Buddhist Tattoos

Buddhist tattoos are clearly very appealing in terms of style and artwork, however the designs themselves represent a timeless culture which are dedicated to their philosophy and practices of buddhism.

Buddhist tattoos are most commonly designed as the seated buddha with his hands in the form the mudra (dharmachakra) which symbolizes the setting into motion of the wheel of teaching the dharma.

Have a look through this buddhist tattoo gallery and you just might find the perfect buddhist tattoo design you've been searching for.



Most buddhist tattoos represent a very peaceful and tranquil environment.



Buddhist tattoo are often seen alongside flower designs, specially the lotus flower.



Many buddhist cultures believe that tattoo artwork is a sacred practice and monks often double as tattoo artists.

Bird Tattoos

Bird tattoos are truly a lovely choice of tattoo design, most birds are symbolic of harmony, peace and gentleness, while other more fierce birds such as the eagle is often recognized as a symbol of courage and strength. Plus crows and ravens are sometimes associated with with the dark a macabre side of life.

Here we have a picture gallery of an array of beautiful bird tattoos which might just help you come up with some ideas for your very own bird tattoo design.



Bird tattoos are some of the most colorful designs in the world of animal artwork.



Bird tattoos are often combined with other designs such as stars and hearts.



Tribal bird tattoos seem to be gaining in popularity among animal/tattoo lovers.

Bear Tattoos

Bear tattoos are commonly depicted in two different manners, one being fierce and ready to strike with an open mouth, and secondly as a more endearing and lovable bear design. No matter what style of bear tattoo you decide upon, there is no doubt that bear tattoos in general are some of the most beautiful and breathtaking of all designs, if you are a bear lover of course.

Enjoy a quick look through this outstanding collection of top quality bear tattoos for both men and women alike.



Adding a little color to your bear tattoo can really bring the design to life.



These bear tattoo pictures above are less traditional, but equally as exciting and clever.



Growling bear head tattoos are perhaps the most commonly seen variety of bear artwork, and for good reason. These bear head tattoos are beautifully frightening!

Black Light Tattoos

And just when you thought tattoo artwork couldn't get anymore creative, you now have the option of getting black light tattoos which are virtually invisible to the naked eye, under ordinary lighting. How cool is that?

Black light tattoos or "UV tattoos" are made with a special ink that can only be seen under a black light. You can also mix and match black light ink with normal tattoo ink to create a super double your pleasure tattoo design.

Have a look at this psychedelic picture gallery of black light UV tattoos.


Black light tattoos are a relatively new form of artwork and is currently most popular among clubbers and ravers.



Checkout some of these cool before and after black light tattoos under natural light.



Since black light tattoos are invisible under natural light, small amounts of scarring may be seen at the tattoo location.

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo - A Lucky Choice

When it comes to favorites with tattoos the Japanese Koi fish tattoo design is a leader. both in beauty and popularity. This design represents Zen and symbolizes ‘Good Luck’. The Japanese draw a parallel between the Koi fish and a Samurai Warrior as they both represent courage, the ability to attain high goals and to overcome life's difficulties. Before rushing off and getting a Japanese Koi fish tattoo you need to consider many factors including the tattoo color, its location on your body and of course any complimentary inclusions.

What Color Should You Choose?

When you finally visit the tattoo parlor for your Koi fish tattoo you need to have a clear opinion of the color scheme you want the tattoo drawn in. A very popular color scheme is the time-honored Yen Yang design of black and white. For many of this classical arrangement is a little too conservative and tame and they prefer to choose another more vivid arrangement. For example if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more appropriate to select a bright hue so the Koi fish tattoo is more noticeable. If you are wanting to go the more traditional style, you may want to choose one of the Koi’s natural colors such as white, red, black, yellow or gold, or perhaps a mixture of those colors.

Ideally it is best to choose a color design that compliments your skin tone. As a suggestion, if you have yellowish tone in your skin it might be more appropriate to have a gold or yellow and red tattoo. If you have pink to your skin, black, white, red, or blue may be the best color selection for your Japanese Koi fish tattoo design.

Tattoo Positioning

Have you any idea where you intend to position your tattoo? It is recommended that you make sure that your Koi fish tattoo has a place of honor on your body. You must also ensure it is in a place on your body that you can live with. For example, if your work place is of a conservative nature which frowns on employees having ‘out there' body art or has a strict dress code you may not want your tattoo on your hand, face, neck or lower arm where the tattoo is readily visible and almost impossible to camouflage with clothing.

On the other hand, if you are free to show off your lucky Japanese Koi fish tattoo design, consider placing it on the small of your back, your forearms, around the side of your neck or even swimming around your ankle, as is one of the preferred places for female wearers of the Japanese Koi fish tattoo.

Koi Tattoo Environments

Once you have decided what your tattoo is going to look like and where it is going to be put, you need to give consideration to what other features you would like to include with the design. A popular and effective addition to the Koi design is a flowing stream, a calm pool or even rocky rapids. Combine your Japanese Koi fish tattoo design with a few unique inclusions such as your favorite Japanese symbol and it will result in a tattoo of high quality that can be cherished throughout the years by both the wearer and the admirers.