life and death. Few men choose to align themselves with such an ambiguous image. Even fewer decide upon placing an owl’s visage on their necks. If a beard is to impede the...
Frogs have long been seen as symbols of luck, fertility, and change. But the tree frog? All that and more. Tree frogs, often depicted with red eyes, usually spend much of their lives in trees. Their claws and feet are perfectly adapted to climb for food. As such, a tattoo of a frog in a tree symbolizes adjustment, resourcefulness, cunning,...
Men are not always drawn to kite tattoos. How many have honestly flown one? Because of their whimsical nature, men tend to choose more grounded, aesthetically “masculine” art. But what of the guys who can’t seem to keep their feet planted? Historically, men have traveled the world over, spreading stories and messages, flying over land and sea, and even reaching...
Centipedes live in the dirt. They venture where few others go, digging through hidden places that few other creatures see. They are secretive, working away with nobody the wiser. Guys who go for the centipede tattoo often feel most at home at night. Under the cover of darkness, they venture through rock and grit, wandering aimlessly. They shape of the...
