Cool Inking Ideas

Stenciling: Outline the Design onto Your Body

September 6th, 2011

After picking a remarkable work of art, you are now sitting on a tattoo chair, or lying on a bed in the studio getting yourself ready to be inked. Everything is set. The equipment and the tools are properly sterilized, and the area is ready. But, there is still one last thing that the artist needs to prepare you before he or she can actually insert pigmentations into your skin. It is the stenciling step.

As your artist is not going to draw the tattoo outline with freehand onto your body, they need to have some sort of design guide to follow. So, a template will be printed on your skin so that the exact design can be copied over onto your skin, and the artist can start to fill the artwork with inks. If you are picking image from an online gallery, don’t forget to print a copy of its stencil to be brought to the studio. The artist can then duplicate the design that you desire.

Unlike in those days, transferring an outline onto the skin is really a painstaking procedure. Today, newer tools are being used such as the thermal paper that can transfer an outline onto your body directly without any difficulty. Once it is done, you are ready to go.

When the artist has put the frame of reference in place on your skin, he or she will start to make the outline using a tattoo gun. You will probably know it by now that the first step is to create a template that provides the structure of your symbol, and it will follow by the coloring and shading steps.

Just relax and hang in there. I know! The line work can be a little bit painful. But, as soon as your body starts to adapt to it, you will be able to cope with the pain. A few more minutes later you will have your dream design permanently marked on your skin.

| Posted in Inking Process |

Getting Price Quotation for Your Symbol

September 5th, 2011

Don’t make that same mistake that some people did! Inking can be quite costly, and the price varies from one shop to another. Generally, there are a few factors that decide how much you need to fork out to get one done on your body, and most people would like to know how a tattoo shop is charging their customers. Having some knowledge about how a tattoo is priced can help you make judgment if the quote provided by the artist is reasonable.

Given below are various factors that will affect the cost of inking.

1. Size of the artwork:
Generally you need to pay more for a larger design. This is understandable as a big emblem will require a lot of work. It takes more processing time and effort to complete an artwork. The consumption of tattoo inks will also be a little bit more.

2. Details in the symbol:
While the tattoo may not be big, the intricate details can jack up the price because it takes extra time to get it done. So, remember that a huge artwork that is complicated will be even more expansive.

3. Experiences, skills and creativity of an artist:
Artist who is reputable and popular with many years of experiences is going to charge higher for their works compare to a less experience one.

4. Custom design:
Some design will definitely cost more than the ordinary patterns. If you are looking forward for a great creation, it is reasonable that you will have to invest more money on the design for a best result.

In general, these are the few key factors that influence the price of a tattoo. If you find out that a particular studio is quoting you with an unreasonable price, then shop around to see if that fee is really the norm, or just because someone has quoted too high.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that you should not be so caught up with the inking cost and forget about what you really fancy in the first place. Paying extra is worth it as the symbol will attach to you forever. Do you want to save some money and end up with a dissatisfying result? Or, do you rather invest a little bit more and get what you really dream about? The choice is on your own hand! Good luck!

| Posted in Inking Process |

Add Shades & Colors to Tattoo Outline

September 4th, 2011

After deciding which tattoo design and its outline to use, many people think that the most difficult part of an inking process is over. Unfortunately the job isn’t really over yet. It is because the outline of the work of art needs some precise work especially when it has to be hinged to other tattoo artworks. But even so, it is more to a remarkable design than an outline alone….as you are going to see! The skills and the experiences of a tattoo artist indeed play an important role in determining the final quality of your tattoo.

While many artists feel relief after the design outlining step is done, the fact is that there are other equally important tasks that need to be handled well in order to churn out an amazing work of art. None will be more vital than the course of shading and coloring.

Of course, it is very much depending on your chosen design that will determine how long it would take to complete this part of the inking process. If the particular artwork involves plenty of pigmentations or the shading is heavy and intense, then it will need as much effort as it takes to complete the outline. Well, it is better to take necessary time and energy than end up not meeting your requirement and expectation.

During the process of shading and coloring, the artists are regularly swapping tools that they use for inking. In some situation they may even switch to a somewhat different type of equipment than a needle gun. Don’t worry when this happens. It is normal for an artist to use different type of tools when working on the shading and coloring.

Only when the pigments are inserted in to the skin, your tattoo will begin to show the image that you are having in mind. While it is hard for the artist to fully comprehend what’s in your mind and transform the pattern on to your body, there may be some misalignment and disappointments, but it is really a great job done!

| Posted in Inking Process |

Picking the Right Tattoo Inks

September 3rd, 2011

Should you avoid any tattoo ink for your next symbol? If your skin tone is close to those of a Caucasian, then it is a good news. You don’t need to worry too much about what colors will not work for you. If not, here is some information on how to pick the right inks for your artwork that is suitable for the condition of your body.

Human skins are made out of 3 layers. The inks are injected into the middle layer via a tattoo gun and stay there forever. As the outer layer is translucent, the tattoo design can be seen though it clearly. Therefore, there is always a concern for people who own a dark or tan skin tone because the natural, dark pigmentation of the outer skin layer will mask the tattoo. But for people with light or white skin tones, the layer is transparent and anything underneath will appear as clear as bright sky.

Nevertheless, it really depends on how dark the skin is. You can use brighter colors if you are tanned (but not very dark), and you can still let the pigments stand out anyway. But, if you are really tanned, there are still a couple of options to let your design stands out.

No matter how dark you skin is, you still can have a remarkable design. You may want to stay away from those colors that others are using generally. Instead, go for those pigments such as gray or black that would bring out the best of your body condition.

Knowing what pigments are good for your body, you can then choose a design that is perfect for those colors. You can save time for not looking at those artworks that simply wont suit the bill because of the color of your body. In the end, who really care about how other people look at those designs and the type of inks to use if you can have an amazing design in your own right still.

Inking is completely depending on personal taste. While you’re trying to make the artwork stands out from the horde, it is important that you really feel comfortable about the symbol and the colors used. You should discuss with your artist before finalizing the pigments to be used.

| Posted in Choose Colors |

Bird Symbol — Phoenix Rising Tattoo

July 18th, 2011

A phoenix rising from fire is a very popular design after the eagle. The legendary bird of fire in its rising position represents the triumph over death and adversity of life while the fire element exemplifies turbulence and death. Therefore, a phoenix rising tattoo helps the bearer to mark a new beginning of life with its symbolic meanings of rebirth and resurrection.

The tattoo is meant for those who have struggled a great deal of difficulties in life. It doesn’t matter how hard the past experiences were, or how many times you have fallen down, or how many people have tried to bring you down. You have now come out from the troubles, and you’re moving toward a better life. It is a representation of hope, transformation and purification through fire and hardship.

The symbol has varying representations in different cultures. In Christianity, the disciples attribute the emblem to Jesus reminding themselves of the rebirth of Christ who has ascended to heaven.

In the Chinese’s tradition, the phoenix symbol just comes after dragon. It is the greatest, mystical bird and only the Empress was allowed to use the design in the past. While the symbol is associated with femininity representing the grace and virtue properties of the females, the dragon signifies the attributes of the imperial males. The primary colors of the feathers consist of green, black, white, yellow and red. The pairing of a dragon and a phoenix signifies the yin and yang properties.

The symbol also played an important role throughout the history and civilizations of the Greek, Arabian and Roman. The bird was believed to possess a unique capability, and it represented the sun. It was made out of fire, and after living for five hundred years, it would make itself an aromatic twigs and disintegrate into flame, and then resurrect– after 3 days a new bird will be born and emerged from ashes.

In Japan, the bird images are often found on the sword hilts as well as in needlework. It is one of the popular design choices in the Japanese inking industry by having a dragon to intertwine with a phoenix creating a harmonious duality of yin and yang.

You should find a tattoo that means something to you. Go through as many phoenix bird tattoo designs as possible before making a decision on your perfect artwork. Happy Inking!

| Posted in Phoenix |

Black Panther Tattoos – a Guardian Symbol

July 16th, 2011

Panther always strikes fear on people who look at it. While the large cat is ferocious, there are many positive meanings that are associated with it. Like any other feline species such as jaguar, cougar or leopard, it signifies power and aggressiveness. It is a symbol of courage and ferocity.

The feline animals have over 500 voluntary muscles that attached directly to their bones, and this makes them so flexible in movement. People who own panther tattoos reflect their capacity and flexibility in doing multiple tasks. The large cat is a solitary hunter within its own defined territory. It represents those individuals who prefer to be loners and live a life by themselves.

Among all the species, Black Panther is the most mystical one which carries lunar significance. It is often linked to femininity, and the feminine energies such as old wise woman, mother, seductress, virgin, etc. that manifest upon the earth. The feline animal also represents the darkness of the moon as well as the life and power after sunset. Traditionally it is a totem of the night, death and reborn, and it exposes human’s fear of darkness and death. It is the panther that teaches us the inherent forces of darkness and death, and helps us understand how to eliminate these fears and use the powers.

The tattoo will always bring protecting energy to those who bears it. In Christianity, the symbol has been attributed to Jesus because of the representation of reborn after death, and because of a period of suffering. It is often used to signify that a long outstanding issue has been rectified, and that in the healing process, the individual is now regaining the lost power during the time of hardship.

In Native American’s mythology, the black cat possessed a great power and magic. While the animal can run fast, climb and swim well, it is a master in all dimensions even greater than the tiger. It is a guardian of the universe.

Black Panther tattoos are quite commonly seen these days, and the popular body spots for the works of arts are the upper arm, back of neck, shoulder, chest, stomach, leg, and upper back. Here are a few design ideas.

| Posted in Panther |

Dog Tattoo for its Positive Meanings

July 14th, 2011

No one really knows since when dogs have become domesticated. They are men’s best friend since early history of mankind for being a good companion and helper. Therefore, dog tattoo carries mostly the positive representations, and it symbolizes guardianship and vigilance.

Also, it is a powerful totem that is being used in many coats of arms. Some of the different types of canines that appeared in the blazons are the levrier, talbot, greyhounds, bloodhounds, mastiffs, terriers, and spaniels. Therefore, the emblem also signifies loyalty and courage.

In some culture the canines are linked to the priests for being a watchdog against evils. In ancient Egypt, pooches were venerated as much as the cats. In fact, they are attributed as guards of the afterlife in many traditions because the animals are believed to have the ability to see invisible dangers–the ghosts in the spirit world.

The Cerberus in Greek mythology was a three-headed dog that acted as a spirit guide at the gate of the realm. Maori carved pooches to signify the departed spirits which are protecting their tribes. The Native American rears the animals for protection and warnings. To the Chinese and Japanese it is a guardian symbol, and many African tribes label the wise canine as the ancestral father.

The animal is also one of the twelve signs in Chinese Zodiac. People who are born in the Year of Dog are affectionate, honest, open-minded and fair. It also represents loyalty.

Most of the connotations to the dog symbols are positive. When a yellow pooch follows you home, it brings good luck to your family.

In fact, canines are held in high esteem in almost everywhere in the world because of their special trait of clinging themselves to their masters. They seem to understand exactly what the interests of their masters are and this makes them a great pet.

If you’re a pooch lover or you belong to that Zodiac sign, consider to ink your favorite pooch image. Some of the ideal locations for this type of design are the upper arm, shoulder, chest, and upper back. Make sure you’ve seen enough quality artworks in different styles before picking your design.

| Posted in Dog |

The Amazing Spider Tattoo

July 13th, 2011

Spiders can be found everywhere around the world, and they often build home inside our house. Most of us know the creature for their expertise in weaving complicated webs that serve as their home as well as “weapons” to trap preys. They build webs in anywhere irrespective of the weather conditions, and they don’t really worry their hard work may be destroyed in just a few seconds by invaders. They will continue to redo it all over again in the same place. We learn a lesson about the choice they take with their undefeatable spirit in constructing the web. We should also weave our lives with the choice we have made. “If at first you don’t success, try and try until you get it right.”

Spider tattoo is a very old symbol that signifies mystery, power and growth. In Native American’s folklore, the Spider Woman appeared before humanity, and later she taught the craftsmanship of weaving to human. The little creature is a protector of the bad storms and is often personified as Grandmother, and teacher of wisdom. It is an emblem of harmony, balance and fertility. When dangling at the end of its thread, it brings down joy and happiness from heaven. Therefore, it is a symbol of good fortune.

In ancient Greece there lived a pretty maiden called Arachne. Her weaving skill was so incredible until goddess Athena felt jealous. Athena made the maiden’s life so difficult and she passed on. The goddess felt so sorry and resurrected the maiden to become a Spider so that she could always make beautiful webs.

In Europe, the symbol carries a bad reputation since the days of the Plague because of the disease it has spread. The little fellow is a figure of loathing and fear. In many cultures, the emblem is notorious with a treacherous figure as it builds wed to kill innocent preys. Nevertheless, it has also gained popularity among prisoners and the works of art actually carry information on the duration of the sentence of inmates, including his or her crimes.

Today, some people ink spider tattoo for its aesthetic beauty. You can consider having a design on your hand, shoulder, neck, ankle, chest, or stomach. You can have a spider with web or without web. Try to see more designs in a professional gallery before you ink.

| Posted in Spider |

The Positives and Negatives of Horse Tattoo Designs

July 12th, 2011

The hore belongs to the equine family alongside their cousins, the donkeys and the zebras. There has been a variety of symbolism associated with this animal totem throughout the history of mankind. Depending on the specific culture, the representation of horse tattoo designs can be positive and negative, and their meanings are often varying and contradictory over different traditions.

Drawings of the early horses can be found on the walls of many caverns around the world which were drawn by the Cavemen since hundreds to thousands years ago. It is in fact a very old symbol. In the past, the animal was used to assist human as a mean of transportation. Today, they are still men’s good friends and they are admired because of their grace and beauty. In general, the symbols of equines signify freedom, wealth, speed, stamina, strength and vitality. They are also associated with the emperors, royal members, aristocracies and nobilities.

But, the creatures are also omens of evils and death according to some societies. Some people think that a black horse signifies impending destruction and mortality. It is also a symbol of evil power, mourning and Satan. Dreaming of a white horse is an omen of death, but the red equine was respected and used in war by the ancient Greece. It carried the qualities of triumph over adversities and difficulties as well as being a representation of peace and a figure for the warrior.

While the meanings of the emblems can be good and ugly, it actually depends on the individual who picks to inscribe the animal totem. As long as there are specific reasons as to why you want that animal design, how other people look at your tattoo is insignificant.

If you do a research on the internet, you will find bunch of creative artworks and information on the most ideal locations to place these artworks. Some common body areas to ink are the shoulder, chest, arm, etc. You should try to see plenty of design options before making a decision for which work of art to pick. Design ideas are always unlimited. For example, you can consider a flying horse, or to have a pair of them occupying your full back–resemble those symbols that made out of large wings.

| Posted in Horse |

Turtle Tattoos in Tribal or Cartoon Styles

April 5th, 2011

Turtle tattoos have been very popular especially among the young people. The little creature is shielded by a hard shell from any danger, and it is an amphibian that lives in both the water and land. It moves extremely slowly but steady, and it has a long lifespan. Some species can easily survive for over a hundred years. With all the special attributes, a great deal of symbolism has been derived base on its unique characteristics.

Images comprised of turtles can be seen in many cultures. It is an epitome of wisdom, longevity, endurance, courage, protection and perseverance. In most traditions, it is a symbol of reliability and calmness. To the coastal inhabitants, this marine creature is an emblem of freedom, good fortune and endurance.

Now, let us look at its symbolic meanings over different cultures:

1. The Greek associates the animal with women and their gentleness. The symbol is also a representation of deity, recovery, inner knowledge, and protection.

2. In Chinese tradition, it is an charming creature which signifies fertility, longevity, endurance and strength. The symbol is also used in the large flags or banners during wars to signify protection.

3. The sea turtle has special significance to the Japanese culture particularly for those who lived in the coastline. It represents Kumpira who is the goddess of sailors.

4. The Native American sees the creature as a sacred figure that depicts tranquility while the Polynesian use the symbol to represent their social status, individual victory and genealogy.

5. According to the African mythology, the image of turtle stands for masculinity, fecundity and protection.

Some famous design styles are the tribal and cartoon artworks, but you can spice up and personalize your tattoo by adding another design element on top of the solid shell. Here are some ideas on how you can design your artwork. Likewise you should consider joining a professional gallery to find your amazing work of art.

| Posted in Turtle |