(back to the top)Tattoo Related Terms
Here are some definitions of art terms and possible symbolisms and/or references within certain styles and cultures.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Reading Key:
Main Word
______Sub Topic
____________Extra Sub Topic
Abstract: This is an artform where the topics look similar to what they are supposed to but are morphed in some way, either through coloring or some other distortion.
Arabic:
Designs that derive from the Middle East and are typically Muslim in content. There are many more symbols than the ones below but I do not understand all of them enough yet to be able to describe them properly.
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Lettering: Arabic Lettering is quite beautiful and many people get names and other terms in it.
Star and CrescentMoon: Though these are not actually Arabic or Muslim symbols they are the most recognized as being Muslim so we will have to include them anyway.
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Asian: A very distinct tattooing style from the orient that would include topics from China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, so on and so forth. There can be variances from country to country but there are also some constants between them. There is almost always some story, legend, or religious icon worked into the design. There is generally some form of element (earth, air, water, fire) used to tie the larger designs together. Asian tattoos are quite often identifiable at a distance by the swirling clouds and/or dark black wind panels. They are traditionally very clean in appearance and have very defining lines in the main topics. Of course nowadays Asian tattoos are being done in many different styles as well as the traditional. In the past, and by a handful of people today, they were done by hand using a long rod with needles affixed to them.
Some symbols of choice are:
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Cherry Blossoms: These are one of the few flowers that fall before they wilt. This blossom symbolizes living a full life rather than withering away into nothing. To die in battle or for one's honor is a great statement. Often translated as good luck but I believe this to tie into the full life aspect of the meaning more so than the rest of it.
Dragons: Great serpentine dragons with the mane of a lion, claws of an eagle, horns of an elk, eyes of a demon, belly of a clam, scales of a koi, soles of a tiger, innards of a tortoise, and obviously the torso of a snake. They hold many powers but are quite often attributed as cloud makers and controllers of water. Their scales are said to carry the essence of the yin and yang. 117 in total 81 yang and 36 yin, though in tattoos you can never see the total number of scales. The Chinese dragon has five toes on each foot, while the Korean has four, and the Japanese has three. These different cultures disagree on where the dragon originated and whether the breed gained or lost toes in whatever direction it migrated.
Koi: The koi fish greatly represents the human condition. Just as we should attempt to learn and grow so that we may become greater ppl the koi of legend spends it's life attempting to find wisdom and knowledge while swimming upstream. If it actually gains the knowledge (symbolized by a glowing ball of light on the forehead) it must then swim to the dragon gate and jump over it. Once overcoming that hurdle it ascends into the higher form of the dragon. So, as with humans, if we do not overcome the hurdles in our life we will remain bottom feeders rather than climbing to the heavens.
Oni: Oni are demons. They are not necessarily evil, but more so than not they are not the nicest creatures in the room. They can be protectors as well. This is usually determined by the color of the oni as well as the context in which it is portrayed.
Warriors: There are a plethora of legends about spectacular victories and formidable opponents. These images are usually meant as homage to the story or as a means of sharing the power of the hero represented.
Yin Yang: The yin-yang is a symbol of balance. Dark and light, good and evil, pretty much any opposite forces may be used to form a yin yang but it is traditionally a circle with equal curving teardrops of black and white with circles of the opposite color within those teardrops. These circles may symbolize that there can be good within evil and evil within good but I am not certain of that.
Yurei: Ghosts that are still among the living for a reason. Generally to avenge a wrongdoing of some sort. They are usually more like western ghosts by description, they look fairly human still and are transparent.
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Aztec: (Coming Soon)
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Background:
The area furthest from the viewer in a high depth image or an underlay to a collection of images.
Bio-mechanical:
An image that consists of swirling organic shapes melding with flowing mechanical parts. This style uses high contrast and depth along with sometimes repetitive patterns or high end geometry. Derived from the artistic works of H.R. Giger and taken mainstream in tattooing by Guy Aitchison.
Black and Grey:
A style that is what it says it is. Greyscales only.
Black-work:
(See Black and Grey)
Blowouts: These are areas in a tattoo that have a muddy, blurred look to them. This comes from going too deep and pushing the ink into the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This is quite common in poorly done tattoos and typically happens in the linework and especially at a point where two lines form a corner.
Boldness:
Describes how clear and concise and image is or how much POW! it has.
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Celtic:
A term used to describe highly intricate knotted designs that hail from the european midlands of old. This term was used to label the Scots, the Irish, British, and sometimes the Welsh though there is no actual record of these ppl ever really calling themselves celts. Their history goes back much further than those times. They are from a civilization that developed through many metal ages and evolved from rough, barely skilled carvers and pounders of metal into fine, highly spiritual artisans.
Some common topics are:
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Cross-The Celtic Cross was once thought of as a soul stone for ancestors. I would assume that this evolved after the time of the guiding spirit theology. In time they grew to be land markers, directional guides (similar to the maltese cross) and eventually fell in with Christianity.
Knotwork- knotwork is involved in most of the popular Celtic designs. Intertwining lengths of rope or twine that are meant to give the viewer something to concentrate on for a variety of different purposes. By the time that the knot is clear to the viewer, or symbolically unraveled, the topic of contemplation should become easier to deal with. Knotwork is also said to represent a person's soul, never ending. Many of the later artisans seemed to lose this when they began to fear the Christian god and began to make intentional mistakes as to make themselves imperfect since only God was perfect. Knotwork was also used to form talismans for various purposes such as wealth, protection, good health, etc.
Labyrinths/Key patterns- Like the Labyrinths of old these are a place for contemplation as well. A symbolic search for something. Even in Greek mythology a labyrinth is used similarly.
Spirals-As with the other patterns the spiral was used for deep thinking as well. In this case it also relates to the cosmos and the flow of life. It was not uncommon to find a spiral either painted or crafted on the floor of an old monastery or place of learning.
Tree-The tree was once thought to be the home of ancestors gone by. Battles would ensue if someone would attempt to damage a family tree. They were also considered bringers of life and if the tree bore different fruits it was revered highly. Trees oddly enough were also used to pass messages from bard to bard through carvings in later years. The alphabet used was called Ogam.
Totems/zoomorphic-Much like many other ancient civilizations the "Celts" associated animals with different traits. In their case though they also believed that they could transform into many of these animals by shape-shifting. Animals were considered teachers and the consumption of them increased the speed of
knowledge gained. The exact meanings of many of these are vague and incomplete, such is life when dealing with ancient civilizations that were essentially forced to combine with others to survive.
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Badger-lack of fear, or caring
Blackbird-Patience
Cat-Womanhood
Deer-totem for otherworldliness and the ability to become invisible.
Dog-Manhood
Dogs of war- A group of dogs intertwined.
Doves-blessed souls.
Falcon-viciousness in hunting.
Geese-guardian or a watchdog of sorts.
Hare-raises the sun at Spring Equinox
Hawk-patience
Hounds-swift hunters
Mouse-hiding
Otter-speed
Pigs-associated with lower,earlier races than the "Celts". Pig herding was considered to be the work of a moron. Pigs were also associated with the underworld and the destruction of crops or land.
Raven-Lost souls.
Salmon-knowledge
Seal-healing
Sun-Man
Moon-woman
Cauldron-Symbolizes creation and sometimes associated with the womb. It is also associated with knowledge, wisdom, spiritual rebirth, a raising of status, and inspiration.
Comb-associated with soul enchantment since it restrains the hair where the soul is thought to reside.
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Clean: Refers to how well a tattoo is done. This entails how crisp the lines are, how solid the color is, and how smooth the shading is. Basically, how readable the tattoo is at a distance.
Color Bomb:
Super high color designs, almost to the point of overkill but stopping at just the right point. (see New school)
Contour:
The visual edge of a surface (i.e. a bump or fold of cloth) or the outer edge of a design.
Contour Lines:
Lines that define varying edges within a design or lines that define the outer shape of a design. (courtesy of Endorpheus) (see also Sculpted Lines)
Contrast:
The amount of difference in shading and/or color between two or more points in a design. Contrast is quite often used to give a design
definition by using lighter shades against darker and brighter colors against dimmer.
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Darkside:
A style that deals with the darker, more evil side of art. This style usually is created in greyscale. It is usually full of texture and writhing imagery. Very dark in appearance and content.
Topics of choice are usually:
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Demons-yes those friendly little horned ppl. Usually engaged in some horrid act of violence or evil. Incubus are the male versions that look fairly human and Succubus are the female. Both Succubi and Incubi are considered sexual in nature. From there you have your chomping, ripping, destroying, all
out bad ass demons.
Reapers- Not your run of the mill reaper mind you, terrifying rip your heart out reapers will only do. To control or own death in your skin is considered by some a means of cheating it. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer! hehe
Skulls- Here once again we are not referring to cheesy happy skulls. These are the scum of the lot. They need to be ugly and rotten with maybe some flesh, puss or whatever else you feel is necessary to give them the OMG edge.
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Depth:
Describes how 3 dimensional an object looks. A design with low depth looks flat whereas a design with good depth looks as if it were real i.e. is well shaded. Not all designs require this but for some it is a must.
Drop Shading: A shadowing effect that makes the topic of the tattoo appear to be raised up from the skin.
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Egyptian:
Do I really have to explain where Egypt is? Okay thank you. hehe. Any ways, there are many different symbols that are used in Egyptian art. Most of these symbols are also used in their writing which is called Hieroglyphics.
Some of these symbols are:
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Ankh- The ankh is a symbol of life.
Ankh within a glass-eternal life This derives from a tradition of the pharaoh drinking a potion every day in order to remain strong and youthful.
Ba-The part of the human soul that remains with the deceased. The Ba is often depicted as a bird with a human head.
Cats-Guardians of the underworld, they ensured that no one got out. (courtesy of Bob McLure)
Crook and Flail-symbols of power and authority granted by Osiris The crook symbolizing the king being the intermediary between his disciples and the gods and the flail symbolizing the kings "herding" of his servants.
Djed pillar-a symbol of stability, is said to represent Osiris's backbone
Eye of Horus/Eye of Ra-said to be Horus's damaged right eye that was healed, it represents the sun. It is also called the "Udjat" or eye of Ra. The mirrored form is the "Wedjat", which is said to represent the moon and is called the eye of Horus.
Frog-symbol of fertility and regeneration.
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Gods- One thing to greatly remember with Egyptian deities is that their nature often changed with the change of power from one King to the next. This would also bring about the creation of new gods so all of the following didn't necessarily exist at the same time nor had all of these attributes at the same time. It gets quite confusing so I will not go too far into depth as to avoid too much space usage.
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-------Amon: Creation deity, combined with Ra to make the gods, one animal form=ram
------Anubis: god of the mummification. one animal form=jackal
-------Atum: Creation Deity, caused the division of the sexes
------Bastet: The cat goddess - daughter of Re. one animal form=cat woman
--------Bes: Protected women in child-birth. Associated with many other things as well, such as music, dance, war and slaughter one form=ugly dwarf with long arms and crooked legs.
---Duamutef: Protector of deceased person's stomach.
--------Geb: Represents the earth, also guide to the heavens.
--------Hapi: God of the Nile and protector of a dead person's lungs.
------Hathor: Goddess of the heavens, earth, and the underworld, said to have been Horus' wife. one animal form=cow
-------Horus: Often shown as a falcon and became identified with the pharaoh. one animal form=hawk
-------Imsety: Protector of the deceased person's liver.
-------Isis: The protectress; typified the wifely and maternal virtues. Wife of Osiris and queen of the gods. one form=female with wings
-------Khnum: Creation Deity, sculpted man and animal and breathed life into them, also a water god.
-------Min: Fertility god, bestowed sexual powers to men. one animal form=white bull
---Nephthys: God of the dead.
-------Nut: Goddess of rebirth and the sky. one form=woman arched across the sky w/ or w/o water pot/
-------Osiris: Revered Lord of the Underworld as well as earth and vegetation. one form=man holding crook and flail and wearing a tall, narrowing crown.
-------Ptah: Deity of craftsmen. one form=shown as mummy wearing a cap holding a scepter
Qebehsenuef: Protector of the dead person's intestines.
-------Re (Ra): The sun god - often combined with Amun as Amun-re. one form=human with falcon head crowned with a sun disc and a uraeus.
-------Seth: Lord of lower egypt. Osiris' brother and god of chaos and confusion. one form=man with head of a long-nosed beast having long square ears.
-------Shu: God of the air. one animal form=lion
------Sobek: Crocodile god. one form=human with crocodile head crowned with plumes.
----Taweret: Protective deity of childbirth. one animal form=hippopotamus and human female blended together.
-------Thoth: Patron of scribes; god of wisdom and the weigher of the hearts of men against the feather of truth before the afterlife. one form=usually symbolized as a human with the head of an ibis (long beaked bird) crowned with a crescent moon topped by a moon disk.
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Lotus-Associated with the sun and rebirth since it bloomed by day and slept by night, thought to have possibly given birth to the sun.
Ouroboros-a snake swallowing it's own tail symbolizes the constant and eternal flow of the universe. This symbol actually travels through a few cultures throughout the centuries.
Pyramid- symbol of ascension
Scarab-thought to roll the sun across the sky daily, also thought to be a symbol of the sun god Ra.
Shen/Shenu-resembles an ohm symbol with a twine wrapped in the would-be opening. This symbol represents a coil of rope and is a symbol of divine protection. It is called a Shenu when it is encompassing a name and the person is thought to be under divine protection. It was also called a cartouche.
Sphinx-a sign of wisdom and protection, this human headed beast torso was thought to have access to all parts of the universe and thus the knowledge of it as well.
Tyet-resembles a person or an ankh with bent arms, it is also called the knot of Isis or the blood of Isis. It is possibly related to the blood which flows during menstrual cycles but is also found upon pictures of funerals so there was more than likely more to it than that.
Uraeus-a coiled serpent that is the symbol for the king of lower egypt. It is also associated with royalty and deities since it is one of the symbols for Ra which is said to have protected the kings by spitting fire from his mouth.
Winged disk- A disk with a serpent on both sides of it as well as a wing represents, would you guess, yes the sun once again.
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Fatties:
Thicker lines used to either make a design more bold or add depth. (see sculpted lines)
Fill: Something used to close up empty spaces in a sleeve, sock, etc.
Fineline:
Usually highly detailed images with very thin lining. Generally necessitates a single needle to be given justice.
Flow:
Describes the feel of a design. How its parts interact with each other and/or the body. Sometimes the flow needs to be obstructed to get a volatile feel. Sometimes the flow needs to be smooth to give an exotic or peaceful feel.
Foreground:
The area closest to the viewer in a high depth image.
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Greyscale:
Describes images with only hues of black and white. (see also Black and Grey)
Geometric: Designs composed mainly of intense geometry. Such as the works of Mike Cole.
Gay: Some typical gay designs incorporate:
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Double gender symbols--Male/Male or Female/Female, occasionally bisexuals will get their gender linked to one of both.
Lambda--The lowercase greek symbol has come to be known as a symbol used among lesbians.
Pink Triangle--This was originally a part of the Star of David given to gay Jews during the Holocaust. Rather than two yellow triangles there was one yellow and one pink. The pink part of the star was later embraced by the gay community.
Rainbow: I cannot recall what the meaning behind this one is but I believe that each color represents a different thing, I will obviously have to come back to this one. :)
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Hand Poked: This is a very rough way of tattooing usually practiced by children or in prison. I will not go into the methods but the tattoos generally end up with a ton of blowouts.
Hand Tapped: This is a very old way of tattooing practiced among almost every culture in the world at one time or another. An object is used to cut or puncture the skin and is generally tapped with another object to get the penetration required for the tattoo to stay. (See Tribal)
Hues:
Varying tones or shades of an individual color. Can also be used to describe groups of colors (i.e. darker hues).
Hindu:
A religion stemming from India in its' origins I believe. There are many symbols and gods so I will try and put forth what little knowledge of this that I have. The Gods quite often change shape and even gender throughout the years. I believe that there are actually well over 150 Gods, so if you would like to learn more you will be busy for quite some time.
Some of the Gods:
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Brahma- The creator God. He has four heads looking in four opposite directions. He also is usually holding a book or a scroll. He is one of the least celebrated Gods in the hindu religion. He usually is depicted with four arms.
Ganesh- Sometimes also called ganapati or ganesha. Though he plays many roles over time he is usually the remover of obstacles. He is almost always shown with the head of an elephant and multiple arms holding different objects depending on the symbolism.
Hanuman- The God of strength and loyalty. He is generally depicted as a four-armed monkey. He is usually holding a mountain in one hand. and different objects in the other hands or one set of them clasped in prayer.
Kali-Though Kali has many faces throughout the Hindu religion the destroyer and the mother goddess are the main identities. Though fairly human in body she is generally shown with four arms, a fairly angry face with protruding tongue, (if not verging on demonic in destroyer form), a sword in one hand, a demon head in another, and the other two hands usually change items or are empty. Also usually wearing a necklace of skulls or surrounded by skulls and fire. She is generally black in complexion since it is the origin and dissolver of all color at the same time.
Krishna- God of joy, freedom, and love. Generally shown dancing while playing a flute with two hands. The other hands can be involve with other items. Usually bluish-black in color.
Rama-The God of reason, right action, and commendable virtues. He is usually shown as a king carrying bow and arrows.
Ravana- A ten headed demon deity. Usually dark in complexion and having many arms, holding many weapons.
Shiva- The destroyer of ignorance and all things that block the path to enlightenment. Shown with blue skin, a cobra around his neck, a third mystical eye accompanied by three white lines. He also usually carries a trident, among other items. He is the destroyer of the universe after evil has taken control.
Vishnu- The preserver of the universe. He takes on many different forms including many animals.
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Some of the symbols:
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Element tower- This is generally a design that has a square with a circle on top of it, a triangle on top of that, and a crescent with a dot floating above it above that. This is usually used at stupas to represent (from the bottom up) earth, water, fire, and spirit.
Lotus- symbol of purity
Om- Said to be the sound that created the earth.
yantra- A geometric design used during meditation for power and protection. They are very complex and beautiful.
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Hispanic: Designs demonstrating hispanic heritage. These designs are typically a smoky black and gray and can have the following themes integrated into them.:
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Low rider: Designs featuring vehicles that are usually classics along with or without beautiful women.
Lettering: Usually designating something of great importance such as homeland, neighborhood, honor. Typically done with heavy pin striping.
Mexican Flag: The eagle, snake, and cactus visible upon the Mexican flag.
Warrior: A depiction of Poncho Villa, an Aztec, Mayan, or other South/Central American Indian or Mexican warrior. This is usually shown to give homage or to attempt to gain some of the strength of the person depicted.
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Inuit: (See Tribal)
Indian: (See Native American)
Jailhouse: Tattoos done in the joint, the pen, or prison if you prefer. Unless the bearer is very fortunate they are typically very splotchy, shaky, light, or the horrible opposite, way too dark. Typical topics are clocks, bars, tears, black widows, spider webs, and gang related designs. Although we have come across some work from very patient prison tattooists, it is rare and highly recommended that if you do somehow end up in the big house that you wait until you get out to get any more ink.
Jewish: Tattoos representing the Jewish faith or culture.
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Chai: A symbol meaning life in the Jewish community. It represents living healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Hebrew: A form of writing used among the Jews.
Menorah: The candle of the Jewish faith. It has seven posts. One central post with three branching out from both the left and right side of it.
Star of David: Two triangles overlapping each other to form a six pointed star.
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Knotwork: Please see Celtic.
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Light source:
A sometimes imaginary source of light. When coloring/shading think about where the light is coming from and how it would shine on the objects. This will aid in more realistic pictures.
Line-weight:
(see sculpted lines)
Linework: All of the lines in a tattoo. The framework for the color and or shading.
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Maltese Cross:
A symbol deriving from the Knights of ST John of Jerusalem, after they moved to the island of Malta, that has somehow become a symbol of rebellion and occasionally aryan groups as the iron cross.
Madonna: Please see Religious
Mexican: (See Hispanic)
Mayan: (Coming Soon)
Native American: Designs that incorporate or pay homage to particular tribes or Native Americans as a whole. These symbols listed below kind of brush the surface of what is out there.
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Beadbands: The beadband is a very popular design. A combination of beads, medallions, feathers, and leather straps form an armband or anklet. This is typically meant as an homage to the culture as a whole and bears no other meaning.
Bullskull: These are used during many different rituals and painted many different ways. As tattoos they are typically done without paint and with feathers hanging from the horns. I greatly recommend researching any painted skulls before getting them tattooed.
Dream Catcher: Seen by most as a good luck charm and are meant to bring good dreams as well as hopefully being able to fulfill those dreams.
Feathers: Feathers are used as decoration as well as a means to communicate information. Feathers will have different markings to signify those meanings. Usually we see feather marked with spots for kills but I am sure that this would vary from tribe to tribe as well as feathers from different birds having alternate meanings.
Last Stand: Shows an Indian riding a horse on the top of a hill with a spear through the body. Not falling, head dropped but not giving up, making the last stand. This design is meant to portray the courage of the Native Americans.
Totems: Sometimes people will get their totem animal tattooed on them. Other times they will get a totem pole of their family tattooed.
New School: A style that has evolved over the past twenty years and it involves high color, fatty lines, and usually a crazy topic. It also quite often uses old school designs with a new touch of vibrancy.
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Old School:
A style that reaches back into the days of voyage for America. It is very simple and uses simple color schemes. Usually black, green, blue, red, and yellow. It is often called traditional style as well. It's roots are tied heavily into the US Navy since much of tattooing in the USA started with sailors and Marines. This eventually bled out into the sideshows and circuses of the 20's, and then into everyday America by the 60's and 70's. Many people credit Cap Coleman with the creation of the old school style but I have had a hard time finding anything backing that up other than many tattooists from that day respecting him greatly. The typical topics of design are:
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Dice- being a game of chance dice are always considered good luck as long as the numbers are in your favor. the number 7 has long been associated with good luck. It even goes back into biblical times (if you're into that). 7 and 3 are good, 6 is bad, hehe. along with snake eyes of course being the worst.
Cards- pretty much the same thing, plays on numbers and favorable hands can dictate fortune (royal flush, 4 aces)or the obvious opposite (dead man's hand= 2 aces, 2 eights and an arguable fifth card).
Dancing girls/women - It was not uncommon for sailors to get women as reminders of home or for good luck.
number 13- This one could go way back in my opinion to pagan ca landers and pagans were considered evil or possibly a properly tied noose (13 wraps, so 13 became a number associated with bad luck or being on the outside of the law/church) Many ppl however also feel that this is their totem number for that reason, a way of shunning those things that shun them.
anchors-if I remember properly those were commonly tattooed on the feet of sailors so that if their ship was wrecked either they or their body found solid land. Some ppl get them to symbolize keeping themselves grounded.
five pointed, split-color stars- I would assume that these were intended as charms for luck in navigation since many of the old-school sailors navigated by the constellations.
8-ball- this is a little newer school than the others but still falls under old-school, I believe that this is associated with luck as well for the most part, but nowadays it is also linked to drug use (i.e. 8-ball of pepsi< or er coke, yeah, damn soda companies, hehe)
Swallows- When sailors were returning home after a long journey, the first indication of land was to have swallows flying around the ship. (courtesy of Kitten69kim)
Two swallows- I think it has something to do with having crossed the Northwest Passage. If a sailor made it one way they had one swallow tattooed, and upon returning they had the second swallow done, usually on the chest.
(courtesy of Kitten69kim)
Man's Ruin- This also barely falls under old school but it usually depicts the many wondrous ways that a man can destroy his life or have a good time, however you look at it. Boozing, Drugging, Gambling, Womanizing, etc.
Dead Black Cat- Destroying bad luck before it crosses your path.
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Outline: see Linework
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Portrait:
An image of an individual or individuals. These are usually done in black and grey but some tattoo artists like Deano Cook can do them in color.
Pantleg: A tattoo which goes from the ankle to hip or thigh and all of the way around. Having the lower half done is usually referred to as a sock.
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Religious:
This is quite a broad term in all actuality since religion is a lot of things to a lot of ppl. For this particular term we are going to stick with the Christian images since that is what the general public considers religious. Usual topics of choice are:
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Angels-The servants of God. There are many different representations of the angels from frilly little cherubim, angelic choirs of seraphim, fiery arch angels, and yes, death.
Anima Sola-Usually a woman in flames and imprisoned, yet with broken chains. A Catholic symbol of a suffering and the release from it.
Christ-the son of God. Typically pictured on the cross (crucifix) or with a lamb or small children.
Crosses-A symbol usually used to represent faith in God and the Christ. Also said to represent Jesus's reach. To heaven and hell along with everything inbetween.Also used to symbolize the bridge between heaven and earth. (courtesy of Bob McLure)
Mother Mary-Usually a much more catholic design but it depicts Christ's mother holding him standing on a moon held by cherubim along with bordering and varying symbols, also referred to as the Madonna. There are various images of Mary for different regions of the world.
Patron Saints: There are many patron saints within the Catholic religion. Some of them are:
St Christopher: patron saint of safe travel. Usually depicted as a bearded man with a walking stick carrying a child across a river.
St Lucy: patron saint of the blind or those with eye trouble. Represented as a younger woman looking upward while holding a twig of fern in one hand and a plate with two eyes in the other.
St Nicholas: Children (western) and sailors (eastern). Usually depicted as a balding, bearded man with three crosses trimming his robe and holding a bible. A crown may or may not be present.
Therese of Lisieux: Missions and the support of the missionaries. Typically represented holding a crucifix and a bunch of roses as one would hold a baby.
St Valentine: He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people.
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Scabs: These are nasty little things that should not happen if a tattoo is done properly and taken care of as well.
Sculpted Lines:
Lines that vary in thickness to add depth,contrast, or boldness. Thicker lines are quite often used to bring an object forward. Thinner lines are used to drop an object back. These lines usually taper at the end as well when a sharp point is required. There are many ways to use sculpting to your advantage. In graphic art sculpted lines are usually referred to as the line-weight of an image.
Shading:
Hues or tones varying from dark to light to add depth to an image. This can be done with color, black, or both.
Shape-work:
A modern form of tribal art that truly serves no purpose but to decorate the body with bold designs and, in some cases, pay tribute with newer styles of ancient art. (See Tribal Art)
Sleeve: A tattoo that goes from the wrist to the shoulder in length and all of the way around. Half that distance would obviously be a half sleeve.
Symbolism:
The representation of an idea or belief through the means of an icon. These can come in many forms and usually are tied to specific religious beliefs.
Some random symbols are:
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Butterfly - Rebirth, Transformation.
Dog - Healer of both Soul and Body.
Dolphin - A favorite of travelers, the Dolphin is also know as a symbol for prosperity and the abundance of the Earth.
Dragon - Symbolic for Luck and Power, ensures fertility for corps and cattle.
Horse - Power, guidance protectors prosperity, magic, prophecy, the transport to the Other-world.
Harp - The Harp representing the soul has three melodies: Laughter, Slumber and a Sign.
Lion - Dignity.
Sun - The spiral moving to the right represents the sun and victory.
( all within this category are courtesy of Bob McLure)
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Symbology:
The study or interpretation of symbols, also a word misused in Boondocks Saints, great movie I recommend watching it, hehe.
Swastika:
Originally a good luck charm meaning "good being". Also known as the tetraskelion, the fylfot cross, the cross gammadion, and the hakenkreutz. The symbol was long before that used to represent wind and the sun. It is also the Buddhist symbol omote manji when facing left (love and mercy) and the ura omoje (strength and intelligence) when facing the right. More recently used by the Nazi party in Germany.
(back to the top)
Tapered Lines:
(see Sculpted Lines) (courtesy of Shane Hall)
Traditional:
(see Old School)
Tribal Art:
True tribal art derives from ancient civilizations such as the Maori, Samoa, tribes of Borneo, many African tribes (more scarification than tattooing), some North and South American Indian tribes, and many others that I'm sure that I am forgetting. These markings told tribes who belonged to which tribe (Much like the kilts of Ireland and Scotland identified clans.). Sometimes they were a sign of stature within a tribe as well. They vary greatly in style and placement. You can find more information written by Ray Reasoner here.
Viking: Tattoos that pay homage to the Nordic culture.
Horns of Odin: These are three interwoven drinking horns that symbolize the three days that it took Odin to get a magical mead made from the blood of Kvasir.
Mjolner: This is a depiction of Thor's hammer and is typically similar to a rounded capitol I with a wider bottom half. This is a warriors symbol.
Runes: Runes are a very early form of writing. They are said to have been discovered by the Norse god Odin if I remember correctly. There are many different runes and each has a specific meaning and sound. They are used in divination processes to read one's life in different ways. In most cases someone will get specific runes for protection, or to help them in certain areas of life. In other instances people will get english words using the phonetics of the runes. Elder Futhark is the most commonly used variation of runestones as well as the oldest.
Valknut: This is a symbol of many uses. It primarily symbolizes the 9 domains within the heavens, earth, and the underworld. It is used in many ways tying into that meaning
Warrior: Horned helmet donning and axe bearing bearded barbarians are the typical choice here. Sometimes they are also done in a more gothic or dark style, such as in the style of Frank Frazetta.
Wildlife: Pretty much any tattoo of a creature found in nature. Deer, buffalo, etc., etc. This style is typically done in greyscale and artists such as Tom Renshaw are masters in this area.
I will be adding to this over time, if anyone has any suggestions, corrections, or any info that would help, feel free to let me know.
My brain hurts and I'm going to bed, hehe.
Later Days,
Ray
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