Arm Tattoos

Arm tattoos are perhaps the most common types of tattoos found anywhere in the world. In both Eastern and Western cultures from all over Eurasia to Native Americans, the arm has been the most widely used canvas for tattoos.

Polynesian design with modern core

Forearm and Wrist Tattoos

Some people find that a great way to display what they believe or enjoy is best done through forearm or

wrist tattoos. Many people will use these spots for display of spiritual or religious tattoos. Many wrist tattoos have a religious or spiritual tone or may be the names of deceased relatives, family members or fallen gang members.

Americana Tattoos for the Arms

Generally, Americana art goes on the upper arm or forearm, and these tend to be larger pieces but not necessarily sleeves. Americana pieces that are common to the arms are nautical star tattoos, family crest tattoos and swallows or other birds in the style of the Sailor Jerry era during and following World War II. Other very popular deltoid (upper arm) tattoos are family crest tattoos and name tattoos as well as US Navy, Army, Airforce and other military tattoos. Some men choose to place pin-up girl tattoos here as well.

Japanese Arm Tattoos and Sleeves

Traditional Japanese sleeve

The most popular style of full arm sleeve is without a doubt Japanese tattoos and Japanese and Chinese sleeves. The most popular design elements used within these pieces are:

• Koi fish
• Tigers
• Cherry blossoms
• Lotus Flowers
• Japanese and Chinese deities
• Water

Japanese and Chinese tattoos and sleeves became extremely popular in the mid 1990s, especially in the music and neo-greaser subcultures. The original Japanese arm tattoo sleeve and body tattoos were an innovation of the Yakuza, also known as the Japanese mafia. The full body suit is inked into the skin of Yakuza members over the course of several years as they "earn their stripes". The tattoos within this subculture are a sign of loyalty and commitment to the organization, as well as rank.

Choosing the Placement

Avant garde forearm tattoo

When considering where and how big you would like your arm piece to be, think ahead and do some research.

1. Does your current employer have a policy against visible tattoos and/or could the upward movement into another position be stymied by a visible tattoo?
2. Wrist and forearm tattoos are much more painful than upper arm tattoos, so be willing to face a more painful procedure if these are what you want.
3. Consider color: Is black and white more your style, or is a full color tattoo what you are looking for? Certain designs and images look better in one or the other.
4. What is your skin tone? If you are black or Hispanic, consider using darker inks; this may seem to not make much sense, but you must consider that the ink does not lay on the top layer of skin but rather penetrates to the lower layers. For this reason, lighter inks have a very difficult time showing through.
5. If you have extremely light skin, you have the advantage of using any color scheme you choose. Even white ink looks great against pale skin. However, certain precautions should be made like avoiding dark outlines and certain parts of the body such as feet and other slow to heal areas.

What Is the Symbol or Image for Your Arm Tattoo?

Remember, the arm is one of the most conspicuous body locations where a tattoo can be placed. That being the case, you will want to choose something that classically defines you and what you want others to see about you upon meeting you for the first time. As with any other tattoo, an arm tattoo should not be a symbol of a passing fancy in your life; make it meaningful so that years from now the tattoo will still hold meaning for you. Whether it is a reminder of a lost loved one or a symbol that reminds you of a milestone in your life, your ink defines who you are.

Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos
The nautical star tattoo is the most masculine design amongst star tattoos. Nautical star tattoos are considered old school. In the early days of tattooing, they used to be popular amongst sailors, who had them for guidance and protection. Sailor Jerry is a famous tattoo artist from those days.

The nautical star is a 5-pointed star, the points are split in half and filled with an alternating color (usually black-red or black-white), creating a 3d illusion.
Sailors used stars and the North Star (aka Polaris) for navigation, so it's not hard to see why so many of them have star tattoos. They function as a guide to get them back home safely. Soldiers have them for the same reason. Swallow tattoos also have a similar kind of nautical history.

Also today, people have star tattoos for similar reasons, you can rely on them when you are lost in your life, they are a light in the darkness.
In Ireland the nautical star is a symbol for good health, it's an old Pagan symbol you can find in certain Irish hospitals.

The nautical star tattoo has a special meaning in the gay and lesbian community. Some gay and lesbian people have a nautical star tattooed on their wrist as a sign of their disposition. The wrist is a place that can easily be covered by wearing a watch or a bracelet. Curiously, many celebrities have a star tattoo on their wrist (see further).

The nautical star is also a popular punk rock tattoo design.

Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos
Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos

Wolf Tattoo Designs

By their very nature, wolves are unpredictable creatures that have been widely used in folklore tales and horror flicks throughout time. At the same time, wolves are beautiful creatures with majestic eyes and are subject to many of the most popular photographs and artist renderings. It is the wolf's mysterious nature, their beauty and the unpredictability that makes them ideal for tattoo lovers.

Wolf Tattoo Designs

Wolf Tattoos Meaning

Wolf tattoos can symbolize many things, including the very characteristics that a wolf has. Beauty, unpredictability and mystery may be among the personal traits that an individual may feel that they share with one of the world's most beautiful and wild creatures. Perhaps a wolf tattoo would be desired by someone who had a love for the animal, who was a fan of ancient folklore or the mystery surrounding them or by anyone who has respect for these rare creatures.

Wolf Tattoo Designs

Wolf Tattoo Designs

Wolf tattoos can either be designed as very dainty, making them ideal for a female, or a larger design customized for a man. Because of their versatility, a wolf tattoo can be placed almost anywhere on the body, including the arm, shoulder, neck, chest, back, ankle, etc.

In addition to browsing through variations of a wolf tattoo at the local tattoo parlor, which anyone can do, many individuals opt for getting a little more creative when it comes to their tattoo. Nobody wants the same cookie cutter design as everyone else, which is why some opt for researching real life photos of wolves in order to help them select their favorite images to be recreated in the form of a wolf tattoo. Once they have selected the perfect picture, individuals can often take that photo to their tattoo artist and request that it be used as the inspiration for their new wolf tattoos.

Wolf Tattoo Designs

Before the purchase or application of a wolf tattoo, an individual should make sure that the artist is properly trained and licensed to produce a safe and quality tattoo. Any tattoo, including a wolf tattoo, is not to be applied by an amateur or anyone who has not been properly trained in the handling and sterilization of tattoo equipment. If you have any questions about the safety of your tattoo, be sure to ask the artist who applies it. He/she will bandage the site of the tattoo and provide you with instructions on how to avoid infection and general care for the site until it has completely healed.

Dolphin Tattoos

black dolphin tattoos

Dolphin tattoos are hot and it is easy to see why when you look at the powerful symbolism behind this great tattoo design. Who knows maybe a dolphin tattoo is the perfect design for you.

Dolphin Tattoo Symbolism Each culture and person of course will assign their own symbolism and significance to this beautiful creature. Throughout history and in many ancient cultures the dolphin was seen as a guide and an animal that would bring tremendous amounts of good luck to a person.

cute dolphin tattoos on the back
double dolphin tattoos
cute dolphin tattoos
blue dolphin tattoos
Here we see three dolphin tattoo flash designs... and a very rare photo of a dolphin with a tattoo depicting a man supplicating to the great dolphin lord Eik i Eeeeeki.

Heart Tattoo Designs

Here are some dimensional heart designed tattoos. Hearts are popular tattoos for lovers and the love-lost as well as for cardiologists. Good to wear your (tattooed) heart on your sleeve or on your chest. Add in a name (Mom) or put a banner below one of these designs.

Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos
Heart and Love Tattoos

Rose Tattoos

Roses originated in ancient Persia and were historically viewed as a masculine flower, however several thousand years of cultivation produced many exquisite and beautiful variations associating it with females and love.

Greeks mythology described roses as being white until the goddess Aphrodite pricked herself on the thorns, and her blood drops turned the blossoms red. Even today people attach meaning and emotional qualities to roses.

Rose tattoo

Rose tattoo

Rose tattoo

Rose tattoo

Rose tattoo

Heart And Love Tattoos

The heart is the symbol used mostly to express love but there are variations of this theme as well... a heart with an arrow through it signifies being "lovestruck", a broken heart is "love lost", and a flaming heart can symbolize "passion".

Heart tattoos

Heart tattoos

Heart tattoos

Heart tattoos

Heart tattoos