So is there any value to these pictures? Maybe, maybe not. But I want to wish them adieu and maybe their inclusion here will prompt Donna to finally getting around to send me the photos.

I’d love to know what these kanji mean. Guesses anyone?

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Why Get a Tattoo?

We’ve all seen tattoos of various designs, styles, sizes, shapes and colors. Aside from the fact that tattoos can be removed by lasers, surgery and other methods, they are quite permanent. Most people have very specific reasons for these lifelong marks and some even have stories behind each one.

One simple reason for a typical tattoo is just for looks. The tattoo may be one that resembles one seen on a celebrity. It may also be a design that is simply pleasing to the eye. Perhaps the tattoo has bright colors or neat shapes that attract the eye. Aesthetics are one common reason for many tattoos.

Another reason why one might get a tattoo is as a memorial. Friends and family who have passed away are often memorialized through tattoos. These memorials are also often created in the memory of a particular celebrity. These might be designed with flowers, crosses or other shapes and dates of birth and death. They might include special sayings that were important to the deceased. They may also involve complicated tattoos that are copied off an actual photograph.

Children and relationships are a popular reason for getting a tattoo. Millions will have tattoos designed incorporating a child’s, spouse’s or partner’s name. Typically these will be accompanied by other designs such as flowers, butterflies, shapes and even likenesses. Hearts, stars and script letters are often found on spouse or partner name tattoos.

Many people will have tattoos designed to commemorate special events experienced during their lifetimes. Achievements, difficult times and other special events are often displayed as a lifetime reminder of an important time in one’s life.

Tattoos also represent spiritual status for many cultures. They can also be a symbol for social ranking. Some social groups are known for specific tattoos which would require a member to receive the same. Others are known for having tattoos in general, regardless of their designs.

Expressing individuality and personality are often the most common reasons for getting a tattoo. If a person likes butterflies, they might get a single tattoo or multiple tattoos flaunting butterflies. If another enjoys a particular field in which they are employed, they might have tattoos representing what they do for a living.

There are other ways to look at expressing individuality through tattoos, however. Many tattoos are designed to reflect heritage. Ancient symbols that are associated with the history of many cultures are often displayed on those who are of a particular culture’s decent. For example, someone of Irish decent may choose a tattoo depicting the Claddaugh design while another of Egyptian decent might prefer one similar to ancient ancestors. On the other hand, many choose designs resembling certain cultures simply for aesthetics.

Regardless of where you want to have your tattoo applied on the body or where you have the procedure done, it’s important to comprehend why you really want the tattoo. Tattoos are permanent. Having a tattoo created for the right reasons, and reasons that are truly important to you will help increase the enjoyment of the design for years to come.

Some Great Tattoo Related Sites

Design Your Own Tattoo
http://www.design-your-own-tattoo.info

Free Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/free-tattoo-designs

Fairy Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/fairy-tattoo-art

Angel Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/angel-tattoo-art

Tribal Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/tribal-tattoo-art

Cross Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/cross-tattoo-art

Butterfly Tattoo Designs
http://www.squidoo.com/butterfly-tattoo-art

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Answer: I would recommend that you wait until your piercing is at least 4-6 months
old before you attempt a stretch. I know it seems healed now after 3
weeks, but there is a lot of tissue on the inside that still needs time to
mend. The penile glans is much more fibrous and dense than an ear lobe,
and it’s obviously also a much more sensitive area - damage to the tissue
from a premature stretch could cause a lot of pain with regular movement
and urination, which is something you kind of can’t avoid!

Once you’re ready to stretch, I would suggest going to your piercer at
least once and see how they do it. It’s not a straight shot like through
the earlobe, and again - the last thing you want to do is cause any
damage.

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I recently received the following e-mail:

Hi,

You don’t know me but your wife Melanie does . . . and of course since I am writing to you…have tats.

I started getting them on my 40^th birthday. All were done by Fine Line Tattoos. I have attached a picture of one but I can take more. Melanie thought you would like it. This last one is based on fantasy art. It is a chalice. The artist’s name is Mehai Bakaty and … he has been working for over 20 years. His dad, Mike, is also very famous. [Below, Mike and Mehai Bakaty in the shop]

I think all of them including another artist there by the name of Skull (no joke) are fantastic. They are unassuming and don’t do PR and unfortunately are not as busy as they should be.

Thanks for looking.

Mary

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your awesome chalice with us here at Tattoosday!

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Gallery: If I had to describe Thomas’ artwork with one word, I think it would be vibrant. Everything just pops, whether it’s an elegant black-and-grey script piece or a cute little cartoon character, they are all just brilliantly vibrant. Check out his gallery and see for yourself.

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This tattoo is one of two Patrick has, and was inked about a year ago at Triple X Tattoo in Manhattan by an artist named Angelo Saracina.

Angelo designed this piece as a representation of Patrick’s personality.

Thanks to Patrick for sharing a little piece of himself with us here on Tattoosday!

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