A Guide to Tattoos for the Grown-Up Girl

So you?re a grown woman and you?re thinking of getting a tattoo. What was once reserved for tough guys and biker babes has now become mainstream, although tattoos still raise eyebrows in some circles. Especially when they are on ?mature? women.

My first tattoo was an act of rebellion, although I didn?t think of it that way at the time. I was 30 and struggling with living life in an oppressive marriage. The tattoo is on my ankle ? a phoenix, and after 14 years it still looks good. I have six tattoos now and they tend to come at turning points and as celebrations. My largest is on my upper left arm and is a tribute to my children and grandchildren. When a new grandchild is born, the tattoo expands. I love tattoos. For me, they are my life illustrated, even though people who don?t know me would have no idea what they mean to me.

For grown-up women considering a tattoo, here are some tips and things to think about:

You will get funny looks from some people ? plan on it, and don?t be bothered by it. Everyone has their biases and some people still have a problem with tattoos.

Make absolutely sure you choose something that you will be happy to see on yourself 20 years from now. It?s not going away unless you have it removed via laser (expensive and quite painful).

Be careful where you put the tattoo. Think about how that area will change over the rest of your life and consider the consequences.

Getting a tattoo is painful. Anyone who tells you it isn?t has never gotten one. Depending on where you get the tattoo, it may be more or less painful. My most painful one was on my middle lower back. To me, getting a tattoo is a cross between a cutting and a burning sensation. It?s not a horrible pain, but it?s painful nevertheless.

Make sure you use a reputable tattoo artist. Reputable artists have portfolios that you can view, will explain and/or demonstrate all sterilization and sanitary procedures and ask you to sign a release. They will show you the needle(s) that they intend to use while they are still sealed in their packages. Expect all of this and don?t be shy about asking questions. A good artist will be happy to accommodate you.

Have a good idea of what you want. You can take your own sketches, pictures from books, etc. to the tattoo artist and he or she will help you get exactly what you want. Tattoo shops also have books full of "flash" that you can look at and get ideas from.

Tattoos take about two to three weeks to heal. The process may involve some itching and flaking of the area. This is normal, but for goodness sake, don?t scratch it or pick at it! I use A&D Ointment on mine during the healing process, but different artists will recommend different things. Follow your artist?s advice on how to care for your new tattoo. Don?t freak out when you see some color flake off!

Once the tattoo is healed ALWAYS protect it from sun exposure. Use a good sunblock, but don?t apply sunblock to a tattoo that isn?t yet healed. Color fades when exposed to the sun and in cases of sun exposure over years, the tattoo can lose its definition.

These days, tattoos are considered a form of self-expression and appreciated by many as a true art form. Adults of all ages are sporting tattoos proudly. Make sure you?re ready and you?ve got a great artist. Then go for it!

Lee Ann Lambert is a life coach, garden designer, artist, author, mom and grandmom among many other things. She resides in Michigan and has six tattoos. For more information, check out her website: http://www.leeannlambert.com

Celtic Tattoos Popularity

Celtic tattoos are still one of the most popular types of design despite their long history. These designs have existed for thousands of years, yet more than one thousand people search for information about celtic tattoo designs every day. So why are these designs still such a popular choice for tattoos?

The Celtic people have a long and proud history. From ancient times their people have shown an artistic ability to create complex works of art. These elaborate patterns took pride of place on their stonework, metalwork, weapons and jewelry. In fact ancient celtic designs carved in stone can still be found in both Ireland and Scotland.

Celtic tattoo designs usually consist of elaborate patterns of lines, loops and spirals that are linked together in a decorative manner. Occasionally animal designs, often depicting the tiger and the lion are incorporated into the tattoo design. These celtic animal designs (often known as zoomorphic tattoo designs) differ from traditional celtic patterns as the various lines and strands of the design end in animal heads, feet and tails instead of following a never ending path.

The meaning of these patterns is not readily apparent. To find the real meaning of celtic artwork you have to look much deeper. The constant interlacing of lines and spirals symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. And the never ending route of the loops and spirals represents the never ending cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Celtic designs also represent the fight and the heart of the Celtic people who were renowned throughout the world as courageous warriors. And it's thanks to a combination of these noble values and the timeless symbolism of these patterns that they remain such a popular choice for tattoo designs.

The most popular and well known of all the celtic designs are the celtic knot and the celtic cross.

Celtic Knot: This tattoo consists of decorative loops with no beginning and no end which represents the continuing cycle of life and death.

Celtic Cross: The celtic cross is usually a highly elaborate design containing many interlinking spirals and strands. Once again, the lines used to create the outline of the cross don't have a beginning or an end, and as such represent the immortality of human life and love. The cross is also significant as the Celtic people believed it would protect them from their enemies.

Celtic tattoo designs are a great way of expressing pride in your ancestry whether you are of Irish, Scottish or Welsh descent. In fact these designs are highly popular among people from North America who have Celtic ancestors.

However, you should be aware that due to the elaborate nature of these patterns, celtic tattoo designs are not easy to create. So before you start, make sure that you find a tattoo artist who has experience in creating celtic tattoo designs. An eye for detail and the ability to place the lines and spirals in exactly the right place is vital. And even once you find a talented artist, it will take a lot of time, patience and dare I say it, tolerance of pain, in order to get your celtic design just right. So make sure that you find the perfect celtic design before you go any further.

Gustavo Gomez runs http://www.SuperTattooDesigns.com For more information about celtic tattoos and a wide range of other tattoo designs, check out Super Tattoo Designs.

Tribal Tattoo - In The Beginning

Tribal Tattoos, Exactly how long have they been around? Well from my understanding they have been around for 1000?s of years. Except for back then they were not worn for decoration it was a tool to blend in with the surrounding area. And another thing was the method used to tattoo, would not be something anyone would opt to having done in this day and age.

Quite painful, or should I say extremely painful. Nothing, like sharpening a stick, placing that stick into a fire gathering some ashes and then using a mallet to pummel the ashes into your skin. Also if you were lucky enough to heal back then it stayed permanent.

Do you know anyone willing to go through that today? I don?t think so? Anyway, the great thing about Tribal Tattoos as time went by. Is how creative and beautiful they have become depicting battle scenes. Or telling a story of someone close to you passing on...

Of course now, you don?t have to worry about having a tattoo done by using a hammer. Isn't technology great?? Now a day some of the quality works I?ve seen, and some of the detail just blows me away. It really is amazing the work that can be done by these incredible artists.

Another cool thing, is when you get a tribal it really does not have to mean anything it?s a design that looks great. ?Not everything has to have a reason.? If you like it and can see yourself spending the rest of your life with It.? more power to you.? Besides that tribals will grow with you and your age. Don?t want to be the guy who got the Tasmanian Devil when he was 18 years old. Only to find out when your 60 years of age. ?Not so Hot.?

Important bit of advice? Once you do decide to have a tattoo done? Make sure you follow the tattoo artist?s advice on the aftercare. Follow it to the letter, he is not telling you this just to hear him self speak. Believe me, they do genuinely care about you and if you want your tattoo to be as brilliant as the day you received it, do not skip or forget the steps laid out for you. ?I Promise, You Will Be Happy You Did.?

Randy Tillman is a Tattoo Enthusiast who is dedicated to finding only the best of the best of products / opportunities, to bring to your table... And has extensively Reviewed each and every product and or opportunity for you the consumer, If this is an Opportunity you would like to get more info on... or just get started Click On The Link Below...

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Tattoos in the Marine Corps and the Military

The Marine Corps has revised its policy on tattooing as of April 1, 2007. The new policy prohibits large tattoos on the forearms and lower legs, as well as large tattoos on the upper arms that could be visible with a work-out T-shirt on. Previously small tattoos on the hands and any tattoo of an offensive nature were banned. Marines had the opportunity to get the tattoos placed before April 1, 200 to be grandfathered in. Failure to comply with the new policy could lead to jail time of 2 years, court martial, and dishonorable discharge.

The new policy on tattooing reads:

The Marine Corps takes a conservative approach to personal appearance. Uniform regulations stress that personal appearance is to be conservative and commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with the Marine Corps. No eccentricities in dress or appearance are permitted because they detract from uniformity and team identity.

Marines are prohibited from:

a. Tattoos or brands on the head and neck.

b. Sleeve Tattoos. A sleeve tattoo is a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, that covers or almost covers a person's entire arm or leg.

c. Half-sleeve or quarter sleeve tattoos that are visible to the eye when wearing standard PT Gear (T-shirt and shorts). A half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoo is defined as a very large tattoo or collection of smaller tattoos that covers, or almost covers the entire portion of an army or leg above or below the elbow or knee.

d. Tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps. These may include, but are not limited to, any tattoo that is sexist, racist, vulgar, anti-american, anti-social, gang related, or extremist group or organization related.

Tattoos have a long tradition among our military personnel. They first became popular among sailors that brought the fad to our country. Subsequently, tattoos became popular among all the branches of the military. Soldiers often tattoo the insignia of the branch of the military, names of fallen comrades, or other symbols relevant to their military service. As with the general population, tattoos are often placed at times of stress or life-changing events. Military duty is both stressful and extremely life-changing, making it understandable for soldiers to try to both commemorate and to visually display some aspect of their experience. Many describe tattooing itself as a cathartic experience.

Due to the highly significant nature of the tattoos soldiers receive and the thought that they usually place into their tattoos, it is far less common for soldiers to have their tattoos removed than others, such as teenagers that get tattoos as part of the teenage rebellion. More commonly, soldiers may want tattoos removed that they had prior to their military service and that are no longer a source of pride or significance for them.

The Marine Corps? revision of their tattoo policy will likely lead to marines being more cautious of what part of the body they get tattooed. It remains to be seen whether Marines will also be sent for tattoo removal by laser if they don?t comply with the new policy.

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The Godliness of Tattoo Removal

Looking back just a few decades, tattoos were associated with bikers, rockers and sailors. If I had dared to get one, I might as well leave town as my parents would have disowned me. Nowadays tattoos are quite mainstream, appearing on a fair percentage of every demographic group. Some favor this type of ?body art?, claiming some sort of statement. Some wish to immortalize a loved one. Others want to ?wear? a symbol of their personality. From a conservative perspective, this trend, along with extreme piercings, suggests a downward shift in personal standards.

Most people experience much change throughout their lifetime. Compare the perspective, desires, and lifestyle of today?s young adults to the those of middle age. Likely, a tattoo that seemed adventurous and appealing will become an unwanted distraction. I believe a deep respect for the body, as a gift and miracle of God, will result in a disdain for permanent body markings. There are numerous other ways in which one can express their grief, individuality, sensuality, or whatever prods them along to the tattoo parlor.

As a Christian owner of a laser tattoo removal clinic, I have been able to offer a solution to those who regret their tattooing decisions. One client fretted over small, but degrading former gang markings. A young woman wanted to walk down the aisle without wearing a regretted ?stamp? from the past. Countless others wish to put forth a clean image at a job interview, for their children, or just for themselves.

Yes, it is a rewarding mission to aid others in undoing a past decision. How many professionals can claim to be able to ?change history? for someone else? There is meaning behind: ?Be comfortable in your own skin?. The skin that God gave you, ink-free out of respect and gratitude, will be quite comfortable.

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Tips for the Perfect Hip Tattoo

You?ve thought it out and made up your mind ? you're going to get a hip tattoo. This is a pretty big decision. After all, the decision you make now will be with you for the rest of your life. So how should you decide what tattoo design to choose for your hip? Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Find a design that has meaning to you; your child?s name, a religious symbol, a design that inspires you. This is your hip tattoo so you want it to be special.
• Make some sketches. Even if you can't draw very well, you can do a rough drawing or an outline of your idea and a good tattoo artist can turn it into a great tattoo.
• If you have an idea in mind, ask the tattoo artist to make a custom design for you. This way, it will be a unique, one-of-a-kind tattoo that only you have.
• Visit several tattoo studios and ask to see the portfolio of the tattoo artists. Each artist will have his or her own unique style and this will help you choose which artist is right for you.
• Before you have a name (other than your child?s) tattooed on your hip, think carefully. Name tattoos are the tattoos that are most commonly removed.
• Know what your design means or represents.
• Try a temporary design. By getting the design in Henna, which will last up to a month, or a stencil or printout of your favorite design, you can see how it will fit and look on your hip.
• Don?t rush into getting a tattoo. It is painful and expensive to have tattoos removed so more than likely, you will have your hip tattoo the rest of your life. Take your time and make a wise decision that you can live with.
• Asian characters are currently a popular choice for hip tattoos, but make sure you know the correct meaning. You don?t want to walk around with something ridiculous tattooed on your hip, and you don?t want to offend anyone?s culture.
• Consider a design that matches or complements a loved one?s tattoo.
• Your choice of a hip tattoo doesn?t have to be deep or meaningful. If you like butterflies just because you like butterflies, go ahead and get one ? it?s your body and your tattoo. You don?t always have to make a statement.
• It?s best not to choose something ?faddish? like the name of a celebrity or favorite band.

Check the Internet for tattoo design ideas. This can be a great help if you have absolutely no idea what to choose for your hip tattoo design. Choosing your hip tattoo design can and should be fun. Take your time. Take the above tips into consideration and enjoy the process of making the decision. Above all, don?t rush out and get a hip tattoo on the spur of the moment. If chosen carefully and thoughtfully, you will have a tattoo that you are proud of and enjoy for the rest of your life.

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Your Hip Tattoo - How to Care For It

So you?ve finally gotten the hip tattoo that you?ve always wanted. What do you need to do now to make sure it stays looking this awesome?

As great as your tattoo looks, right now, it is a fresh and open wound and as with all wounds, it can become infected very easily. To prevent this, make sure you leave it bandaged for at least an hour or two after getting tattooed. By doing this, you will lower your risk of getting an infection. Getting an infection is not only painful, but it can mess up the finished look of your hip tattoo.

After you have waited for one to two hours, slowly and very carefully, remove the bandage. You need to be careful when doing this because chances are the bandage has stuck to the hip tattoo. The best way to do this is to use clean, warm water and let it soak into the bandage. Then slowly and gently, start to remove it a little bit at a time. Do not quickly rip it off. This will not only be painful, but you might rip off a ?chunk? of scabbing and this certainly won't help the looks of your tattoo.

Next, you need to clean the tattoo. Don?t worry. It is normal for the tattoo to have some oozings and dried gunk. Gently clean using a soap such as Ivory. Do not scrub your hip tattoo and do not use liquid soap or hand cleanser. After thoroughly, but gently, cleaning and rinsing your tattoo, gently pat it dry making sure your towel is clean. Remember, you don?t want to take the chance of getting your hip tattoo infected.

Apply lotion or an ointment to your hip tattoo frequently to prevent it from becoming too dry. Dryness causes the tattoo to sting and hurt and will slow down the healing process. The most popular ointment to prevent the tattoo from drying out is A&D. If you use a lotion, use one that doesn?t have fragrance added.

Make sure you don?t scratch, peel, or pick at your tattoo. You can reopen the wound if you do this and, once again, expose yourself to infection. Believe me, you don?t want the pain; you don?t want to mess up your new hip tattoo and an infected tattoo on your hip isn't the greatest looking thing.

Remember that tattoos don?t look that great while they are healing. The colors tend to be dull and you will have a moderate amount of scabbing and peeling, but don?t worry. It generally takes ten to fourteen days for your hip tattoo to completely heal and with patience and the proper care, it will be a tattoo that you will be proud to show off for the rest of your life.

Check out more great information on hip tattoos. Got to http://www.squidoo.com/hip-tattoo