Generally characterized by a bright and vast array of colors combined with bold and striking lines, they are artistically portrayed in an intricate and detailed display of artworks. This is why, they are commonly seen tattooed on huge areas of the body such as back, arm, chest, leg and rib cage which are all large enough to accommodate interesting display of Japanese tattoo symbols.

Sample Japanese tattoos from our Recommended Tattoo Gallery
Click here for more Japanese tattoo designs

The beauty of Japanese tattoo designs are indeed very much celebrated and enjoyed in the Western world. That is why, it is odd enough to know that in Japan, there are still establishments and businesses such as gyms, fitness centers, public baths and even amusement parks that ban people with exposed tattoos. This perhaps can be traced back during the early days in Japan when tattoos were highly associated with the yakuza or the Japanese mafia. During the 17th century, tattoos were used to mark the outcasts and criminals of the society; instead of death penalty, they were sentenced to be “tattooed” as a form of punishment. During the 18th century, the yakuza adopted tattoo as a symbol of loyalty to their group and as a proof of courage because it was painful. Tattoos have been identified with them since.

During the 19th century, when the emperor took over, tattoo became a taboo in Japan in their attempt to impress the Westerners. Apparently, they think that permanent body decorations and modifications would seem barbaric and ridiculous to the Western people. Ironically, the Japanese tattoo masters were allowed to perform tattooing only to the foreigners. Their body artworks with their great techniques and impressive themes became very famous. They attracted foreign sailors and high profile clients from other countries such as dukes, czars, and dignitaries. During that time, tattooing the Japanese became an underground practice because it is considered illegal. The best ukiyoe artists did traditional Japanese tattoo designs representing legendary heroes and religious motifs blended with certain symbolic animals and beautiful flowers that are set off against a background of waves, clouds and lightning bolts.

We can only thank Japan’s rich historical culture for providing the tattoo world with amazing symbols and themes for body art. The most popular ones that they have contributed are cherry blossoms, koi fish, kanji lettering, sakura, geisha, dragon and samurai. Sleeve tattoos with Japanese tattoos designs became a trend and cherry blossoms are one of the top flavor favorites among women. Koi fish is a symbol for those struggling in life or undergoing some hardships while the dragon is a representation of strength and good luck. Each of these symbols are classic and quintessential as Japanese tattoo designs and their symbols and meanings will always have an impact for those patronizing them.

Sample Tattoo Designs and Ideas for the Rib Cage
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This tattoo is one of our top favorites which was shared by BreaMarie. She said “” My tattoo was done by Chris Oppenheim from manictattoos.com he does all of my work. This tattoo was drawn by hand on me with permanent marker and then tattooed over it. There will never be another exactly like it.”

What Chris says of his koi dragon tattoo on his rib

The Koi is the symbol of strength and will, the will to go against odds to reach the destiny. And the Dragon is the power and ferocity. The mystery and Aura. During their transformation into a Dragon they are at their most powerful magic wise but at the weakest in body due to the change. My Dragon Koi symbolizes how as humans we are like the the Koi struggling and fighting through life trying to achieve or better ourselves. We are always changing into something else. The tattoo was done by By Chad Woodley of Sanitary Electric Tattoo CO in 7 sessions total roughly around 18 to 20 hrs of work.”

What Andrea says of her day of the dead rib tattoo
	The tattoo is for my mom. she passed away when i was 9. we re mexican so we celebrate peoples life. so i wanted it in a day of the dead theme. i wanted it on my ribs cuz the frame fit my body will there. and it was my 1st tattoo on my 18th bday so it was go big or go home to me.”

Matthew says of his friend’s Homer Simpson tattoo
	“This image is from the episode where Homer meets his mother for the first time after Homer fakes his own death. After Homer says he has a way of ruining special moments the bird lands on his head and drops the fish in his pants, leaving Homer looking dismayed.“
photo by Matthew Gemmell

Diane says of the quote tattoo on her rib cage
I got this tattoo when I was in New Zealand on holiday visiting my family in February 2009. My little sister snuck me to the studio in the town they live in and it cost me 1/4 what it would have been to get done in London, where I live. I’ve wanted it for a long time, my friend Morgan designed it for me. I have been in love with Narnia for as long as I can remember - this is part of the prophecy from The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe but adapted and used in the film Prince Caspian. Everytime I watch that film this line sends a shiver all down me!

More Amazing Rib Cage Tattoos

Koi fish tattoo by Kati Carloni

Sample Dragonfly Tattoo from our Tattoo Gallery.
Click here for more dragonfly tattoo designs

Dragonfly tattoo designs can be seen inked on small areas of the body such as the foot, ankle and wrist. However, a significant number of tat enthusiasts also have them tattooed on their lower back or tail bone, hip area, lower stomach, shoulder blade and arms. Some prefer them in full colors with intricate details from the bulge in its eyes down to the small lines on its body. Others favor a simple outline of the dragonfly image either in colorful or black ink. This tattoo art is indeed very versatile and flexible that it can be tattooed almost anywhere in the body with different styles and rendition; yet somehow it can still manage to come out as a dazzling and fascinating piece of body art.  (Tattooed by Johnny at The Tattoo Studio 5 The high street Crayford Kent DA1 4HH)

When it comes to meaning, the symbolism of dragonfly tattoos vary depending on one’s culture and actually on the person wearing the tat. It can mean many things positive such as renewal, change, good luck and swiftness. It can represent wisdom and enlightenment as well as strength and endurance. In Japan, they look upon the dragonfly as a symbol of new light and joy. For the native Americans, it is a representation of moving forward after going through pain and hardships.

The meaning of dragonfly tattoos can also be interpreted based on its qualities. Since its life is short, it is look upon as a reminder for us to live life to the fullest. Since it can fly and roam freely, it can also be a symbol for a carefree and adventurous undertakings. It can mean a world of wonder and illusions where beauty and magic exist. Or it can just be a creature that can immortalize the memory of a loved-one who passed away by converting it into a memorable ink design.

Meanings and Symbolism of Dragonfly Tattoos for some tat enthusiasts…
	Jenn says “The dragonfly is in remembrance of my grandmother who meant the world to me. She passed away in 1999 and for my 30th birthday I decided to get the dragonfly. My grandmother loved dragonflys and now every time I see a dragonfly flying around I say it is her being carefree.”

	Ronnie says “I got this tattoo right after my Father died. It’s colorful and full of life and it keep him with me”.

	Meaga says of her tattoo “I just love dragonflys that’s why I got this design”.

	Marnie on why she got the tattoo “Honestly, I just wanted something pretty, nothing more or less than that. I’m having fun thinking about ways I’ll expand on it though and I hope to work it into something intricate in the near future“.

Samples of Sun and Moon Tattoo Designs from Chopper Tattoo Gallery.
We recommend Chopper Tattoo for amazing sun and moon tattoos. Click here to visit them now!

Everything about the sun and moon taken separately presents contrasting facets. The sun is the masculine side signifying strength and power whereas the moon is the feminine side exuding calmness and compassion. The Sun is all about everything that is masculine; dignity and glory as well as leadership, knowledge, wisdom and authority. The moon is everything that is female such as fertility, imagination, emotions and instincts. The sun and moon tattoo is therefore taken as a symbol for the yin and yang energies.

The sun and moon tattoo can be popularly seen tattooed on one’s upper back either in full colors or in plain black ink. They are commonly executed as half moon and half sun enclosed together in one circle creating a unified theme. Some have theme rendered with the sun tattoo in full circle and the half moon on the side. They can also be seen inked on other areas of the body such as the lower back, ankle, shoulder blade and lower stomach area.

The sun and moon tattoos can be enjoyed either for their symbolical meanings or just simply for their divine beauty as an amazing tattoo design. Its all up to the artist to create vivid imagination and wide range of influences to bring them to life on one’s skin as an ethereal body art.

Here are some samples of sun and moon tattoos:

What Lori says of her tattoo

“The meaning of the tattoo is that it represents the duality of life–yin/yang, sun/moon, fire/water, life/death. I am a Fire element but I’m also a Water element, so the tattoo reminds me to keep everything in balance. Water and Fire are also bothsymbols of death and re-birth, which is a reminder that creation and destruction are the cycles of life and powers which should never be taken for granted”

I truly worship the sun, i’m only happy when its sunny. also i am a leo which is a sun sign & because i am mexican american its also a tribute to the indigenous peoples of the americas who worship the sun also. the moon part is like the opposite of the sun so its kind of a yin/yang thing

Skull tattoos have a wide variety of symbolical representations , depending on how it is used. Skulls are part of the old school tattoo designs and have developed a reputation as the insignia for groups like secret societies, gangs, prisoner bikers and pirates. They represent meanings like strength, power, protection, and the ability to overcome death.

Sample Skull Tattoo Designs
Click here for more designs from our Tattoo Gallery.

Skull tattoo are also seen as a sort of talisman to protect the bearer from death. Others used them to show off their rebellious and dangerous side as an expression of their personality. Some make it an implication of that they are involved in the medical field. Of course, it can clearly mean to symbolize death for those who have suffered and survived an accident or illness.

Skull tattoos are very versatile as they can be found in a huge array of styles and colors. There are the traditional old-school tats combined with crossbones and flames. There are extreme ones like the laughing cartoon skulls to finely detailed and realistic evil skull drawings. Of course, there is the popular version of Grim Reaper, the poison sign and the tribal skull tattoos. There are also the girl’s favorite which is the sugar skull tattoos – a representation of the Day of the Dead holiday celebrated in Mexican cultures. (tattoo done by Craig Lee)

Skull tattoo can be done in both full color or black style and the statement it can made can definitely make an impact. With its interesting appeal in terms of appearance and symbolical meaning, it is a tattoo design that will surely be around for years to come.

More Skull Tattoo Photos
Photo by David Lozeau

Sample rib tattoo designs from our Tattoo Gallery.
Click here for more designs for your rib tattoos.

The rib cage is a painful part of the body to get tattooed since its a bony area. However, this does not seem to be a factor as a guy can be unique and edgy if he is sporting this kind of tat theme. Moreover, this part of the body can accommodate large and intricate design making it even more exciting especially for the tattoo artist who will render the chosen art.

The most common rib tattoos for guys when it comes to designs are animals like koi fish, dragon, snake and panther. Aside from the deeper and significant meaning that each of this animal possesses, they seem to be symbols of male masculinity and bravery as well. Another very popular ink design on the rib cage is the lettering or words, sometimes quotations or excerpts from songs or poems. There are also a lot of guys who go for words or phrases written in foreign language to be discreet such as kanji, sanskrit, italian or latin. Flowers are not considered as very feminine or girly as a lot of these can be seen on guy’s rib cage as well;cherry blossoms, roses, lotus, and hibiscus to name a few.

When going for rib tattoos, it is always advisable to come up with a solid idea and plan before going to your chosen tattoo shop. You will find that you will be much happier and content if you put a lot of effort in coming up with a design that will be inked to you forever. This is such a great canvas to work on so you should not put it into waste.

Getting matching tattoos is a way for people to share the special bond they have for another person, whether it be their partner, friend, sister, or parent.  The most common kind of this tattoo theme is matching tattoos for couples, also referred to as lovers tattoos or his and hers matching tattoos.

Sample designs for matching tats from our Tattoo Gallery
Click here for more designs.

Having matching symbols or images as tattoo designs to show your  affection to your partner is better than inking each other’s names.     You can choose a symbol that define your love for each other or you can pick lines from the lyrics of the song you both like.  Or better yet, go traditional and pick popular yet classic designs like stars, zodiac sign glyph and hearts.

This photo on the left shows matching tattoos that say “I am my beloved’s” in Hebrew (girl and boy versions).

Simple yet classic designs of matching tattoos of couples
Photo by Kris Krüg

Cute and unique matching couples tattoos

Love is not the only reason for getting matching tattoos - there’s this thing called friendship which is a strong bond that you share with someone whom who have common interests with. This is most commonly referred to as best friends tattoos.

Matching Best Friends Tattoos

Another theme for matching tattoos are sisters tattoos and mother and daughter tattoos. This is the safest of all as unlike lovers and friends, the bond and relationship (literally speaking) between sisters or between mother and daughter can never be broken.

The photo on the left shows a touching and beautiful  matching mother and daughter tattoos which signifies their battle with breast cancer.

Matching Tattoos of Sisters

Pinup girls are scantily clad women in sexy and provocative poses oozing with incredible beauty and charming appeal. They are referred to as pinups because the physical attractiveness they possess are enough to have them photographed and appeared in magazines, newspapers or calendars and be pinned on the wall for informal displays. They are mostly celebrities, models and actresses with curvaceous body, glamorous style and exquisite beauty.

If you are looking for pinup girl tattoos, our number one recommendation is TATTOOMYBRAIN. They have tons of original and unique images of women that are tastefully and artistically done. No other tattoo gallery comes close. They are the best in this category.

Sample Pinup Girl Designs from TattoomyBrain
Read our review about TattooMyBrain.

Pinup girl tattoo is one of the old school types of tattoo designs that became popular among soldiers and sailors during the early days. Some of the original women that have been the inspiration for modern pin up girls were Bettie Page, Betty Grable and fictional female characters like Gibson Girl, Devil Girl, Sailor Girl, Cowgirl and Hula Girl. Nowadays, Dita Von Deese and Sabina Kelly, both burlesque dancers/actresses are being claimed by many as the modern day queens of pinups.

Pinup girl tattoos are expression of polished beauty, allure and attractiveness. Men who get them would like to depict the love they have for women. They adore sexy ladies so what better way to see them everyday than to have a portrait of them tattooed on their body. Women, on the other hand, referred to it as an expression of their sexuality and female empowerment. Perhaps, it is a depiction that with looks alone, women can have what they wanted and are totally capable of whatever they engage in.

Tattoos by Crayford Tattoo Studio.

If they were originally tattooed on the arm, nowdays, they can be inked almost anywhere on the body. We see pin up girl tattoos on the chest, calf, thigh, rib, back and shoulder blade. Most of these are illustrations or cartoons of long legged, heavily hipped and big bosomed women dressed in sensual clothing like lingerie, mini skirts, bikini or any flirtatious costumes. They can also appear as bare-chested fairies, angels and demons.

Pinup girl tattoos are definitely a glorifying definition of the beauty and sensuality of womanhood. Whether portrayed as sweet and sassy, intimidating and alluring, or sexy and unpretentious, pin up girls would always be a classic and timeless tattoo designs that will never go out of style.

1) How long have you been a tattoo artist? Why did you decide to become one?
Tattooing found me, plain and simple. Once I was offered an apprenticeship, It just felt right to take the path in life less traveled. I never went looking for an apprenticeship as most do these days. Hell, I barely knew what tattooing was back then. I was offered the chance, I took it ran with it, and never looked back. How this all took place is definitely a story in its own.

2) What tattoo designs do you specialize in, if any?

I seek people wanting to get tattoos outside of the norm. I market mainly to people wanting bigger pieces. I tend to render my services to people who want very surrealistic tattoos. I always have loved exaggeration, and exaggerated objects. I think coming from a background like mine, I always looked at things differently. I also am well versed in most forms of work as well.

3) Based on your experience, what are the top 5 commontattoo designs that men and women go for nowadays? What’s the latest tattoo trend?

I think all trends come and go.Trends within tattooing will definitely do that. There are some trends that will never go away, such as, butterfly, heart, star,small names, etc. All though getting tattooed seems like a trend to some people, I think it will always be here, as it has made a very big effect on people. Tattoos are here to stay.

4) What are the top 5 tattoo locations (body parts) that people go for these days?

I think people in general are starting to get everywhere tattooed on the body. Most common are the arm, chest, back, ankle, and hip.

5) Name 3 of your most favorite works and why.

I really do not have any favorites, I just make the work to be interpreted by others. Take it for what you will.

6) Where do you get inspirations for the tattoo artwork that you do?

I mainly pull inspiration from dreams and thoughts. I usually pull them from a dark place within my mind. I usually will get what I call a “vision” for something, and it will literally haunt my mind until I unleash it to the world. I feel my work flows through me, and finally ends up in one form or another. I am attracted to creating subjects that can easily be recognized, but are usually in ironic positions. I like morphing stuff as well. To see the usual in unusual places so to speak. Although I enjoy looking at other tattoo artists work, I tend to not pay too much attention to it, as I do not want to rip off peoples work. I do my own thing.

7) For those interested in your service, where can they contact you.

Email: spiro@spirtattoo.com
Website: www.spirotattoo.com

Shop website: www.superchangotattoo.com

Tribal butterfly tattoos are without a doubt, the original and most sought after tattoo designs on a woman’s lower back.  However, with the label “tramp stamp” and with the tat theme being so rampant, the trend eventually slows down as new tattoo artworks eventually came into play. Still, tribal butterfly tattoos are still very much around especially with girls. Aside from the lower back, they can be seen tattooed on the foot, shoulder blade, lower stomach and ankle.

Sample tribal butterfly tattoos from our tattoo gallery.
Click here for more tattoo designs.

Tribal butterfly tattoos are classic and timeless because of the combination of tribal styles and butterfly. Tribal artwork with its thick, heavy and dark lines have been around for years and were originally used by the ancient people to identify themselves with their tribes. Butterflies, on the other hand are symbols of what a woman go through in her life – change, transformation, new life or freedom. (tattoo on the lower back done by Miguel Angel Tattoo)

Blending these two elements represent a butterfly design that has a touch of the traditional forms. The tribal lines and curves are mainly to serve as background or highlights. The over all effect of tribal butterfly tattoos represent a woman’s belief that the butterfly’s story is her own. It is a journey of transformation, the freedom to change, and make themselves more attractive, beautiful and interesting. It is simply synonymous with how the butterfly changes from an ordinary caterpillar to a dazzling winged creature that is just a sight to behold.

In terms of how the tribal butterfly tattoos are executed on one’s body, there are several variations that a tattoo artist can do. They can be inked in full black and full tribal with the butterfly appearing in abstract form. Others would go colorful butterfly with only the tribal lines in black while some would choose a monochrome butterfly accentuated by thin yet solid tribal curves, swirls and even interwoven lines.

Tribal butterfly tattoos are very flexible and adaptable as ink designs. They appear delicate and sweet to look at.   Moreover, they emphasize a significant statement because of the meaningful symbolism attached to it.