Tattoo Pictures

Viking Tattoo Pictures And Cultural History: Artwork Ideas

2011-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you could go back in time somewhere around the 10th century, you could have the unpleasant experience of running into a Scandinavian Viking on the European or North Atlantic shores. Fortunately for you're valuables, you will have to settle for a modern day Viking tattoo instead.

Vikings were warriors with swords traveling by ship with the goal of raiding and thieving their way to survival. Most of the evidence of their culture comes from archeological finds, since the concept of writing on paper was not invented in their time.

Some later writings have surfaced, but the more reliable sources of information come from longships and runes left behind from ages ago.

All things change through time, and the perception of the Vikings has definitely benefited from this. Though they were likely vicious, ruthless raiders who left death and disruption in their wake, many now see them as heroic.

Viking tattoos are often used to portray manly strength, courage, and victory. They are sometimes shown standing at the tip of a ship at sea with large swords held up in the air. This is the ultimate sign of victory; of champions.

Viking Tattoo Pictures:

A Viking tattoo can also represent the darker side of the culture. Some present close-up facial portraits of men with the characteristic long, shaggy beard. Others trade the beard for patches of animalistic fur across the face and shoulders. These portraits typically feature piercing eyes portrayed with dark black and white shading.

The concept of the Viking is similar to that of the pirate, but the symbols used in each tattoo are quite different. They symbols that many Viking tattoos have in common include the sword, ship, and beard. Most are also displayed with muscular, strong bodies.

Some may be represented on horses and may have elaborate headgear. For the most part, these are strong tattoos designed to deliver a perception of courage, danger, or fear.
Picture of a superbly drawn viking back piece featuring a pair of warriors armed for battle. Donning long beards and fierce expressions.
Picture of a color-rich viking tattoo featuring a blonde headed man with braided hair and piercing eyes. Design is located on the shoulder and upper arm.
Here we see some traditional viking artwork featuring a scowling male with horned headgear and long facial hair.
Picture of a viking warrior armed with a sword and posed in a striking fashion. Once again we see the classic horned helmet upon his head.

Horseshoe Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas And Symbolism

2011-11-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Horseshoe tattoos are usually chosen for their symbolism. They are a well known sign for good luck, but are also acknowledged as a symbol of protection. For some, the horseshoe is simply a sign for the state of Texas and there are some patriotic horseshoes created with the flat of Texas as a backdrop.

In the early 1900s, horseshoes were commonly hung upside down beside doorways. This was believed to protect the home, since no witch could pass through the doorway when protected by the horseshoe.

Some horseshoes are still found hanging by doorways on homes and buildings in various areas of the world. There are some horseshoe tattoos created with the upside down design to symbolize this type of protection.

Horseshoe Tattoo Pictures:

Many of these tattoos are simply designed to symbolize luck. They can feature a horseshoe turned in any direction, depending on the design and the symbolism intended for specific tattoos.

Most designs will incorporate other decorative elements and many will include words or slogans related to luck, lady luck, or the luck of the Irish. The designs are only limited by the imagination and creativity of the designer.

The most infamous horseshoe of all time has to be the one Amy Winehouse wore on her left shoulder. She had a large decorative horseshoe turned upward on the top of her shoulder. The words "Daddy's Girl" were tattooed around the horseshoe, with the first word on the top of her shoulder and the second word sitting below the horseshoe on her arm.

This tattoo has become famous and is even sold as a temporary tattoo online today. The singer is no longer alive, but her tattoos continue to make a lasting impression on fans around the world.
Horseshoe tattoos can have sentimental meanings, such as the one worn by Amy Winehouse, or they can simply be a symbol of luck, good fortune, or protection.
Picture of a superbly designed chest piece including two swallow birds, the phrase "Born To Lost Live To Win", accompanied by a horseshoe centerpiece and flaming background and a pair of nautical stars and playing cards.
Picture of a large nautical star with an equally sized horseshoe serving as the framework of the design.
Picture of a cute piece of artwork located on the back of the calf. A design that features angel wings and a name dedication.

Phoenix Tattoo Pictures: Meanings And Cultural History

2011-10-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

The phoenix tattoo is a sign of rebirth. It is the sign of longevity and long-lived prosperity and strength. This symbolism comes from the mythological origins of the phoenix. This mythological bird has been a prominent figure in folklore across many cultures, including Greek, Egyptian and Chinese cultures. It has even been associated with Catholicism, as a symbol of the rebirth of Christ.

The basic myth is that the phoenix lives for up to 1,000 years, then builds its own nest of twigs and ignites in flames. Once the entire nest and firebird burn away, an egg appears and the phoenix is born again. There are many variations on this basic myth, depending on the cultural reference you study.

In the modern world, the phoenix tattoo is among the most sentimental available. It is almost exclusively used to symbolize some type of rebirth or turning point in life. Almost every person who gets some creative form of a phoenix tattoo has a personal story behind the design.

Phoenix Tattoo Pictures:
The tattoo represents something deep that has happened in their life. In this way, no two phoenix tattoos are the same. The actual design of the bird and the colors chosen may be very similar in some cases, but the meaning that the tattoos hold for the person wearing them is almost always different.
In some cases the tattoos will represent a personal transformation while in other cases they may symbolize the belief that someone who has passed away still remains on earth in some form.

Phoenix tattoos can portray colorful birds with lots of beautiful feathers, but they can also be very minimalistic. They can appear as a tribal design in some instances, since they are etched in black and white in a pattern similar to many tribal tattoos. The basic symbolism stands behind them for most people, but great creativity can be used in the design process.

Picture of flaming phoenix in a striking position located on the back of the calf.

Picture of a high quality three dimensional bird with wings spread and extended tale. Design located on the back of a man.
Large masterpiece located on the right hip, ribcage and torso of a woman.

Here we have yet another picture of a excellent flaming phoenix tattoo. Breathing fire and located on the shoulder and upper arm area.

Egyptian Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas And Popular Symbols

2011-10-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

There are so many different Egyptian tattoos in existence today that it would be rather difficult to create a collection of them all. What brings all of these tattoos together is the incorporation of basic themes, people and ideas that represent ancient and modern Egyptian culture. Some of the more common design features incorporated in Egyptian tattoos include:

Ankh (cross symbolizing Ancient Egypt)
Egyptian Goddesses (each with their own symbolic and mythological meanings)
Scarab beetle
Tombs
Mummies
Hieroglyphics
Mau (cats)
Eye of Horus

There are some very unique designs that can be incorporated into Egyptian tattoos as well. For example, the idea of creatures that are half human and half animal are very popular in the tattoo culture. These tattoo designs have their roots embedded in ancient Egypt.

What is unique about Egyptian tattoo artwork is the culture that they are inspired by. Ancient Egyptians mostly tattooed women. Some of the first tattoos known to man are now being discovered on the bodies of mummies found in Egyptian tombs. These tattoos were often created with dots or slashes in order to create very basic pictures or hieroglyphic words.

Egyptian Tattoo Pictures:
Commonly used for fertility purposes, these tattoos were found more often on women than men.

Today, Egyptian tattoos are common with men as well as women. They are often used for the meaning of hieroglyphic designs, but many get them simply because they like the look of these ancient designs.

Some are simply black and gray while others can be very colorful with elements of gold. Most of the designs are very pleasant and peaceful in appearance, however, there are others that are specifically tailored to be disturbing in nature. Some are even quite romantic, such as those designed after the Egyptian Goddess of Love.

Egyptian tattoos can have a wide variety of meanings. Some may be sentimental, other are based on ancient traditions and beliefs, but most are used for their symbolic meanings or simply for their attractive appearances.

Picture of a wonderfully designed tattoo that combines the Eye of Horus with an Ankh. Plus a tribal inspired pair of wings.
Picture of a Egyptian warrior bird armed for battle and located on the right shoulder and tricep area of a man.
Picture of extensive artwork on the back of a man. A compilation of numerous designs including a large Pharaoh centerpiece.
Picture of an excellent tattoo on the lower back of a woman. A classic Egyptian symbol of a women with extended wings and head wear.
This cute masterpiece is a bit of novelty featuring a mummy-cat with skull, ankh and other elements of the culture.

Star Tattoo Pictures: Ideas And Meanings For Girls And Guys

2011-10-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Star tattoos can be designed to represent something personal or they can be chosen simply for their appearance. Stars are often incorporated into larger tattoos with a lot of fine details, though they are just as often presented independently. There are many different types of stars that can be chosen from and some artists will design their own stars with different colors, designs and shapes.

Two of the most popular star tattoos are the shooting star and the nautical star. Both of these images have a rich history in the tattoo world and can stand for different things. They are also very diverse in the way they are presented in tattoo form.

Shooting stars by nature shoot through the sky with brilliant beauty but then quickly fizzle out to nothing. Tattoos with this design are often used to symbolize periods of life that were short lived, but which will always be remembered. It is common to find names etched into the centers of these stars or somewhere in the stream of the rising star.

Nautical stars are tied to servicemen and women of the U.S. Navy and Marines Corps. Yet, they are used heavily by people who associate strongly with the sea today. These star tattoos have a very clear design with a particular pattern of shading or coloring.

Star Tattoo Pictures:

Both of these types of star tattoos can be shown as individual stars or as groups of stars. They can also be incorporated into other tattoo designs. For instance, nautical stars will often appear in tattoos reflecting ships, water, skeletons, roses and cherries, among other designs.

Star tattoos are extremely popular in Hollywood. You could compile a long list of celebrities that feature some type of star on their bodies, including Drew Barrymore and Gisele Bündchen. This is probably because celebrities think of themselves as stars, though some select star images for personal reasons just like everyone else in the world.

Picture of a pair of swallow birds perched on small branches while holding cherries with a smattering of small and large stars covering the back.

Picture of a lovely flower and a stream stars located on the hip and torso area of a woman.
Photo of a bright and colorful design featuring several musical notes mixed with numerous stars of various shapes and sizes.
Picture of many solid stars in black ink located on the stomach of a woman. The three larger designs all possess a unique shading and stencil effect.
And finally we see five solid black and bold designs gracing the top portion of a right foot.

Spider Tattoo Pictures: Top Design Ideas For Girls And Guys

2011-09-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Some of the more interesting spider tattoos are designed to pop off the skin. They have great depth and appear to be real spiders sitting on top of the skin, rather than ink dug into the skin cells. These spiders range from small bodies with long skinny legs to tarantula images with thick hair, legs and wide bodies. They can be presented in solid black ink, sketched on like stick figures, or decked out with bold coloring.

Beyond realistic images, spider tattoos also include those fashioned after the famous comic book character turned television superhero, Spider-Man. These tattoos often work with the image of spider webs and the black spider symbol associated with the Spider-Man character.

An example of this is the Spider-Man tattoo etched across the chest of basketball player Darren Moore. He is such a huge fan of the Spider-Man comic books and movie series that he covered his chest in an elaborate spider web with a large black spider image presented right in the center. The image doesn't necessarily tie itself directly to Spider-Man, but Moore confirmed that was the inspiration through several interviews.

Spider tattoos are also commonly associated with Halloween. Many designs include spider webs, fangs, venom and other details that bring the spook factor that is common with Halloween lovers. They aren't always intended to reference the holiday, but that is usually the vibe that they give off to others.

Much like snakes, tattoos featuring spiders are also very versatile. You may see one small spider etched on the side of the wrist or an over-sized spider resting between the shoulder blades. They can be subtle in black or designed to stand out with bold colors or intricate designs.

Some are made to look so realistic and three-dimensional they can actually scare others upon first glance. Others are generic images that lie flat on the skin and don't have any realistic qualities at all. With so many variations to choose from, there is definitely a style for everyone.

Picture of creepy large black window artwork on top of the right foot, stretching around to the ankle.
Photo of a lightly colored design featuring a somewhat cartoon-like creature. Located on the upper arm area.
Picture of shocking spider tattoo design on the inside of the hand. Featuring a large web with a pair of creepy crawlies. One on the pair and another on the fingers.
Picture of another brightly colored masterpiece. A hybrid design that combines a large heart as the body of the insect.
This is a snapshot of the before-mentioned basketball player, Darren Moore, showcasing his elaborate spider chest artwork.

Snake Tattoo Pictures: Best Artwork Concepts And Ideas

2011-09-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

The long, slithering nature of the snake makes it the perfect animal for tattoo artistry. Snake tattoos are extremely versatile and are often worked into more complex images. For instance, one popular tattoo idea is the image of a long sword with a snake wrapped around the shaft and down over the blade. Snakes are typically used for their ability to be wrapped and crossed throughout an image to add depth and detail.

Many snake designs in the tattoo world are black and grey images without a lot of detail. They are used to create substance or as a secondary element in a larger and more complex tattoo. Yet, that is not the rule. Some artists do create very detailed snake tattoos with a lot of color, intricate scales, and interesting plays on the eyes and forked tongue commonly associated with snakes.

A snake tattoo can wrap around the bicep or calf or even form a border or centerpiece for a larger tattoo. It can be colorful or all in black and grey. It can reflect the fantasy world or take on a more realistic appearance. This is definitely one of the most versatile of all tattoo genres.

Snake Tattoo Pictures:
There are thousands of snake tattoos presented around the world and new ones are created every single day. The variety of concepts is virtually limitless.

Snakes are often depicted as a part of other tattoo genres. For instance they appear in many fantasy tattoo images and are very common with pirate tattoos. They are often presented with swords and are frequently associated with the world of martial arts.

Then there are snake tattoos that play on the concept of poisonous venom. These tattoos will portray snakes standing tall with prominent fangs and a spray of venom coming from around the mouth. These are among the more realistic looking snake designs since they don't play on mythological or fantasy worlds like many other snake tattoos.

Picture of tremendous cobra artwork located on the left hip and lower back area of a girl.
Picture of snake tattoo featuring excellent color and detailing, projecting a three dimensional appearance.

Closeup photo of partially coiled cobra with long slithering tongue.

Picture of a masterful chest design including: two snakes which are interwoven with a red center-piece skull with three eyes, a perched bird, and a pair of roses.

Pirate Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas For Men And Women

2011-09-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Pirate tattoos are often closely related to nautical tattoos, since they all deal with images brought into the world from sailors and others who spend their life out at sea. Many think of pirates in a historical sense, but they are just as real today as they ever were in history. As long as valuable goods are transported through the water by ship, there will been pirates patrolling the seas in an effort to board ships and steal valuable possessions.

Just like nautical stars, those wearing pirate tattoos are not necessarily those with direct connections to ships and the sea. They are often people who identify heavily with images of the sea or that type of life. Some are drawn to ideals of the pirate, such as the stereotypical patched eye or hooked hand.

Anything portrayed with a patched eye or surrounded by skeletons is often thought of as a pirate tattoo. Many of the tattoos created today do not feature realistic looking pirates. They may feature pin-up style girls in skimpy dresses with a patched eye and wild hair or they may feature skeleton heads with the big black hat and eye patch. Elements of the tattoo reflect the pirate image, though an actual pirate is not portrayed directly.

Pirate Tattoo Pictures:

Pirate tattoos also prominently feature ships and rolling water waves. Treasure chests and gold coins are popular with some artists as well. Most tattoos have a dark nature or vibe, but it is also common to find these tattoos adorned with red roses for women. The designs vary depending on the vision of the artist or the intended meaning of the person wearing the tattoo.

Many people who go in for pirate tattoos are just drawn to the image and stereotypes surrounding the pirate life. Most are not thinking of it in terms of real pirates that still hunt the seas for ships carrying valuable goods.

Retro style artwork featuring pin-up girl in lingerie, heels and a hat while brandishing a sword.
Picture of excellent design portraying a large ship at see with skull sails, and a large eerie skull looking down from the clouds.
Picture of sensationally colorful depiction of a pirate setting, including skeleton on a sandy beach with treasure chest, plus a large ship at sea with a skull and crossbones in the sky.
Skeleton wearing bandanna while manning the ship with a "Do or Die" slogan underneath.
Picture of cute colorful cartoon like pirate girl with gun, sword and traditional hat. Topped off with a ghostly background effect.

Nautical Tattoo Pictures: Popular Style Tips And Ideas

2011-09-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

The most popular image used for nautical tattoos is the nautical star. This is a star with five points that features very distinct shading. The star is often represented in black and white ink, though some will give it a personal touch by using a color in place of the usual black shading inside the star. It is the unique shading and play with color that gives the nautical star tattoo its recognizable appeal.

The nautical star is traditionally a sign of membership with the U.S. Marine Corp or Navy. Yet, most people who get nautical star tattoos are not affiliated with the military at all. They may be people who make a living at sea or who have ties with others who spend a lot of time out at sea. Or, they can just be people who are instinctively drawn to the appearance of the star.

Other images commonly used for nautical tattoos include anchors, pirates, ships and character images of sailors. Most of these images are brought to life with a creative edge, rather than being portrayed in a realistic manner. For instance, there are sailor pin-up girls and anchors featuring bright red hearts where the hook would traditionally be pictured.

Nautical Tattoo Pictures:

Nautical tattoos are often presented in color, though some sentimental images can take on a more realistic appearance with only black ink. It is also popular for these tattoos to be mostly in black with one bright splash of color to draw attention to a particular feature of the tattoo.

Skeletons are not always associated with nautical themes, but they can be turned into nautical tattoos when presented with nautical details. For instance, one popular tattoo features a pirate-like skeleton head with a black patch over one eye and a larger black sailor hat.

While nautical tattoos reflect life on the sea, they aren't limited to those with a strong connection to the water. They are just as likely to be used for appearances sake.
Picture of fabulously designed back piece tattoo consisting of a large anchor with pink bow and red heart. The anchor acts as a picture frame to the ship.
Excellent colored displayed in this closeup picture of a sailor skull with stars and a colorful anchor with a spiderweb background.
Picture of black star splashing into water. Located on the left side of torso.
Betty Boop-esque pin-up girl wearing sailor uniform while sitting barefoot on an anchor, with a tattoo of her own.

Mermaid Tattoo Pictures: Men And Women Ideas

2011-09-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mermaid tattoos are typically pictured with multiple bright colors. From the long flowing hair to the beautiful scaled tail, there are many opportunities to brighten up the tattoo and add to the natural feminine appeal of the mermaid creature. Half woman and half fish, this imaginative fantasy figure has relevance for both women and men today. Not to mention sailors.

It is amazing how different mermaid tattoos can look, depending on who is wearing them. Most men are drawn to mermaids with a very sexual nature while women typically see them as signs of true beauty. These tattoo designs on a man will often feature bare breasts, seductive facial expressions, and long flowing hair with curls and waves. Mermaid tattoos designed for men are often in pin-up style with the mermaids depicting characters or cartoons rather than real women.

Tattoos on a woman will usually cover the breasts with the hair or with a bikini style top. The hair is still wild and passionate, but the facial features are often softer so the tattoo takes on the flavor of beauty and passion rather than a portrayal of lust. Women are also more likely to surround their mermaid tattoos with flowers, hearts and other images that work to beautify the image even more.

Of course, these are just general terms and are not necessarily followed by all men and women. For instance, British television star Fearne Cotton has a pin-up style mermaid tattoo on her back.

Mermaid Tattoo Pictures:

Sailors and fisherman who spend a lot of time on the water will naturally feel drawn to mermaid tattoos as well. There have been some historical accounts of sailors insisting they saw real mermaids, though it is believed that the creatures seen were delusions resulting from long periods of time away from women and the lack of sleep they endured.

There is just something enticing about mermaids for all people. Most of the mermaid tattoos created today are brightly colored and feature some element of water. The blend of the ocean reference and the seductive allure of femininity truly comes together in this one figure.

Picture of cute and colorful artwork with magic clam and sea life, located on the arm.

Photo of evil looking mermaid laying on stomach with flower in her hair. Design located on the lower back with black ink.
Picture of tremendously unique and stunning body art of two intertwined figures surrounded by both living and skeleton fish in a soft water current effect.
Image of classic portrayal. Stranded on small sandy island with palm tree. Long flowing blonde hair.
Cleaver design with girl in foreground bearing her back, and fisherman casting a line in the background.

Fantasy Tattoo Pictures: Popular Design Style Ideas

2011-09-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Fantasy worlds are big business today. There are elaborate video and computer games created around fantasy worlds and some of the most popular movies now involve complex worlds created out of pure imagination. It only seems natural that fantasy tattoos would be massively popular as well.

The only limit on this type of tattoo is the creative mind of the artist. Some fantasy tattoos are created with images representative of the environments found in video games or movies, but many others are created purely from the imagination of the individual artist. Many of the designs found in these tattoos hold sentimental meaning for the recipient of the artwork.

Fantasy tattoos can be purely custom drawn by tattoo artists and offered to clients, but they are often brought in with the client and handed over to the tattoo artist. Some may be the unique creations of the client while others are taken from various sources.

Fantasy Tattoo Pictures:

One thing that many fantasy tattoos have in common is the representation of mythical or fantastical creatures. Some of the most popular fantasy designs include: beautiful unicorns, powerful dragons, and cute whimsical fairies. Plus men and women that are half animal and half human are pretty common as well.

Powerful women with special powers and futuristic clothing are also very common in the world of fantasy. The human depicted in many fantasy tattoos look much like the avatars being created through online role playing games. In many cases these fantasy humans are representations of the person wearing the tattoo. They create a different version of themselves which reflects the person they believe they really are inside.

Fantasy tattoos are exciting to look at because they are all so different. If you took twenty different images that fall into the fantasy category, you would get twenty very different worlds with few to no similarities between them. That is what makes fantasy so popular around the world today. Creativity is allowed to run free and wild imaginations are encouraged.

Picture of lady riding white unicorn with beautiful backdrop of lightning and clouds.

Picture of youthful butterfly girl dancing alongside a large flower centerpiece with falling peddles.
Photo of gothic looking artwork of winged woman with long curled black tail, located on lower back.
Picture of enchanting red fairy posing in matching red dress with long flowing medusa-like hair.

Dragon Tattoo Photos

2011-09-09T01:57:00.000-07:00

Dragons have been presented differently in literature and can also be represented in different ways in artistic tattoos. What all dragons have in common is the body of a large reptile with scales and fire shooting from the mouth. This is the basic representation of the dragon, though dragon tattoos and references of dragons in literature will report different physical features and mannerisms building off of this basic representation.

Dragons have never been proven to actually exist in real life, though many believe their representation was formed from early day sightings of dinosaurs. Since dinosaurs have been extinct for many centuries, this dates the idea of dragons far into the past. This could explain why some dragons are featured with wings, since some dinosaur species were believed to have wings.

Today, dragons are often thought of as fantastical creatures with a variety of special powers. Some are portrayed as good and loving, such as the "Dragon Tales" cartoon many children love today. Others are portrayed as vengeful and angry with fire spitting from their mouths and large claws ready to draw blood.

Dragon Tattoo Pictures:
No two dragon tattoos are ever the same. This creature is designed differently depending on the vision of the artist or the message desired by the client. You will find sinister, evil looking dragons in black and white as well as bright, colorful dragons that almost seem to be smiling back at the world.

Oftentimes, dragon tattoos stand alone with no other images or decorative features around them. It is the figure of the dragon that is on display. At other times the dragon will be surrounded with the glow of fire or a halo of faded black. The happier portrayals of dragons may be accompanied by flowers, which give the dragon a more feminine touch.

Millions of people around the world have dragon tattoos, but the most famous of all has to be the black dragon gracing the arm of hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.

Dragon tattoos are often large in size, which is why the back is an ideal and often the most popular location for this type of body art, as demonstrated in many of these pictures. Although, smaller designs on other areas of the body are not uncommon.

Bright and colorful Asian style dragon tattoo covering entire back of male subject. Featured are prominent claws, small lily flowers and a crystal ball.
Picture of young woman with a black and red piece of artwork inked on her right shoulder area, streaming around to the top of her back.
In this picture we see a marvelously designed masterpiece, once again located on the back. Purple, red and green are the main colors used here.

Cherub Tattoo Meanings

2011-09-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

The images typically used for cherub tattoos today differ dramatically from the Biblical reference of cherubim. In the Bible, the cherubim were powerful angels in charge of guarding heaven and protecting God. They were described as having four different faces so they could handle different jobs. They probably would have looked like full grown men with powerful wings and fierce faces.

Today, cherubim are mostly thought of as pudgy naked babies with adorable round faces and small fluttering wings. While the image of the cherub has changed over the years, the idea of them being a force of protection still runs strong. Many cherub tattoos are designed in remembrance of children that have been lost. It is common to see sweet-faced cherubs with beautiful wings protecting the dates of birth and death of these children, as if the cherub is now in charge of watching over them.

Cherub tattoos are also designed to protect living children. Some parents will have a cherub designed with the face of their own children.

Cherub Tattoo Pictures Below:

Other cherub tattoo designs have nothing to do with children at all. The cherub can be portrayed as mischievous or sweet. Sometimes an element of darkness will be worked into the image so the cherub appears out for vengeance. On some rare occasions you may see cherub tattoos that depict one of those four different faces given to cherubim in Biblical reference: lion, ox, eagle, or man.

The most popular cherub of all time has to be Cupid. He floats around in February, shooting his arrows to match up lovers. He is often depicted in cherub tattoos with bright red hearts and the names of loved ones.

Cherub tattoos are sometimes presented as portraits with lifelike faces and bodies. They can also be presented as mythical creatures as parts of a fantasy world. Cherubs can be designed in black and white or color, depending on the presentation desired.

Cute picture of bicep and forearm design.

Photo of superb tattoo with wings on back.

Picture of adorable kissing on back of calf.

Image of darling baby in clouds on shoulder.

Playing guitar with rose flowers on lower back.

Elephant Body Art

2011-09-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

It is surprising how many different elephant tattoos are created around the world. In the western world elephants are long spouted grey creatures that children like to stare at in the zoo, but they have a much better reputation in other areas of the world. For example, one of the most important Gods of Hinduism is pictured with the head of an elephant. His body has human features, but it is his long elephant trunk that stands out in most images.

When you look at their history, elephants have been portrayed as powerful companions to human beings. There are references of elephants going into battle with human forces and even participating in a famous battle against Alexander the Great. The ironic aspect is that many of the elephant warriors marching into battle were captive servants, much like the many elephants that live in zoos and nature preserves today.

Perhaps the most famous captive elephants are those that travel with circus crews around the world. There is a lot of controversy over how these animals are trained, but despite this, there are many elephant tattoos portrayed with the circus image.

Many elephant tattoos are presented as realistic black and white portraits. Some show the full body of a single elephant with a lot of shading and shadowing. Others show an elephant alongside a baby elephant. One very popular image is that of a baby elephant walking behind a parent with their trunk linked with the parent's tail. Still others show herds of powerful elephants storming along together. Most of these realistic portrait tattoos are created for sentimental reasons.

Other elephant tattoos are created as characters, rather than real animals. There are childlike portrayals of baby elephants and powerful images of the Hindu Elephant God. Some almost appear to be toys because they are so brightly colored and playful in nature.

Elephants are such simple creatures, yet they touch the hearts of so many people around the world. It is amazing how many elephant tattoos are created every year. Checkout these wonderful pictures of excellent artwork.

Picture of elephant body art designed on the back.

Photo of modern depiction of Ganesha with head wear and flowers.

High quality 3D artwork featured on left shoulder and arm.

Picture of mystical elephant with four eyes and handful of money.

Shoulder Tattoos

2010-11-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, the shoulder is a wonderful location of the human body for tattoo design, an area which is often the starting point of a sleeve tattoo, whether it be a quarter, half or full design.

However the shoulder is a fabulous area for a single tattoo as well, and some of the most popular designs for this location includes tribal artwork, animals/fish, and perhaps a flowery masterpiece for the ladies.

Have a gander at these pictures and uncover some helpful ideas for your impending masterpiece.

Tribal on mans left shoulder.

Intertwined hooks on right arm.

Galaxy of colorful stars.

Beautiful 3D flower power.

Voodoo skull idea.

Rose with city woman.

Koi fish picture.

Rib Tattoos

2010-10-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

The ribs and side torso area is a rather common location for a tattoo design, perhaps more common among women, and the tattoo often extends below the ribcage in many cases.

The type of designs range from anything under the sun, or anything you would have inked elsewhere on the body, however flowers and other vegetation seem to be most popular.

Feast your pretty peepers on this picture gallery of excellent rib tattoo ideas, which are mainly for girls, however guys may find them appealing as well.

Large roses and vine extending to hip and chest.

Colorful flowery artwork.

Possible zombie attack.

Cute collection of five stars.

Fabulous artwork with roses.

Clouds and old school plane dogfight.

Lower Back Tattoos

2010-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Love them or not, lower back tattoos have officially inked themselves as one of the most popular tattoo requests among women and even some men, but how could this be, the mere idea of these designs have garnered the negative slang stereotype of "tramp stamp", nevertheless these lower back stamps have flourished like a flower in the open sunlight.

When its all said and done, the fact remains that some people enjoy the presence of a lower back tattoos, while others find it to be cliche beyond belief.

Either way, enjoy these pictures of some quality design ideas, showcases on some lovely ladies.

Cute butterfly artwork.

Smattering of small and large stars.

Tribal and rose ideas.

Lengthy scripture.

Peacock bird feathers.

Colorful artwork with rainbows.

Hello Kitty is adorable...

Lip Tattoos

2010-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes i find it difficult to keep up with all the latest tattoo treads, initiated by cool kids around the world, however lip tattoos are quickly becoming a little too common for their own good.

That's right folks, people everywhere are now venturing into the inner fleshy areas, for some undoubtedly painful inner lip ink, which is surely parent approved...

The real question is, how long does it take until that "new tattoo" taste is fully gone?

Skull and crossbones idea.

Lovely lady lips.

Sore is an understatement.

Heart line on pink bottom area.

Vegan approved artwork?

Heaven or hell?

Stars are shining bright for this young lady.

Leg Tattoos

2010-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

The legs are another extremely popular location for a tattoo design, perhaps even more popular among people who wish to easily conceal their artwork, if need be.

As for leg tattoo designs, anything you would have inked on your arm, would look equally as appealing on your leg as well, including sleeve designs, which often begin at the knee, or just below, and extend to just above the ankle.

Feast your peepers on this little picture gallery of tattoo ideas for both men and women.

Cool biomechanical double sleeve artwork.

Mario mushrooms on back of calf.

Celtic inspired art.

Asian themed colorful design.

Detailed Aztec ink.

Large green dragon masterpiece.

Tiger with black background.

Praying Hands Tattoos

2010-10-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Praying hands symbolize a sense of devotion and love for our father in heaven, a dedication tattoo which represents our passion and ultimate obedience for the written word of God.

Praying hands tattoos are beloved by both men and women, and are often accompanied by a cross, rosary or perhaps a cherished scripture.

Checkout this picture galley of a sensationally beautiful variety of praying hands tattoos.

Colorful idea with shining halo.

Only God can judge me, on upper arm area.

Great design with name.

Beautiful artwork with cross.

Price of freedom dog tags.

Faith with artsy font.

Clouds with beams of light.

Angel Wings Tattoos

2010-10-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

One of the latest trends that seems to be taking the body art world by storm is angel wing tattoos, placed appropriately on the back which creates a stunningly realistic looking masterpiece.

These angel wing tattoos come in all shapes, sizes and styles, some very cute and small, while other designs cover virtually the entire back of an individual.

And if you plan on tattooing a larger pair of angel wings on your very own back, get comfortable, because these designs will take several visits to the local parlor to complete.

Detailed design on the back of woman.

With large bone structure on man.

Medium sized artwork idea.

With scripture and dagger.

Extensive artwork on tanned woman.

Smaller artwork idea.

Double take of lovely body art.

Angel Tattoos

2010-10-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Other than cross designs and portraits of Jesus Christ, angel tattoos are the single most popular spiritually inspired works of art around. And these beautiful angel tattoos are depicted in many different fashions, including fierce warriors brandishing swords, peacefully praying and various other styles like baby cherubs and even cute cartoon inspired tattoos.

No matter the style, its hard to go wrong with a sacred design such as an angel, to represent your praise and passion for God almighty. Enjoy these picture ideas below.

Colorful with flowers on mans chest.

Fabulous warrior art on girls side and hip.

Cute trio with prayer on right arm and shoulder.

Praying with rosary and name dedication idea.

Open wings on center of guys back.

Archangel michael with foot on the devils head.

Large back piece with magic lamp idea.

Beautiful artsy closeup picture.

Highly detailed masterpiece on woman's back with star on neck.

Heart Tattoos

2010-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Heart tattoos are beloved and admired by both men and women alike, for there exquisite beauty, romantic appearance and vitally sacred history, all mixed together with the overall representation of love and life, makes the heart one of the most desirable tattoos in the book.

Heart tattoos look exceptionally lovely by themselves, however it quite common to see these designs combined with elements such as wings, daggers, birds and of course the traditional catholic artwork which consists of flames and a crown of thorns.

Wings, flames and cross on upper back and neck area.

Dripping design on right side of mans chest with piercings.

United States flag with colorful wings on lower back.

Small artsy ink.

Dagger, dice and flames art.

Swallow birds with beautiful centerpiece design.

Stunning angel inspired art on girls back right shoulder.

Lovely dedication to mom with flowers on belly and hip area.

Flower Tattoos

2010-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Not surprisingly, flower tattoos are one of the single most sought after designs in the entire spectrum of body artwork, and with so many beautiful and colorful flower species to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult deciding on a single flower, and that's why many people are choosing bouquet designs instead.

Scan through this lovely collection of sensational tattoo ideas for both men and women. And if you stumble upon a picture you like, simply print it out and take it to the parlor and they should be able to recreate it without trouble.

Stunning array of daisies on back left shoulder.

Large back piece on woman with butterfly mix.

Cute small sunflower tattoo on back.

Gorgeous rose on inner left shoulder.

Fabulous high quality lotus art on hip.

Two lovely lilies on back of girls neck.

Small daisies with bee on ankle.

Native American Indian Tattoos

2010-10-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

American Indian tattoos are common among people with full to minute amounts of Indian heritage. These tattoos often include numerous items which symbolize the culture, including the likes of feathers, animal skins, animals, dream catchers and perhaps most commonly, one of countless famous Indian chiefs.

So whether you have a personal connection to the historic heritage or simply enjoy the culture and representation thereof, a native American tattoo might be for you.

Colorful art with feathers and animal fur.

Long hair and sadden look.
Beautiful woman with long black hair.
Half man half animal artwork on back.

Design on lower leg.

Native American body artwork ideas picture gallery.