Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Sarah Channels Emma Goldman

I recently had the intense displeasure of discovering that my camera had broken. For someone whose spare time is spent taking pictures of other people's tattoos, this was a harrowing experience, especially since my BlackBerry's camera is flash-less and takes good pictures under only specific lighting conditions.

So what's a poor inkspotter to do? Pass out his card and hope for the best.

And despite dozens of cards distributed to many people with cool tattoos, the only one who has really come through for me is Sarah, who I met last Friday on the subway platform at West Fourth Street, as I waited for the D train to Brooklyn.

Possessor of several tattoos, the one of Sarah's I spotted was on her inner left forearm. My photo was blurry and, as the D pulled into West Fourth, she handed me her card so I could follow-up with her. Thankfully, she is a woman of her word, and sent me this photo yesterday:


Since Sarah is a writer and journalist, I'll let her do the talking. You can check out her work at  her website ohyouprettythings.net and/or read her blog at champagnecandy.tumblr.com. Sarah explains:

It says "It's not my revolution if I can't dance to it"


The tattoo is my most recent, and it's a paraphrase of a possibly-apocryphal Emma Goldman quotation. It's a line that spoke to me the first time I heard it. I'm a political journalist and a feminist activist, and Goldman's always been someone I looked up to. Also, I became a political person through music, and dancing and music have a particular significance for me.


It was done by Ryoko at Brooklyn Tattoo [who we most recently saw inked Julie Powell's tattoo here] and she's super-awesome...
As a lover of type tattoos, I had inquired about the font used and Sarah did not disappoint: "the font is Garton and the words revolution and dance are in Miama".

Thanks to Sarah for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Tribal Japanese Dragon Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo!

Are you ready to get a new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo? This article will help you with your decision!

Picture this, the first time you go out proudly sporting your new tattoo you come face to face with that identical tattoo on someone else. You just lived your worst nightmare. Creepy, huh? Well, here's the good news, with a little planning you can go a long way towards making sure that never happens.

So here's the thing. When you are researching your tribal Japanese dragon tattoo graphic you are probably going to want to do a Google Image search. You will no doubt find plenty of fine examples for your tattoo; because tribal tattoos are very popular right now. The problem with this method of finding your design is that about a million other people are doing the exact same thing, looking at the exact same images, and carefully picking the same perfect graphic as you. You see the problem, don't you?

To narrow the field then, you should check out some of the pay tribal Japanese dragon tattoo sites. They're not expensive, but the extra step of paying for a service keeps most people from ever even getting into these sites to have a look. Already you are part of a more exclusive group. Not only will you have access to custom graphics that you would not otherwise find on the web but you will find sites that specialize in only tribal tattoos. You can find out what elements of the tattoo are important to you, and in doing this you can really develop a tattoo that is unique to you. And that is the point, after all, isn't it?

So once you commit to ink, do yourself a favor and use the best resources available by visiting some of the pay tribal tattoo sites.

Good luck getting your new tribal Japanese dragon tattoo!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Libra Tattoo Variation

Ganesh Waits for the A Train

Actually, Kerry was waiting on the platform for the uptown A Train when I walked by at 34th Street.

How could I not stop and ask her about this tattoo:



This absolutely stunning depiction of the Hindu deity Ganesh took between eight and nine hours to complete.



Guy Ursitti at Thicker Than Water is the tattooist responsible for this work of art, the newest (at the time I met her) of Kerry's approximately fifty tattoos.

The detail in the tattoo is absolutely incredible.


Work from Thicker Than Water has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Kerry for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Monday, June 28, 2010

fernando torres forearm tattoo

fernando torres tattoo
fernando torres tattoo on forearm with tattoo lettering tribal designs

Sean Shares a Host of Traditional Tattoos

I ran into Sean at the Foodtown in my neighborhood and when I stopped to talk to him about his tattoos (he has nine), I ended up with photos of several pieces, all of which reside on his left arm.

Most of the designs are traditional tattoo subjects, all of which were inked by Eli Quinters at Smith Street Tattoo Parlour in  Brooklyn. Work from Smith Street Tattoo has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

First up is this amazing lighthouse:



Sean explained that this tattoo is for his mother, as this tattoo is based on her "favorite lighthouse," the Fastnet Lighthouse on the most southerly point on the coast of Ireland.


Then there is this owl tattoo:



This was done for no other reason that Sean has always liked owls. If you love owl tattoos, be sure to head over to this site.

Then there is the elephant tattoo:



He has this piece because "elephants never forget".

I know we posted a sugar skull yesterday, but here's another one:



This was all Eli's design. Sean gave him free reign and likes the fact that it is unusual in that there are not a lot of colors in it, like one sees in most sugar skull tattoos. For all that have appeared on Tattoosday previously, check this link.

There is also the traditional female figure, not modeled after anyone in particular, just done in a traditional style:



And Sean's last tattoo is this bat:



He told Eli that he "wanted something spooky" that included the moon. Quinters free-handed this piece, starting with a white Sharpie and then finished with a darker Sharpie before finishing the tattoo.

What's neat about all of Sean's tattoos is that they flow nicely together, as readers can see elements of many of the tattoos on the borders of the photos of specific designs.

Thanks to Sean for sharing these amazing tattoos by Eli Quinters with us here on Tattoosday!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Flash Tattoo Design


A beam boom architecture is consistently a abundant choice, and they tend to accomplish amazing tattoos back implemented correctly. Finding the affection designs online can be hard, though, as you may accept begin out. Well, actuality are some acute things you charge to apperceive about the all-encompassing artwork that litters the web, as able-bodied as how to acquisition the top cleft art on the web.

When analytic for any accustomed beam boom architecture on the internet, you should never "settle" for article artlessly because it was all you could find, or because you were annoyed of searching. That is a best that you will end up regretting in due time. You should additionally never await on an MSN or Google chase to locate your designs of choice. These aloof advance to the bags of generic, cookie-cutter websites that flood the web. These places are abounding with artwork that is able-bodied over bristles years old in best cases. They additionally accept agreeable that is bashed all over the internet and on hundreds of added websites. Who knows how abounding bodies ability accept that beam boom architecture active on their bark already? That's not article you absolutely want. You appetite your ultimate best to be acceptable affection and you appetite it to be original, not some cookie-cutter designs you appear to find.

When analytic for a beam boom architecture on the web, there is a simple and fun way about all of that crud....

The way about that blazon of artwork is to use internet forums. You will not accept the abundance of advice you will be able to acquisition back it comes to any accustomed beam boom architecture and the places that accept the affection artwork on the internet. This is how you can acquisition those hidden websites that absolutely accept artwork that was meant to be implemented as tattoos. Which accompany me to addition point about those all-encompassing websites...

They accept artwork that was fabricated by artists that accept no absolute ability back it comes to tattoos. What this agency is that they accept no clue what it takes to accomplish a beam boom architecture that will attending alike bisected as acceptable already fabricated into absolute tattoos. Artists charge both of these abilities in adjustment to accomplish solid artwork. Forums are how you can acquisition the places that do accept a beam boom architecture arcade that works altogether as tattoos.

Finding that absolute beam boom architecture online doesn't accept to be adamantine any longer, so please, don't achieve for the bags of all-encompassing artwork that litters the web.

Miami Ink Angel Tattoo

Miami Ink Angel Tattoo


Miami Ink Angel Tattoo | Assuming that you have selected the angel tattoo as your first or next tattoo, now the most difficult part begins. How to find the lots of angel tattoo sketches? Finding the extraordinary sketches of angel tattoo design is not easy. Your best bet is internet.

Internet is very powerful medium if used properly. Easiest way to find the angel tattoo design is using the search engine like Yahoo, Google, MSN etc.

Writing the common term like “angel tattoo design” or “free angel tattoo design” in search box of any search engine will reveal millions of websites. If you have time and patience then open each one and find out whether they have your dream angel tattoo design.

There is one easy way to find your dream angel tattoo design online for people like me. Instead of wasting your time on browsing lots of website that offers free designs, if you become the member of tattoo design gallery then you not only save your time but in the long run you will save money too.

Finding the good membership site is not easy. Since, it is not possible to see the sketches of membership site unless you become the member. My advice is before spending any money on any membership site you must read review of it. Since there are many tattoo design membership sites that are outright scam.

Another way to find good angel tattoo design on line is to post the question in to the general forums like yahoo answers or particular tattoo forums. It is always good to know how others find their tattoo design. You can also browse the archives of these forums to find many reviews and information regarding angel tattoo designs.

Help answer the question about angel tattoo
Does anyone know where I can find a picture of a specific angel tattoo?
I saw this picture months ago online, but cannot find it again. It is a picture of a small angel tattoo, on someone's hip. The tattoo is black, and is very simple, almost a sketch, with very little detail (no facial features, etc). The angel is throwing her arms back, and kneeling. If anyone knows where to find this tattoo, I would love the link. Thanks!

Sugar Skull Sunday - One From Ryan

Since I seem to capture more sugar skulls than any other design, why not reserve a day just for these decorative symbols which, at their roots, have deep religious significance?

Two weeks ago, I met Ryan, who has ten tattoos.

Of that lot, he offered up this design on his left bicep, which Charlie Foos created for him at FlyRite Studios in Brooklyn.


Charlie Foos is now at Read Street Tattoo Parlour in Baltimore.

Aside from the traditional nature of the sugar skull tattoo, Ryan also loves Mexico and this design recalls that beautiful and diverse culture south of the border.

Thanks to Ryan for sharing this decorative tattoo with us on Tattoosday!

Work from Charlie Foos has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.
Tattoosday posts tagged FlyRite Studios are here.
Tattoosday posts tagged Reade Street Tattoo Parlour are here.

Scarab Beetle Tattoo Picture


A magical fantasy design with a scarab beetle dancing along with two sphere-shaped bi-pedal three-toed curious alien type creatures. In the background is a green gaseous cloud and a large sun. This wonderous design appears on a guy's shoulder/upper arm. A nice conversation piece.

Rooster Tattoo Picture


A cartoon drawing of a rooster. He is running rapidly to the right. Green, blue, red and yellow ink are nicely apportioned in this whimsical design. He is big eyed and has his beak open, which adds to the urgency of his run. The tattoo show a nice clean outline work and good use of shading.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Tattoo Designs - Kanji Symbols and What They Mean




Japanese Kanji symbols are very popular as tattoos as they are unique and they can convey a very personal and meaningful message in an artistic and exotic way.

Complex language

Kanji is one of three different types of alphabet character symbols used in a complex system of writing. The other two are Hiragana and Katakana. All three are used in different ways. Kanji conveys ideas in picture form, which may not always convey the exact meaning. Hiragana is sometimes used with the Kanji to modify or clarify the meaning.

Hiragana is used more for everyday use while Katakana is used mainly when dealing with foreign names.

The Japanese language contains literally thousands of characters. These were adopted from the Chinese, which have anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 characters. Scholars disagree on the number but, as you can see, it is a lot. In everyday use in Japan there are around 2000 - 3000 characters.

Multiple meanings

One of the major pitfalls in choosing a Kanji tattoo is the actual meaning of the symbol. The meaning can depend on the context and can have up to ten different meanings. It is essential to do some research before having a permanent symbol on your body. Make sure you get an accurate translation or, better still, use an artist who understands Japanese. Some artists are reluctant to do Kanji because they are not sure of the meanings.

There can be good reasons for getting a Kanji tattoo - with one symbol you can express a thought or an idea or a philosophy and you can do it in an artistic and different way. However, Kanji is limited, as its symbol will express a simple picture or expression. It does not lend itself to more involved quotes or phrases. One of the other scripts may have to be used with Kanji to express your words. This is where an artist's knowledge of Japanese can become important.

Artistic expression

Japanese calligraphy is an art form. In fact, one artist believes the meaning of the symbol is unimportant as it is more about the look and flow of the script - more about the artistic expression. This would not suit everyone, as most people like to use a tattoo to convey a message to themselves or others. However, for those who do want to express themselves artistically, the opportunity is there.

Kanji tattoos can be attractive, artistic and meaningful, but they can be a trap for the unwary. Do your homework and make sure your tattoo means what you want it to mean.

Sexy Tattoo Designs For Women - The Butterfly - Magical, Mystical, and Drop-Dead Sexy




The Butterfly: Grace, Beauty, Historical Symbolism

Without question, one of the most popular and sexy tattoo design choices for women is the colorful butterfly. And the symbolic butterfly continues to gain in popularity revealing a dominate feminine influence throughout tattoo culture.

There is a worldwide agreement, generally speaking, that colorful butterflies represent the feminine mysteries of life. Because of the butterfly's relatively short life span, many ancient cultures saw it as symbolizing the impermanence of mankind and his time on earth.

Some cultures attribute the butterflies flitting from flower to flower as representing the human soul, constantly seeking satisfaction of body, mind, and spirit.

Greek Mythology And The Goddess Psyche

In Greek mythology, the beautiful Psyche was the personification of the soul and the Goddess of Beauty. Psyche, in all her beauty, was represented in art, paintings, and sculpture with butterfly wings. She was said to have a free airborne soul, and represented in art with beautiful butterfly wings.

A romantic and lovely feeling among both ancient and present day Greeks is the belief that a human soul comes to life every time a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Yes, the colorful butterfly is seen as a symbol of transformation, re-birth, and flight.

A Belief That Butterflies Carry The Souls Of The Living And The Dead

Even today, many native cultures believe that butterflies carry souls from heaven to earth. Butterflies, in many cultures, are still believed to be the souls of the departed.

In some south American cultures, there are butterfly goddesses still regarded as symbols of beauty, love, and the spirits of the dead and departed.

Some of the Butterfly deities in ancient Mexico were looked upon as goddesses of war, human sacrifice, and symbols of feminine mother earth.

Not Just For The Ladies Though

It must be pointed out that the butterfly isn't the sole domain of the feminine. The Roman Emperor, Augustus, chose it as his personal symbol. Some male warrior priests of Mexico and south America wore the butterfly symbol on their armour plates.

In Japan, the Butterfly, has become a popular symbol for young women and girls, representing the change from young girl to mature woman.

In China, it continues to be a cultural symbol of marital bliss and harmony.

The butterfly tattoo design truly represents magical transformation and feminine change. A beautiful sexy tattoo design of a lovely butterfly can be a mystical and magical symbol for women.

Favorite spots for the butterfly design are the shoulders and lower back. The most popular spot on a woman's body for the butterfly is the lower back. It seems a tattoo on a woman's lower back tends to hypnotize male observers. The butterfly: a tattoo design with powerful mojo.

The Reason Behind the Power of the Lotus Tattoo

One good way to express your personality and your individuality is by means of a tattoo. Every tattoo design carries with it a certain meaning and symbolism that can represent you. The choice is up to you; you can choose from a wide variety of designs. Certain types of flowers, for example, give you a good choice for a design. A lot of people like flowers for this purpose. And when it comes to flowers, the lotus flower is a very popular choice. These flowers carry a significant amount of meaning.

And the meaning of a lotus flower is rooted in the way in which it grows. You don't usually think of the bottom of a still body of water is something pleasant; in fact, "pond scum" may come to mind. Yet it is here that the lotus flower gets its beginning.

The lotus flower begins to grow at the bottom of still water. Its beginning is as a small bud attached to a vine. The vine begins a gradual climb towards the surface of the water. What is interesting is that the bud keeps facing downward, even as the vine goes up towards the sun. When the bud is close to the surface, it finally turns around to face the sunlight. Once it reaches this state and it's free of the water, the flower blossoms into a stunningly beautiful state.

The symbolism is obviously powerful here. Namely, that something so beautiful could have risen out of the slimy muck of the bottom. Yet this is the progress it makes - from an ugly start to a beautiful finish.

These are some of the meanings of the lotus tattoo:

* It represents love and the nostalgia that goes with it
* It symbolizes birth and the beauty that rises with it
* It stands for a new beginning in life

So not only is the representation of the lotus flower something grand, it can also be something truly beautiful. If you can find a tattoo artist who can capture this beauty for you, you are bound to have a great work of art show up on your skin. The lotus flower tattoos tend to take on the vibrant colors that they have in real life.

A lotus flower tattoo is indeed a great choice if what you are after is a truly beautiful tattoo. You can be sure that this kind of tattoo will command a great deal of admiration wherever you go with it. So don't hesitate to get your own.

Katie's Tattoos: A Tribute and a Memorial

I met Katie on 34th Street one afternoon when I stopped to ask her about her foot tattoo:



This tribute piece on her left foot is for her cousin, whose initials are JMS. The letters sit astride the ribbon designating awareness for the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The two feet represent the fact that she helps raise awareness in the fight against MS by participating in an MS Walk each year.

For more information on MS, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's website here.

Katie also shared with me these wings on the back of her neck:



The initials "MCF" refer to her brother Mark, who was killed with a friend a few years back when a train struck them. This memorial piece ensures that her brother is always with her.

Katie's tattoos were inked by Spencer at Fat Kat Tattoos in Keyport, New Jersey. Work from  Fat Kat has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Katie for sharing two of her four tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Leyna's Balloon Keeps Her Grounded

Leyna was leaving the Borders at 2 Penn Plaza when I spotted one of her tattoos and asked about it.

This was the tattoo in question:


It is located on the back of her left leg, on the calf.

The design was inspired by the cover art from the Modest Mouse record We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.


Leyna thought the anchor was cool, and she feels it is a good representation of herself in her 20's.

The tattoo was inked by Derik Snell at Hand of Glory Tattoo in Brooklyn. He liked the design because he had never tattooed a hot air balloon before. Work from Hand of Glory has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Another one of Leyna's tattoos  caught my eyes, as well:


This two-word snippet, "ecstatic and insatiate" is an excerpt from Allen Ginsberg's Howl. I'd speak more about it, but it appeared first on the most awesome blog, Contrariwise. I'd direct you over here to read what Leyna had to say about this tattoo, and encourage you to linger about and check out the seemingly endless array of literary ink.

Thanks again to Leyna for sharing her tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Amazing Colorful Back Tattoo

Extreme Tattoo
New Good Tattoo
Amazing Colorful Back Tattoo

Star Flower Foot Tattoo

Beautiful Girls With Tatto Style

What do you think about this tattoo!!!???
yup . . . it' beautiful idea for girls with Tattoo Style
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Chris Returns with a New Tattoo Putting a Face on Addiction

Earlier this month, I posted about Chris's tattoos (here) and how they represented his battle with addiction.

This past weekend, Chris sent me a follow-up, showing me a new tattoo he had just had inked. It's certainly worth sharing here, as it is not only impressive work, but it continues addressing his struggle with addiction.

Check it out:

Chris explains:
"Just yesterday [June 18, 2010] Ii had an absolutely incredible piece done on my left shoulder. I work at The Painted Bird Tattoo and the newly-opened Boston Tattoo Company (same owners) ... To help celebrate the grand opening weekend of the Boston Tattoo Company, we were fortunate enough to bring in a very talented artist (not to mention one of the nicest most genuine people I've ever met), named Christian Perez. I was able to get an appointment with him and he channeled exactly what I wanted into my skin.

I talked to him prior to his visit and told him that it seemed like every tattoo I thought about getting lately was all dark imagery which I attribute to the disease of addiction which still lives inside me. I wanted to bring all the evil, sickness, and wickedness of my past life to the surface, give it form so I can "see" my demon, if you will. This was the result ... you should think about making trip to Boston sometime. Lots of great artists and great work around here. Also, as of July, Christian will be tattooing out of Hope Gallery in New Haven, CT."

Thanks to Chris for following up with us and sending in this photo of his new tattoo. Former contributors are always welcome to submit their new work for us all to see and enjoy here on Tattoosday.

New Scorpion Tattoo

New Scorpion Tattoo

Crocodile Tattoo Picture


An intriguing pose for this ancient reptile, with its tail bent at a sharp angle. Nice artistic rendering of its bumpy skin.

Crab Tattoo Picture


A black ink crab with a deep purple shadow. The crab is a zodiac symbol, Cancer.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Anthony's Dragon (and more!)

I spotted Anthony on the N train in Brooklyn and was happy to see him also switching for the local R train at 59th Street.

As luck would have it, both of us were headed home to Bay Ridge.

Anthony has a bunch of tattoos, and I snapped this photo of the dragon on his upper right arm:


It was inked by Joe at Brooklyn Ink.

He estimated that the work so far has been completed in about three two-hour sessions.

Work from Joe and other artists at Brooklyn Ink has previously appeared quite frequently on Tattoosday (all posts tagged as such here).

Anthony later emailed me photos of these shots as well:




The praying hands holding the rosary, I recall him telling me, were tattooed at Distinction Ink in Brooklyn. The tattoo reads "Forgive me Father, for I have sinned".

He did not tell me where he had this tribal sun done, but it's definitely an attention-grabbing piece and certainly worth a mention.

Thanks to Anthony for sharing his tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Wolf Tattoo Etnis

Simple Squid Tattoo Picture

Simple Squid Tattoo PictureBlack Squid Tattoo in Hand

Tattoo Images

unique tattoo schriften for harry potter love

harry potter tattoo schriften,
harry potter tattoo schriften on behind ear

Jenn's Ink Celebrates a Seventies Vibe

On a day that found me unsuccessful with inkspotting the 5th Avenue Festival in Bay Ridge, Fate walked me past Jenn, sitting outside a laundromat a block away from my home.

She happily shared the work on her upper left arm:



These stunning colors encircled her biceps.


She said this piece, inked by Jared Stomber at Kustom Kulture Ink in Baldwin, New York, is an "ode to 1970's fashion". This is one area of interest to her that moves her artistically and she wanted to express it through body art.

Fictional character Rhoda Morgenstern (from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and spin off Rhoda) was among the cultural icons that inspired the design.




The inner part of Jenn's arm also features artwork that recalls the animated birds from the opening sequence of The Partridge Family.


Although her birds are much more elaborate.


Thanks to Jenn for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!