This is the ultimate Tattoos Designs Gallery, giving you the following information:
- The history of tattoos - including the origin of tattoos
- Info on tattoo aftercare and tattoo health risks
- An introduction to different types of tattoo, and a large example tattoo designs gallery
2. What is a tattoo?
A tattoo is a permanent design on the skin, that is made by placing
pigments directly into the top layer of the skin.
3. Origin of the Tattoo
The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the Polynesian word ‘tatu’, and was later
transformed into a similar word in English.
Tattoo history and origin is varied – the earliest known evidence of a tattoo
was discovered on an Iceman in 1991, on the border between Austria and
Italy.
The Iceman bears a total of 57 tattoos. It is believed that the positioning of
these tattoos suggests that the tattoos were created for therapeutic reasons.
4. Origin of Tattoos
Overwhelming evidence suggests that tattoos were a common
occurrence in the Ancient World.
Ancient Egyptian women were commonly tattooed and it is believed
that women would tattoo each other to protect them during
pregnancy and labor.
It is believed that the art of tattooing skin was spread across the
globe by Egyptians to places like Peru and Chile.
Chiribaya Mummy Tattoo (Image by Smithsonian Magazine)
5. Some Early Tattoo History
Evidence of early Japanese tattooing is marked by clay statues bearing tattoos.
While the Egyptians often tattooed for ritualistic reasons, the Japanese were
known to do so for aesthetic reasons.
Image by Design Boom
6. Some Early Tattoo History
How did ancient tattoo artists actually tattoo skin? Throughout history, this has
varied.
Many early Native American tribes simply
pricked skin, whilst others (particularly in
California) incorporated color.
Inuit tribes often threaded a needle through the
skin on a string soaked in color.
On the other side of the world, a rake-like tool
was used by Polynesian tribes to insert color
into the skin.
The Maori people mimicked their wood cutting
methods into their tattooing, also using similar
wood cutting tools (MSU). Image by MSU
7. What are the Risks of Tattooing Skin?
While the practice of tattooing skin has developed significantly in modern
times, there are still risks involved.
Some tattoo risks include allergic reactions, blood borne diseases, skin
infections and MRI complications (WebMD).
Above is a photo of an allergic reaction to red link
(image courtesy of MayoClinic.com)
8. Tattoo Risks – Good News!
Choosing a reputable tattoo parlor and taking care of your new tattoo
eliminates a large portion of tattooing risks.
While there are risks associated with getting tattoos, the majority of
people don’t have allergic reactions to tattoo ink.
For more important information, check out an in-depth tattoo guide.
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9. How do I Choose a Tattoo?
Since tattoo removal is an expensive and difficult process
(which is discussed later), a tattoo should be chosen
after long and careful consideration.
You should be confident over a period of weeks - or better
yet, months - that you will want a particular tattoo forever.
10. Find Tattoo Designs
Looking for a great tattoo idea? Some of the most popular tattoo categories
include:
1.Tattoo fonts and popular tattoo quotes and sayings.
2.Tribal tattoos, including:
Aztec tattoos,
Polynesian tattoos,
Native American tattoo designs and
Samoan tattoos.
1.Traditional tattoo designs, including:
Japanese tattoo art,
Chinese tattoo art,
Celtic tattoo art,
and other international tattoo art.
11. How do I Choose a Tattoo?
Some people choose a tattoo theme, tattoo template or picture to be
copied.
You can also create your own tattoo design, drawing inspiration from
other pictures.
The images above are tattoo ideas created by artists.
12. Tattoo Types
A tattoo gallery can help inspire you and find tattoo designs.
There are many popular tattoo galleries online for free. However, it is often
recommended to purchase a gallery of high quality drawings from a talented
artist if you’re looking for a particular and unique design.
13. Tattoo Pictures
Many tattoo galleries have previews and can be purchased from private
artists selling their work on download marketplaces.
14. Caring for a New Tattoo
Whether you’ve got full tattoo sleeves or a small wrist tattoo, it’s
important to exercise good tattoo care!
You should take tattoo healing seriously by treating your new tattoo
like a wound: keep the tattoo moist, clean and change bandages
regularly.
Initial tattoo healing can take 7-10 days and complete healing takes 3-4
weeks.
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15. Tattoo Removal
Got a tattoo and want to remove it? Unfortunately, not everyone stays in love
with their tattoos, and many people look for effective tattoo removal
strategies.
The tattoo removal process is not an easy feat and often takes a number of
sessions.
Methods include laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal surgery, intense pulsed
light therapy, fading with saline and tattoo removal creams.
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16. How to Become a Tattoo Artist
If you’re an artist who can draw, you may have what it takes to become
a tattoo artist.
Often, this process involves getting a tattoo apprenticeship and
attending some form of tattoo artist school.
Many accomplished tattoo artists have formal artist training before
learning to tattoo and deciding to have a tattoo artist career.
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17. Tattoo Artist Career
Many artists are particularly talented and/or interested in a certain niche.
For example, some tattoo artists specialize in tattoo portraits. A portrait tattoo
artist would need to have strong attention to detail and the ability to draw an
extremely realistic image.
Other tattoo artists are known for specializing in, for example, abstract art, and
will often be sought to provide creative input into the customer’s own ideas.
Image by Galadarling.com