Tattoo Inks

Tattoos, once the domain of bikers and other societal outlaws, have become much more acceptable to the mainstream. They can be seen on people from all walks of life, from the cigarette smoking cook at the local greasy spoon to the teen-queen suburban debutante. Tattoo ink has been applied to nearly every type of skin imaginable.

Any reputable tattoo artist will undoubtedly have a wide range of tattoo ink available to their customers. Traditionally, tattoos were created using inks made from ash, dirt or plant material, which resulted in a very limited range of hues that could be applied. However, modern ink can be found in nearly every color of the rainbow, giving tattoo artists and customers a much wider range of options.

Brightly colored tattoo ink is arguably one of the primary reasons for the explosion in the popularity of tattoos. No longer are tattoos relegated to the style common to old sailors and convicts. A talented artist with the right training and access to the right colors can create tattoos that are more akin to fine art. A browsing through any tattoo magazine will reveal a host of beautifully created and colorfully decorated skin art. These designs can range from the most realistic depictions of flowers and butterflies to the grittiest interpretations of Dante's descriptions of hell.


Tattoo ink is also available in some unique hues that can be used to create a truly one of a kind tattoo. White ink, for instance, is a relatively new idea in the tattoo world. A white ink tattoo is ideal for those that want something that is unique, but not obvious. This type of ink is virtually invisible from a distance of more than a few feet, making it idea for those that do not want their tattoos to interfere with work or social circles.


Black light ink is also popular for those that are looking for something unique. These inks appear to glow when introduced to black light, creating a rather stunning effect.

Stylish Celtic Tattoo Designs

Stylish Celtic Tattoo Designs

Celtic tattoo designs are a popular and cool option when considering symbolic tattoos. There is no limit to the designs available or the art in question, so Celtic tattoos are a frequent choice with tattoo enthusiasts of all ages.


Celtic tattoos are based off of Celtic art. When used in reference to tattoos, the adjective "Celtic" is pretty much synonymous with "tribal." Not only are they considered stylish now and very popular, they are historically popular as well.

The most popular Celtic designs are variations on the Celtic cross, which is typically a cross comprised of woven lines and a circle around the intersection of the lines of the cross. Also, the woven Celtic arm band is worn by both sexes with pride. Other popular designs classified as Celtic are the "Celtic knot" and the Claddaugh, which is the known Irish design that has two hands holding a heart.

Since Celtic culture dates back to six centuries BC, you can be sure that people have been getting Celtic tattoos since the inception of tattoos themselves. People today see Celtic tattoos as a way to connect with their roots by displaying an ornamental design.

Celtic and tribal art are the main inspiration for tattoos described as such. Celtic art is based heavily off of symbolism, and is not based in nature.

The typically curved or woven lines are clean and monochromatic, with black being the standard. They vary greatly, and there really is no "typical" Celtic tattoo. Standard of the style, though, are thick lines full of asymmetrical, curved lines that frequently weave together.

Henna tattoos

Traditions of henna as body art

The different words for henna in ancient languages imply that henna had more than one point of discovery and origin, and different pathways of daily and ceremonial use.

Henna has been used to adorn young woman's bodies as part of social and holiday celebrations since the late Bronze Age in the eastern Mediterranean. The earliest text mentioning henna in the context of marriage and fertility celebrations comes from the Baal legend of Baal and Anath, which has references to women marking themselves with henna in preparation to meet their husbands, and Anath adorning herself with henna to celebrate a victory over the enemies of Baal. Wall paintings excavated at Akrotiri (dating prior to the eruption of Thera in 1680 BCE) show women with markings consistent with henna on their nails, palms and soles, in a tableau consistent with the henna bridal description from Ugarit. Many statuettes of young women dating between 1500 and 500 BCE along the Mediterranean coastline have raised hands with markings consistent with henna.









This early connection between young, fertile women and henna seems to be the origin of the Night of the Henna, which is now celebrated world-wide.

The Night of the Henna was celebrated by most groups in the areas where henna grew naturally







: Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians, among others, all celebrated marriages by adorning the bride, and often the groom, with henna.

Across the henna-growing region, Purim,Eid, Diwali, Karva Chauth, Passover, Nowruz, Mawlid, and most saints' days were celebrated with some henna. Favorite horses, donkeys, and salukis had their hooves, paws, and tails hennaed. Battle victories, births, circumcision, birthdays, Zar, as well as weddings, usually included some henna as part of the celebration. When there was joy, there was henna, as long as henna was available.

Henna was regarded as having "Barakah," blessings, and was applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. Brides typically had the most henna, and the most complex patterns, to support their greatest joy, and wishes for luck. Some bridal traditions were very complex, such as those in Yemen, where the Jewish bridal henna process took four or five days to complete, with multiple applications and resist work.

The fashion of "Bridal Mehndi" in Pakistan, Northern Libya and in North Indian diasporas is currently growing in complexity and elaboration, with new innovations in glitter, gilding, and fine-line work.



Recent technological innovations in grinding, sifting, temperature control, and packaging henna, as well as government encouragement for henna cultivation, have improved dye content and artistic potential for henna.

Though traditional henna artists were Nai caste in India, and barbering castes in other countries (lower social classes), talented contemporary henna artists can command high fees for their work. Women in countries where women are discouraged from working outside the home can find socially acceptable, lucrative work doing henna.









Morocco, Mauritania, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, as well as India and many other countries have thriving women's henna businesses. These businesses are often open all night for Eids, Diwali and Karva Chauth, and many women may work as a team for a large wedding where hundreds of guests will be hennaed as well as the bride and groom.

Tattoo Patterns

Tattoo Patterns

Why is doing research on tattoo patterns important before getting a new tattoo? There are many reasons for that but the number one reason I think is because it's a permanent mark on your body. Even though now days there is laser removal technology but it's still not 100%. So to simply put it, you don't want an ugly mark on your body for the rest of your life.

Another recommendation I have is don't tattoo your boyfriend/girlfriend's name on your body. It's just too high of a risk. Not jinxing anyone here but what if something in the relationship didn't work out and it's time to move on for a new relationship? You can imagine trying to explain that one would be pretty difficult. I've actually heard a guy say "it's my mom's name!" but seriously, who would buy that?

The purpose of researching tattoo patterns is to find something you like, or something that'll give you an idea of what you like to have. I personally like to find a few different tattoo patterns I like then try to combine them into a very unique and cool looking design.

I generally don't just pick a tattoo design and put it on my body cause I don't think that's special enough. I like to be different and I like to be unique. Tattoo is a way of expressing your attitude and personality so why do you want to be like everybody else?

I do have one piece of original tattoo which is a Chinese character that translates into the word "devil". While we're on the subject of tattooing foreign language on your body... Please... Have someone who can actually understand that language to look at it before you get it inked. I had a friend who tattooed bunch of nonsense on his body because there was a chart in the tattoo shop that "supposedly" translated A-Z into 26 Chinese characters. And very brilliantly he thought, Chinese must spell the same way as English!

Guys please don't make stupid mistakes like that which will end up embarrassing you for the rest of your life. Just spend some time and look though some tattoo patterns carefully before you make a very important decision.

Temporary Tattoos-Fake Tattoos

Temporary Tattoos-Fake Tattoos

Why are people fond of tattoos? It's a question that is intriguing to most. There is a speculation that getting tattoos are addictive and if you have tried one, you will be coming back for more. So with everything said and done on how people get into the tattoo hype, would Fake tattoos be able to replace the essence of having a tattoo?

Fake tattoos are forms or ways of mimicking the real tattoo. Having an artist draw on your skin using removable ink is a way fake tattoos are implemented.


The Tattoo Sleeves

Has anyone heard of this? A sleeved tattoo? Well yes, it exists and its just like the real thing. These tattoos are created similar to a stocking where people can just wear them either on their legs or their arms. These fake tattoos are designed to cover the full arm where it will seem that you got a tattoo all over and for sure everyone will be talking about you.

Having a tattoo is great, since it promotes art. And these tattoo sleeves definitely promotes art and culture. Why? Because for one, it can penetrate the mainstream where great art can be displayed. Two, the sleeve is the artist's canvass, its just up to the artist how to demonstrate his great talent on it.