Tattoo Ideas for Men

Tattoo is a means by which people wish to project what they want others to perceive them as. Their ideas and opinions are evident through their body art. Although there are no restrictions, based on gender or otherwise, as to what kind of tattoo an individual may sport, there are some socio cultural factors and personal tastes that show that certain tattoos are the males' alone. It is a known fact that as compared to women, majority of men get tattoos done. Even among the ancient Polynesian tattoo masters who had the final word in what kind of design was appropriate and when and where to mark them were seen to be mostly male.

Human skull design:

Human skull tattoo design

Very few other designs can be bolder than a skull tattooed to the body. The idea to get a 'skull' is only a start, as there are innumerable types of skull patterns from which one will have to choose. Addition to that, the visual depiction and detailing around it may also vary. For example, a Naga who has lived all his life seeing the typical motifs of his tribe might commission a tattoo of a skull of the native bull with crossed arrows adorning the background. A man who has been fascinated with the tantric ways might wish to show off human skull tattoos on his body. Thus, the choice of the 'kind' of skull may differ from person to person based on their preference of type and other external factors.

Dragon designs:

Dragon tattoo designs

Large dragon depictions look best as tattoos especially on the chest area, biceps and upper back. The most attractive of them all are the fire breathing fierce dragons with special detailing given to the spikes of their massive tails and their lethally sharp and large teeth. Such dragon tattoos suit those men who are particularly more masculine than others. Less fierce dragon tattoo types may be considered as an option for those who have been fascinated by dragon myths and those into fantasy writings. It is also a common body art among the East Asians, for whom the dragon has been part of ancient folklore.

'Heart' for Moms:

Heart tattoo for men

To flaunt your love for your mom, request your tattoo artist to give you a Sailor-Jerry style tattoo with a headline over it reading ''Mom'', thus showing your respect to your creator. Avoid the cheesy eyesore kind, but it's tough to say whether she'll like it or not. It is a classical style pioneered by the American tattoo artists.

Article By Valerie Althorpe

Mechanic Arm Tattoo

Zombie Mechanic Arm Tattoo

This arm tattoo is one of the more interesting and unique designs I've come accross. It's like a cartoon zombie coming out of flames with a piston and wrench below. Makes me think of some of the artwork you see on monster trucks like Grave Digger

Modernised Tradition of Tattoo

Modern Reawakening of the tradition of Tattoo

Tattoos have experienced resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world, particularly in North America, Japan, and Europe. The growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine arts training. Coupled with dvancements in tattoo pigments and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

pictures of tattoo superhero

During the 2000s, the presence of tattoos became evident within pop culture, inspiring television shows such as A&E's Inked and TLC's Miami Ink and LA Ink. The decoration of blues singer Janis Joplin with a wristlet and a small heart on her left breast, by the San Francisco tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, is taken as a seminal moment in the popular acceptance of tattoos as art. As seen in the 2007 movie Eastern Promises, body art again features heavily, showcasing the ink-embroidered torso of a Russian mobster. Tattoos are generally considered an important part of the culture of the Russian mafia.

pictures of tattoo superhero

pictures of tattoo superhero

pictures of tattoo superhero

In many traditional cultures tattooing has also enjoyed resurgence, partially in deference to cultural heritage. Historically, a decline in traditional tribal tattooing in Europe occurred with the spread of Christianity. However, some Christian groups, such as the Knights of St. John of Malta, sported tattoos to show their allegiance. A decline often occurred in other cultures following European efforts to convert aboriginal and indigenous people to Western religious and cultural practices that held tattooing to be a "pagan" or "heathen" activity. Within some traditional indigenous cultures, tattooing takes place within the context of a rite of passage between adolescence and adulthood.

pictures of tattoo superhero

pictures of tattoo superhero

Military Tattoos

The military tattoo has a long history within the various branches of military service in the United States. Soldiers view the tattoo as a sign of commitment to their fellows and as an identifying mark. Divisions and brigades take pride in their own symbols. Every soldiers look forward to the day when they can wear that symbol and hold their head high.

The longest and richest military tattoo tradition should be in the United States Navy. The anchor symbol has become one of the most easily recognizable military tattoos in the world. In the early 1900's, the sailors introduced the practice of tattooing to the other military branches. As the sailors traveled to somewhere else and saw that the art of military tattooing was alive and well, they began to create tattoos that represented their group. They would return from voyages that had literally taken them around the world.

The United States Army also follows the practices of the Navy. Variation of American Flag is currently used as a symbol for tattooing. The flag can be integrated into an eagle's wing or into the shape of a heart, the red, white and blue. All plays a prominent role. The POW-MIA theme is another one commonly found in a military tattoo, particularly in the Army. These tattoos pay homage to the prisoners of war who are missing in action.

The United States Marine Corps also has its own versions of the military tattoo after noticing the Army and Navy. Although it is not as wildly popular as that in the Navy and Army, the Marines still have a long history of tattooing within certain regiments and brigades. Bulldog symbol is one of the most popular Marine Corps tattoos. Marines are typically the first strike in a United States Military campaign. They pride themselves on toughness, tenacity, and stubbornness. That’s why no one disagree that the bulldog is a perfect symbol for what they represent.

For those who serve in the Air Force, sport tattoos with wings incorporated in them is another military tattoo. The history of Air Force military tattoos is still being written. As the practice of military tattooing becomes more and more popular, it is growing within the ranks. Pilots may include details of a certain fighter.

Actually, all branches of military service people see such tattoos are much more than just ink and pictures. A military tattoo is a constant reminder of the hardships and struggles that were endured as a team, and of those who may have been left behind. Even once they have left the military, they will also get a new tattoo in order to remember a fallen comrade or other momentous event.