Tattoo Meaning

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Tattooing has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years being traced back to Japan, the Maori of New Zealand to this day. Tattooing was once a widespread practice with Polynesian and certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Cambodia, and China. In our history, tattoos were stereotypical for sailors and ex-cons. The acceptance of this art form has made great strides in the past 10 years or so and continues to grow in popularity.

It is commonly believed that the original root word of "tattoo" comes from the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or strike twice and references a traditional method of tattooing.

In Japanese the most common word used for traditional designs or those that are applied using traditional methods is irezumi ("insertion of ink"), while "tattoo" is used for non-Japanese designs.

punk guy tattoosTattoo fans may refer to tattoos as "tats," "ink," "art," or "work," and to tattooists as "artists." The latter usage is gaining greater support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both traditional and custom tattoo designs. Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sold to tattoo artists are known as flash, a notable instance of industrial design. Flash can usually be found hanging on tattoo shop walls or in books for browsing. Some of the more famous artist prefer free hand drawing. Custom work. Either they can come up with the composition or sometimes an artist friend of the recipient will bring in a unique piece of art.