Pretty in Ink!! Pt 2

In the last several years tattooing as an art form as well as a professional has exploded. Tattoos were originally something that were taboo and that most people only associated with biker gangs and old military vets. Thanks to the likes of people along the line of Kat Von D, Amy Nicoletto & Ruthless Pineda the idea of heavily tattooed women is no longer as taboo. As things progress and the generations pass tattooing has become much more widely accepted. Some people have even made careers and world records from it.

The one thing i don't agree with is how everyone and their mother are hardcore bashing on Michelle "Bombshell" McGee. Yes...what she did was wrong. Cheating on someone or assisting another in cheating is never ok or acceptable. But it seems that because of her tattoos and appearance she is getting severely outed, and it is absolutely not fair. If you disagree with someones life choices, that's fine. But some of the things being said are ridiculous. And it is obvious that her appearance is really whats fueling the fire. There's a nice big post on the site www.celebslam.celebuzz.com bashing her to no avail:

          ~"I don't know why everyone is so upset and disgusted by Bombshell -- she's just teaching the future whores of tomorrow some valuable life lessons. Lessons like it's okay to have your breasts artificially enlarged, sleep with married men, and take off your clothes for money. No, Michelle doesn't deserve the proverbial scarlet letter -- she deserves the Medal of Honor. I can't wait to go through my midlife crisis and enroll in a class at the local community college so I can hit on dumb 18-year-olds! Thanks Bombshell!"~

Female tattoos are as varied and unique as the individuality of all tattooed girls. Some of the ladies like show off their pin up girl tattoos, sparrows, sacred hearts, angel wings, butterflies, hearts and cherry blossoms. These are often popular ones but you know they are just the tip of the iceberg of the variety of female tattoos. You'll also see plenty of demons, vixens and any number of all kinds of fascinating girl tattoos. You never know what to expect but "seeing is believing".

To top it all off more and more sites have been built that focus on the modeling and beauty of tattooed girls. Playboy and Maxim can move over. They have nothing on these girls. Sites like Suicide Girls, Gods Girls, and Burning Angels idolize the tattooed female form.

As far as i'm concerned, tattoos are a personal preference. Just because you don't like skulls and spiders doesn't mean its an ugly or pointless tattoo. Yes...there are poorly done tattoos, But that is an entirely different category in itself. There is a difference between a bad tattoo and just something that you don't like. And honestly...if you don't like it...keep it to yourself. Just because a girl is all tattooed up definitely doesn't make her a bad, shady or ugly person. The people that sit back and called the tattooed community "freaks" are kind of sad. It has always been easy to just pick out the different person. The odd one out is always the easy target. Anyone who has tattoos shouldn't be concerned about concealing them because other people cant help themselves but gawk. I have tattoos. And i plan on getting many many more.

Its more difficult for a woman with tattoos to be respected and appreciated. I'm not trying to be sexist and play the "pity us" card. But women and men were not created equal. We keep fighting for it and fighting for it, but the truth is that were not. And because of that it is much harder to get someone to take a tattooed woman seriously. Its hard enough for men with tattoos to not be looked down upon. And it definitely wont be any easier or a girl. We have our gender and years of sexism working against us, but i'm ok with that. There's tons of feminist that walk around with a chip on their shoulder saying that we can do whatever a man does just the same. So if you're a girl and you're planning on getting a tattoo in a visible spot or covering yourself with a lot of them...prepare for the criticism. If you don't think you can handle the gawkers and comments...then put your tattoo in a place that is less seen or don't get one. If you do get one...more power to you. And be strong and confident in your choice of ink. Don't let someone steer you away from your decision or placement if you know it's what you want. Wear it proudly and know that it is on you forever.

 

Wear the art on your skin proudly & don't let others dictate your ink.

Girls, Girls, Girls!!! Pt 1

A beautiful girl can make you dizzy, like you've been drinking jack and coke all morning. She can make you feel high, full of the single greatest commodity know to man; ...promise. Promise of a better day, promise of a greater hope, promise of a new tomorrow. This particular aura can be found in the gait of a beautiful girl. In her smile, and in her soul. In the way she makes every rotten little thing about life seem like its gonna be okay.

Girls are a huge part of tattoos and the tattoo culture. Something that was once taboo is now way more acceptable than anyone could have ever thought. Originally i intended on this just to be about girls in tattoos, and then i sat back and really thought about it and decided to do it in 3 segments. The 1st on girls in tattoos. The 2nd on girls with tattoos. And the 3rd, and my absolute favorite...girls who do tattoos.
Girls = sex appeal. Whether we want to admit it or not....a lot of people look at girls as objects. Sorry ladies....get over it. If your boobs or butt are showing....it will be looked at. Its the way things work. So its no surprise that getting sexy and beautiful girls tattooed on you would become oh so very popular. When someone sees a beautiful girl a primal instinct kind of awakens. Its the way we were built. But putting a girl on your skin is a whole different level of devotion....

So lets start with the well know Pin-up girl tattoo. Many pin-ups were photographs of celebrities who were considered sex symbols. One of the most popular early pin-up girls was Betty Grable. Pin-up girl tattoos really flourished within the old school style of tattooing that erupted with the "Sailor Jerry" style. Very basically then a pinup girl tattoo is any tattoo that falls ino the category of having a really beautiful women incorporated into the tattoo design. Traditonally the whole body of the women was displayed in the tattoo and they were typically lying down, bent over or even in a wine glass. Whatever the pose might be it typically was in a sexy come hither type of pose with the women's face looking directly at the viewer. Very often pinup girl tattoo will go along with other symbols also. Probably the most classic is the old sailor pinup girl tattoo with an anchor. Other common add ons are good luck tattoo like dice, cards, and horseshoe.

There is also the traditional Japanese style geisha girls that a lot of people are quite fond of. Geisha are traditional, female Japanese entertainers. Singing, dancing, playing music, knowledge of history and current events, the ability to make conversation and to create an atmosphere of relaxation and entertainment are the essential skills of the geisha. Skills specific to Japanese culture would include being able to perform the tea ceremony or perhaps even being skilled at flower arrangement or calligraphy. A geisha's appearance changes throughout her career, from the girlish, heavily made-up maiko, to the more somber appearance of an older established geisha. Different hairstyles and hairpins signify different stages of a young girl’s development and even a detail as minute as the length of one’s eyebrows is significant. Short eyebrows are for the young and long eyebrows display maturity. Today, the traditional makeup of the apprentice geisha is one of their most recognizable characteristics, though established geisha generally only wear full white face makeup characteristic of maiko during special performances. The traditional makeup of an apprentice geisha features a thick white base with red lipstick and red and black accents around the eyes and eyebrows.

Day of the Dead girls are also a very common theme. The Day of the Dead or "El Dia de los Muertos" conjures up images of skeletons and graveside vigils and may seem macabre to observers from outside the culture. For those inside the festivities, though, macabre, spooky, and Halloween all miss the mark -- by quite a bit.  The living and the dead were so much a part of each other's worlds that they conversed with one another, even celebrated with one another. The goddess Mictecacíhuatl, Queen of Mictlan, who presided over the celebrations in her role as the keeper of bones. Known sometimes as the Lady of the Dead or Santa Muerte, she still makes her appearance during modern festivities at altars or on banners, and sometimes plays the role of escort to the souls of returning family members. So it is very common to see beautiful women with sugar skull face-painting on in honor of the goddess as well as their deceased loved ones. The most common Day of the Dead girls and sugar skulls are normally adorned with bright and vibrant colours.

Thats the way the cookie crumbles i guess.

So i definately have somewhat neglected this here blog, and that was never my intentions. Things got a little hectic and i dug myself into a hole and i started to feel like i couldnt get out. It was one of those lovely dark moments where you start to question yourself and wonder why youre doing what youre doing. I started to feel like the career path i chose wasnt going to go anywhere and that i should just bail and dump it. BUT  on a brighter note, that has changed. Tattooing is my life. I know ive made some mistakes and kind of strayed from where i need to be and what i need to focus on, but thats fixed. I know this post may stray a little far from the tattoos subject...and trust me, ill get right back to that. But i just hope that maybe my royal screw up could somehow enlighten someone or brighten up someone elses day a little. I know im not Ghandi or Einstein, and maybe its a little ridiculous for me to think that i have some grand words of wisdom...but here it goes;

So life is just a pile of those lessons that you learn the hard way.
Things dont always turn out the way you plan.
The person you thought you could count on will let you down.
Hearts will be broken and friends will be lost.
Most of a girls problems in life will be caused by a boy.
Everyone loses their way once and a while.
Living life in the moment can make every day that much more enjoyable.

The outlook i have, and the one that alot of people should try:
Judge me, and ill prove you wrong.
Tell me what to do, and ill tell you off.
Tell me im not worth it, and see where i end up.
Call me a bitch, and ill show you one.
Screw me over, and ill throw it back to you 10 times worse.
Call me crazy, but you really have no idea.
Im stubborn, hard headed and hard to handle, but im sweet as sugar on the inside.

That really mushy cliche list, just for good measure. And to prove that im just as mushy and girly as everyone else hahaha ...im just a little less likely to admit it.
"I want a guy who would":
...move the hair away from my eyes.
...sing to me at random moments.
...let me sleep on their chest.
...get mad at someone if they called me ugly.
...make fun of me just to make me laugh.
...throw stuffed animals at me when i did something dumb.
...telll his friends about me and smile when he did it.
...kiss me in the pouring rain.
...count stars with me.
...help me make dinner, and clean it up.
...be my best friend.

So yeah...theres my grand little insights on life, attitude, and boys. Its not super impressive, and no ones going to publish it somewhere. I know im not going to do seminars and lectures...and i definately never plan to. But i just hope it can be someones little pick me up. Thats if anyone really even reads this blog hahahaha. And if you really need some sort of impowering book to pick you up and head you in the right direction, id honestly suggest The Rules According to JWOWW. Now before anyone gets up in arms...i am not like a super huge jersey shore obsessed girl. Quite frankly, because i am from Jersey....i find some of it quite offensive. Were not all like that. Annnnd almost all of them are really from New York. But her book really is nice for any girl who needs that little guide to love, life, partying and getting a killer body....just consider it hahaha

Dont worry. I fulfilled my need to be mushy for now....back to the tattoos hahaha :D

Vampyres!

Vampyres.

Vrykolakas.

Strigoi.

Vampyres have always captured peoples attention. Whether it is their flawless beauty or the inevitable danger that they emit, it is hard not to be captivated by them...or at least the idea of them. Everyone knows of vampyres mainly from Bram Stoker's Dracula. After being released in 1897 it became the basis of almost all modern vampyre fiction. The vampyre has become a quintessential part of the horror genre in general anymore.

I cant speak for everyone, but quite frankly im sick of the whole Twilight craze. I did give it a chance, so i was fair. But come on...sparkling vampyres? No thank you Stephanie Meyer. I really cant wrap my head around why the whole vampyre lore had to be changed anyway. The background has stayed the same for hundreds of years. Then some woman comes along and decides...."No...not good enough for me." It just so happen that a whole bunch of adolescent and preteen girls fell in love with the whole "eternal love" part of the story. The worst...are the parents and adults who end up getting tattoos of Edward and Jacob. I know people love a sappy love story filled with a little danger but...really? A love triangle between an awkward little girl, a grumpy werewolf, and a sparkling girly vampire...Not digging it. Sorry kids.

If you want to get a sparkling vampire tattoo or some apple, ribbon, chess pieces, or feathery rose tattoo to pay homage to the Twilight series...go for it. Tattoos along with all body modifications are all personal preference. But when i think of vampyre tattoos i think of blood and gore. Or really pretty women with bite marks or fangs dripping blood. Thats what i see.

Werewolves!

Werewolves

From the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, man.

A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope, is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shape-shift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely, by being bitten by another werewolf, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon. Werewolves are often attributed superhuman strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves and men. The werewolf is generally held as a European character, although its lore spread through the world in later times. Shape-shifters, similar to werewolves, are common in tales from all over the world, most notably amongst the Native Americans, though most of them involve animal forms other than wolves.

Werewolves are a frequent subject of modern fictional books, although fictional werewolves have been attributed traits distinct from those of original folklore, most notably vulnerability to silver bullets. Werewolves continue to endure in modern culture and fiction, with books, films and television shows cementing the werewolf's stance as a dominant figure in horror.


Werewolves in dreams are believed to be symbols of dark transformation.  Whereas in fiction werewolves are known to be evil and wicked.  When it comes to body art werewolves are known to include all of these along with a feeling of unrestrained and raw sensuality.  It is for these reasons that werewolf tattoos are known to be very valued pieces of horror.

Most of the werewolf tattoos are on a fantasy idea.  Normally they are shown as a foul beast who stalks streets on nights illuminated by the moon.  Few of such pieces are completed in black or skin tones.  Some also are done on light blue or heavy green tones. Few werewolf tattoos are tasteless and loud. Very rarely people go in for werewolf tattoos shown as symbols instead of their true translations.  For instance they could go in for a small piece, circular in shape that resembles a metal stamp.  Such a stamp could depict pointed long ears, glowing green or red eyes and fangs.  Or then you could make an emblem that has the werewolf on one side or then the crest could have half beast and half human form.  If you have the crest you could even include symbols that further enhance the evil side of the beast or show a contrast between the evil and the good

Bad Choices..tsk tsk

In light of recent events it is hard to deny that people make bad choices and wrong decisions. Some things can be taken back, fixed, repaired or even removed. Sometimes it is not as easy as it seems to come clean about the circumstances as some people think.

Depending on the endevor or the fault called into play it can become a very pricey fix.

Especially when it comes to tattoos.

Tattoo removal has been performed with various tools during the history of tattooing. While tattoos were once considered permanent, it is now possible to remove them with treatments, fully or partially. The expense and pain of removing tattoos will typically be greater than the expense and pain of applying them. Some jurisdictions will pay for the voluntary removal of gang tattoos. Complete removal of a tattoo is based on several things. The size, location, application, age, and color of the tattoo all factor in, as well as the health of the patient and thus their body’s ability to heal. Newer tattoos are generally more difficult to remove.

Tattoos have always been a part of American mainstream culture and the last decade has seen an explosion of tattoo mania. It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo and tattooing is big business. However, in the last decade tattoo removal has become an even bigger business and it is estimated that more than 50% of individuals who have a tattoo, later regret having it and want it removed. For the past 3 decades, tattoo removal was done using unsophisticated surgery techniques, all of which left individuals with a lot of scarring. However, with the recent advances in medical technology, laser therapy has become the gold standard for removal of tattoos. Unfortunately, not all tattoos can be removed completely, but the majority can be. Tattoos are meant to be permanent and with recent ink technology and professional tattoo artists improving their skills, tattoos imprinted in the last decade are very difficult to remove. Even with the best technique, some residual scarring remains in a few cases.

Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is usually not covered by any medical insurance plans. Tattoo removal is much more expensive than tattoo placement. Laser tattoo removal can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending upon the size, type, and location of the tattoo and the number of visits required. Prior to treatment, discussing the costs of the procedure from start to finish is a great way to clarify the expense of the procedure up front.

If you have a tattoo that you wish to have partially or completely removed, you should first consider your options and decide which method might be best for you.

So do yourself a favor and think before you get a tattoo. Although we now have the means to at least somewhat remove them...you cant always undo the mistakes you have made.

ZOMBIES!!!!

Zombies.

The Walking Dead.

I love zombies. Honestly i love anything thats involved with the horror pop culture...but zombies rank pretty high on my list. Zombies in general are known as flesh eating, brain craving, infected, walking undead. Depending on who you ask or what movie youre watching or even what game youre playing...the zombies can be dumb, lifeless, stumbling idiots, or nasty, fast, angry, fierce creatures. And whats better than regular zombies? ...cute zombies.

ハローキティ, Harō Kiti.

So lets start with Hello Kitty Zombie :) The character is portrayed as a female white Japanese bobtail cat with a red bow. Well to me it looks like little miss kitty might have seen some better days.

ピカチュウ Pikachu

Heres where i nerd out a little bit. Even though we all remember Pokemon. Pikachu is an Electric type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It evolves from Pichu by happiness, and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunderstone. Pikachu is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

ゴジラ, Gojira

Godzilla is a daikaijū, a Japanese movie monster, first appearing in Ishirō Honda's 1954 film Godzilla. Since then, Godzilla has gone on to become a worldwide pop culture icon starring in 28 films. This Godzilla just happens to be a little bit cuter than the ones weve seen before. But thats the basis of custom art...taking something and making it your own.

Then there is always your traditional zombie tattoo. Not nearly as cute as the ones before it. but it is usually filled with some sort of blood and gore. And always the occasional eating of brains. The girls tend to be very pretty. I guess because deep down inside were all a little sexist. Hahaha. Guy zombies get their faces ripped off, but the girl zombies are always a bit sexy...Hmmm.

My main point is that just because you like zombies and gore doesnt mean it all has to be grimm and gross. If youre a girl, you can still do a high class zombie piece. You can add your favorite flower and maybe it a little dolled up instead of looking at brains, guts and blood on your leg, arm or where ever you decide to place you ink. You can still make it cute and show your girly side while still embracing the horror buff you have deep inside.

Happy Zombie Hunting <3 Hahaha