Themes, Designs and Styles

The symbolism and point of tattoos change depending on the culture in which they are given. The receipt of one may or may not have its own purpose as well. The understanding of a tattoos meaning may change significantly and knowing what you are receiving and why, should become a priority in order to avoid conflict or confusion.

There are multitudes of themes, designs and styles available or you could create your own. For most getting a tattoo is simply picking a design you like and getting it. The choosing of a tattoo artist is not always a major concern for some either, however, if you are serious in your venture of acquiring body ink, these choices will have an exact point to them and be of major importance.

Whether tattooing for fun or for purpose, the communication of your feeling of the piece of artwork you intend to adorn may be found through multiple avenues. Here are a few to consider:

Symbols and meanings
Man or Woman - Sentimentality
Child Identification
Outcasts, slaves, convicts and punishments
Decorations for bravery
Protection: talismans and amulets – magical
The Occult
Forensic aspects of tattoos

Religious Beliefs and Tattoos

Tattoo markings have an impact on every aspect of life; for some more so than others.

Individuals who ink for spiritual concerns may do so to show devotion or morality; it is a personal choice.

Religion is a touchy subject in this realm of ink, just as in any other. What ones beliefs may be, are not necessarily the same as another’s. People tend to take offense to what they are unfamiliar with or to what they do not believe in. The idea that we are all entitled to our own opinion and form of expression is subjective; always has been and may always be, as is our right to freedom of any sort.

Who draws the lines to right and wrong, and do we really care about these lines applied by others regarding those we place upon ourselves, literally? Should we? Does choosing to tattoo really need to provoke conflict or do humans just need to find a fight? Where's your spirit?

What we who ink dare to do, since we are able to, should be our choice anyhow.

Age old questions which are still aging...can't we all just get along?

Response and Reality

Everyone feels differently about the idea of a tattoo in general, but how do you feel when you find there is so much more to it than meets the eye? What is your response to it and the person, who gets, has or wants one then?

Acquiring a tattoo is not necessarily a form of rebellion or retaliation of life itself as some choose to believe. This form of art is a medium of expression in which the options are many and expanding daily. For those of us who do tattoo, this reality brings joy in that the negative labels applied may be softened if not dissolved completely; that the positives of this form of artwork may be acknowledged, accepted and appreciated.

In life there will always be controversy in the discourse of this topic, because we as individuals are not all one in the same. However, the belief in the opportunity of change should not, no cannot be ignored.

Art and the love of it, lives strong.

Cosmetic Purposes

Every tattoo serves a purpose; most times it is a form of enjoyment and interest in art and design. The idea of the permanence in inking is welcome. Especially in the cases of individuals who desire a tattoo to cover up some area on their body which they may find unappealing, such as a birthmark or scar. However, some aspects of covering may be more of a cosmetic concern than others.
Breast Cancer and the physical wounds it may leave behind, is a prime example of a differentiating concern. While covering scars, either partially or completely may not at all times be possible, the option of a tattoo may in turn bring back to a woman the desire to look again into a mirror and smile again.

Tattoos are becoming more than art; they offer personal reassurance and signify hope. They provide women with an opportunity to rebuild self-esteem and love once again of their body. Through the beautification of their battle wounds, they may regain pride and strength in their survival and acceptance of life anew.

Alice Kuchar, my tattoo artist and friend, has been tattooing for over fourteen years and has gone out on her own to develop a small business of inking where she will also specialize in mastectomy cover ups. Her web page is in the works; the domain name is to be alicetattoos.com.

Just something to keep in mind...

The love of self is essential.