From the Sanskrit for ‘circle’, mandala is the term used to describe beautiful circle designs.  A circle is a symbol of unity, eternity, perfection and completeness and it is an important symbol in all cultures.  The basic mandala form consists of a four gated square within which is a circle with a defined centre point.  Mandalas have a spiritual and ritual significance in many eastern cultures, especially Buddhism.  They can be used to focus the mind in order to achieve deep meditation or assist in promoting a state of deep trance which allows for one to access the deepest levels of the consciousness in order to experience a sense of unity with the universe.  In more modern usage a mandala is often referred to as being any geometric pattern that is a reflection of the cosmos.  It is an illustrated form of expressionism that has existed for centuries across all art forms.

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A future in body art is not something that any school or college career officer will actively promote.  It can therefore be difficult to find the information needed in order to get yourself on the right career path.

Qualifications

Tattoo artist training is usually done via an apprenticeship which can last for around 2 to 3 years.  This means that you will need approach some artists directly, and ask them if they are willing to take on an apprentice.  To gain an apprentice position a potential employer will need to see proof that you have some creative ability, so have a portfolio of design work available to show.  Artists come from all kinds of backgrounds so any artistic experience would be good, whether it is in the form of graphic novel design or another genre.

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The creation and display of tattoos within a prison environment is often used to signify gang membership or advertise an inmate’s standing within the criminal community.  Used as a form of code amongst inmates they are often filled with hidden meanings and symbols.  Because of the information that can be relayed in a tattoo the law enforcement services have compiled an extensive prison tattoo database.  Tattooing in prison is not an ideal environment as the artists often lack proper equipment or any form of sterilisation for the tools that they do have, making having one a risk to a recipient’s health.  The act of providing or receiving a prison tattoo also carries with it the risk of further punishment if caught.

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Rites of passage differ between cultures; they traditionally mark the transition of a person from one state of being to another.  Often marking out life’s milestones like puberty and marriage, such rites illustrate the values and beliefs that are held as important within a culture.  The tattoo has been used throughout history to mark such life changing occasions.  Mummified remains have been discovered all over the world with still visible, highly detailed tattoos which have enabled anthropologists to map out social hierarchies and tribal life across the centuries.

Filipino Tattoos

When Spanish explorers discovered the Philippine Islands they named them “La Isla de Los Pintados”, which means the “Islands of the Painted Ones”.  In the Philippines tattoos were seen as marks of status and high rank.  The ink on the chests and heads of the tribesmen marked their standing as great warriors.  The women wore intricate tattoos on their arms and wrists, others on their chests as marks of beautification.  In both sexes though tattoos were earned for accomplishments and marked the passage of their lives from one state of existence to the next.

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It appears that the mystery surrounding Madonna only grows when it comes to her tattoos.  It’s the one thing even Google can’t find a straight answer for, though every celebrity tattoo blogger seems to think they know.  Madonna is a woman all her own; one that no one else ever can or will come close to, no matter how hard they try.  The only thing anyone knows for sure is that Madonna is a fan of Henna, and has been seen with a variety of Henna tattoos on several occasions.

So, what tattoos does Madonna have?  Does she really have any?  Question, doubt, and speculation still exist, but this is what we’ve managed to find so far.

Hebrew Tattoos

Our sources (okay, the internet) say that it’s almost positive that Madonna has a tattoo on her right shoulder.  The problem is, the only real images of this tattoo are from her “Die Another Day” video, which leads one to question whether or not it’s real or just part of her costume.  The tattoo, real or not, made for some real controversy in the religious world.  To most people, the symbols don’t look like much, but they are actually Hebrew letters.  The symbols “lamed,” “alef,” and “vav” spell out one of the names for God as written in the Hebrew Kabbalah.

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Tattoo conferences are held all the time in a number of different places, but the one recently held at the Vatican University was something no one had ever seen before. The title of the conference, “Into the Skin: Identity, Symbols, and History of Permanent Body Marks,” let’s you know right away that this particular conference will not be covering dragon tattoos and tramp stamps.

The Who

The Christian arts association and Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See were unlikely experts for a couple of reasons. First of all, Judaism completely prohibits tattooing, stating that it defiles the body as a sacred temple and divine creation. Second, the tattooed serial numbers that scar those who were affected by Holocaust, so tattoos of any kind tend to be painful reminders. Ambassador Mordechay Lewy even refers to the tattoos as “death stamps,” but understands that today’s tattoo trends are derived from a long and rich culture of tattooing.

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Many people today look at henna tattoos as nothing more than an alternative to a permanent tattoo; they are one of those, “next best things.” They are fun to get, but you don’t have to be committed to it for the rest of your life and there’s also no blood involved, which is definitely a plus for some. What most people do not know, is that henna is actually a sacred ritual for cultures in India, and it has an extremely deep and personal meaning. Henna is not new, though many think it is, and its significance is more than you could ever imagine. Next time you get a henna tattoo, you will know exactly what you are getting; an ancient custom and a healthy dose of history.

The Beginning

The application of henna is called “Mehendi” in India and other parts of the Asian subcontinent. The Mughals introduced the idea in the 12^th century A.D. At that time, the rich were the only ones with access to it, and they used it as a form of makeup. They decorated themselves with extremely intricate designs, and artists were often called to apply it.

continue reading "The Significance of Henna: More than Just a Short-Term Relationship"

Walt Disney is a household name whether you are in the US or some remote island off the coast of nowhere. Disneyland, Disney Stores, Disney Movies, and the Disney Channel are just a few of the things that reign in Mr. Disney’s Empire. The Disney Channel has grown over the years to include more than just Mickey Mouse Cartoons. The channel offers all kinds of original television shows, original movies, and more young stars than you will find anywhere else. The stars of the Disney Channel shows often end up moving on to singing, movies, and apparently, tattoos. We’ve found just a few of the sweet little Disney stars who are going under the needle.

Vanessa Hudgens

While taking some time out to attend fashion shows in New York City early this year, Vanessa Hudgens decided to get herself a permanent fashion statement; a tattoo. For her very first (and so far only) tattoo, she debated between her ribcage and her neck. At first glance, you know what she chose; she has a beautiful butterfly tattoo on her neck.

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If you were ever a fan of Barbie when you were a kid it’s likely that you’ve seen her go through many transitions over the years.  She’s been a teacher, a princess, a doctor and even an astronaut – all things that a parent would be happy with seeing their child grow into you may think.  This is why the latest Barbie has sparked quite a bit of controversy, not just with fans of the doll but with parents too – the latest Barbie is tattooed!

Tokidoki Barbie

A few years ago Mattel – the creators of Barbie – released a version of the doll that came with removable stickers called ‘Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie’.  The manufacturers received a lot of praise for this doll and due to its popularity it’s hardly surprising that Tokidoki Barbie – our tattooed friend – is the latest creation by the brand.  Designed by Simone Legno, Tokidoki has a tattoo on her arm and further body art on her chest.

continue reading "Barbie Visits the Tattoo Parlour"

One of the most satisfying things that a graphic artist or designer can experience is designing something which is later turned into a tattoo.  Seeing your artwork on either your own body or someone else’s is a truly filling feeling.  If you are contemplating designing your own tattoo either for yourself or a friend, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind.

What and Where?

The first thing that you will need to decide is what sort of tattoo you want to design.  This could be anything from a Celtic armband to a small butterfly to a tattoo that is large enough to span the whole of your back.  When deciding on the tattoo you want to design you will need to think about the aesthetics, and work with these in mind.

Secondly you will need to determine where you would like to place the tattoo.  Depending on the area of the body that the tattoo is planned for, you will have a set amount of space to work with, and this will influence the design.  For example you may plan an illustrious dragon tattoo which would be great for your arm, but would the tattoo still look as good if it was placed across your torso or would you need to alter the design to make it fit better?

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