Tattoo Ideas - Download, Print, Get Inked

Finding great tattoo ideas is the hardest part of the job when one is seeking to get a tattoo.  Here in the US, over 40 million people have tattoos and thousands are adding to the ranks every day.  The reason it is so hard for most people is because getting a tattoo is a form of self expression and when they go into their local tattoo parlor and see a wall full of flash that they also see on every Tom, Dick, and Harry, it becomes a disappointing assignment.

People want fresh tattoo ideas from talented artists because finding the right tattoo design is something they may have to live with the rest of their lives.  Well, if you didn’t know, Chopper-Tattoo has one of the largest online galleries of tattoo designs.  They have hundreds of talented tattoo artists offering their designs and make it very easy for anyone to seek out that perfect tat.   Chopper-Tattoo is a membership site that charges a small fee to give you full access to all of their designs and a bunch of bonuses too such as free mp3 downloads, online games, and interaction with other tattoo enthusiasts with the sites own social network.  There are 3 different levels of membership starting at $19.99 and well worth the cost to get access to this exclusive gallery of tattoo designs.  Use the gallery to search out great tattoo ideas then download the design, print it out and take it to your tattoo artist to get inked.

Tribal tattoos are the most sought after and requested tattoo ever.  The style represents a raw savagery with its jagged lines and symmetry but it also represents a sense of belonging to something bigger and more powerful.  LA tattoo artist, Leo Zuleta first introduced this style to LA Rock Bands in the early 90’s and has taken off as a worldwide phenomenon.  In the western world, this style is more of a neo-tribal or pseudo-tribal as there is no real relationship to the ancient roots in the Pacific Islands, Africa or among the Maori tribes in New Zealand.  Regardless of where or how it started, the style exemplifies power and emotion.

Star tattoos are extremely popular because they have different meanings depending on how many points they have.  Of course, the star doesn’t have to have a meaning for the bearer of this style of tattoo; it could be that it’s just an eye appealing design.  The following is a few types of stars along with their traditional meaning:

•          Shooting Stars represent a moment in a person’s life where a significant change has occurred.  The change could be anything from a job promotion, marriage, divorce, enlightenment, etc. 

•          Pentagram Stars represent a sense of harmony with the five points representing the four elements and the point on top representing the Spirit reigning over the elements.  If the star points up then it is also a symbol of protection. If it points down, many feel that it is a satanic design.

•          Nautical Stars are a symbol of guidance and believed to provide protection to the bearer while on a journey.

•          The Star of David has a religious meaning that represents God’s interaction with mankind.

These are the most popular of Star designs but certainly not all of them.  A little research will unveil the meaning of the star symbol.

Cross tattoos are another very popular design that has a multitude of meanings.  Celtic crosses have a very different connotation than the Christian cross.  For this reason, you don’t have to be a devout follower of any religion to have a cross design inked onto your skin. 

Combined with other symbols such as the Rose, the Snake, Fire, and Barbed Wire; cross tattoos can often have layered meanings.  Do a little research into these layered meanings so you know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

Butterfly tattoos are probably the most popular design among women.  As a symbol, they also have many different meanings. For example, butterflies represent the fragility of life and bring connotations of peace, love, joy, and simplicity.  They also represent change, or a transformation as with a new life or new beginning.  The butterfly symbol is a reminder to appreciate life and not to take things so seriously.

Kanji is a calligraphy style used by the Japanese.  They are popular because they are aesthetically appealing and can carry a deeper meaning to the bearer.  Kanji tattoos can carry just about any message you wish.  They will always draw attention, especially to the majority that do not know how to read the writing.  If you choose to go with kanji then be prepared to answer the eternal question that will follow, “What does that mean?”