Is a tattoo art, accessory or mistake?

The answer depends on who you ask. While many associate tattoos with bikers and rappers tattoos can be found everywhere and they have not lost their popularity. Angelina Jolie proudly wears the latitude and longitudes of her childrens birthplaces on her back shoulder area and John Gosselin sports an Ed Hardy mens t shirt which displays original Ed Hardy  tattoo designs. The use of removable tattoos and tattoo inspired clothing is a safe bet. For the real tattoo enthusiast however it just won’t do. While a tattoo lover might purchase an Ed hardy design they will also have a real tattoo on their skin.

Tattoos are rooted in a 5,000 year old history. A recent discovery on a mountaintop in between Austria and Italy from the bronze age was a frozen man with 57 tattoos placed over specific points on his body apparently for health related reasons like arthritis. Another discovery between Russia and China showed tattoos from about 2400 years ago that appeared to be for the purpose of decoration or status.

Polynesians are the most respected for the tattoos because of  their intricate designs. Tattoo comes from the polynesian word ta which means to strike and tatau which means to mark something. Tattoos over the ages have been selected for the following reasons:

1.Therapeutic

2. Magical

3.Decoration

4. Life Force

5.Spiritual well being

6. Adventures

7. Status

8. Connections to all of life

Greeks and Romans used tattoos for punishment. Today Kat Von D is one of the most in demand female tattoo artists to celebrity clientele. Her designs are amazing. Right here in West Palm Beach there is Hellcat tattoo. Tattoos are very personal. Some attractive but simpler designs are florals around the back neck area. Also a tattoo that has a vine around the ankle is popular. The drawback from a fashion perspective with a tattoo is they fight with clothing patterns and lines. For those that love tattoos that probably is not a consideration. Tattoos for business are better left unseen.

So if you think they are right for you TATTOO!