Answer: Dating back to the Neolithic period and indingenous tribes, tattooing was historically practiced during religious ceremonies and as a rite of passage. It wasn't until
Christianity deemed tattoos to be part of the
Wiccan faith that they earned a unfavorable reputation.
Today, slow and steady social acceptance has helped the tattooing industry go bam! From the talent behind today's top tattooists to the ink and the tools that make their artwork possible, the sky in the limit for real body canvases. But how did tattoos go from taboo to trendy?
Brief History of Tattooing
Ironically, explorer Captain James Cook is credited for both the words 'taboo' and 'tattoo'. His sailing voyage around the world led him to the Tahitian and Polynesian islands where tattooing was openly practiced. Inscribing the language into his diary, he introduced both words to the English language after his travels in 1769. The word 'tattoo' has been used ever since to define a permanent mark made by either ingraining pigments or creating scars.
Tattoos in Society
Blame it on the media if you'd like. Tattoos have become more and more popular because they are being worn by celebrities , athletes, and even being marketed within the fashion industry. This change has slowly helped change the stigmas associated with tattoos. Not everyone who has them is a criminal or of low morale, which sadly used to be the stereotype. Tattoos are finally being recognized as an expression of one's self, and design styles have expanded from American Traditional tattoos, to custom Japanese sleeves and full body works of elaborate art that could tempt even those leary of the machine into getting tattooed.
Women with Tattoos
While tattooing used to be widely reserved for men ladies today are credited for starting many of the popular tattoo trends. Examples of trendy women's tattoos include:dream catchers, flowers , feather tattoos, owls, foxes and Russian nesting dolls. Statistically speaking, women have always been the largest consumer group,especially within the fashion and beauty industries.
This means tattooing is likely to grow even LARGER as women become a driving force behind design and placement trends.
Before You Leap
Planning your next or first tattoo is fun. It's difficult to look at a tattoo magazine without getting inspired for another design. Since tattoos so are addictive it's even more important that you have a plan once you start getting tattooed. Otherwise you may end up with more than you really want, or designs you're later not certain of. It is also wise to consider your future before opting for a hand or face tattoo that could otherwise prohibit employment should a prospective employer have a policy regarding visible tattoos.
What to Look For in an Artist
How do you choose a talented tattooist? Unless you already have an artist in mind, you'll need to do your homework to find one who is worthy of making a permanent mark. Seeking local artist recommendations or frequenting a tattoo convention is just one way you can track down the right artist. A tattoo convention often houses hundreds of top artists from allover the world in just one spot. This means you can stroll, check out portfolios and make the commitment to the right artist once you find them. Or just get inspired by the world of tattoos and check out the stickers, the jewelry and the clothing vendors that are hard at work changing the face of the industry.
If you are planning your first tattoo, now couldn't be a better time. Many young artists are emerging for graphic design schools and rolling right into apprenticeships to master their talent.
What's Your Story?
Why are tattoos popular? Because every tattoo tells a story, and everybody has a story to tell.
What's your tattoo tale?
Email tattooguide@about.com and share!
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