Tattoo Design As An Art

By Elizabeth Derderian

I have often contemplated the art of tattoo design, especially when I have watched various friends from all walks of life including many members of my own family go through the excitement of choosing a design and going to get "inked." My interests lie in the fields of the art of tattooing and in other types and uses of the art form that evolves around a whole different culture than that we are normally use to seeing. It is absolutely amazing.

Within my family for instance; my husband, who at the time he started his tattoos had gotten a rose on his forearm, which he originally had outlined, and then later began having it colored in. After we met, fell in love, he then decided to finish it and as a surprise and an honor, he finished his rose (the rose of death as he named it) and had my name added. He, of course then asked me to marry him, and stated his finished tattoo meant till death we do part. I wanted to share this as this is just one of many examples of the reasons that people decide to get a tattoo. The fact remains that it always comes back to the meaning or symbolizes something in that persons life. And I am sure that the majority of us who have not gone out and done it, have thought about it at some point in our lives.

To begin, as I am researching this new area of the "art " world, I will share with you first on the origin of the word "tattoo." Tattoo techniques can be traced back to as early as the 18th century. The OED gives this 18th century beginnings with starting out as "tattaow" or "tattow." Then deriving from Polynesian "tatau" and in Tahitian "tatu" which was later introduced as a "loan word" into English, then the pronunciation being changed to conform to English phonology as "tattoo." Sailors during the 18th century while on their voyages introduced both the word and reintroduced the concept of tattooing to Europe.

Tattoos are referred to as "Ink," "Tats," "Art," "Shign-Dings," "Pieces," or "Work." The men and women who are the tattooist are known as the "Artists." Each Artist has his or her own specialty, which types of work they are very good at and their own unique way of applying. Ideally, the person who wishes to become a tattoo artist must always begin as an apprentice under an experienced artist. When you are ready for your first or to add an additional tattoo, check out all the many different designs available, choose your artist, but visit them, find out if the design you chose is what they can apply and ask questions.

At this time, I am going to focus on what I recently came upon during my research. One, I did find that there are many different types or reasons for many different applications. Next, depending on your religion and cultural background which represents a whole other area of inking. I found that there are so many designs, and originally many of those designs catered to the men only. In more recent years more are or have already become available for women. Women also need to choose from designs exclusive to women, and tailored to what they might be searching for. While searching for that special one design, keep in mind: body placement, meaning and symbolism, and how it will look 10, 20 years down the road.