Unique Tattoo Designs and Ideas

Chopper Tattoo provides you with a growing database of thousands of unique tattoo design ideas from top artisits.

Choose from -

• Tribal Tattoos
• Dragon Tattoos
• Cross Tattoos
• Star Tattoos
• Butterfly Tattoos
• Celtic Design Tattoos
• Fish Tattoos
• Egyptian Tattoos
• Gothic Tattoos
• Armband Tattoos

Plus much more.

Chopper Tattoo boasts the largest tattoo gallery on the internet where you browse through their design database from the convenience of your computer.

Chopper Tattoo Designs

Tattoos still have meaning to some people but for others it has become a spur of the moment idea and to fit in with everyone else. At one point in time and still in some countries, the tattoo has a deeper meaning.

Japan's history of tattooing goes back to 10000 B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era). It was used for healing, identifying a soldier should he perish on the battlefield and be stripped of his armor and even to identify rites of passage for certain tribes. Perhaps the most familiar of Japanese body art is associated with the organized crime group the Yakuza. Similar to the Italian Mafia, the Yakuza has long been associated with the less than desirable elements of society. Anything from illegal gambling to racketeering is within its grasp.

Surprisingly though, the tattoo design found most often on Yakuza members is that of beautiful scenes and elaborate details. The method used though is less than beautiful. Yakuza members, as a way to test their resolve and strength, do not get tattooed with a tattoo machine. It is a hand held instrument that is not without pain. The images are not just a back tattoo either. They span the entire body from collar to ankle.

While the tattoo images found on Yakuza members may seem beautiful, Russian criminals often have a tattoo design that speaks of their chilling accomplishments. The codes are kept secret but those within the "know" will recognize what the person has done. The idea is to garner a measure of respect but tattooing can go the opposite way as well. For those who have been caught lying or cheating, he or she can wear their mistakes as well.

The language of the tattoo used to be a secret code known only to those in the "know" but with research the meanings have come to light. The social hierarchy of the criminal world is understood. If a criminal tattoo's an untruth or exaggeration the punishment inflicted by others is harsh. The tattoo is either cut off or sandpapered off.

The tattoo design in Russia's history was not just limited to the criminal element. In an oppressive government sometimes the only way to rebel was to a tattoo design belittling one of the political tyrants. This was a way to send a message to other people when freedom of speech and press was not allowed.

Finding the right tattoo design should mean more than just a pretty picture. Ultimately each design or tattoo should be a testament of a person's personality and belief system. They are a form of expression that is carried around with the person continuously. Each drop of ink is a story waiting to be told to the rest of the world and it is up to each individual what kind of story is being told.

Tattoo shops are springing up all across the country. The reason is due to simply more people wanting a tattoo. Some shops are better than others and it is definitely an area that you should know as much as possible before committing. A great tattoo is a work of art and is not cheap so the shop should reflect that. You may not always know immediately if the shop is reputable but at least you can know a few bits of information before you sit down to get inked.

Great tattoo shops maintain a strict set of codes regulating their sanitary conditions. The United States Department of Health requires that blood born pathogens or instruments be disposed of properly. The artist stations are maintained and kept clean at all times. The tattoo shops artists should hang their licenses in prominent places and always be up to date.

The higher quality tattoo shops will reflect their pricing in their outward style. The shop should be professional and clean but also give off an air of comfort. Many of the top shops operate under appointment only due to their distinct designs. The artists within these shops pride themselves on unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art for the skin. Yes, the tattoo will cost more but you will have the comfort in knowing that you are the only one with that design.

Another great tip when searching for a place to get tattoos and piercings is to do a search online to see if there have been any lawsuits filed against the establishment. There have recently been several lawsuits filed against negligent owners for not enforcing sanitary conditions. One such lawsuit came about in Riverside County in California. A man was infected with a flesh-eating bacterium when the tattoo artist used unsanitary equipment on a cover up of a previous tattoo.

Hepatitis C is a common affliction associated with poor sanitary conditions found in many tattoo shops. It is a blood born pathogen that can come from used needles. It is estimated that more infections come from commercial tattoo shops than from intravenous drug users. The numbers keep rising with the rise in people getting tattoos.

The business should also be found in a safe neighborhood. This goes back to the sanitary conditions aspect of the establishment. A good rule of thumb is whether or not a person would feel safe walking the block. If an armed escort is needed then it might be wise to pass on getting a needle stuck into the skin. If the owner does not care about their surroundings it is a good indication of the level of service offered. There can be exceptions to this though.

Reputable tattoo shops want to keep their business going. They want new customers and know that keeping people healthy should be their main concern. After all, bad reviews are not good press and can end a business owner's profits considerably.

There is an alternative to permanent tattooing. It does not have to be the wipe and stick decals found in machines. There is a quick method available to those who do not wish to be left with a lasting mark and who also do not want the pain and risk associated with permanent inking. The airbrush tattoo has risen in popularity due to its ease of application. It is very similar, and could indeed be called the same thing, as the sunless tanning applications found at tanning salons.

In the process of creating an airbrush tattoo a design template is placed on clean, dry skin. The colors are selected and loaded into a specialized air gun which will blow pressurized air out in short burst when the trigger is compressed. The airbrush tattoo artist places the colors where the customer indicated upon the design and then will apply a top coat to help ensure longevity of the tattoo designs.

The process is actually identical to that of painting a car. It is best to layer the color than to apply too heavy of a coat. The heavier the paint is then the more chance for runs to occur. Clean up for the artist is very simple. An alcohol solution on a cotton ball can remove any of the excess paint or smudges. As with the temporary tattoo, the airbrush tattoo is limited in the amount of time it will last. Repeated showers or baths and articles of clothing rubbing against it will cause the tattoo to erode. But unlike its permanent counterpart, the artwork does not have to be removed with a costly tattoo removal procedure.

The airbrush tattoo can be a great party attraction. It is low cost, easy to set up and can offer hours of fun for the guests. Many parents consider this option when searching for entertainment for children's parties. The kids get all of the fun without a parent or guardian worrying about permanent marks.

The drawback to the airbrush tattoo, besides its lack of permanency, is that they are often hard to find. Tattoo parlors usually do not offer these less expensive features. Many times it becomes a matter of finding someone familiar with airbrush design. A good source could be a local nail salon. Many nail designs feature airbrush art and the operator could easily do one on the skin. The difference would be in the paint.

So when searching for some new decoration, consider the airbrush tattoo. It is much less work and drain on the wallet than a real one and is much more realistic than the lick and sticks found in toy machines or in cereal boxes. And above all else, when it gets tiresome a couple of swipes and it's gone.

The world of tattooing has changed greatly for the tattoo artist. No longer are they solely found in run down areas of town or in prisons, though there are still those who tattoo in such places. No, there is a greater appreciation for the wonders that can be etched out upon the human skin. Prime time television has shows following the lives of prominent artists. Most states have at least one tattoo convention each year and there are even schools to help train future artists.

The most a person could hope for was to be trained from someone already in the business. The designs were often rudimentary and done with homemade machines or by hand. The sanitary conditions under which a tattoo artist operated were atrocious. Not much was known about antibacterial precautions and as a result there were wide numbers of ink poisoning due to ill prepared inks and dyes.

Luckily for the modern world the tattoo artist has reached a new respectability. There are specialty magazines and gatherings where the artwork of tattoos can be found. The tattoo "joint" common to the fast food nation where everything is done as quickly as possible with little thought to quality has now come into competition with tattoo parlors resembling upscale salons.

The clientele of these establishments want something more exotic than the standard butterfly tattoo. They are looking at this permanent design as a way to showcase superior skills. Many times incredible one of a kind drawings and pictures can be found that show the most intricate details.

A tattoo artist can do more than just transform ink and skin into a work of art. Many shops employ individuals who can not only create incredible tattoos but can also pierce clients as well. Piercing does have its advantages. Most leave no lasting marks and can be taken out whenever the wearer wishes. The exceptions are the extreme piercing.

As the world and culture continues to change there will be a greater amount of influence the tattoo artist is afforded. Their work will be a lasting mark upon the cultural relevance in which they live. The pop culture, art world and lives of many will cross paths with this master of skin and ink.