The Eastern Asian traditions include the making of dragon tattoos especially on the backs and arms of the men and women. Originating in the martial arts practices, there are several Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese tattoo designs which cater to the interests of the people. These tattoos have now slowly started making movements towards the West where they are being used as symbols of power and individuality. The tattoos look very striking and are made in a variety of colors which look very colorful. Although they are used mostly by men, some women also like to project their power of personality by inking themselves with a dragon tattoo.
Even though the origin of the dragon tattoos can be traced back to the East, a number of tattoo types are now being integrated with them by the people of the West. You can find dragons in every form of tattoo including the flower tattoo designs too. Some Celtic crosses also have dragons wrapped around them. By doing this, the tattoo artist tries to create a different and lasting impression in the minds of the onlooker. The tattoo becomes really unique and becomes a part of the personality of the wearer.
Although the dragon is supposed to be extinct, yet they are living creatures which depict sheer power. The location of the dragon tattoos can greatly 
enhance the look of the tattoos. If you are getting yourself inked with a really large dragon, then you can put the head and neck, or even the tail on the arm, while putting the other part of the dragon on the entire back of the person. It depends on the tattoo artist to bring out the beauty of the design. He can use the dragon in a very versatile way to make the tattoo look very beautiful.
Being a part of fantasy literature makes dragon tattoos interesting for even the casual viewer. People who normally would not get them tattooed opt for these tattoos because it symbolizes loyalty and wisdom to them. With the inclusion of such ideas, the evil connotations behind every dragon take a back seat. There are even stories of the dragon being a majestic and a revered creature. The Japanese even have the dragon holding the pearl of wisdom. So getting inked with a dragon tattoo is sure to inject vigor into your life. Let the dragon denote your individuality and be a part of your personality.
Tattoos are very popular among girls and boys equally these days. You can choose the best one for yourself from a variety of designs and tattoos available on the internet. Free tattoo designs are available in downloadable for you to choose from. If you are a man, you can choose a very masculine image like a cross, or an animal or an elaborate Celtic tattoo but if you are a woman, you can go for something that is purely feminine. The feminine subtle and soft looking tattoo compliments the soft nature of a woman and makes them look good. Usually women like small and less complicated tattoos than the men. One of the most common tattoos loved by women is the angel tattoo. The angel tattoos are hugely popular as they can be made colorful and look pretty and feminine and do not require much space to be drawn.
Fairies and heart tattoos are equally admired among girls. They like to bring out their soft inner side to the world and go for angel tattoo to show their angelic side. But you should not be surprised to see many men going for angel tattoo to show their subtle, spiritual side as well. It’s like having a personal angel drawn on your body, the angel tattoos are drawn to protect the soul from falling into evil hands. Though the depiction of angels says that they are lighter creatures who have wings and are illuminated with a glow, the angel tattoos are at times little far fetched from this popular belief.
Even though the angel tattoos have religious implications, you need not associate the angel tattoos to a specific religion. Angel tattoos can be drawn to represent emotions like love, sorrow, cheerfulness, joy etc. While many angel images depict innocence as their primary theme, many girls like to portray a sensuous angel image on their body to show their passionate and wild side. You can get a tattoo with an angel holding a hard or simply trying to fly or lying on a cloud or standing with the hands enclosed in the middle. There are various designs that you can choose and associate to yourself through the tattoo.
What do you think when you hear the word “heart tattoo”? Romance is certainly something which immediately springs to the mind. Images of a sailor with his sleeves rolled up and sporting a heart on his arm with his beloved’s name written on it is a common sight. In fact, you will often get to see this tattoo on the bodies of young men and women. A heart is something every young man loves to wear on his sleeve as a proof of his love for the lady. Young women too flaunt this tattoo to show their love and vow to live a whole lifetime together.
Surprisingly, the shape of the heart tattoo has nothing to do with the shape of our real heart that beats in our body. The shape is symbolic of ardent love and they are a popular way of proclaiming to the world that you are committed in love. They are almost like a wedding ring which shows that you are engaged or married. But unlike the ring, you can’t lose the heart tattoo in a hurry. In fact, it is for life unless you choose the extreme laser removal technique to do away with it if you break up with your partner. But the fact that you can take the pain and select a heart sign for the tattoo goes a long way to show your deep commitment.
Sometimes, the heart tattoo is used to signify any kind of love, be it platonic, familial or any other type besides romantic love. It can even be a way of expressing deep grief for a very dear person. You can have the dates of birth and death besides the name of the person inscribed in the tattoo. Most of the societies throughout the world endorse a tattoo in the heart shape to be a sign of deep love in any way possible. Generally, it is placed on the arm or just where the heart is on the chest. If you don’t want to display it, then a shirt can easily cover it up.
The high popularity of the heart tattoo is also because it is very easy to ink for the tattoo artist. There are very few intricacies involved in this tattoo and they take a very less time too. Even one sitting might be enough to complete the tattoo. Thus it is affordable and less painful for the person getting the tattoo. The tattoo also encourages happy feelings compared to frightening images being inked on the body. It has a special place in the life of every person. You will surely see smile lighting up the face of a person who sees a heart shaped tattoo.
Though Japanese tattoo art has gained world-wide recognition, it has a negative connotation for the majority of the Japanese people. Due to the influence of Confucianism and Buddhism on the Japanese culture, the tattoo artwork is often considered as a mark of a yakuza (a member of the Japanese mafia) or a symbol of outcasts and lower classes.
Koi Fish Tattoos: Koi fish tattoos are the second most favored symbols in Japanese tattoos. A special symbol, the design is derived from Japanese culture, and is often associated with strength, courage and power. This Japanese tattoo is also associated with other positive symbolisms like luck, new beginning, wealth and ambition.
