tattoo ideas


tattoo ideas

Cherry Tattoos - Sweet and Sexy Tattoo For Women


Cherry tattoos are very popular among women mainly because its a symbol that can express their femininity and sexuality. They can usually be seen at the sexy parts of the body such as the lower hip, lower back, shoulder blade, breast and even in the groin area.

Cherries are seen as an object of lust, fertility and desire. The deep, ripe red cherry represents the fertility of a woman and the femininity of her ways. It is a symbol of purity when still hanging upon the branch. A cherry is also a slang term for a virgin, which can be another symbolic meaning associated with the tat. The type of cherry design you choose can also alter the symbolism.

For example, the cherries with the stem still attached show freshness and innocence while flaming cherries can symbolize a burning desire and cherries with whip cream can signify sweetness. Cherry tattoos can also symbolize health and well being due to the many health benefits associated with eating cherries. The fruit has also long been said to resemble a lover's lips, and when you bite into it, the fruit gives the appearance of bleeding. Thus, there has long been an erotic connection to the fruit of the cherry tree.

However way you chose to have it inked, be it fanciful and sweet, old school or edgy, there are countless design options to choose from. You are


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Brat

Tribal American Indian Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo


Are you thinking about getting a new tribal American Indian tattoo? Read on to find out

what you need to know before you get your new ink.

The design you choose will be very important, especially because it will permanently be

inked on your body. Before actually going to the tattoo artist to get this done you need

to spend some time searching for the perfect image. Make sure that you don't just say "eh

this one is good enough". Once you see the right design you will know; there won't be any

hesitation. If this happens you will absolutely love your new tattoo and will have a big

grin on your face as you show it off to your friends.

This may seem like it will take a lot of time and effort, but in actuality it won't. You

can take an easy method and look at images on Google, but chances are it will not be

original. Most times, someone else would have already chosen one of those images that you

have found.

If you really want a nice original tattoo, limit yourself to strictly tattoo websites

that have a large database of unique designs. Most of these websites will only offer

these designs to their members only, and yes there is a fee to be a member. However, the

fee is small and it will be well worth the money. These websites can also even give

reviews of different tattoo parlors, so making your decision of where to get inked will

be made easier.

If you decide to take the time to do research on this topic, you will not regret the

tattoo that you end up with. It will be exactly what you want and you will be happy with

it.

Good luck on your new tribal American Indian tattoo!

Find more information about tribal American Indian tattoos at the Tribal Tattoos Gallery!

Visit the Tribal Tattoo Gallery now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Olmstead

Tattoos For Guys


As we look at awesome tattoos that guys might consider, We also look at the fact that they are more accepted today than in

the past. The future craze and desire for skin artwork seems to be rising as well. So there are many ideas and concepts that

we have never seen before in this untapped piece of skin artwork.

Tattoos today are not just messy, Stick you with a needle and hope for the best anymore. They have also evolved from big

hairy Bubba's in prison doing them with a single Guitar string. Everyday, There becoming more of a piece of artwork with

intriguing imagination flaring things of beauty. More color and details are being added then ever before.

There are still however Tattoos that men will want to stay away from. Never get anything that may make you look like a gang

banger or affiliate you with gangs. Also never get a tear drop under your left eye, That means that you've killed someone in

the joint. So there are still some tattoos that are considered taboo and should not be considered as wholesome or nice.

Tattoo ideas for Men:

1. Tiger tatty's are always a favorite and can be very colorful and brilliantly designed.

2. Dragon Tattoos are also among some of the favorites that men often will get, These are great if they are designed well.

3. Tribal designs are also a favorite if they are original and often done right.

4. Meaningful initials done in a tasteful way. These can make a nice tattoo with meaning.

5. Cross Tattoos are also a nice way to go.

6. Celtic Skin designs are among some of the favorites.

But then there are some beautiful and great designs coming out on the canvas that we know as skin and the body.

Just be sure to get a Tattoo that is both tasteful and a piece of art.

Also, If this is your first Tattoo remember there may be some pain involved. But when you see the beautiful design that you

took care in making. It will all be worth it in the long run. Like the old saying Say's "No pain, No gain." The only thing

that now will limit you is your own imagination.

What you will need to help you Pick the Right Tattoo
Tattoo Software for creation, All you have to say is Just Tattoos and Design

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Tiffany_Williams

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind the Lotus Flower Tattoo


Lotus flowers are amazing and have strong symbolic ties to many Asian religions especially throughout India. The lotus flower

starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly grows up towards the waters surface

continually moving towards the light. Once it come to the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn

into a beautiful flower.

Within Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus flower has become a symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life. The meaning

varies slightly between the two religions of course but essentially both religious traditions place importance on the lotus

flower.

In modern times the meaning of a lotus flower tattoo ties into it's religious symbolism and meaning. Most tattoo enthusiast

feel that the a lotus tattoo represent life in general. As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great

beauty people also grow and change into something more beautiful (hopefully!). So the symbol represent the struggle of life

at its most basic form.

Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who have gone through a hard time and are now coming out of it. Like the

flower they have been at the bottom in the muddy, yucky dirty bottom of the pond but have risen above this to display an

object of beauty or al ife of beauty as the case might be. Thus a lotus flower tattoo or blossom can also represent a hard

time in life that has been overcome.

Lotus flower and peonies are also two flowers that are very popular among Japanese tattoo artists and they make a great

compliment to Koi Fish tattoos. Ironically enough the two koi fish and lotus flowers can often be found in the same pond in

front of a temple. The Koi fish is a symbol typically for strength and individualism.

Chris is an avid tattoo enthusiast, as well as an observer and writer of the tattoo scene. He has run numerous tattoo related

website business in the past. However, now he provides great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for

everyone to enjoy free. Check out this page for more on tattoo sleeve designs, or here for awesome Free Star Tattoo Designs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Ryerson

Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Artist Matt Griffith

Peeking into Matt Griffith's tattoo and painting portfolio is an enchanting endeavor, because he has the ability to take cartoonish, colorful characters and weave them into a world mixed with macabre ghoulishness, without missing a beat.

Matt has a knack for taking a client's idea and transforming it into a memorable, vibrant piece; while always leaving a touch of his signature flair to remember him by. From Mario Bros characters to animal portraiture; insect/ nature themes to Einstein caricatures, Matt is well-versed in many genres of the tattoo spectrum.

As owner of 2 Dollar Pistol Tattoo Shop in Chillicothe, Ohio, this busy dad and husband runs a successful business, while keeping his tattoo chair hopping and still finds time to paint with his talented wife, Abril.

I have been lucky enough to be close friends with Matt for many years now and can assure you that if you are fortunate enough to collect his tattoo work, you will also be pleasantly surprised to meet one of the nicest guys around. Matt is a true gem and it was a pleasure to get to talk to this dedicated artist about several aspects of his life.

Jinxi's Interview With Tattoo Artist Matt Griffith

Peeking into Matt Griffith's tattoo and painting portfolio is an enchanting endeavor, because he has the ability to take cartoonish, colorful characters and weave them into a world mixed with macabre ghoulishness, without missing a beat.

Matt has a knack for taking a client's idea and transforming it into a memorable, vibrant piece; while always leaving a touch of his signature flair to remember him by. From Mario Bros characters to animal portraiture; insect/ nature themes to Einstein caricatures, Matt is well-versed in many genres of the tattoo spectrum.

As owner of 2 Dollar Pistol Tattoo Shop in Chillicothe, Ohio, this busy dad and husband runs a successful business, while keeping his tattoo chair hopping and still finds time to paint with his talented wife, Abril.

I have been lucky enough to be close friends with Matt for many years now and can assure you that if you are fortunate enough to collect his tattoo work, you will also be pleasantly surprised to meet one of the nicest guys around. Matt is a true gem and it was a pleasure to get to talk to this dedicated artist about several aspects of his life.

The Case for Dragon Tattoo Designs

Dragon tattoo designs are a creature much revered. On one hand, the Eastern dragon is understood to represent the characteristics of courage, honor, and strength. Seen as divine protectors, Eastern dragons are also esteemed as bearers of essential life water and life sustainers. On the other hand, Western dragons are viewed as the evil counterpart of the Eastern dragon. The freedom of using dragon art for tattoo designs is beneficial for both the one who is getting a tattoo and the one who is inking the design.


Dragons are a favorite design among tattoo artists because of the variety afforded to them. Design, detail, and coloration are all aesthetic liberties that the artist can take with dragon tattoos, and these tattoos also look great on the skin, wrapping around various parts of the body.

The Case for Dragon Tattoo Designs

Dragon tattoo designs are a creature much revered. On one hand, the Eastern dragon is understood to represent the characteristics of courage, honor, and strength. Seen as divine protectors, Eastern dragons are also esteemed as bearers of essential life water and life sustainers. On the other hand, Western dragons are viewed as the evil counterpart of the Eastern dragon. The freedom of using dragon art for tattoo designs is beneficial for both the one who is getting a tattoo and the one who is inking the design.


Dragons are a favorite design among tattoo artists because of the variety afforded to them. Design, detail, and coloration are all aesthetic liberties that the artist can take with dragon tattoos, and these tattoos also look great on the skin, wrapping around various parts of the body.

Tattoo artist Friday Jones

Tattoo artist Friday Jones attends the opening of her Friday Jones Fifth Ave. Tattoo Studio at Senses NY Salon & Spa in New York City.

Tattoo artist Friday Jones

Tattoo artist Friday Jones attends the opening of her Friday Jones Fifth Ave. Tattoo Studio at Senses NY Salon & Spa in New York City.

Tattoo Artist Genaro David Gallegos Brass Knuckles

Tattoo Artist Genaro David Gallegos Brass Knuckles

Tattoo Artist Moto Clube Faro

Tattoo Artist Moto Clube Faro

Tattoo - Flower Designs



With so many floral species to choose between, with tattoo flower designs, it can be a rather daunting task to decide on the one that you feel is right for you. Also, you may be pondering over whether or not a sole flower is right, or if a chain or group of flowers is best.

Whatever you decide to opt for, in the end, one thing you can always pretty much guarantee with flower tattoo designs is the fact that the finished piece is likely to be extremely colorful and very eye-catching.Mother Nature has spent a lot of time crafting these amazing plants and they will look wonderful when they are recreated on the body.

In nature itself, there are flowers that are available to capture any type of color that appeals to you. Whether it is the deep-red rose, or the more subtle white and yellow of the daisy; talented tattoo artists should be able to bring these alive for you in your ultimate tattoo piece.

It is probably fair to say that flower tattoo designs are usually more preferred among the ladies. This is because they provide the ultimate statement of femininity and the designs will look exceptionally tasteful, elegant and pretty.

Men do plug for flower tattoo designs and roses have always been a very common choice. Often such flowers will be accompanied by other symbols or emblems and the man usually goes for the rose as a statement of love towards someone special in his life.

I have even noticed a lot of men incorporate flower tattoo designs into fully sleeved tattoos and this actually looks highly effective. With plenty of green foliage in between the flowers themselves, this type of design will actually look far more masculine and makes for an awesome piece.

Women would not usually go as far as a full tattooed sleeve and instead, they tend to prefer to locate flower tattoo designs on parts of the body that are going to add to the elegance and daintiness of the piece. With this in mind, the top and bottom areas of the back do look absolutely great and for a long flower tattoo design, this looks amazing when it ventures down the length of the spine.

With floral chains, this can look particularly pretty when it graces the ankle area or even the top of the arm. Small and colorful designs also look at home when they are crafted at the top of the chest, but don't go overboard in this area and keep things subtle.

Flower tattoo designs popularity shows absolutely no signs of waning any time soon. In fact, they are being selected more and more by avid body art enthusiasts. These designs can be especially intricate, therefore make sure you select the right tattooist for the job. Don't be afraid to discuss adding other details or even taking some away.

Paula Ribeiro invites you to take a look at the webpage of this website http://www.tattooaccess.com/chopper-tattoo-review/ to learn how it's possible to choose high quality tattoo designs.Between so many ideas for tattoos that there are, to choose the right one is not always an easy task, even when they are so popular like flower designs.To choose tattoo flower designs, click on the following link: http://www.tattooaccess.com/flower-tattoo-designs/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Ribeiro

Vegas wins with tattoos for soccer moms


Tattoo artist Mario Barth was expecting a huge number of people, perhaps as many as 25,000, to attend the convention he organized for this past weekend at the plush casino Mandalay Bay (the resort connected to a Four Seasons).


Mandalay Bay is not coincidentally where Barth opened an outpost of his own Starlight Tattoo chain last year. So bringing his annual tattoo convention to Vegas (in the past New Jersey was home to the gathering) was a natural to move. Expecting bigger numbers in Vegas than he had in Jersey, Barth optimistically billed the convention as the “The Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth.” When it ended, official announced attendance in fact topped out at 40,000. Barth is hoping to get the convention certified as the largest ever by Guinness.

Barth wants everyone who still thinks of tattoos as primarily the domain of subcultures like bikers, sailors and Gothed-out punk rockers to know things have changed. “For 30 years we have been trying to go mainstream, and that has finally happened where people know this as an art. And the number of people in the general public getting tattoos is enormous,” Barth says.

That was the main driver to deciding to both open his first shop outside New Jersey and bringing his convention from Jersey to Mandalay Bay. “The past five years the numbers have become so big for both tattooing and the convention that New Jersey was maxed out. We had to bring it to Vegas to get it to the next level: more credibility, more exposure and a place where the general public feels secure.” Barth says. “Now it is everyone who wants a tattoo. It is no longer a subculture where you have to be a biker. Our main tattoo customer in Vegas is a soccer mom. It is seen now as individual expression and fashion. The buyer is the general public. ”

John Huntington, who owns what is currently called Huntington Ink at the Palms, which opened under another name in 2004 and was the first tattoo parlor in a casino in Vegas, agrees with Barth’s timeline crediting the television reality show “Inked” on A&E that covered his planned parlor and incipient dramas (and the subsequent name changes) from 2004 to '07. “I think the TV show really helped. The demographic changed so much since the show hit. My first customer this morning was a 69-year-old lady who loved the show. I made a place comfortable for everyone that looked high-end and cool. That is what the clientele at the Palms wanted to see. That is what the country wanted to see.” And Huntington thinks casino executives noticed something else about the business from his television show: “Tattoo shops make a lot of money, and that was something people saw on the show. We have incredible profit margins, and the recession hasn’t hurt us one bit.”

There are tattoo parlors in Vegas casinos ranging from the Hard Rock to O’Shea’s. Two shops are owned by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil, who opened his first parlor on the Strip four years ago. Neil also sees Vegas as the perfect stage to present tattooing to mainstream America. “Our main customers are not necessarily Motley Crue fans. It is everyone who walks down the Strip, which is everyone.” Not that celebrity doesn’t play a part in what is driving the mainstream acceptance of tattooing. And Neil isn’t the only celebrity connected to a tattoo parlor in Vegas. Chester Bennington of the band Linkin Park is partner in a tattoo parlor that opened at Planet Hollywood’s mall this year. Neil says, “Every celebrity on TMZ and everyone on a reality show has a tattoo, and everyone else mimics their idols.” Neil says he plans to open more tattoo parlors around the country.

And while Huntinging credits the cable show with having pushed things along, he admits he had already seen the change coming in 2004. “The stigma was already gone. I was seeing tattoos on all the girls and all the guys I know. And I wanted to be the first one on the bandwagon.”

Barth thinks there is another reason tattoo parlors and casinos have proven such a good fit: “People know casinos are safe. We built it very open to fit in Mandalay Bay. There are no closed doors. The soccer mom can feel at every moment safe, secure and in a healthy environment.”

Barth plans to open his next project in Vegas at the Mirage by New Year’s Eve. “We are building the highest-end studio ever built. It looks like a baroque castle.” And in the Vegas Mannerist tradition this will not be a mere tattoo parlor but a mix of a tattoo parlor and what he calls an ultralounge. “You can go in hang out, have drink and get a tattoo. It is a great concept.”

And as the ultralounge name suggests, tattooing has gone not only mainstream but has surprisingly developed a luxury niche. Barth, for example, has a two-year waiting list for clients who pay a minimum of $10,000 up to where some of his work he can command hundreds of thousands of dollars to perform. “They are buying a Mario Barth. Ninety percent of my customers you would call luxury customers. They are buying on the name. They are not buying a tattoo anymore. They are buying a piece of art. It is very exclusive, and they know it. CEOs reach out to us.”

In fact, accompanying Barth one day on the floor of the convention was friend and client Sylvester Stallone. He noted that the day before he had done work on singer Usher. Tommy Lee is another friend and client. “Tattoos take time to do. You talk a lot. It is like with a hair dresser. You get to know people.”

Osaka tattoo artist


'There are tattoos that you can show and ones that you should hide," says Shura, an Osaka tattoo artist. "Traditional tattoos are only OK to show at festivals, certain public baths and during fights.

"The cute, fashionable ones, they are OK to show whenever."

That sentiment is now well established in a country that has long felt conflicted about tattoos, often revealing its feelings in officially sanctioned public prejudice.

In many ways, women are leading the way. Tattoos on starlets such as Namie Amuro and Ayumi Hamasaki are thought of as stylish by a younger, pop culture- hungry generation, while overseas fashion trends have made "getting ink" much less of a radical lifestyle choice.

Osaka tattoo artist


'There are tattoos that you can show and ones that you should hide," says Shura, an Osaka tattoo artist. "Traditional tattoos are only OK to show at festivals, certain public baths and during fights.

"The cute, fashionable ones, they are OK to show whenever."

That sentiment is now well established in a country that has long felt conflicted about tattoos, often revealing its feelings in officially sanctioned public prejudice.

In many ways, women are leading the way. Tattoos on starlets such as Namie Amuro and Ayumi Hamasaki are thought of as stylish by a younger, pop culture- hungry generation, while overseas fashion trends have made "getting ink" much less of a radical lifestyle choice.

Tattoo artist Kat Von D

Tattoo artist Kat Von D arrive at the 2008 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on November 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California

Tattoo artist Kat Von D

Tattoo artist Kat Von D arrive at the 2008 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on November 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California

The Godmother of Tattoo

Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand is regarded as the pioneer in the art of tattoo in America, with the longest career of any female in the arena.

Recently named one of the top 10 American tattoo artists by AOL, Kate says the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since. Currently in Texas, Kate does a lot of traveling to shows and for personal clients, saying, "I have a huge body of unfinished work out there." Get inked by Kate once, and you'll need her back for more. And she's had her share of celebrity clients (Kate with Howard Stern, top image).

The Godmother of Tattoo

Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand is regarded as the pioneer in the art of tattoo in America, with the longest career of any female in the arena.

Recently named one of the top 10 American tattoo artists by AOL, Kate says the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since. Currently in Texas, Kate does a lot of traveling to shows and for personal clients, saying, "I have a huge body of unfinished work out there." Get inked by Kate once, and you'll need her back for more. And she's had her share of celebrity clients (Kate with Howard Stern, top image).

Spring 2010 MBFW

Actors Leonor Varela, Eric Balfour, and Tattoo artist Kat Von D attend the G Star Spring 2010 fashion show at Hammerstein Ballroom on September 15, 2009 in New York, New York.

Spring 2010 MBFW

Actors Leonor Varela, Eric Balfour, and Tattoo artist Kat Von D attend the G Star Spring 2010 fashion show at Hammerstein Ballroom on September 15, 2009 in New York, New York.

Mike Monsoor Tattoo

Mike Monsoor Tattoo

Lorenzo Mata Tattoo

“This is a praying hands and a cross and it says, ‘Only God Can Judge Me’ and it has my mom’s name in the middle. And this one’s an Aztec warrior with some pyramids that actually got added to it. It kind of represents me.

A lot of people talk smack about me and judge me and they don’t even know me. It’s my mom – she’s always been there for me and is still there for me. The cross and the praying hands – just praying for everything that she’s always done because of hard times and everything. ... I got (the tattoo) for my mom. She would always pray for me. I do it all for her.

I’m Mexican and the Aztec warrior – I’m like a warrior on the court and I do whatever it takes to win. ... Aztec warriors, they did everything for their people and I’m doing everything for me and my people – the Mexican people – another role model for them to look up to.

I got this one (of the hands and cross) last summer. And (the Aztec warrior tattoo) I got last summer and I just added the pyramids two weeks ago.

(The warrior tattoo) took five and a half hours because of a lot of detail. Obviously it does hurt. Once you start doing it, it goes numb for awhile. I’m just on my Sidekick the whole time trying to keep my mind off it.

The first (tattoo), my mom was kind of mad but then she was like, ‘Whatever.’ Then she kind of liked it. Then the (warrior tattoo), and it was two weeks, and my mom didn’t know I had it. After that I was like, ‘Might as well just show it to her,’ so I showed it to her. She was mad, obviously. I can’t take them off.

When I got (the first) one, coach Howland, he sounded surprised I got a tattoo. But then he was like, ‘Oh, it’s for your mom.’ Then I got this one and he was like, ‘How many more are you going to get?’ I’m still planning on getting a couple more this summer.

I want to get my initials somewhere and I want to get my other arm. I don’t want to get anything down here (on my forearms). Not yet. Not until I make some money. So when I make some money, I’ll get some down here. Something like a half-sleeve. My mom wouldn’t really like (a full-sleeve tattoo). It kind of hurts. I almost cried when I got it.”

Lorenzo Mata Tattoo

“This is a praying hands and a cross and it says, ‘Only God Can Judge Me’ and it has my mom’s name in the middle. And this one’s an Aztec warrior with some pyramids that actually got added to it. It kind of represents me.

A lot of people talk smack about me and judge me and they don’t even know me. It’s my mom – she’s always been there for me and is still there for me. The cross and the praying hands – just praying for everything that she’s always done because of hard times and everything. ... I got (the tattoo) for my mom. She would always pray for me. I do it all for her.

I’m Mexican and the Aztec warrior – I’m like a warrior on the court and I do whatever it takes to win. ... Aztec warriors, they did everything for their people and I’m doing everything for me and my people – the Mexican people – another role model for them to look up to.

I got this one (of the hands and cross) last summer. And (the Aztec warrior tattoo) I got last summer and I just added the pyramids two weeks ago.

(The warrior tattoo) took five and a half hours because of a lot of detail. Obviously it does hurt. Once you start doing it, it goes numb for awhile. I’m just on my Sidekick the whole time trying to keep my mind off it.

The first (tattoo), my mom was kind of mad but then she was like, ‘Whatever.’ Then she kind of liked it. Then the (warrior tattoo), and it was two weeks, and my mom didn’t know I had it. After that I was like, ‘Might as well just show it to her,’ so I showed it to her. She was mad, obviously. I can’t take them off.

When I got (the first) one, coach Howland, he sounded surprised I got a tattoo. But then he was like, ‘Oh, it’s for your mom.’ Then I got this one and he was like, ‘How many more are you going to get?’ I’m still planning on getting a couple more this summer.

I want to get my initials somewhere and I want to get my other arm. I don’t want to get anything down here (on my forearms). Not yet. Not until I make some money. So when I make some money, I’ll get some down here. Something like a half-sleeve. My mom wouldn’t really like (a full-sleeve tattoo). It kind of hurts. I almost cried when I got it.”

Brigham Harwell Tattoo

“I have two tattoos with the Bruin ‘B’ on my left arm and then my last name ‘Harwell’ on my right arm. But the Bruin B, it means a lot to me.

Well, out of high school I wanted my last name because I’m sort of a family person. (In the Harwell family) we’re all loved and we’re all together and everything.

And then the Bruin B tattoo has so much meaning to it. It’s a Bruin B, then there’s two little Bs inside of it, which is for my two little brothers, Brent and Byron. We’ve been through so much. I can go on and on about the struggles we went through, growing up and everything. They’ve been my biggest fans throughout high school, throughout college. They go to all my home games. I love them like their my kids and everything. As I get older I want them to live with me. So they mean a lot to me. They’re 17 and 16.

‘Harwell’ I got in high school. The Bruin B I got my sophomore year after the season. I got it because I’d been wanting to get it for a long time: the shape of the Bruin B. Coming to UCLA was a blessing. Coming from my background, none of my family got the chance to go to a university. So being able to come to a university, playing for UCLA, staying close to home – I love it here. I’m a senior next year, so the time is ticking, but I had a great time here. UCLA, this program, coach Dorrell, everybody – it means a lot to me.

‘Harwell’ – really no reactions (to that tattoo). But my Bruin B: Every time we have fans come out or whatever, they go, ‘Damn, that’s a big B!’ You hear kids going, ‘Mommy, look at his arm!’ You get a lot of people saying, ‘Wow, that’s nice.’ And you hear people in the background, ‘I’m gonna get that too.’ It’s funny and everything, but I like it. You get a lot people walking around that are like, ‘Damn, did it hurt?’ or ‘Wow, that’s big.’

Brigham Harwell Tattoo

“I have two tattoos with the Bruin ‘B’ on my left arm and then my last name ‘Harwell’ on my right arm. But the Bruin B, it means a lot to me.

Well, out of high school I wanted my last name because I’m sort of a family person. (In the Harwell family) we’re all loved and we’re all together and everything.

And then the Bruin B tattoo has so much meaning to it. It’s a Bruin B, then there’s two little Bs inside of it, which is for my two little brothers, Brent and Byron. We’ve been through so much. I can go on and on about the struggles we went through, growing up and everything. They’ve been my biggest fans throughout high school, throughout college. They go to all my home games. I love them like their my kids and everything. As I get older I want them to live with me. So they mean a lot to me. They’re 17 and 16.

‘Harwell’ I got in high school. The Bruin B I got my sophomore year after the season. I got it because I’d been wanting to get it for a long time: the shape of the Bruin B. Coming to UCLA was a blessing. Coming from my background, none of my family got the chance to go to a university. So being able to come to a university, playing for UCLA, staying close to home – I love it here. I’m a senior next year, so the time is ticking, but I had a great time here. UCLA, this program, coach Dorrell, everybody – it means a lot to me.

‘Harwell’ – really no reactions (to that tattoo). But my Bruin B: Every time we have fans come out or whatever, they go, ‘Damn, that’s a big B!’ You hear kids going, ‘Mommy, look at his arm!’ You get a lot of people saying, ‘Wow, that’s nice.’ And you hear people in the background, ‘I’m gonna get that too.’ It’s funny and everything, but I like it. You get a lot people walking around that are like, ‘Damn, did it hurt?’ or ‘Wow, that’s big.’

Mike Zaher Tattoo

“It’s kind of crazy: My brother (Joe) and I were talking, maybe a month or a couple months before his death. Another player had passed away, Greg Griffin, who was a big-time soccer player over at Furman. He got in a car accident and died. We both knew him from our respective national teams.

When he passed away, it was kind of a shock. (Joe and I) had a kind of serious conversation: ‘Hey, if something ever happened to you, I’d get (a) tattoo.’ We had a random conversation and low and behold, he passed away (after a car accident) a couple months later.

I ended up telling my mom, ‘(Joe and I) had this conversation and I’d really like to get a tattoo on my back.’

We discussed where (on my body) to get the tattoo, me and my brother. I wanted it to be in a place that was for me. Not that I have anything against tats on your arms or on places that are exposed, but it was for me. And only the people I feel need to see it can see it. It signifies he’s got my back. He’s on my back, there with me, supporting me.

It says ‘Joe ... Heaven’s All-Star ... Brothers Forever.’

We had a ritual when we used to play together in high school. We always wore wristbands around our forearms and we wrote in ‘Zaher Brothers’ around the wristband. And anytime one of us scored ... we would run up to each other in celebration and we’d hit wrists.

It came to me and I thought, ‘I really would like to get my hand and his hand.’ You know his is the one with the jewelry on it because he used to wear all the jewelry. I had his hand and my hand hitting to signify what we used to do.

My mom was there with me. She was totally supportive as long as it was something that I could live with for the rest of my life, which obviously she knew it was. She actually sat there with me for the two and a half hours that it took to get it. There’s a lot of detail. It’s our arms crossing and then in the background it has clouds and sun rays coming through. She has a tattoo on her ankle now. It says, ‘Forever 5,’ with a heart around it, for her five children.”

Mike Zaher Tattoo

“It’s kind of crazy: My brother (Joe) and I were talking, maybe a month or a couple months before his death. Another player had passed away, Greg Griffin, who was a big-time soccer player over at Furman. He got in a car accident and died. We both knew him from our respective national teams.

When he passed away, it was kind of a shock. (Joe and I) had a kind of serious conversation: ‘Hey, if something ever happened to you, I’d get (a) tattoo.’ We had a random conversation and low and behold, he passed away (after a car accident) a couple months later.

I ended up telling my mom, ‘(Joe and I) had this conversation and I’d really like to get a tattoo on my back.’

We discussed where (on my body) to get the tattoo, me and my brother. I wanted it to be in a place that was for me. Not that I have anything against tats on your arms or on places that are exposed, but it was for me. And only the people I feel need to see it can see it. It signifies he’s got my back. He’s on my back, there with me, supporting me.

It says ‘Joe ... Heaven’s All-Star ... Brothers Forever.’

We had a ritual when we used to play together in high school. We always wore wristbands around our forearms and we wrote in ‘Zaher Brothers’ around the wristband. And anytime one of us scored ... we would run up to each other in celebration and we’d hit wrists.

It came to me and I thought, ‘I really would like to get my hand and his hand.’ You know his is the one with the jewelry on it because he used to wear all the jewelry. I had his hand and my hand hitting to signify what we used to do.

My mom was there with me. She was totally supportive as long as it was something that I could live with for the rest of my life, which obviously she knew it was. She actually sat there with me for the two and a half hours that it took to get it. There’s a lot of detail. It’s our arms crossing and then in the background it has clouds and sun rays coming through. She has a tattoo on her ankle now. It says, ‘Forever 5,’ with a heart around it, for her five children.”

Bruce Davis Tattoo


“This (on my left arm) is actually done by a well-known tattoo artist. I went to him because I had to cover some stuff up under here, so I went to him and was like, ‘What can we put over it and what do you think would look the best?’ I just totally trusted his judgment just because he’s such a great artist. He’s done work on some of my other teammates like Eric McNeal. He’s done all his tattoos. So that’s how I found out about him, and he came up with this (tattoo on my left arm) and I loved it.

Then this (on my left arm), I got this when I was 16. It means ‘Fear No Man’ (in Chinese). And this (on my right wrist) is the initials of me and my brother and my sister, and it’s our birthday. I’m close with my brother and my sister so eventually they’re all going get this too. So it’s kind of like a family thing. ...

(The one on my left arm) I got about a year ago. This (tattoo of Chinese symbols) I’ve had for three years now. And this one (of my siblings) I got a couple months ago. ...

(The one on my left arm) took nine hours. I had to go to two sessions and I’m not done yet. I still got another four hours to go. He’s got to cover the whole back of my arm too. It takes a long time and when it takes a long time like that sometimes he goes over spots he’s already done and it hurts. But I mean, it’s not that bad. Once you get started, and once you get 30 minutes under your belt, then it kind of goes numb. It’s not too bad. ... I just turn my iPod up as loud as it goes and that’s it. ...

Bruce Davis Tattoo


“This (on my left arm) is actually done by a well-known tattoo artist. I went to him because I had to cover some stuff up under here, so I went to him and was like, ‘What can we put over it and what do you think would look the best?’ I just totally trusted his judgment just because he’s such a great artist. He’s done work on some of my other teammates like Eric McNeal. He’s done all his tattoos. So that’s how I found out about him, and he came up with this (tattoo on my left arm) and I loved it.

Then this (on my left arm), I got this when I was 16. It means ‘Fear No Man’ (in Chinese). And this (on my right wrist) is the initials of me and my brother and my sister, and it’s our birthday. I’m close with my brother and my sister so eventually they’re all going get this too. So it’s kind of like a family thing. ...

(The one on my left arm) I got about a year ago. This (tattoo of Chinese symbols) I’ve had for three years now. And this one (of my siblings) I got a couple months ago. ...

(The one on my left arm) took nine hours. I had to go to two sessions and I’m not done yet. I still got another four hours to go. He’s got to cover the whole back of my arm too. It takes a long time and when it takes a long time like that sometimes he goes over spots he’s already done and it hurts. But I mean, it’s not that bad. Once you get started, and once you get 30 minutes under your belt, then it kind of goes numb. It’s not too bad. ... I just turn my iPod up as loud as it goes and that’s it. ...

Tattooed Footballers

He has a tattoo of ‘Japanese women’ across his back as well as other tattoos on his arms. And it’s not only the boys that are getting covered in tattoos. American soccer player Natasha Kai has a whole arm of tattoos as well as tattoos on her back and torso.

Tattooed Footballers

He has a tattoo of ‘Japanese women’ across his back as well as other tattoos on his arms. And it’s not only the boys that are getting covered in tattoos. American soccer player Natasha Kai has a whole arm of tattoos as well as tattoos on her back and torso.

Christian Vieri Tattoo

He has a collection of Chinese symbols on his right arm. He got them for the aesthetic pleasure however was pleased to find out they meant thunder, perseverance and power.

Christian Vieri Tattoo

He has a collection of Chinese symbols on his right arm. He got them for the aesthetic pleasure however was pleased to find out they meant thunder, perseverance and power.

Stephen Ireland Tattoo

He has a pair of giant wings on his back. Enough said.

Stephen Ireland Tattoo

He has a pair of giant wings on his back. Enough said.

Fabio Cannavaro Tattoo

He has various tattoos on his body. On the inside of his upper right arm, he has written his daughters name Andrea. On the outside of his arm he has a tattoo of a warrior, perhaps what he thinks of himself. On his right forearm there is a tattoo saying Daniela his wife and on his upper back, there is a tattoo with Chinese characters. On the lower back there is a tattoo saying Christian his son. On his right leg, he has a tattoo of the sun.

Fabio Cannavaro Tattoo

He has various tattoos on his body. On the inside of his upper right arm, he has written his daughters name Andrea. On the outside of his arm he has a tattoo of a warrior, perhaps what he thinks of himself. On his right forearm there is a tattoo saying Daniela his wife and on his upper back, there is a tattoo with Chinese characters. On the lower back there is a tattoo saying Christian his son. On his right leg, he has a tattoo of the sun.

Fernando Torres Tattoo

Torres has three prominent tattoos. He has the number nine tattooed on his right arm which is obviously his shirt number for the Spanish national team, Liverpool FC and formerly Atlético Madrid. On his left arm he has his name ‘Fernando’ tattooed in tengwar which is the made up language used by Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings. He is obviously a big fan of the books. He also has a tattoo on the bottom of his right leg with the date 7/7/2001 in Latin. No one is quite sure what the date is although there is speculation that it was the first date with his childhood sweetheart.

Fernando Torres Tattoo

Torres has three prominent tattoos. He has the number nine tattooed on his right arm which is obviously his shirt number for the Spanish national team, Liverpool FC and formerly Atlético Madrid. On his left arm he has his name ‘Fernando’ tattooed in tengwar which is the made up language used by Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings. He is obviously a big fan of the books. He also has a tattoo on the bottom of his right leg with the date 7/7/2001 in Latin. No one is quite sure what the date is although there is speculation that it was the first date with his childhood sweetheart.

Marco Materazzi Tattoo

He has tattoos on much of the top half of his body including wings on his back and his wife and daughters names. He also has the world cup trophy on his left thigh and his wife Daniela has a matching tattoo on her right arm proving that tattoos are a family affair for Materazzi.

Marco Materazzi Tattoo

He has tattoos on much of the top half of his body including wings on his back and his wife and daughters names. He also has the world cup trophy on his left thigh and his wife Daniela has a matching tattoo on her right arm proving that tattoos are a family affair for Materazzi.

Djibril Cisse Tattoo

His first tattoo was of a very manly rose on his chest, now he has wings on his backs and his daughters name on his neck. Although he has admitted that getting tattoos “really hurts”.

Djibril Cisse Tattoo

His first tattoo was of a very manly rose on his chest, now he has wings on his backs and his daughters name on his neck. Although he has admitted that getting tattoos “really hurts”.

David Beckham Tattooed

Many say that David Beckham has lead the way to the new generation tattooed footballers.
Beckham’s tattoo obsession started with the birth of his first son Brooklyn when he had his name tattooed across his back. Now he has all three sons names tattooed on his back and his wife’s name on his arm in Hindu. He has a number of tattoos including number seven in Roman numerals inked on his arm referring to his Manchester united and England number. All of Beckham’s tattoo art has been done by Manchester tattoo artist Louis Malloy.