The Best Tattoos For Men

LOCATION

Though it is possible to get nearly any part of the body tattooed, there are some places that are better than others. Some locations are traditionally seen as more appropriate for men. Places that are commonly chosen by men include the shoulder, calf, thigh or upper back. The larger tattoos, guys often opt for designs that completely cover the full back or “sleeves” that completely cover one or both arms.

In addition to choosing a place that is traditional for me, it is important to consider your career and lifestyle. In many cases, it is a good idea to get tattooed in places that can be easily hidden during working hours. Hand and knuckle tattoos, for example, are rather popular for men, but they can cause problems in the workplace.

DESIGNS

There is no limit on the design possibilities for tattoos. The most important thing is to choose the one that is best for you. When making a decision, remember that a tattoo is something that you will have forever, so make sure that you will be happy with what you get. If you have no idea what you would like to get, a good place to start is determining your favorite style.

• TRADITIONAL STYLE.

Traditional tattoos include designs like anchors, pin-up girls, eagles and flags. They are done using simple colors including red, green, blue and yellow and black outlines. Traditional old school tattoos have relatively flat shading. Also known as old school tattoos, they are designed to mimic designs that were made popular in the earliest 20th century.

• NEW SCHOOL.

New School tattoos feature bright, vibrant colors. The designs are often exaggerated and have heavy black outlines. In many cases, they have a cartoon-like appearance while traditional or old school tattoos are more realistic.

• TRIBAL.

Tribal tattoos are based on the designs worn by tribesmen. Originally, tribal designs were symbolic of the wearer’s social status or religious values. In modern cultures, they are worn as more of a fashion statement. Most tribal tattoos are solid black, and they are made up of patterns and lines that form interesting abstract designs.

• REALISTIC.

Modern tattoo artists have perfected techniques that allow them to create designs that nearly look like photographs on the skin. Some of the most popular realistic tattoos are portraits. When done by a skilled tattoo artist, they can look extremely realistic. They are commonly done in black and gray ink, but they can also be done in full color. Realistic tattoos rely on careful shading to capture specific details, and most do not have extremely distinct outlines.

• ASIAN.

Asian style tattoos are commonly based on traditional Japanese tattoos. Some of the most common designs include koi fish, dragons, cherry blossoms or masks believed to ward off evil spirits. Many Asian style tattoos have bright colors and very distinct shapes. Many men choose these designs because they are often associated with specific meanings. Koi fish, for example, are symbols of strength, love and power while dragons symbolize freedom, strength, courage and wisdom.

Each style of tattoo has several options in terms of specific designs. Once you’ve decided which style is your favorite, you can choose to get a design that is already available, or you can have something that is uniquely yours. Most every tattoo shop has a collection of “flash”, or pre-designed artwork. Flash exists for any design imaginable, and it offers a quick way of picking out something you like. Some of the best tattoos for men come from flash designs. Flash is often cheaper than custom work also. The downside to it, however, is that any number of people could be walking around with the same design.

A custom design is the best way to get a piece of body art that is uniquely you. You can draw up your own design, or you can have one drawn by the tattoo artist. If you decide to go with a custom tattoo, it may cost a bit more, but you are guaranteed to be the only person who has it. If you have found a flash design that you really like but would like to personalize it a bit, you can always as the artist to change the color or add or remove elements.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ARTIST

The best tattoos for men always come from the best artists. If you are new to tattoos, you will want to take the time to do plenty of research to find a good artist. A good place to start is by asking friends and family members for their recommendations. In addition to finding out where they have had good experiences, make sure to ask about any places they wouldn’t recommend.

Before you get inked, visit a few different shops. Make sure the shop is clean, and ask to look at the artist’s portfolio. Many artists specialize in a specific style. Though they are usually capable of doing any type of tattoo, they may be better at a certain type. An artist who does amazing new school tattoos, for example, may struggle with realistic portrait tattoos. Take the time to get to know what every artist you visit does best.

The best tattoos for men are ones that ones that are chosen carefully, not decided upon suddenly. Any tattoo can be good or bad depending on the artist and the amount of time and thought put into it. One that may be perfect for someone else may not be right for you. To ensure that your tattoo is the best one for you, make sure that it reflects your personality, interests or something that is important to you. The best tattoos for men come in countless styles and forms, making it easy to get one for yourself with a little careful planning and time.