Photograph to Portrait

Some of the work that Kat Von D does, that she is most well known for are her portrait tattoos. She has a way of capturing every little detail of a photograph and transferring it on to the body perfectly. There are not many tattoo artist that can do it like she does. I personally think that her work is outstanding and I would be absolutely ecstatic to have a piece done by her, it would truly by one my dreams to have her do a portrait of my father on me.

Tattoo vs. Careers

There are many jobs or careers in the work force that DO NOT want tattoos to be visible while at the work place...so many times if you have tattoos that can not be covered like on the face, hands, neck (depending on the length of hair), etc., there can be instances where you do not get a job offer because of them.

Now in my opinion, I do not think that it should make a difference! A tattoo is a way of expressing yourself and who you are and that should not make a difference in how people see or treat you. Some people get labeled as a freak, someone who has been in jail, in gang, etc. just because they have tattoos on their body. For most people the tattoos that they have, have a significant meaning behind them and tattoos are a great way to build and tell a story without words or need of explanation.

To me, a tattoo on the body is no different then hanging a painting or photograph on the wall...the only difference maybe is that it generally can not be removed as easily.

If you are going into a career where you know that tattoos just are not generally acceptable then get the tattoos in places where they can be hidden OR choose another career if the tattoos have that much meaning to you and you want it/them in a place where they can not be covered!!

I think that the body can be a complete canvas and placement for ink, but for some reason I can not find the appeal to get a tattoo on the inside of my mouth. For one I think that it would hurt like hell to get one on the inside of the lip, two it wears off after a while and three all I think about is getting ink poisoning from having it in my mouth where it is constantly damp..I don't see how it heals properly!!

But I'm not going to judge anyone who has them that is their own personal choice.

Tattoo Placement

After venturing around Florida, for my Spring Break, I have seen a whole new spectrum of not only people but tattoos. Some of the most popular placement for tattoos that I have seen are sleeves (for men) and across the chest (for women).

Sleeves or the arm tend to be one of the most popular places outside of the back for ink. And I think that they work both on men and women, it is a good way to build a story or collection of art; the same goes for the back as well. As far as the chest, I think that they are a great place, for women there tends not to be a lot of space to work with. I have seen a few people that have some interesting ones...they tend to be flowers, birds or scripture, mostly symbols that are feminine.

I think that whatever you choose to be on your body that it has a personal connection and is something that you will want to look back on and love forever. Placement is one of the biggest choices in making the decision in getting a tattoo, you may just find the perfect design or come up with an idea that you think may work perfect here or there....and sometimes they do and sometimes hey do not. Make sure that you discuss designs and placement with the artist that you are thinking of having do your work and see what they think as well, the process of decision making is almost even more intense then actually tattooing!

Back Pieces

In my search for a koi fish this is one of the most feminine ones that I came across. Not only is highly detailed but it is also has a softer look to it as well. A koi has many meanings behind it, I guess that it all depends on what it is you are looking to have it mean to you! It can mean love, good luck and fortune or to swim through the ocean of suffering without fear...like I said that it could mean whatever is dearest to you, what means the most to you.

For both men and women back pieces seem to be a similar trend and something that a lot of people are looking for or looking to do. I generally think that the back is the best place to put a tattoo especially if you are looking to get a tattoo and be able to cover it if needed. Plus it is the largest area of canvas on the body to work on.

I myself am looking and planning for a whole or partial back piece, possibly from top to bottom and leaving the side open, but I am still currently unsure. I have a ton of ideas that I am trying to work and put together to make it into one big piece. Everything that I want to include means something to me and something that I am looking to have on me forever.