Tattoo Types To Consider

Tattoo Types

Tattooing is such a fine art that through the years and even centuries it has spawned different tattoo types that have stood the test of time. They have for the most part provided the template for modern tattoos of today.  Take for example the Japanese Irezumi, which many of today’s modern tattoos take a lot of influence from. Tribal and Traditional American are a confluence of different influences ranging from cultural to modern pop. Trash polka is making waves in Europe and the US particularly in New York City with its emphasis on red and black inks.

New York City – Tattoo Mecca

New York City or the Big Apple is widely considered as the mecca for the art of tattooing. Why? It is here in NYC that the very first tattoo machine was created and patented. On top of that, the culture of New York City and its boroughs such as Brooklyn for example provide a lot of support for its thriving community of tattoo artists and collectors. Due to the latest innovations in technology and machinery we could say that the evolving range of tattoo art is alive and well here in New York City.

Interestingly, from 1961 until 1997, there were no legal tattoo shops in New York. The reason? The Health Department decided to ban tattooing after a series of alleged blood-borne hepatitis B cases linked to Coney Island shops in the late 50s. However, there was no clear evidence to back up their claim.  The first people who went looking for tattoos in New York were you guessed it, sailors who got a haircut and some ink in what is now popularly known as the Financial District. Today, tattooing is a very popular form of self-expression not just in New York City but the world. Hand of Glory Tattoo offers professionally made tattoos done by our experienced and award-winning Brooklyn Tattoo artists. Call us for an appointment today.

Placement

If you are looking to have a tattoo done here in Brooklyn, New York or anywhere in the planet, placement is a key factor as different tattoos often have meanings tied to them and if you do not want to be seen like a newbie always refer to the advice of your New York City tattoo artist. Regardless of what tattoo you end up choosing you will have immersed yourself in a culture that is part traditional, spiritual, and rebellious and often times a reflection of an art and counter culture movement. Beautiful images of realism that pay homage to an influence in a person’s life or experience, a memory of a difficult moment or a symbol of hope or change. Sometimes the tattoo is chosen just because it looks simply fabulous. Immerse yourself in the world of tattoo culture refined in ink and blood.

Black and Grey Tattoos

One of the most popular tattoo types here in Brooklyn New York, this tattoo type easily is one of the most recognizable in the tattoo world. Not limited to a specific style, the art of black and grey can be applied to just about any tattoo style ranging from portrait tattoos which is probably its most applied method to realism, Japanese Irezumi style and much more. While the actual method of doing black and grey can vary depending on the artist what is common is the use of a single needle and black ink. Further shades are achieved using water in order to establish what is typically known in the industry as a “wash.” Through the use of different shades, New York tattoo artists can create varying degrees of depth and texture, which often results in marvelous heavily detailed and even 3 dimensional images.  What makes black and grey quite popular is the fact that it is less prone to deterioration than colored images and these tattoos often result in a much crisper image. Also known as Jailhouse tattooing because of its unusual beginnings in prison culture dating back to the Victorian era and in the 1970s where the quality and quantity of black and grey tattoos was on the rise in US prisons. Celebrated here in New York City and revered as a true art form in itself, black and grey is as popular today as it was back then.

Black and Grey Portrait Tattoos

Black and grey portrait tattoos became popular in the 1970s when there was a dramatic rise in prison tattoos using the black and grey method as the medium for transferring images onto the skin. As the name suggest, this tattoo only uses black ink in varying shades and typically using a single needle for the entire image. For the black and grey method, black ink is first diluted in water in order to create different proportions. The result is called a “wash” with lighter shades of the color. Gray color is made by mixing different amounts of black and white ink, in order to make a thicker but brighter hue. Black and grey portrait tattoos are done usually to memorialize a loved one that has passed away. Black and grey portrait tattoos done by New York tattoo artists are heavy in detail and therefore require a reference photo that best exemplifies the features of the person being depicted on the tattoo. Done in the realistic style, black and grey portrait tattoos offer intricate details of the image and therefore require a lot of time and skill to truly do justice. Other images done in the black and grey portrait style include: celebrities, characters from movies, books and music and even animals.

Color Portrait Tattoos

Another popular tattoo style here in Brooklyn, New York is color portrait tattoos.  Actually, any tattoo that is done in color and is photo realistic may be called a color portrait tattoo. From a traditional standpoint, NYC portrait tattoo artists perform this method using only black and grey inks and the reason why this is so is to provide the image a tremendous sense of realism plus the monochrome style also withstands the effects of fading over time. However, color portrait tattoos are unique in the sense that they add another level of vibrancy to the portrait image with judicious use of vivid hues and shading. According to New York City tattoo artists most color portrait tattoos are done much for reasons that mirror portrait tattoos in general. They are commissioned to immortalize the memory of a loved one that passed. It is done as a means to remember a person the way they want them to. Expert Brooklyn, New York tattoo artists require the use of a specific photo to provide them with enough details and inspiration he needs to transfer the details on skin as intricately as possible. As mentioned above, the only style that can do justice to a color portrait tattoo is photorealism. Only through this approach can one preserve the distinctive features of the face exactly as you want to remember them.  Color portrait tattoos may also use images taken from pop culture, TV shows, movies and celebrities.

Dragon Tattoo

One of the most beautiful tattoos that you can request from a Hand of Glory tattoo artist here in Brooklyn, dragon tattoos are ethereal, spiritual and downright eye catching. Among the different mythical creatures of legend, none is revered more and been immortalized in prose, poetry and just about any other medium than the dragon.  In the world of tattoo design the dragon holds a special place as it is one of the most popular designs since tattooing began to evolve through the centuries. And like any mythical creature of legend, the dragon tattoo is steeped in imagery and symbolism. The dragon represents strength and protection, a defender of something valuable such as treasure or wealth. The dragon tattoo has different meanings between the sexes. In men it can represent power and toughness. For women wearers, the dragon suggests a strong personality and someone who values her own opinion above all others.  There are different kinds of dragon tattoos you can request from your New York tattoo artist depending on cultural affiliation. Oriental dragon tattoos are done using vivid and colorful design templates. The tattoos are usually based on the imagination and skill of the NYC tattoo artist. For the Chinese, dragon tattoos represent fertility, good fortune and compassion, which is the reason why they are the motif in Mid-Autumn and Lunar New Year celebrations.  The Japanese dragon tattoo is representative of Ryu, the legendary Japanese dragon of folklore.  It is colored using yellow, black, red and gray and its usual placement is the stomach or back. For more information on this and other tattoos don’t hesitate to ask our friendly Hand of Glory tattoo artists here in Brooklyn New York.

Geisha Tattoo

The term “geisha” literally means artist but since post WW2 Japan, the term has had some other meanings due largely in part from US soldiers looking for entertainment in an exotic war-torn land.  Geishas are known for their exquisite talent for entertaining and have elevated this to an art form. They were from a traditional standpoint, the courtesan culture of Japan.  When it comes to the tattoo, ask any New York City tattoo artist and they will tell you that no vibrant body art in human shape comes close to the geisha tattoo image.  Classically speaking she symbolizes mystery and beauty rolled into one beautiful package. Symbolically speaking she epitomizes female empowerment, mystery and intrigue. Her profession is highly specialized and sophisticated that only few people see and appreciate that it is an art form in itself. She represents something that is elusive, untouchable and frankly quite unattainable. In the same vein her symbol represents desire, dreams and aspirations.  Among the different colors she is tied to red is the most representative as it means fertility. The geisha tattoo is popular to both women and men and many view it as a true symbol of Japanese culture. For western viewers she edifies godly beauty and exotic grace. Hand of Glory offers gorgeous, intricate geisha tattoos, beautifully executed by our talented and experienced Brooklyntattoo artists.

Samurai Tattoos

The samurai is the legendary Japanese warrior bound by the honor code of Bushido. Samurai are known to be honorable legendary warriors in Japanese history and culture.  Just like any other Japanese tattoo that you can request from our experienced, professional and talented Brooklyn Hand of Glory tattoo artists, the samurai tattoo is filled with symbolism, as the he was known to exemplify bravery, discipline, duty and honor above death.  The samurai and samurai culture are inherently Japanese and having this motif on your skin may also include other elements identified with Japanese culture. Other symbols and images you can request from our New York City tattoo artists that is associated with the samurai tattoo include cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, dragons and the Japanese Katana sword, the premier weapon used by all samurai.  The sword symbolizes strength and protection and the power where all this lies comes from the samurai’s faith in values of respect, honor and duty. Samurai tattoos often represent the spirit of the warrior. It is a symbol of discipline, courage and strength. Men prefer the samurai tattoo because of its inherent masculine attributes and values that appeal mostly to men. They look great on any part of the body as long as the size fits the area. Some samurai tattoos depict battle scenes with mythical creatures and the effect is both beautiful and intimidating at the same time.

Yakuza Tattoos

The art of Japanese tattooing or Irezumi in Japan has been outlawed since the 18^th century and today, it is still taboo to wear tattoos in public due to its strong association with criminality more particularly the Japanese Yakuza. However, you can request any of the beautiful and intricate Yakuza tattoos from our Brooklyn New York Hand of Glory tattoo artists.  Yakuza tattoos do not merely signify an affiliation for a particular Japanese crime family but also reflect imagery and symbolism much like most Japanese tattoos. The full bodysuit is a classic example of a Yakuza tattoo that is a direct result of the crime culture of the group. Members are obligated to have one as a rite of passage when going up the ranks in the Yakuza. The koi fish is a popular Yakuza tattoo design that symbolizes good luck and good fortune. Japanese cultural myths believe that the humble koi fish has the ability to climb up waterfalls and therefore symbolizes a person’s degree of motivation and perseverance.  The phoenix is another popular Yakuza tattoo design that represents rebirth from the ashes. It is a popular motif for the Yakuza as it symbolizes victory against adversity, rebirth and redemption. The snake is another popular Yakuza tattoo symbol that represents good health and regeneration. In Japanese culture, the snake represents wisdom, prophecy and power. Ask any of our experienced New York City tattoo artists to learn more on how you can get one inked on your skin today.

Koi Fish Tattoos

One of the most requested ink from NYC tattoo artists, the Koi fish tattoo is symbolic and stands for a number of positive attributes such as: independence, prosperity, determination, strength, perseverance and luck.  The symbolism largely is based on Japanese cultural beliefs that puts a lot of reverence for the humble koi fish.  Aside from the symbolism, the koi fish tattoo is popular because it simply looks good. It is colorful and attractive and does tend to attract a lot of attention. Both men and women love to have this tattooed on their skin here at our Brooklyn New York Hand of Glory studio. The koi fish in itself is exuberant and lively when seen in their natural habitat. Koi fish tattoos are sometimes paired with Lotus flowers and there is plenty of symbolism behind this. Both symbols are revered in Japanese culture. One of the most popular patterns for a koi fish tattoo design involves the use of gold or a blend of silver, orange and black.  A black koi tattoo means that the wearer has overcome something or has undergone a change in their life. The blue koi fish design is popular with men as the blue color represents not just masculinity but also reproduction. Calmness and peace also represents the blue koi fish as well.

Skull Tattoos

Skull tattoos often have a bad reputation as people instantly identify this type of tattoo as something negative. The truth is, skull tattoos hold different meanings. From a traditional standpoint, skull tattoos do symbolize death but not in a grim or negative aspect. The fact that none of us can escape death and it is part of the balance of life, the skull tattoo is a representation of the acceptance of this universal truth. Skull tattoos may mean that the wearer has accepted his own mortality. Skull tattoos may also symbolize duality when partnered with another design that normally represents life such as flowers or angel wings. A popular design from our New York City tattoo artists include rose tattoos paired with the skull tattoo. The combination of which represents beauty and decay a means of accepting the good as well as the bad. Skull tattoos also represent a rebellious nature or philosophy. Historically, it is a symbol used by pirates when paired with crossbones. However, this symbol more often today refer to something toxic in nature. Skull tattoos are normally done using black and grey tones with the exception of sugar skulls. Sugar skull tattoos are done in vibrant colors and often embellished with colorful symbols like hearts and flowers.

Animal Portrait Tattoos

What better way to honor the memory of your pet than animal portrait tattoos? Like their human counterparts, animal portrait tattoos require patience, skill and a good reference image so the Brooklyn New York Hand of Glory tattoo artist can accurately transfer intricate details to your skin. Animal portrait tattoos need not be all about pets but may encompass any animal image that tickles your fancy. One of the methods used by New York City tattoo artists for animal portrait tattoos is called photorealism, which is essentially creating tattoos that looks exactly like the photograph that it is based upon. This is great for capturing intricate details of your pet such as the curves of the eyes, the shape of the whiskers and the features of the face. As a tattoo subject, animals offer a lot in terms of material as they can be personified and the overall beauty of their physical form and unique personalities can make truly inspiring portrait tattoos. Since many of us feel a kind of connection towards certain animals and somehow they can embody our own personal characteristics, make this type of tattoo a natural and popular choice. The permanence of tattoos is a good way to keep the spirit of these animals close to us in our everyday life.

Tattoos for Women

In the past, tattoos for women were mostly hidden but as norms, attitudes and beliefs changed over the years, tattooing has become more and more mainstream and we are very proud see more women expressing themselves beautifully and artfully with ink on skin. Hand of Glory here in Brooklyn New York offers hundreds of tattoo designs for women.  Tattoos are a great means of self-expression and what better way to show the world how you feel than using your body as the canvas. Tattoos can keep you motivated or serve to remind you of somebody dear.  Maybe you prefer to look at a beautifully executed tattoo design each day, something to make you smile and feel happy. Or you want it to be more hidden, something for you to see privately or with a special someone. Regardless of the reason, we have plenty tattoos for women designs to choose from. At their purest form, elegant tattoos for women are sophisticated, discreet and full of symbolic imagery. Designs may range to the simplest rose with thorns to something as elaborate as a bodysuit tattoo. Your chosen tattoo design should be unique, tells something about who you are and something you can be proud to wear over the years. Classic tattoo for women include rose tattoos on the arm, flower tattoo on the shoulder, bracelet tattoo with charms around the wrist and much more. Let Hand of Glory in Brooklyn New York help you choose the best tattoo designs for you.