Tattoos are a form of self expression, not a form of self mutilation just like your “mom” told you . Tattooing has become one of the fasting growing body adornment segments in the world . Tattooing is an ancient form of rites of passage, warriors were often tattooed as a part of valour.

In the Forties if you were a sailor, or soldier and were going overseas there was a good chance you got a tattoo. Sailors have always been great fans of tattoos. In the Sixties bikers were associated with tattoos, if you had one you must be a biker.

Today Tattoos are a very real pleasure for the punk , gothic, biker, college crowd, and main stream average Joe.

There are different type 's of tats. The single, which might be a design, or a figure, woman, heart, dog, cat.

Sleeve which is more intricate covering the full arm from the shoulder to the wrist ( popular with the sailor and soldier, but a military code requires all tattoos to be covered on duty full sleeve shirts must be worn ) . These type of tattoos take a lot of time and are done over several sittings. Again they can consist of anything.

Large back murals, again very labour intensive, the person receiving the tattoo must be able to endure long hours of sustained pain, it is not sever but it is prolonged.

Then there is the full body tattoo. This is popular in the south sea islands and traditionally done with a boar's tusk attached to a wooden rod which is tapped by another wooden rod. Warriors were tattooed liked this, including their faces to help terrify their enemies. It would work for me.

In speaking with people who enjoy getting tattoos they all say it is addictive and they are very happy they have them , one buddy of mine had a tattoo of a duck carrying a huge syringe, this was back in the day and drug use was at the fore thought of employers minds. He would get a job and the first time he took his shirt off or wore short sleeves, he ended up getting fired , ( we were pretty rough looking anyway ). So in the end he had the syringe turned into a huge carrot, it looked stupid, and everybody asked him why he had a tattoo like that ???? But he was able to keep a job and if you are trying to go strait. It helps if you have a steady pay check.

Tattoos are lasting , you better like what you are getting done.

I love to look at peoples tattoos. Some of the designs are pretty amazing. Tattooing is a form of art in itself and I can appreciate the work that has gone into them.


Today’s generation wants to be informed and prepared. They realize what is involved in getting a tattoo. Recently there have been some very good books written on tattooing and tattoo design, with the understanding of peoples needs. These books have helped me to understand tattoos better. They helped me design my own tattoo and express myself in a way that makes me feel good about who I am. I hope you find your special tattoo here.

Tattoo Design