There are millions of designs available for tattoos but some are classic topics and some designs come and go. Here’s some ideas if you haven’t made you mind up yet. There are a lot more to chose from than a scratchy badly drawn plain color mess that will haunt you in the years to come.

Dragons and Snakes These used to be just for the men but now are becoming popular with girls as well.

Skulls, Bones and Anchors Probably still a man thing but these pirate tattoos are becoming more common on the arms of girls as well.

Celtic Crosses and Knots Always a favorite, some of these designs can be quite stunning.

Ambigrams A lot of interest has appeared in these designs of words that can be read in different directions. These have become much more popular after the Angels & Demons movie.

Tribal What tribe do you belong to, or want to belong to?

Chinese or Sanskrit Chinese or Japanese phrases have always been popular but now Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, has started to be very desirable.

Butterflies and Birds Used most often by girls some of these are in my opinion the most beautiful and sexy tattoos you can have.

There are a huge range and variations on these themes and you should really spend some time thinking about the design before getting a tattoo. People love to see something special and not just some straightforward design.

Shooting stars, flowers, insects, animals. All can make remarkable designs on the body. Don’t forget that there are lots of colors available now but don’t rule out the simple dark tattoo. Even without color some designs can be stunning.

Are you planning to get a tattoo? Do you have absolutely no idea what tattoo to get? Well, the first place to search for tattoo designs is, of course, the Internet. You will find lots of sites with tattoo galleries and studios, not to mention the useful articles from tattoo specialists and testimonials from tattoo lovers, if it’s your first tattoo. All of these will help you make a more informed decision.

You should get an unique one, but most of all, one to live with! Unlike jewelry, paintings etc., a tattoo cannot be taken away from us. We can ascribe personal values and meanings to the art work, without the fear of ever losing it. That permanent drawing remains as a mark of the emotions and happenings that we have once experienced.

The tattoo culture has it’s origins in ancient cultures, recognized as a mark of privilege or royalty. Through the centuries, somehow, it has become a negative image, “pagan”, and those that had tattoos were considered savages (like the African or Indian aborigines with tribal tattoos). Later on, tattoos were portrayed as an expression of rebellious strength.

Nowadays, tattooing has become not only stylish, but a symbol of conformity to certain ideas and beliefs, a symbol of belonging, even an individual status. With each generation, more and more people have it done and speak about the Tattoo Art and Tattoo Artists. Quite a change! Once, people who had tattoos were either powerful, or criminals. Now everyday Joe’s and Jane’s are walking around in their business suits that cover cross tattoos, girl tattoos or whatever. You will find the same black heart tattoo on your assistant’s hip as on your milkman’s neck.

Unfortunately, the reason for tattooing is not always for the appreciation of tattoos as works of art. The music videos and movies on TV today are full of celebrities showing off their painted-on (!) tattoos. We have to admit that the power of the media to influence our mind is part of the reason that tattoos have become so important for the mainstream culture in the United States. Every teenager is considering having done a Britney Spears tattoo. But that doesn’t change the fact that the new generation believes in the expression of their own personality (not that of their parents). By digressing away from the trends of the older generation, the youth of today makes a stand.

On the other hand, we can also say that the increase of the information, available through TV, Internet, magazines and other media, has brought about a totally different appreciation for tattoos. They have become works of art. The more types and designs, the more tattoos became a form of decoration. They are not only beautiful, they can also be incredible, noble works of art, considering the fact that those “decorated” with tattoos have gone through pain to attain the beauty.

However, getting a tattoo is, still, an experience that many people refuse to go through. Sitting in the seat with that high sound in your ear for at least an hour is mind altering for many of us. But that doesn’t change the increasingly popular trend of tattooing. At least once a day, we hear someone speaking about getting a new tattoo.

So, if you are one of them, then don’t hesitate to look for tattoo designs on the specialized websites, check out the tattoos gallery and pick the latest online store.

Ankle tattoos can be some of the most sexy. They have to be kept small to fit and are discrete so are very suitable for girls who would like a tattoo but don’t want one that is constantly on view.

So what designs can be put on the foot or ankle? If you want to keep them looking sexy then the skull and crossbones are definitely out. Here are a few of the most popular subject to chose.

Butterflies Always a favorite. A small colored butterfly is one of the most sexy designs you can have.

Small flowers These can be really small and yet very interesting to look at. Of course you can combine them with a butterfly tattoo to make it even more special.

Chinese Symbol Please make sure you know what they mean. You don’t want to have a tattoo of something really stupid like “Fire Exit” on you ankle. Someone is sure to translate it for you in the future.

Koi Fish There are some really good koi fish tattoo designs available now. I especially like the variations of the yin and yang shape.

Tribal Chain It is interesting to have a pattern that loops right round the ankle. There are lot of very different abstract designs to chose from and most people just do them in black.

Ankle or foot tattoos are not the same as tattoos on the arm. The can be easily hidden when you don’t want them on view but when you show them, they are always sexy.

Some people claim that they hurt a little more when having them since the skin is thin and close to the bone so be prepared for a little discomfort when having yours.

It is no longer just for male but women of all walks of life embrace it more and more, especially the artists and actresses. Pin up girl tattoos, girl back tattoos, sexy girl tattoos, biker girl tattoos are just some of the kind of tattoos available for women. It is a fashion statement that appears on female’s shoulders, stomach, neck, back, legs and ankles, also found on more private body parts. The trend is growing at a fast rate.

Why women do tattoo themselves? It is a need to express their personality and embellish a body part and most women would tell you that it is an art.

What does tattooing consist of? What is the technique used? What are the health precautions to take?

Tattooing is a technique ancestral used thousands of years ago. In those days getting tattoos meant being part of a tribe, or religion, like pirates with their skeleton image tattoo.

Tattoos are made of ink that resides under the skin; tattoos don’t get old because of the placement of the pigments between the derma and the epidermis.

Tattoos are made with a dermograph, a tool that vibrates on needles filled with ink colors, these needles puncture the skin at a dept of 1 to 2 millimeter. The puncture skin can get infected if a lack of hygiene is present. Tattoos parlors must maintain a high standard of hygiene, all tools must be sterilized, the working hands must be also well cleaned with antiseptic substances, and the shop must be disinfected every day. Every shop must possess an autoclave, autoclave sterilizes materials with pressurized steam at an extremely high temperatures. All needles are new and disposed of after use.

Following the procedure, a covering is applied on the tattoo, you can remove the covering after 2 – 4 hours, and you can wash your tattoo gently with a very mild soap and water. Never scrub your tattoo, you should buy Neosporin, bacitracin if you prefer, and apply one of these creams to your tattoo 1 or 2 times per day for at least 3 to 5 days.

Tattoos are not recommended for:

Pregnant women, people with AIDS, also people with ink allergies.

The price of a tattoo varies depending on the size, number of colors and so on, look at spending between $200.00 and $300.00 for an average small tattoo.

FHM-US Magazine published their annual list of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2002 as voted on by their readers. The poll offers a fascinating insight into the popularity of tattoos among female celebrities.