Tattoos are common on both humans and animals. Obviously for different reasons, but the practice is the same. Humans commonly choose to get tattoos for decoration, while it's usually not the animal's choice to get a tattoo to brand them. Tattoos are made by injecting ink into the skin in order to change the pigment and create a permanent marking. Millions of Americans will get a tattoo this year, ranging in age from 18 to 50! In fact, in March of 2002, Esquire Magazine reported that an estimated one in eight Americans were tattooed. For a trend that started as early as the 18th century, tattoo art doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

If you're thinking of getting a tattoo yourself, there are a lot of things that must be thought over carefully before you make this lifelong commitment. It's important to find a trusted, well-known parlor that is known for it's safety and cleanliness. Like any change you make to your body, there are certain instructions for the care of your tattoo that must be carefully followed to avoid infection. It's also important to decide which design or phrase you would like before you arrive at the parlor. You will find that most parlors have examples of artwork for you to choose from, or many will be willing to imitate any design you bring in yourself. Whatever you decide, tattoos are an art form that date back to even the most tribal times.

Tribal tattoos are among the most popular designs available today. Many people choose this style due to its unforgettable design and appearance, however, some still choose this design as their desire to belong to a tribe either neo-tribal or traditional. Tribal tattoos also link back to the earliest days of the art when tattooing was seen as a step into adulthood. For both girls and boys, the pain of the tattoo represented the pain they were going to inevitably endure as adults in the challenges they would face. This design is common for both men and women alike, however, men have a tendency to choose an all black design, while women enjoy incorporating color into their design. Whatever style you choose, Tribal tattoos are a reminder of the history of tattoos that is still popular among all ages today.

Celtic tattoos are often used as a representation of pride in a person's heritage and culture. Representative of the Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ethnicity, these tattoos are common all over America. Celtic Tattoos are created using a mix of spirals, key pattern, knot work, words, and trumpets. Although many may claim to be Celtic, a quick reference back to the nine Celtic Motif's will clear up any confusion you might have had. These Motifs are referenced back to the illuminated manuscripts of the Early Medieval Period. A person who decides to get a Celtic tattoo is making an effort to keep his heritage alive through artwork, a practice that has been around since the days of the caveman. The Irish are very devoted to keeping their heritage alive, through dance, song, and even through the art of tattoos.

A dragon tattoo is looked upon in many cultures to men as a symbol of power and strength. It is a design that is very masculine, but in every way reflects the personality of the person who embodies it. However, many women also enjoy getting dragon tattoos. This is most likely because on a female, the symbol of the dragon represents independence and intelligence. For both men and women, the dragon is a symbol of everything they wish to represent. This is an explanation as to why the dragon is among the most popular tattoos and why it appeals to both genders of all ages. In medieval times, a dragon represented an impossible opponent who was unlike any other creature. Today, the dragon still represents something that the strong, intelligent, individual aspires to be.

Whether you choose to decorate your body with a Tribal, Celtic, or dragon tattoo, you are choosing a symbol that represents you and your own personal style. There are many other options of tattoos to choose from, all of which are represented in your parlor of choice, or in the design books that most parlors get their ideas from. It's important to choose a tattoo for what it represents as opposed to how it looks because it's a permanent mark that will forever define your personality. Tribal, Celtic, and dragon tattoos are a clear definition of how strong you are and the tremendous amount of pride that you take in simply being yourself.