Friday, September 30, 2011

Lauren's Hourglass

Occasionally we'll share a  reader submission and today we have a piece contributed by Lauren. She sent in this cool hourglass:


Lauren explains:
 "I decided on an hourglass after wanting something to represent living your life to the fullest and realizing time is precious. After thinking and going through all the quotes I could find I decided I would get an hourglass to represent it all. Paul Anthony Dobleman at Spider Murphy's Tattoo in San Rafael, CA is a genius. He has done about 75% of my tattoos and he took my idea and ran with it. Exactly what I wanted. Couldn't be happier! The tattoo is located on my left rib cage."
Thanks to Lauren for sharing her timely tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!


This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Anthony's Phenomenal Marilyn Monroe Portrait

 Without question, Marilyn Monroe has appeared more on Tattoosday than any other celebrity, living or dead. You'd think I'd get tired of seeing her in ink, but I never do. Probably because there are artists out there doing this:


This portrait is on the left leg of Anthony, a photographer I met on Penn Plaza a couple weeks ago. The work is based on this famous photograph:


Anthony credited the artist as Horacio Martinez, at Golden Eagle Tattoo in Santa Barbara, California. The detail in the piece is really spectacular:


When I asked why he chose to ink the legendary actress on his leg, he said, "I was in photo school at the time and we were doing a lot of Hollywood glamor stuff and it was just kind of, on a whim. Why not?"

The piece is two years old and took only three and a half hours for Horacio to complete.

To see all the Marilyn Monroe work that has appeared on Tattoosday, click here. You can also see Anthony's work as a photographer on Tumblr here, or you can visit his website here.

Thanks to Anthony for sharing this incredible tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!


This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

tattoo in the butt




Ladybug Tattoo Meanings: Pictures And Popular Style Ideas

Why are ladybug tattoos so popular? This is a subject that is debatable. Some say it is because the ladybug possesses a perfect visual balance of beauty and cuteness, while others say the ladybug is a symbol of love and compassion. Still others say it is a symbol of good fortune and luck.

Whatever the true meaning behind the reason for getting a ladybug tattoo, they are an awfully appealing creature - almost everyone agrees on this.

Ladybug Tattoo Meanings And Ideas
The meaning may have something to do with the ladybug's demeanor when they are disturbed. They can actually bite, although most people do not realize this, they also release a small amount of their own blood when angry. The blood is a yellow-orange color and it can stain. Therefore, the ladybug may be chosen because it is cute, but can be quite unladylike when provoked.

Ladybug tattoos are colorful and the designs are often quite realistic. Usually offering a feminine look, but we're also beginning to see an increase in the amount of tribal designs as well. They can range from a single bug to a chain of ladies. They are often part of a design that includes flowers and other elements of nature.

Choosing A Location For The Design
The ladybug tattoo is a choice that women make often because they are small, easily concealable, and can be placed practically anywhere on the body. The feet are one of the places ladybug tattoos are most often requested. The arm or hand is another spot for the ladybug tattoo and some people have even had them tattooed on their face.

More Ladybug Tattoo Meanings And History
The ladybug meaning is largely dependent on the insect itself. They are, as previously mentioned a sign of good luck. Killing a ladybug is widely regarded as bad luck. The number of spots on the insects back is supposed to tell you how many years of good fortune to expect.

All of these aspects are taken into consideration when choosing a tattoo of a ladybug. The beliefs associated with this critter are often the decision maker for getting this type of artwork. The red color is linked to vitality, passion, love, energy and heat. Other subjects related to a ladybug tattoo include friendship, luck, happiness, protection and good deeds.

An old belief that is associated with this insect is that if a person is ill and a ladybug lands on them, it will take the illness from the person. This is one reason the ladybug is considered to be a sign of continued good health and vitality.

Blending With Other Tattoo Designs
One reason for choosing a ladybug design is the way they compliment other types of tattoos. For example, they look great with floral designs as well as butterflies and other nature related concepts.

There are not many insects that can claim to be this adorably cute, while maintaining such a high level of enchanting beautiful. The ladybug is often enhanced for tattoo purposes such as adding features like bows or larger eyes. We've also seen some rather creative artwork where the black dots on the body of the ladybug have been turned into hearts or stars.

Frank's Koi Blends Traditional and Modern

Back on the first of July, I met Frank as I was headed home through Penn Station. He shared this tattoo on his lower leg:


Frank explained that the tattoo artist was Gus, who works out of John's Tattoos in Islip, New York. He elaborated, telling me, "I originally wanted a koi fish ... not too traditional, but a little bit different. Some modern twist on it ... Gus put the traditional with the modern and there it is."


Thanks to Frank for sharing his koi fish and cherry blossoms with us here on Tattoosday!

This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Jacqueline's Blood Rose

Two weeks ago I spotted Jacqueline and knew I had to ask her about this large tattoo in the center of her back:


Jacqueline explained that she and her older brother got this same tattoo in the same spot. "We just wanted to get a matching tattoo," she told me, "and, you know, we're both blood relatives". It's as simple as that.


She credits Seth Wood with this tattoo. Seth currently works out of Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn. Work by Seth appeared previously on Tattoosday just last month here.

Thanks to Jacqueline for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!


This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Andrea Shares a Gil Elvgren Pinup by Shane O'Neill

Earlier this month, I met Andrea while waiting for the A train.

Andrea is covered with tattoos, estimating she has over 50% of her body inked. I always feel privileged when someone so dedicated to the art of tattoo agrees to share their work. Andrea offered up this amazing pin-up on her right forearm:


This amazing tattoo is based on the work of  legendary pin-up artist Gil Elvgren. The tattoo artist responsible for this incredible work is Shane O'Neill, who is based in Middletown, Delaware. The detail in this piece is incredible.


Work by Shane has appeared previously on our site here.

Thanks to Andrea for sharing her amazing work with us here on Tattoosday!



This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Natalie's Geisha Butterfly

Last month, I ran into Natalie on Seventh Avenue and 24th Street. She had several tattoos, but shared this geisha, with butterfly wings, floating on the top of her back:


She got this about six years ago in the city of Leeds from an artist named Diego.

When I asked why she got this particular tattoo, she replied, "I kind of just wanted something that was quite girly, yet strong at the same time."

Natalie is a professional photographer whose work can be seen on her website here.

Thanks to Natalie for sharing this cool tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!


This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Nick's Street Sign is Self-Explanatory

Earlier this week, up in Columbus Circle (see, I don't spend ALL my time in Penn Station!), I ran into Nick, a much-inked individual who kindly allowed me to photograph this tattoo on his left shin:


Nick explained that his friend James tattooed this Pedestrian Crossing sign on him. When I asked him why he chose to get this iconic street sign on his leg, he replied, simply, "We were just bored, and I walk everywhere".

Thanks to Nick for sharing this cool tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.

If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit http://tattoosday.blogspot.com and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Horse Tattoo Meanings: Ideas And Pictures For Girls And Guys

Horse tattoos are a little out of the ordinary, or at least they are not quite as common as many other popular design choices, but mankind's passion for these beautiful creatures has been in existence for a very long time. Early man drew pictures of horses on the walls of caves.

There were certain tribes in ancient times that worshiped horses. The horse has been man's companion for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, Pegasus, the winged horse is known for the magical powers he possesses as well as being immortal.

Horse Tattoo Meanings
The meaning associated with horse tattoos today likely has a lot to do with the companionship they have provided to mankind over the years. Warriors of old believed the horse was their most faithful companion and would not go into battle without them. The horse is a majestic animal and can recognize their owners in addition to returning the love they receive from them.

Horse tattoos can be a symbol of faithfulness, strength and beauty. Noblemen used to keep horses in stables where they were well taken care of and bred for sports and for transportation. Owning several horses was considered to be a sign of wealth.

Passion For The Racehorse
The racehorse is another reason for horse tattoos. There are several in the world of racing today that are considered legends. Winning the prestigious races such as the Kentucky Derby assures the horse of a lifetime of ease when they are too old to race. The owners of these racehorses will sometimes get tattoos that are symbolic of their horse.

Horse Tattoo Symbolism
Often a horse tattoo will be a symbol of strength such as one carrying a warrior into battle. Celtic horses are popular choices for tattoos. Rodeo riders often choose the horse tattoo because this is their life. They love the horses and are more comfortable on a horse than anywhere.

As you can see, the basic meaning of a horse tattoo is strength and courage in recognition for carrying man and providing companionship over several thousand years.

The horse is also credited as being one of the largest providers when it came to improving civilization. They have contributed in so many ways that they are viewed as one of the most noble animals on earth.

Native Americans recognize the horse as a messenger. Believing that they relayed spiritual knowledge to humans and thereby provided wisdom, the horse is immensely popular as a tribal tattoo.

The belief held by the Native Americans was that the horse was a wild and powerful spirit but when mutual respect between man and horse was achieved, this power could be harnessed. These are just a few of the reasons the horse tattoo has become so popular.

Women Often Adore Horse Tattoos
The horse tattoo for women is a symbol of stamina, strength, stability and often chosen for the special bond they have created with horses. The preferred horse tattoo for most women is the stallion. This is due to the untamed beauty that is symbolized by the stallion.

Also, in many cases there is a strong bond between girls and horses at a very young age, as many girls wish for a pony during their adolescent years.

Tattoo Style Ideas
The typical drawings for these designs show the animal in motion, with their manes flowing as if the wind were at their back. The tattoo can be of a personal favorite horse, a favorite breed or one that simply catches the eye of the individual.

Larger designs are typically located on the back or the torso area of the individual, while the arms and shoulder area is always a popular area for these gorgeous animals to be inked.