Horse Tattoo

Horse tattoos have long been a symbol of strength, grace and stamina, not to mention the fact that horses have only been a tamed species for a rather short period of ten thousand years; for that they are also an emblem of untamed beauty.



A perfect example of this is the black stallion, or Arabian horse. These horse tattoos exemplify the symbolism of a free spirit. They may also be seen as a symbol of protection, as Arabian horses tend to be extremely protective of their owners. One of the more popular ideas is to show a dark horse with a wild mane, rearing into a bright blue, but cloudy sky. A variation of this is to use the bust and front legs of the horse. This version allows for more detail in the face and mane.



Many horse tattoos feature the animal in action. Race horses are a good example of this, especially if the wearer is an avid enthusiast and has a personal favorite. The favorite may be depicted as leading the pack on the racetrack, or even shown with a garland around its neck. Other depictions can show that of a triumphant warrior riding off into the sunset, pulling the chariot of a Roman nobleman or Greek god, or the horse simply running wild and free.



Horse tattoos may also depict the many mythological creatures that were mingled with this creature. Centaurs are thought to be the best of both nature and civilization, being both man and horse. This dual nature has been perceived as a conflict of personality, leading to both the desire for nature and all of its beauty, and a thirst for more scholarly conquests. The centaur is coined as the beast and the teacher. This idea can be adapted into the image of a wizened centaur reading aloud to many small children within the depths of the forest. Another example is the unicorn. Although this design may be placed in very similar settings as a regular horse, this horned animal is usually seen in more fantastic scenes such as a green and blue starry sky, a snow covered mountain on a dark purple night, or racing towards a rainbow.




The great thing about horse tattoos is that you can not only express your fascination with these brilliant creatures, but of nature and all of its striking beauty as a whole.

Phoenix Tattoo art

Phoenix tattoos are said to be the ultimate sign of rebirth and eternal life. To the Greeks and Egyptians, this symbol represented the sun dying at the end of a day and rising in the morning to be reborn. The phoenix is also said to live for five hundred years, then goes to rest by building a nest which it sets aflame, the fire consuming both. After three days the phoenix will rise again from the ashes and begin anew. These tales have struck a cord with many people, and to express their new beginning — or ‘rising from the ashes — they decide to get a phoenix tattoo.



Phoenix tattoos are generally a rather considerable scale, encompassing large sections of the body such as the back, chest or wrapping around the leg or upper arm. There is a good reason for this, as most of these pieces are very detailed, and given that it is an expression of a new life beginning, it makes sense that these should make a powerful statement.



Phoenix tattoos are usually very colorful. Most will contain reds, yellows and oranges, as the phoenix is closely associated with fire and the sun. However, for a more unique look, some will use blues, purples, greens and tones of copper and gold. Less frequently, people will use blacks and grays, and only outline the massive wings and body of the phoenix.




Some of the most popular phoenix tattoos are seen with the sizable bird surrounded by fire. It can also be seen partially obscured and rising from its ashes, or bursting through the sun. A unique idea that can be used to symbolize the shift of days is having your phoenix surrounding the globe, its tail shadowing one end, and its face brightening the other.



Many also like to use the Egyptian phoenix. In early incarnations of this figure, the phoenix had the body of a man and the expansive wings of the phoenix. This image has changed over time, it became a wholly bird-like creature eventually, but the story has remained the same, and is seen in art as being immersed in flame so as to begin its transformation.

So whether you are beginning a new life, have survived troubled times and have become stronger for it, or the idea of such a masterful creature appeals to you, phoenix tattoos will always make for a beautiful and strong choice.

Love&Hearth tattoo

Love tattoos are most regularly used to depict the deep feelings that the wearer has for a particular individual. This person might be a significant other, a family member or a child. Love tattoos may also signify a certain fascination a person has with the strong, often sensual emotion of love and all that goes with it.



When love tattoos are meant to show the emotions a person has towards someone specific, they may use a portrait-type image of them, usually with names and dates printed onto a banner, or circling the face. There may also be a wreath of roses (the modern symbol of romantic love), aster (a symbol of sweet, delicate love), and bluebell (the emblem for everlasting love). Other symbols used for this design may be fire, to signify passion; broad, bold circles to show the unending nature of the relationship; and, of course, hearts


Some love tattoos take a less specific direction. These are normally single symbols like hearts, lips or even kanji script. Sometimes these images are melded together; for instance, two swans holding their beaks together, creating a heart shape. One interesting idea would be to place small flowers or opals (a symbol of both love and hope), within the open areas of a Celtic love knot.

Love tattoos are not all simple symbols and portraits. You can create an interesting design by taking the profile of both the wearer, and the beloved individual and melding them together. This design could easily take the symbol route, and morph into the shape of a heart, or have a large, blooming rose in the center. This style could also feature names and dates, as well as quotes, stories or poems of important significance. Another idea would be for the couple to be joined in an embrace and surrounded, and held together by rings, or red, purple or white ribbon.



Although love tattoos are generally used by a person who is actually in love, it is quite common for a person to be consumed by the idea of such a powerful and mysterious emotion, and want to express it with something as bold and lasting as love is supposed to be.