“…Scars of self-harm, tattooing and body piercing are often associated with diagnosis of personality disorders or substance misuse.”

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Or can you? The practice of cosmetic alteration of the body, as ancient a human practice though it may be, has gone through peaks and troughs of popularity in the modern world. A trend of the wealthy and highborn can turn to the mark of a criminal quicker than you’d think.

The practice of tattooing was re-introduced to Europe (tattooing had been done there for millennia before but the art had been lost) by British sailors sent to explore the South Pacific islands for the Crown. The images scratched onto the flesh of the natives there inspired the seamen to mark themselves, sparking something of am early tattoo craze in the West. By the mid to late 1800s, the ink lifestyle was linked to adventure, exploration and bravery.

Lady Randolph Churchill was marked with a snake around her wrist, and King Frederick the 9th of Denmark was quite heavily tattooed even by today’s standards. The practice spread to the States where it first took root again with sailors. The advent of the electric tattooing gun led to tattoo shops opening all over the eastern and western seaboards of America.

Automation and proliferation brought the cost of tattoos down considerably, which worked both for and against the art. While it was easier for those interested in the medium to find a tattoo artist, the stigma of tattooing being a practice of the seedy was starting to take hold. In circuses and freak shows all over the nation heavily inked people were being put on display for paying customers. Those voyeurs who had been sufficiently impressed could then spend 3 dollars and take home a tattoo of their own courtesy of the circus’ resident scratch artist.

After the Second World War the reputation of the tattooist and the tattooed went down considerably. Legal efforts on behalf of politicians had relegated tattooing strictly to designated, often seamy areas of port cities due to fears (sometimes justifiably held) of the spread of disease. To be tattooed now had a decided stink of marginality in an era of conformity. The art would stay a pass time of sailors, criminals and prostitutes for 2 decades almost exclusively.

Piercing as a human practice is likely as old as tattooing, though it never enjoyed as much social acceptance. For thousands of years, native peoples all over the world pierced various areas of their bodies for purposes of adornment and rites of passage. In Europe, it was a practice again mainly of sailors, rings put through the ears to signify a passing of the equator or to sharpen eyesight for high-seas watches. For women, piercing of the ears for jewelry had been practiced for centuries.

It was not until the 1960s when the ideas of Fakir Mustafar, born Roland Loomis, began to ignite interest in extreme body art and piercing again, first in the U.S. and then worldwide. Fascinated by the Muslim and Hindu holy men (called “Fakirs” from which he took his name) who would pierce their bodies with hooks and sharpened steel to no ill effect, Fakir began to formulate the notion of the “New Primitive.” It was Fakir Mustafar’s argument that life in the West had become intolerably sheltered and that our protection from pain, from trial, was robbing us from valuable self-knowledge. Adopting the trial piercing of various tribes from all over the world Mustafar planted the seed for interest in body modifications the effects of which are still being felt in the movement today.

“…For example, the desire to be tattooed, pierced, to dress in shocking clothing, at its basis it has obviously unpleasant emotions…”

The 1960s represented a paradigm shift time for many things, no less tattooing and piercing. The civil rights movement, anti-war protests and women’s liberation movement all collaborated in closing the door on post World War Two style conservative values. On the West Coast of America, the flower children found a fascination and unlikely partnership briefly with the outlaw motorcycle clubs that had formed and grew there after the 1940s. The rebel imagery of the bikers was adopted by the avante garde of the youth movement, actors like Peter Fonda and singers like Janis Joplin who in turn opened the doors for middle class kids everywhere to get their own marks.

The resurgence of interest brought much needed new blood to the art, people from the field of fine arts put down their texts and picked up tattoo guns, women all over the world for the first time began to view a career as a tattoo artist as viable, a development which lead to styles of design more flattering to women instead of clumsy sailor flash. The spirit of rebellion so pervasive of the time breathed new life into rebel arts.

As 1960s idealism gave way to 1970s crass selfishness, the tone of tattooing and piercing turned darker but by no means suffered a setback. Instead of flowers and eagles, rebellious youth now returned to body art’s rowdy past for inspiration; skulls, knives and dice. The punk rock movement took Fakir Mustafars rejection of bourgeois conformity to the next level, piercing eyebrows, lips and noses not with native bones but with cold stainless steel safety pins. The art of the margins was again being used, at once as a flag of rejection and so the rejected might feel safe in each others company. The 1970s made the tattoo and piercing culture we see today more than possible but inevitable.

Today, when tattooing and piercing are at their height, the question still must be asked: why?

Pornography and sites like the Suicide Girls have taken the inherently sensual art of tattooing and made it intensely sexy. Hollywood movie stars, by necessity of profession, people who stick to the norms of society, walk Rodeo Drive with pierced nipples and expensive ink. In the psychological field still tattooing and piercing both are firmly believed to be the products of “inner turmoil and distress” a sort of external sign of inner damnation.

With so many people either inked or pierced, are we a society then of the emotionally wounded? Or is this another wave of fashion which will pass and leave tattooing and piercing to the people on the margins of society to whom they always belonged?

Sources
Quote 1: British Psychiatric Journal 1998, Kelwyn Williams
Quote 2: Psychology of Mode, part of article entitled Psychology, dreams, reflexes
Works referenced:
Written on the body: the tattoo in European and American history
Marks of civilization: artistic transformations of the human body

In honor of the bizarre history of the tattoo industry, we discovered the most amazing tattoo and piercing stunts ever completed by human beings as listed (or soon to be listed) in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Record: Most Tattoos in 24 Hours

This new category in the Guinness Book of World Records is set to appear in the 2009 edition. A number of tattoo artists from all over America have already attempted to make it to the book list. Some of them have already set record-breaking feats, even surpassing the 500-tattoos-in-24-hour mark.

In order for a tattoo to be counted in this particular category, the tattoo artist needs to make sure the tats have a dimension of at least 1.25 x 3 inches, a minimum of two colors, and every tattoo must be recorded for Guinness Book eligibility.

Some notable tattoo artists who attempted to create a world record for the category Most Tattoos in 24 Hours include:

Derek Kastning, a tattoo artist from Tyler, Texas who works for Rat-aTac-Tat Tattoos set a new record of 726 tattoos in 24 hours in October 2008.

John ‘Joker’ McManus, a tattoo artist from West Monroe, broke the record set by Kastning by making 775 star tattoos in 24 hours on November 2, 2008. He also broke the 8-hour record of 240 by completing 331.

However, McManus’s celebration was short-lived as Hollis Cantrell from Phoenix, Arizona broke the former record with Cantrell’s 801 ‘AZ’ tattoos in 24 hours in November 2008. Apparently, Cantrell is the man to beat this year. Will another tattoo artist take the challenge and ink a much higher feat?

Record: Most Tattooed Person

This word record was once held by a controversial dude named Tom Leppard who is more popularly known as the Leopard Man. Apparently getting the inspiration from his last name, Tom covered his entire body with leopard-like spots.

Leppards’ impressive tattoo covering was surpassed by an Aussie tattoo enthusiast, Lucky Diamond Rich, who literally covered his entire body with ink. Yes, he is a certified tattoo freak, covering every inch of his skin with tattoo. I don’t think anybody could beat a 100% tattooed man in this category. This is the ultimate level and anyone trying to do the same would just be a poor copycat.

Lucky underwent over 1,000 hours of tattoo sessions by hundreds of tattoo artists. He once tried to collect colorful designs from around the world and tattooed them over his entire body. Not satisfied with the already extraordinary feat, Lucky decided to have a 100% covering of black ink that included his eyelids, skin between the toes, down into the ears, and even his gums. Still not contended with the whole thing, Lucky decided to cover the black ink with white designs, and colored designs on top of the white.

Record: Longest Tattoo Session

At 43 hours and 50 minutes, Stephen Grady and Melanie Grieveson of Australia are holding the world record for the longest tattoo session. Grady and Melanie are from Twin Cities Tattooing studio, and both broke the record by 1.5 hours.

Grieveson entered the book records not only as a record breaker but also the first woman to ever attempt the feat.

Record: Most Body Piercings

If you think your proud local body-piercing buddy who’s gotten a Prince Albert, and a number of other jewelries planted on his body, is the king of body piercings, think again. Robert Jesus Rubio from United States of America is holding the world record for the most number of body piercings on a human being with 900 surgical needles inserted into his body. These 18-gauge surgical needles are 1.2 cm long - inserted on May 29, 2008.

Record: Most Pierced Woman

Elaine Davidson may not land on the list of Most Powerful Women in History or in any list with Oprah or Hilary, but she currently holds the world record for most piercings on a woman. Elaine has a record of 720 piercings; 192 on her face and 462 on her body. She has been holding the record since May 2000.

Record: Most Body Piercings in One Session

So you think getting one piercing is tough enough? But for Kam Ma, from UK, getting one piercing in one session is child’s play. A real man gets 1015 piercings at once. That’s exactly what Kam Ma did on March 4, 2006 at the Sunderland Body Art with Charlie Wilson. Both performed the feat in 7 hours and 55 minutes.

Learn more about the crazy body art and tattoo lifestyle here.

A noob (newbie or tenderfoot) is sure to get lost in this ocean of communication confusion. If you happen to be one, don’t fret. This feature is for you. A collection of the most commonly used tattoo and piercing slang terms is laid out below. Read up and soak in the slang. We all have to start somewhere, don’t we?

Ultimate Guide to Tattoo and Piercing Slang

Airbrushing - This term refers to the rebound ink that sprays all over your pants. Funny how they can come up with terms for such mundane issues.

B-back - This refers to a customer who chickens-out during a tattoo session. The most commonly used excuse is: “I gotta run to the ATM, I’ll be back.” But he never returns.

Been needled - This is another way to say: “been tattooed.”

Cadaver - This term refers to a customer who refuses to talk to the tattoo artist during the entire process of getting inked. It is likely that the customer is a noob or just too scared about the whole process to find the energy to speak.

Closers - This refers to those annoying customers who know fully well that you close at 10pm, and take your last customer at 9pm, but they walk in at 9:45pm anyway, expecting you to accommodate their 2-hour tattoo request.

Dealers - These are customers who haggle down the tattoo price like they are attending a body art auction. They intend to pay less than what regular customers normally pay.

Engraved - This is another term for “tattooed.”

Geeking - This refers to acting stupid, or ignorant, or out of place, without regard to how you appear to others. Tattoo artists tend to use this term to refer to their clients who do not know how to follow instructions, especially in matters related to taking care of their tattoos.

Getting inked - Is another way of saying, “getting tattooed.”

Goo - This pertains to the cool, healing ointment tattoo artists apply to a new tattoo.

Grinding - A term similar to “creating,” as in what “grinding out some tribal tattoos” suggests.

Gun - This is a general slang term for a tattoo machine. In some cases, this term may have a negative connotation in association with hackers or scratchers.

Hacker - Beware of the hacker. No, he doesn’t hack into computer systems; this term refers to an unskilled tattoo artist who tends to cause the client more pain and swelling than necessary. Also called a scratcher.

Human Larva - This pertains to little children running around a tattoo shop. Poor kids.

Ink - This is synonymous with the word tattoo. As a verb, “to ink” can also mean “to get a tattoo.”

Inked - Refers to a person with many tattoos. It also pertains to the act of getting tattooed.

Irons - Another term for tattoo machines with a positive connotation. Irons are tattoo

machines used only by tattoo artists.

Kickin’ it into third - A phrase used by tattoo artists that describes the way they pick up the speed on the fill, because they know you can handle it.

Know you’re getting a tattoo - A phrase used by tattoo artists to refer to the act of tattooing the underside of the arm. Ouch, that’s going to hurt.

Meat - A local tattoo enthusiast who always has a fresh tattoo healing always has meat. This type of collector frequents the tattoo shop, getting a tat or two in short intervals.

Michaelangelo - Tattoo artists coined this ironic term out of frustration towards certain clients who think they know better. They are the ones who ask for “victory red” or “purple passion” and tell the artist where and how to shade. Think: back seat driver.

Pounding skin - Refers to “tattooing someone.” To a virgin, this term can sound more brutal than necessary.

Pussyball - Pertains to the “tennis ball” given to the customer who won’t stop whining.

Scratcher - Similar to hacker.

Show your ink - Another way of saying “show your tattoo.”

Showcase - Refers to a collector who has a ton of tattoos inked by the same tattoo artist.

Sleeve - A tattoo, or series of tattoos, that cover the arm is referred to as a sleeve. It may not really fully cover the arm; a sleeve can cover half or three-quarters of the arm.

Slinging ink - Similar to pounding skin.

Squicked - Refers to being grossed out or disgusted. This describes the way you feel when you look at a new piercing while imagining the amount of pain the person must have gone through in the process. A Prince Albert might give you this kind of reaction.

Tat or tatt - An abbreviation term used to refer to tattoo.

Tattoo flash - Refers to tattoo designs or samples usually displayed on a tattoo studio’s wall.

Tattoo shark - Pertains to someone who has a habit of stealing other people’s tattoo ideas.

Tattoo worthy - This term describes a band (yeah, music group) that is not only talented, but whose talent and iconic reputation will last forever (just as tattoos last forever).

Tenderfoot - Body art newbies.

The Look - This describes the tell-all smile when the customer first sees his new tattoo.

Works - The needles and tubes used for the art of tattooing.

Wrastler - This is a person who, after fainting in the tattoo chair, still decides to finish what he started.

Yo-Man - A potential tattoo customer who walks in the shop saying, “Yo man, I got $20. What can I get?”

Tips to Improve Your Tattoo Lingo

As languages evolve, we can expect more and more terms will enhance, or at least elongate, the dictionary of tattoo slang. In order for you to keep up with the talk trends, here are things that you can do to stay abreast with shop talk.

If the situation allows, hang out at a tattoo shop and listen to conversations between tattoo clients and artists. Unfamiliar words and phrases are sure to pop out. Take note of them and have someone explain their meanings. If possible, you can be bold enough to ask someone directly about it.

Another way of expanding your tattoo vocabulary is to attend tattoo conventions and ink-related gatherings. Joining an assembly of tattoo enthusiasts, coming from different parts of the country (or even the world), is a tremendous opportunity for learning tattoo slang. Geographical differences might induce differences in meaning or connotations of certain tattoo slang terms. Not only will you learn a new set of tattoo slang terms, but you also get the rare chance to understand different perspectives of the inked dialect.

Read tattoo articles from tattoo magazines. Tattoo articles are written by experts in the field, so they are bound to contain technical terms only a true-blue tattoo addict might understand.

Read books about tattoos and tattooing. You can also include tattoo guidebooks in your reading list. Not only will these books help you better understand the details of the industry, they will also ensure you soak in your fill of tattoo slang terms.

The Internet offers an endless database of tattoo and body art information. Search around to find interesting tattoo and piercing websites that provide the latest in what’s hot and what’s not in the body art industry. RankMyTattoos.com is a good place to start.

These very practical tips will help erase your Noob status in no time.

What did we miss? Leave your favorite tattoo and piercing slang terms - you’re your best definitions - in the comment area below!

Inspire your slang memory by browsing through new RMT user tattoo photos here. The main article photo is from RMT user Koi - check out Koi’s profile here.

Though we often associate tattoos with pictures or symbols of particular objects, there is a growing population of word tattoos. From bold words to statements to live by and quotes to admire, with or without accent images, word tattoos are increasingly popular in the modern age of self expression.

There is a great range of word tattoos and each tattoo features specific type fonts or lettering styles. Tattoo artists have hundreds, or even thousands of tattoo lettering styles at their disposal, but 50 popular lettering styles stand out.

From Old English to Geek A Byte fonts, check out the top 50 tattoo lettering styles.

Now check out samples of tattoos using various tattoo lettering styles:

A hat goes off to these 20 tattooed professionals who are making big figures, and a difference, in today’s corporate world:

Dave Kimelberg: Dave works as both a photographer and corporate lawyer in Boston. He divides his time between his job as General Counsel for an east coast venture capital group and working on his project INKED Inc., which consists of a traveling photography exhibition, a published book and an online social community.

Bob Harper: NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” personal trainer Bob Harper is also a trainer in the Australian version of the show. Harper has trained many celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, Guy Ritchie and Jenny McCarthy. Harper has over 8 tattoos.

Alex Campbell: Alex is a preschool teacher. Instead of hiding her koi-fish leg tattoo, she includes it as part of her lesson plan at school.

Robert: Robert is the Director of Analysis for an NYC governmental agency. His sleeve tattoo was a graduation present he gave himself upon receiving his MBA.

Marisa DiMattia: Marisa is a renowned NYC attorney and author, and is the founder and editor of Needled.com, a source for tattoo art and culture.

Joe Chernov: Joeisa Public Relations Director who has found that his skin art does not get in the way of his profession.

Leah: Leah is an MD who is completing her residency at a children’s hospital in St. Louis. The caduceus (symbol of medicine) tattooed on her foot is a tribute to herself and her father, who is also a physician.

Dr. David Ores: Dr. Dave is a medical doctor with a private practice in NYC. Many of Dr. Dave’s tattoos have a medical theme, including a caduceus, the letters “MD” tattooed on his back and a skull with a red medical cross on his left shoulder.

Kristin O’ Malley: Kristin bears a full-leg, double-helix tattoo inspired by her laboratory work and her love of science.

Bob S. Bob is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at St. Lawrence University. Bob and his wife are the founders of veganfreak.net, and he has published numerous books on veganism.

Lara:Lara is a corporate administrative assistant for a prominent German pharmaceutical company. Her full-sleeve tattoo was done by her tattoo artist husband, who is based out of Connecticut.

Bruce Potts: Bruce Potts is a teacher of Public Speaking at the University of New Mexico and has a full tribal face tattoo that he says he has wanted since he was 12 years old. Check out more outrageous facial tattoos.

Nina: Nina is a German-born veterinarian (DVM, PhD in microbiology), and has been a Professor of Molecular Biology since 2005.

Sebastian Rivas: Sebastian is a 23-year old real estate agent who, at the present time, chooses to keep his tattoos under-cover.

Nicole: Nicole is an Executive Assistant to the CEO of an Information Technology company in Boston. The artist who started Nicole’s Japanese-inspired back piece recently died, and now she is contemplating when, and if, to finish the piece.

Jeremy Loerch: Jeremy is a teacher at Billings Middle School in Seattle. His body art is so consistently visible that students refer to him as “JAM,” or Jeremy Art Museum. Students, he says, “joke that he is on display every day.”

Gene: Gene is a litigation consultant for a major consulting firm in Boston.

Courtney Pecola: Courtney, a proud native of New Hampshire, bears a tattoo of NH’s lilacs across her chest. When she interviewed at ZB Sports in Philadelphia, she was hired immediately, and worked her way up to vice president. “Courtney is one of the brightest women I’ve ever met,” says Pecola’s boss, Jim Hoisington. “If I passed on her because of her tattoos, I’d be out one phenomenal employee.”

Miko: Miko is an Operations Engineer for Glaceau, a frontrunner in enhanced water products. He proudly displays his full-sleeve tattoos among co-workers and clientele alike.

Colleen Harris: Colleen holds multiple MA degrees and a job at the University of Kentucky’s research library.

Although tattoos are not the career killers they once were, there is an acceptance separation between tattooed employees who are educated and esteemed, and tattooed employees who, at the present, are not. While most professionals do cover up while on-the-job, most likely this is because it’s expected, not mandated. If these white-collar pros got caught with their ink exposed, there is a good chance their job would not be in jeopardy, as compared to a tatted employee slinging hash at a Waffle House.

Alternatively, some companies embrace visibly tattooed employees (as long as the tattoos are non-offensive or aggressive), because these workers may help to project a hipper business image. Such companies include Whole Foods Market, Sony and Ben & Jerry’s.

With tattoo acceptance among vegan foods, PS3’s and drug-monikered ice cream, who needs an MBA?

It is a commitment that subjects the tattooee to more judgment and possible controversy than any other tattoo choice. Wearing your religion on your skin takes resounding faith, unshakeable conviction, and yes, balls. But it is refreshing and in fact admirable in these days of the prolific slut-stamp and lifeless tribal sleeve to see folks stepping out of the ink herd and choosing to physically profess their religious devotion … loud and clear.

Luckily for religious tattoo enthusiasts of today, the artistry of time-honored religious imagery has made leaps and bounds from our forefathers chiseling petroglyphs onto stone. Expressive, beautiful and subjective, check out the incredible artwork that makes up the top 30 religious tattoos.

Jesus: The central figure of Christianity, Jesus, aka Jesus of Nazareth, Jehovah, the Messiah, the Christ, Savior of man, the Son of God, was a prophet and teacher born in Bethlehem and crucified to bestow eternal salvation among mankind.

Mary: Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, and is also referred to as the Virgin Mary, the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Virgin, the Holy Mother and the Mother of God. Mary is especially honored in Roman Catholicism and is considered the most elevated of the saints.

Cross: The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It is the primary religious symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus.

Rosary: Traditional in Roman Catholicism, the rosary is a set of beads that provides a physical method of keeping track of the number of prayers said, as the fingers can move along the beads as prayers are recited.

Angels: In Christianity, Judaism and Islam, angels are believed to be messengers from God who are sent to guard over subjects (hence, Guardian Angel) and carry out the tasks of the Divine. Superior or higher-ranking angels are known as archangels; famous archangels include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Crucifix: A crucifix is a cross with an accompanying image of Jesus’ crucified body. It is a principal symbol of Christianity and Catholicism.

The Last Supper: In Christian Gospel, the Last Supper (aka the Lord’s Supper) was the last meal Jesus of Nazareth shared with his Twelve Apostles and disciples before his death.

Praying Hands: The held-together, praying hands image is a traditional gesture in Christianity and Catholicism. This photo is from RankMyTattoos.com user Rod Fam. Rank this tattoo here.

Krishna: While many Hindu groups recognize Krishna as the incarnation of Vishnu, some consider Krishna to be the Supreme God. Krishna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-Gita, and is often depicted as a baby or as a youthful prince playing a flute. Krishna is believed to personify the loving relationship between God and humans.

Sacred Heart: A traditional symbol in Roman Catholicism, the Sacred Heart represents Jesus’ physical heart. The Sacred Heart is usually depicted as a flaming heart surrounded by a crown of thorns and bleeding. The crown of thorns alludes to Jesus’ death, while the fire represents his love for mankind.

Scripture: Although “scripture” is generally defined as the sacred writings of religious texts, it has been traditionally associated with the writings of the Bible.

Triquetra: The Triquetra is used by Christianity as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), but is also used in Neo-Pagan religions.

Star of David: The Star of David is a six-pointed star emblem, commonly associated with Jewish culture and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel and is also present on the state flag of Israel.

Pentacle: Neo-pagans, especially Wiccans, use the pentacle as a symbol of faith, similar to the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David. As a representation of the elements, the pentacle is an amulet used in magical evocation, summoning the spirits of the four directions (with the spirit as five) at the beginning of Wiccan ritual.

Triple Moon Goddess: In Pagan and Wiccan tradition, the Triple Moon Goddess represents the three stages of life: Maiden, Mother and Crone, as well as the three phases of the moon.

Baphomet: The Baphomet was first depicted by nineteenth century occultist Elipas Levi as a symbol of harmony, redemption, and union with the Divine. A simplified version of the symbol (the Sabbatic goat) was adopted as the emblem of Anton Lavey’s Church of Satan in 1966. These two figures are now both synonymous with Satanism.

Pentagram: Traditionally a symbol of a 5-pointed star, an inverted pentagram with two points up, often inscribed in a double circle with a depiction of a goat head in the middle, is referred to as the Sigil of Baphomet among Satanists. It is used as a sign of rebellion or religious identification; the three downward points symbolizing the rejection of the holy Trinity.

The Devil: The Devil, aka Satan, Lucifer, the Beast, the Antichrist, Beelzebub, etc., is a fallen angel in Christian and Catholic tradition who rebelled against God and was cast down into the pit of Hell. The Devil is usually depicted with horns and a serpent’s tongue.

666: The Bible’s Book of Revelation asserts 666 to be “the number of a beast.” In modern culture, 666 has become one of the most widely recognized symbols for the Antichrist, and a symbol for Satanists.

Upside down cross: The reversed cross is traditionally the symbol of St. Peter’s refusal to be crucified in the manner of Christ, preferring to be hung upside down, as a gesture of humility. In modern times, the reversed cross is most commonly associated with Satanism and a rejection of the Christian doctrine.

Brahma: Brahma is regarded as the creator of the universe in Hinduism, and was believed to be self-born in the lotus flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu. Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces and four arms, representing the four directions.

Shiva: Shiva, the God of destruction, is the supreme God in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism. He is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation, and has a third eye. Shiva is often depicted as blue, referring to when he drank poison churned up from the earth’s ocean.

Vishnu: Vishnu is regarded as a major God in Hinduism, and is believed to be the preserver of the universe.

Ganesh: Ganesh is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in Hinduism. Ganesh’s elephant head makes him easy to identify, and his reverence extends to Buddhists and beyond India. He is regarded as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of intellect and wisdom.

Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama (563 BC-483 BC, approximately) was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. He is generally recognized by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha.

Kuan Yin: In Buddhist culture, Kuan Yin is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is generally accepted that Kuan Yin originated as the SanskritAvalokiteśvara, which is her male form.

Yin and Yang: Although found throughout Chinese culture, the Yin and Yang symbols are often associated with Taoism, as they represent the dynamic force of the Tao - two energies constantly interacting with each another: the sun and the moon, femininity and masculinity, birth and death, etc.

Rastafari: Rastafarianism isa religious-cultural movement that began in the 1930’s in Jamaica as a reaction to the European colonialism and slavery of Africans. Central themes of the religion attempt to explain the future of the African race by looking to Ethiopia for an African King.

Atheist: Atheism is defined as the disbelief that deities exist and/or the lack of belief in gods.

Darwinian Fish: Charles Robert Darwin (1809 -1882) was an English naturalist who taught that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through the process he termed natural selection. His theory of natural selection came to be known as the primary explanation of evolution in the 1930’s, and now forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory.

Good vs. Evil Duality: These images represent religious duality.

Jesus/Satan:

Mary/Evil Mary:

Angel/Devil tattoo from RankMyTattoo user DeadGirl666. Rank this tattoo.

Whether denying the existence of God(s), altering the perception of God(s), or embracing God(s), religious tattoos encapsulate a personal and cultural honor that no other artwork can match. Check out and rank more tattoo photos here.

Tattoo magazines were few, the Internet was still learning to walk, and tattoo photos that did surface were typically flat and featured poorly inked, head-banging youth or old-school aficionados whose once discernible, pectoral sailor maiden had since turned into a smudgey, re-entry club stamp.

But times have changed. Sure, there are still photographs of inked-up subjects flaunting their aggression and nonconformist allegiance (rock stars are great at this), tatted sirens who drip sexuality like a racehorse drips piss, and tattoo enthusiasts of yesteryear.

But tattoo photos today often embrace a beauty and a reverence for the art of tattoos, and the individual who carries them, that was lost in previous years. Although the ink is on the surface, tattoos are not skin deep, and are most-likely backed by emotions. Tattoo photographers today have become increasingly advanced in capturing this energy on film, but some are clearly ahead of their game.

Whether taking shots of those in the spotlight or unknown folks around the world, check out the work of the top twenty tattoo photographers working in the business today.

Lionel Deluy: Lionel has photographed many inked celebs, including Angelina Jolie, Blink 182, the Jackass crew, The Game, and Kat Von D. His work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Premiere, and Vogue. Check out his inspiring bio on his webpage. www.lioneldeluy.com

Christian Holzknecht: Among Christian’s clients are The Stray Cats, the Playboy bunnies, The Monroes, and the good-natured fellas at West Coast Customs. www.holzknecht.at

Angela Boatwright: Photographer Angela Boatwright has been featured in Vice, Vibe, Revolver, SPIN and Inked magazine. She has done layouts for Nikki Sixx, Avenged Sevenfold and Sepultura, among countless other bands. www.angelaboatwright.com

Craig Burton: Craig Burton is a well known photog amid the metal scene, and does a lot of work in the tattoo arena where he made an international name for himself; covering worldwide tattoo conventions and shooting photos for several international tattoo mags. His clients include Kat Von D, Marilyn Manson, and Iron Maiden. www.craigburtonphotography.com

Jeff Davidson: Jeff Davidson specializes in combining the beauty of the female body with the creativity of tattoo art in his photos. www.thefemalecanvas.com

William DeMichele: After years of shooting tattooed enthusiasts, photographer William DeMichele opened his portfolio to over 80,000 images of tattooed men and women worldwide. http://tattoos.com/gallery/proteus

Justice Howard: Justice specializes in glamour photographs and celebrities pictures, and is a long time photographer of Dave Navarro. http://justicehoward.com

E. William Blochinger: William started out shooting covers for tattoo magazines such as Tattoo Savage, Tattoo Flesh and Skin Art, then turned his lens to Rock ‘n Roll - first by shooting concerts and then shooting the musicians. www.vanishingtattoo.com

Patricia Steur: Tattoos and Rock ‘n Roll play an important role in Patricia’s work. She has shot for numerous magazines including Playboy and Cosmopolitan, and has authored many books. Rock stars, the famous and perhaps soon to be… have all fallen under her lens. www.patriciasteur.com

Lithium Picnic: Houston photographer and Lithium Picnic associate Philip Warner has shot the Deftones, Lenny Kravitz and Marilyn Manson among his many layouts. www.lithiumpicnic.com

Tatsumi Takuya: Tatsumi photographs Horihito tattoo art in black and white. www.tema.co.jp

Jan Seeger: Jan is catching steam as one of the most expressive tattoo photographers in the business and captures beautiful, descriptive shots. http://janseeger.com

Lani Lee: Photographer Lani Lee has snapped hip-hop artist Malice getting tattooed by Chris Garver of Miami Ink, and sports tattoos sticked by Chris Garver and Ami James. http://lanileephotography.com

Peter DaSilva: Peter DaSilva strives to give viewers an unfettered view of counterculture lives and aesthetics through his photography. www.dasilvaphoto.com

Dale Rio: Dale is known for trotting around the globe on various tattoo magazine jobs, and shooting live, promo and press photos for a million different bands. www.dalerio.com

Michael McGowan: Michael’s work has appeared in galleries and shows all over the world, and seeks to celebrate all things about the female form. www.femmefete.com

Charles Gatewood: Charles specializes in fetish videos and books, and has been documenting the deviant worlds of tattooing, body piercing and other underground delights since 1964. www.charlesgatewood.com

Robin Perine: Tattoos, music, sports, fashion, and lifestyle photography are all a part of Robin’s repertoire and her clients include Green Day, Slash and Marilyn Manson. www.robinperine.com

Ina Saltz: Photographer Ina Saltz’s book: “Body Type: Intimate Messages Etched in Flesh” is the first book devoted entirely to typographic tattoos, and explores the ideas and emotions behind the ink commitment. www.bodytypebook.com

Michael Glatt: Michael began shooting photography as a teenager and carries his camera everywhere. www.lifesdisciple.com

Many of these incredible photographers are available for hire, so be sure to check out their websites for more information.

But back to that early association of tattoos to gangs and criminals, it somehow follows that tattooing is quite a normal routine done inside prison cells. There, in the absence of appropriate materials and sterilizing tools, a prison tattoo machine (tattoo gun) has been created. The homemade version of the real deal accomplishes the same goal, minus the assurance that the procedure is safe and clean. But who worries those little sanitary concerns in prison anyway?

In prison or from the comfort of your own home, if you want to make an impromptu tattoo machine, you need these materials:

• 1 bic pen
• electrical tape
• guitar string or stiff wire
• tooth brush
• battery-operated motor
• pencil eraser

The bic pen is the tube that will house the needle, which is the guitar string or the stiff wire, whichever is available. You need to cut at least 5 inches off the guitar string to make the needle. A battery-operated motor (the small one) can come from a vehicle toy or a walkman.

The procedure

1. Remove the ink tube of the bic pen and get the ball out.
2. Insert the needle into the pen. Voila! Your needle is ready.
3. Prepare the toothbrush by removing the bristles. You can cut the head off in order to hasten the process. Heat it up in the middle using a lighter to bend the toothbrush to a 90-degree angle.
4. Attach the pen to the toothbrush with an electric tape.
5. Attach a pencil eraser to the center of the motor shaft.
6. Stick the bent end of the guitar string into the eraser.
7. Now to make the thing work, you need a power source. This requires some know-how on electricity. For example, you can connect batteries to a switch that powers the motor to get that thing running.

You could then use a cheap deodorant and an ink pen for your tattoo. Go try it yourself. Or better yet, try it on a banana for testing, like this guy.

If you’re going to design your own tattoo gun, go for one of these gun tattoo designs.

No matter what they do, these rappers never cease to project their own story, striving to remain interesting in the ever saturated rap game. From media interviews to advertising campaigns and personal ink style, these performers all know and embrace their role as icons in the hip-hop scene.

From The Game to the non-stop Lil Wayne, there’s no doubt these stars are of the most important in the music industry. But, are their tattoos as meaningful as their lyrics, or is their ink just for the sake of image?

While famous tattoos on Hollywood starlets are undeniably hot, we suspect there may be more meaning on the tattooed rappers strutting down the same streets. Check out the top five most important tattoos in rap music.

The Game

The Game has an LA tattoo just below his right eye, and if you actually listen to any of his music for about two minutes, you would know this by now. When Dr. Dre’s The Chronic hit the streets, Game was in his teens. Luckily, he managed to develop his talent, and have his debut album produced by the good doctor himself. This means he experienced the early ‘90s middle school wannabe rapper from Compton dream fulfilled. If you look at the N.W.A. (Dr. Dre’s first group) tattoo above his right pectoral muscle you can see that he has a substantial respect for the past artists that came before him.

50 Cent

50’s back tattoo is clear evidence of the over-the-top opinion he has of himself. Not that he is alone in his narcissism, but most rappers, that aren’t on his label, think he is an arrogant punk, even in an industry built on self-worship. He doesn’t have much respect for the past, or for anyone competing against him. And as you can see, he has a “50″tattoo the size of a Jansport backpack covering his entire back. This tattoo design appropriately fits a guy who just wants to get rich or die tryin’.

Eminem

30 years from now, no other rapper’s lyrics will be studied more than the words put forth by Marshall Mathers. His words terrified the masses, and his exit from the game has left most fans and critics puzzled and yearning for more material. The reason for his absence can be seen on his right shoulder. There, you can find a picture of his beautiful little girl, Hayley Jade outlined with roses. If he dropped an album today, it would go straight to number one, but he seems to be done with that because of something that is clearly more important to him. Notice the inscription of Bonnie and Clyde underneath her name. That is a reference to a song on his first album written in her honor.

Jay-Z and Beyonce

If Eminem’s lyrics are the most powerful, Jay-Z’s career is the most important. Not only is he widely respected as being the “The Michael Jordan of Recording” and infamous for never writing down a single lyric, he is also now married to one of the most striking women in the world. Earlier this year, Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles tied the knot.Instead of dropping a diamond the size the size of a grapefruit on her finger, they both decided to get wedding band tattoos. What do you give the girl that seemingly has everything? A little ink, son!

Lil Wayne

Wayne is the biggest rapper in the world right now.He has spent the last two years locked in a studio, smoking blunts, getting tattoos (sometimes in the studio), and pumping out over 150 tracks of some the most innovative rap music ever recorded, from varied collaborations to mix tapes and his own full length albums.

People often look at this other Mr. Carter as being a crazy, over-stimulated person, or an alien, or even a profit sent from God. His flow doesn’t seem to be of this world, and he seems to enjoy a level of excess that would suggest that he knows he was sent here to experience everything to the fullest. When listening to his rhymes, you get the feeling he is clearly in possession of an addictive personality. He loves recording every night.And he also seems incapable of stopping getting tattoos; his body and face are covered with them.

The Game thinks that Ice Cube is God; 50 Cent thinks he is God; Eminem wants his daughter to have the chance to choose to believe in God, if she wants to; Jay-Z gets to wake up next to Beyonce, so he is probably a fan of God’s work; Lil Wayne however, judging by his tattooed eye lids, fears God.Is this because he knows something we don’t? Well, I’m sure, like every other rapper out there, if you take the time to look close at the artwork painted on their skin; it shouldn’t be hard to find some inkling of truth.

Lucien Pellat-Finet offers cashmere sweaters and diamond watches brandishing tattoo skulls in NYC for $1,200-$3,500.

The exploitation of a counter-culture, when its monetary value is discovered, is painfully inevitable - but, the sole blame is not always on the hoitey-toiteys. Legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy said of designer Christian Audigier, “This guy is at ground zero of everything that’s wrong with contemporary civilization. However, if he wants to make a lot of money with my art, and it’s not overtly negative, then what the hell.”

The oh-so-trendy Ed Hardy is not alone in his thinking. Check out the top five clothing designers fashioning tattoos as couture in our inked up modern society.

Sailor Jerry

Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins (1911-1973) is considered among many as the reigning American tattoo artist of his time. His artwork epitomizes the old-world sailor tattoo: winking maidens with shapely thighs and pert knockers, ships on the bounding main, skulls, red roses and taunting women embracing serpents - respectively. In 1999, protégés and tattoo legends Don Ed Hardy and Mike Malone partnered with a Philadelphia clothing company to establish Sailor Jerry Ltd., producing clothing and other items such as ash trays and shot glasses. The company also makes batches of 92-proof spiced rum featuring a Sailor Jerry hula girl on the label. www.sailorjerry.com

Christian Audigier

THE MAN behind modern day, tattoo-inspired consumerism. Christian Audigier acted as chief designer for Von Dutch in 2002 - creating the edgy style that turned the company into a pop-fashion phenomenon. He was granted the exclusive rights to the designs of iconic tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy and launched Ed Hardy, one of the hottest labels in the world. Thousands of celebrities don his gear, including Britney Spears (what!), Kanye West