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[T55]Tattoos And Body Art

by Tyler Reese, Tyl

Some of these marks were very small while other marks were large and clearly visible. The people in a particular area, usually geographical, would immediately identify others by the different types of 'tribal' tattoos. There are still some tribal tattoos that are used for these reasons, but in most cases these days, people with tribal tattoos choose them for the beauty and variety of the designs.

Tattoos have become very popular in recent years, and tribal tattoos are some of the most popular available. Some of the tattoos used for cosmetic purposes could be authentic marks of identification that the tattoo artist borrowed from another culture. Other tattoos are identified with this group because they resemble the traditional tattoos that have been actually used by tribes around the world. Some tattoos, for example, are similar in look to those from tribes in places like Samoa.

These specific tribal tattoos are very distinctive images compared with other tattoos that are currently available.

Tribal tattoos are the 'in thing'

Tribal tattoos are possibly one of the most sought after tattoo designs and the most popular are based on the Maori, Haida, Polynesian and Native American designs. Of course the term 'tribal' has so many different meanings and an almost limitless amount of variations and combinations. The true meaning of today's tribal tattoo lies in the unique allure it has to the individual. People choose these different tribal tattoos currently because the designs are merely pleasing to the eye. In most parts of the world tribal tattoos have no relationship to the identity of the person wearing the tattoo.

Some very famous people have contributed to the popularity of tribal tattoos. These tattoos have appeared on backs and arms of some very famous celebrities that have shown them off when appearing in public, creating a demand for tribal-like tattoos from regular folk.

The popularity of tribal tattoos has also led to global competition amongst tattoo artists. Many come up with unique designs by making use of images based on the tribal tattoos that have appeared in pictures or drawings from the tribal people who originally wore these marks on their bodies. There are some skilful tattoo artists who have even become known for the beauty of their tribal designs and most own copyright to these so others cannot use the tattoos without permission.

Many of the tattoos are isolated images on the chest or shoulder, but others can cover an entire arm or back. There are tribal tattoos that are in simple black, but others incorporate some color into the design. And what with so many variations to choose from, having a tribal tattoo etched into your skin can be one of the most unique choices you can make.

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and are more popular today than at any time in recorded history. They are everywhere. Some studies show that around 35 percent of Americans aged 18-30 have tattoos. To most people tattoos represent a form of self expression and they view them as some sort of statement of their individuality. Most adults also feel sexier with tattoos.

So what exactly is a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a permanent mark, design or pattern made by inserting pigment (ink) into the second layer of the skin. Scientifically - tattooing is micro pigment implantation.

A tattoo is produced by puncturing the skin with special needles dipped in indelible inks. A needle injects ink into the cells of the dermis - the second layer of the skin.

Our skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The outer layer that acts as a protective barrier and contains no blood vessels is called the Epidermis. Below that is a thicker layer called dermis and that is where tattoos go.

Because epidermis is constantly being replenished (we continue to produce and shed the top layer of the skin throughout lifetime), the tattooist pushes ink through the epidermis and leaves it in the dermis. The dermis stays pretty much the same for our entire life and this is why tattoos stay permanent while many other things done to the skin don't.

A tattoo needle goes approximately 1.5mm (1/16 of a inch) into the skin. A tattooist must make sure that the ink goes in just deep enough to be permanent, but not to deep. The depth varies across the body - it's deeper on the soles of the feet and thinner in other places like genitals.

If tattoo is done too deeply, into the third layer of the skin called subcutaneous layer, it can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding. It can also look blurred even as soon as it's healed, because you have to look deeper (through more layers of the skin) to see it. If any less than a millimeter, it might leave scratches and simply wear off.

The skill with which the tattoo is properly applied takes years to learn, so it is very important to choose an artist with experience and a portfolio of work that demonstrates quality. There are a lot of wannabes out there, so be careful.

Remember: A tattoo is as good as the artist who does it!

Article Source : Do Your Own Tattoo

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Both Tyler Reese & Robert Hill are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Tyler Reese has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Dog Beds and Wedding Vows. Tyler Reese writes articles, reviews and topical tidbits for . To find out more about. Tyler Reese's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Robert Hill has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Acupuncture Chiropractor and Cars. If you are looking for a unique tattoo designs, visit for more ideas.. Robert Hill's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.