Tattooed frog

Tattooed frog in jar

The only way to become a better artist is to practice your art, but what do you do if you’re a tattooist without a client on the day’s schedule? You stay sharp by tattooing an ethically acquired bullfrog.

Jeremiah Loui from Iron Works Tattoo in Portsmouth, NH inks up these amphibians while Amber Maykut of Brooklyn, NY preserves them in 10 inch vintage mason jars. The result is curious piece of artwork sure to put any typical jarred frog to shame.

The best part of it all, the tattoo is totally customizable. Whether you’re looking for a classic skull or to immortalize “Mom” on the belly of a bespoke bullfrog, Jeremiah can make your twisted idea a reality.

Scottish Tattoos

I am a sucker for tattoos that symbolize a historic element or an ancient culture. That's exactly what
got me hooked onto the Scottish tattoo designs. It would definitely be surprising for you, as it was to
me, to know that these tattoos hail from the wonderful ancient history of Scottish and Celtic
cultures. Scots chose the hard way out as they suffered massively and struggled hard for victory
over the continuous infliction, banishment and killing. Undoubtedly, the Scottish men have a
reputation of being brave warriors, loyal lovers and true gentlemen. Ever since ancient times, the
people of Scotland have always had a keen interest in body art and body painting. Scottish people
felt proud of having tattoos on their body and the Scottish tattoos are symbols of their rich historic
culture and strong character.
You might have heard of the Scottish heroes - The Picts. These warriors had their body painted from
head to toe. This was exactly the time when Scottish people started getting into body art and
tattooing, and today Scottish people have come up with the following Scottish tattoo design ideas.
Scottish Tattoo Designs and What They Mean
The cross used in the flag of Scotland is the oldest known cross in the world. No wonder this cross is
one of the most prominently made Scottish tattoo design. Other vernacular Scottish tattoo designs
include the Scottish highlanders, the saltire and the Scottish family tattoos that feature the place in
Scotland where a person hails from. Clan tattoos are also one of the most popular tattoo designs. Let
us take a look at each of these Scottish tattoos and the meaning behind each one of them.
The Scottish Highlanders Tattoo
Scottish highlanders were the warriors of Scotland who lived in Scottish Highlands. Getting a tattoo
or a picture of a Scottish highlander is one of the most authentic Scottish tattoo design idea.
The Scottish Saltire Tattoo
Scottish Saltire is the cross that Scots use in their national flag. It is also known as Saint Andrew's
Cross and it is white in color with a blue background. Legend had it that Saint Andrew was crucified
on an X-shaped cross at Patras. He was a Christian apostle and a patron saint of Scotland. This is
why the Scots have the Saltire cross in their national flag. Getting a tattoo of the Saltire, represents
the nationality and sheer patriotism of the people.
Scottish Clan Tattoos or Scottish Family Name Tattoos
Scottish clan tattoos represent the Scottish family you belong to. In the foregone days of struggle
against the Romans and the Englishmen, the Scots used to get the name of a specific clan tattooed,
so that their name and family details can be identified. Clans are Scottish units consisting of many
families having a common ancestor in the Scottish highlands. Before going to war, a Scottish warrior
would wear a badge of his clan with a feeling of pride. Clan tattoos consist of plaid designs that
indicate a particular glen of Scotland. Getting a Scottish clan tattoo represents your connection with
the deep roots of Scotland.

Scottish Thistle Tattoos
Thistle, a robust plant grown on Scottish soil and crowned with a purple flower, is a symbol of
toughness that breeds in a Scottish heart. This plant can grow in the most infertile lands and it
covers itself with thorns for protection. The early kings of Scotland used this plant as a symbol of
their royal family crest. Scottish thistle tattoos are usually small tattoo designs and they symbolize
bravery, toughness and ruggedness.
Scottish Military Tattoos
Scottish military used tattoos for the soldiers to identify them. These military tattoos portray the war
stories of the powerful heroes who fought for their country. Over the recent years, Scottish military
tattoo designs are used as emblems of strength and power.
Scottish Lion Rampant Tattoos
The national flag of Scotland has the Saint Andrew's cross but before that the flag of Scotland used
to have a Scottish lion rampant. This tattoo design is one of the most favorite designs in the world. A
Scottish lion rampant is red in color and stands against a yellow background. It represents one's old
ties with Scottish soils!
Scottish Firefighters Tattoos
Scotland is also known for its eminent firefighters. Scottish firefighters tattoos imply the origin of
the techniques of fire-fighting and fire fighting heroes. They also include the fallen fighter memorial
tattoo. These tattoos are marked with the name, birth date, death date, ladder number or the fire
fighter's hat in honor of a dead firefighter who died fighting for his people. The other tattoo in this
category is the lifetime of service tattoo. This tattoo is inked on those fighters who have reached a
highly respectable position in their career.
Celtic Artwork Tattoos and Gaelic Tattoos
Scottish culture has deep ties with the Celtic culture in the field of art and music. Thus, the Celtic
artwork tattoos and the Gaelic tattoos are some other favorites of the Scottish people. The designs
include nautical tattoos which consists of astronomical drawings like the stars, the moons and the
constellations.
I never had an idea about the historic importance of a tattoo design, until I found about Scottish
tattoo designs. I was completely spellbound after knowing the history behind it. So the next time you
think of getting inked, get inked the Scottish way!

Merry Tattooed Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas, Tattoo Card

Share whith your friends

Merry Christmas!

Pizza Tattoo

Free pizza for life. 

Get one slice of pizza, tattoo.

Santa Claus Tattooed

Vitor Martins has been dressing up as Santa Claus for over 15 years and entertaining children at shopping centers and various other events around the city of Sao Caetano do Sul in Brazil. Vitor isn’t like all the other Santa Claus impersonators though, because he has tattooes head to toe! 94% of his body is covered in tattoos and many of them have a Christmas theme.

On the left arm, have a specific tattoo for Christmas; "Santa Claus - Merry Christmas"

For me, as long as I am healthy and can play Santa Claus, it's like a record on my skin. I want to record it as if it were… Vitor Martins throughout the year as an artist is one person, but during these two months, I am the character of Santa Claus,' Mr Martins said.
Looking upon Mr Martins' inked body, there is no mistaking his dedication to his role as Santa Claus

The best black tattoo inks

Which black tattoo ink is the best?
After testing over 50 black tattoo inks, here is the results
No advertise, this is only the true test results.
Black tattoo ink brands what i tested:
Intenze tattoo ink, Eternal tattoo ink, Kabuki tattoo ink, Kuro Sumi, Fusion tattoo ink, Alla prima, Arcane, Bloodline, Dynamic Ink, Formula 51 tattoo ink, Moms, Sacred colors, Radiant tattoo ink, Starbrite.
Black ink only!



Black tattoo inks for outlines. All outline inks you can use for shading.

1. Formula 23  from intenze
2. Dynamic -  outlines and black works
3. Nocturnal tattoo ink

Black ink for tribal tattoos:

1. Intenze zuper black tattoo ink- its the blackest and easy to use for tribal tattoos(Intenze true black is the blackest but to hard to use for big tribal tattoos)
2. Intenze suluape black tattoo ink, easy to use, but don't try to made soft outlines, and small lettering tattoos!
3. Dynamic -  i love to use for big tribals, outlines, all kind of small blackworks.

Black shading tattoo ink:

I use all lining ink for shading, but i love the following shading inks:

1. Eternal light gray for soft shadings, and portraits but i use all greywash from Eternal
2. Intenze greywash series
3. Alla prima greywash series



Black tattoo inks, what use daily for all black works.
Kabuki, Intenze, Dynamic.

What black tattoo ink you use?

Dragon and wolf tattoo meaning

Dragon Spirit Guide

Connecting with your animal spirit guide can be enlightening and bring out some unknown and unexpected wisdom from deep within yourself. In my last animal spirit guide meanings hub, I discussed the meaning behind having a deer spirit guide. In this animal spirit guide meanings hub, I will discuss the meaning behind having a dragon spirit guide. While a dragon is a mythical creature according to the textbooks and scholars today, in ancient times, dragons were a real belief.

Not only did the Celtic people all over Europe believe in dragons and paint them on their flags and banners, but the Chinese on a total separate continent believed and celebrated this powerful beast...the dragon.

The Celtic people revered the dragon and hence believed that any place on the ground where a dragon's fire had scorched the earth, the herbs that grew from that scorched spot would be most powerful in healing disease and injury.



The Chinese used the Dragon as a symbol of strength, power, and good luck and the dragon was often used as the imperial symbol. The Chinese Dragon was the yang to the yin (the Chinese Phoenix). In Chinese mythology and legend, the most strong and noteworthy warriors and leaders are compared to the Dragon.


In the Far East, the dragon represents the elements and the four points of the compass and dragons are simultaneously a symbol of Water, Earth, Underworld and Sky. The dragon is a culturally far-ranging character whose apparent bad temper should be interpreted as simply amoral, neither good nor evil. The forces of nature are not human-hearted, representing as they do the cycle of life and death, followed again by birth and renewal. Natures nurtures and nature destroys.
The medieval dragon can appear as a sea serpent, as in some paintings of St. George. The artist may have been influenced by the Greek myth of Perseus, who slew a sea monster to save Andromeda. In Cambodia, legend tells of the water dragon that possessed a jewel that glittered like lightning, whose flashing brought on the rain.



Totem Wolf Meanings and Symbolism

To understand totem wolf symbols, one must first understand the heart of the Wolf. This takes time because the Wolf has had to endure many false stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the "lone wolf." To the contrary, the Wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts.

The Wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions - the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination - they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing.

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include...
Totemic Wolf Meanings

    Loyalty
    Cunning
    Generosity
    Intelligence
    Friendliness
    Compassionate
    Communication

Totem wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding.

Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.
In history, the totem Wolf symbol appears with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two founding brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf.

In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin and the Valkyries upon the battlefield.

As a Celtic symbol, the Wolf was a source of lunar power. Celtic lore states that the Wolf would hunt down the sun and devour it at each dusk so as to allow the power of the moon to come forth.

In Asia, the wolf guards the doors that allow entrance to heavenly, celestial realms. The Wolf is also said to be among the ancestry of Genghis Khan.

One popular tattoo that you may want to consider is the wolf tattoo. Wolf tattoos are very popular among men and are considered to be a main stream tattoo. Wolf tattoos can be designed in a variety of different ways and sometimes portrayed with different elements and symbols. Even though we see wolf tattoos commonly on men, some women do wear such a tattoo. Just like all animal tattoos, the wolf tattoo represents traits and attributes of the wolf.

In the Far East, the dragon represents the elements and the four points of the compass and dragons are simultaneously a symbol of Water, Earth, Underworld and Sky. The dragon is a culturally far-ranging character whose apparent bad temper should be interpreted as simply amoral, neither good nor evil. The forces of nature are not human-hearted, representing as they do the cycle of life and death, followed again by birth and renewal. Natures nurtures and nature destroys. So too does the dragon.
The medieval dragon can appear as a sea serpent, as in some paintings of St. George. The artist may have been influenced by the Greek myth of Perseus, who slew a sea monster to save Andromeda. In Cambodia, legend tells of the water dragon that possessed a jewel that glittered like lightning, whose flashing brought on the rain.