Tribal style face tattoos are becoming more prevalent as collectors use the previously taboo area for interesting depictions of self-expression. Previously, only the Maori Ta’Moko and traditional cultural designs from Polynesia were employed for facial art with any degree of community acceptance (and even that was minimal). Currently though, the stigma of getting a highly visible ‘jobstopper’ tattoo seems to...
The faith cross tattoo is an increasingly popular design for religious tattoo imagery. Combining the cross – the most visible symbol of Christianity – with the word faith, usually in beautifully flowing cursive lettering, makes a personally religious statement of great symbolic meaning and links two simple ideas into a larger expression of belief. With an increase in visible tattoo art, and...
The upper arm continues to be the likeliest space for newcomers getting inked and a staple of women’s tattoo art. The increased visibility and creativity of contemporary women’s ink means upper arm ideas look different to those etched even a decade ago. These tatts incorporate a wider range of design styles and application techniques to create awesome designs. The following gallery of upper arm tattoo...
Contemporary women’s tattoo leads innovative style and placement of body art ideas. The popular Christian cross tattoo provides an interesting design opportunity for faith-based ink and shows off a range of options for epic pieces. Whether it’s a simple design in black ink or more interpretive pieces of ink the cross allows for meaningful symbolic tattoo ideas to showcase collector’s...
Adding flowers to traditional tribal tattoo themes makes for interesting body art designs. Rather than relying solely on heavily patterned black ink tattoo design, flowers can add color opportunities, stylistic and symbolic differences to a range of positions. Collectors most often look to incorporate their favorite flower - suchas roses, lotus flowers, and hibiscus - with elements of shape and pattern...
Tribal cross tattoo designs have become an interesting form of ink based self-expression. While most are linked with Christianity, tribal cross ideas take on more individual concepts than simple cross tattoos in black ink. There are no specific patterns to a tribal cross; the layout, placement, and style of cross used depends entirely on the preferences of the individual collecting...
Contemporary Celtic tribal tattoo often features complex knotwork concepts, a mix of traditional and Christian symbolism, and fierce animal motifs. The Celtic tribes of the Iron Age brightly dyed their hair and had indigo stained skin from the native Woad plant were prevalent. Tattoos were held over for important rites of passage or for recognition of great valor in battle....
A bear tattoo does more than just show off your animalistic side. They contain a great deal of symbolism in traditional tribal tattoo design. Many ancient cultures have legends that bears were connected to the spiritual world, and they are often tattooed as links to strength, ferocity in battle, healing, and bravery. Norse mythology believed that Odin, the god of...
When most people consider the prospect of a tribal tattoo, the idea of large scale, highly detailed and elaborate body art immediately comes to mind, and for good reason. However, there are a lot of tribal tattoo ideas that factor in simple black ink tattoos, or small-scale designs made to fit contemporary locations like the wrist, hands, and neck. The...
Monarch butterflies are arguably the most popular insect tattoos for men and women, whether inked in color, black and gray, or simple lines. They echo other butterfly designs in meaning freedom, beauty, and transformation; they also suit frequent travellers and those with an affinity for realistic design. The Monarch, as the name suggests, is often associated with royalty, and is symbolic of souls returning during Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead. The following collection of top 73...
