Why getting accurate Portrait Tattoo is so important

Portrait tattoos are unquestionably one of the most meaningful types of body art around. After all, having someone's visage printed into the skin is a sure symbol of love, commitment and appreciation. Many portrait pieces are meant as a permanent reminder of lost loved ones, or to forever capture the youth and innocence of a new member of the family; however, other types are meant solely to express an interest or fascination namely in famous "entities", such as movie stars, writers, musicians, and occasionally even important political figures. Other portraits may consist of wildlife, generally a beloved pet. Realism is key when it comes to the majority of portrait tattoos. These pieces, which often depict loved ones, try to capture the most lifelike appearance as possible. Quite often, these designs show only the head and shoulders of the subject; however, some may be made up of the entire person, and even the background of the original photograph used. Sometimes a collage of photographs is made, generally showing an entire family, but occasionally a single person at different stages of life. Although most of these portraits are done in varying shades of gray and black, many are done in vivid, realistic hues, usually picking up the colors of the original picture.
Although the natural style is most common, many people prefer portrait tattoos with a twist. For example, they may take on a caricature-type design; they may show made up people, such as cartoon characters and cheesecake models, in a lifelike way; or they may use a realistic approach that mingles with a more abstract style. For instance, square pieces may be pulled from the eyes and lips of the portrait model, and placed away from the face; one face with many expressions may be turned into a small emblem; or the model may simply be painted in bright colors of red, blue, yellow and green. This style might also be seen with a border (some may bear something like a gilded frame, while another may be surrounded by a chain of flowers), just to name a few possibilities.
Although the majority of portrait tattoos feature those who are close to the wearer, others depict the faces of well known celebrities. These portraits may be abstract or lifelike, and are sometimes surrounded by pertinent symbols and words, such as band logos, poems, and even backdrops of famous paintings. Portrait pieces, if done by a skilled artist, can be stunning tributes to a number of different people. Although they are sometimes frowned upon, those who get them know that they are an intimate, loving gesture to the person who appears in the art.

Celtic Tattoos

There’s been a growing interest in tattoos lately, and Celtic tattoo designs are no exception. Celtic tattoos have become a favorite design choice. It is no secret why these are so popular. They are oftentimes done in blackened color with lots of shading and the symbols used are intricate and beautiful. It’s thought that Celtic tattoo designs trace their origins back to a clan that inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Just about all historians think that the Picts tattooed themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hot tools to produce complex and permanent artwork on their body. Later on, they began to using a blue pigment derived from the leaves of a native plant. The designs created by the Picts began to have a mysterious religious and symbolic significance. Celtic artwork and symbolism embodied a mix of Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn’t have a printed language and alternatively communicated their customs and beliefs by word of mouth. Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to the British Isles they established written communication within the Celtic culture. At the same time the monks adopted many of the active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the Christian religion. This was done in order to bridge the gap between the Druid beliefs and those of the Christians. A great deal of this work was saved by the Christian monks in the “Books Of Kells” which is today housed at Trinity College in Ireland. Therefore the early tattoo designs of the Picts evolved over time and blended with Christian beliefs to form what we know of as Celtic artwork today. The Celtic Cross and Shamrock are two such designs that have survived the test of time.
The Meaning Behind Celtic Symbols
The Celtic Knot: Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knot design. These are attractive knots of interlaced lines that cross over one another repeatedly to produce an exquisite design. These knots don’t have a start or an end they are simply a perpetual knot that goes on eternally. These interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the spiritual and the physical realms of life, which become entangled with each other.
Celtic Tree Of Life Tattoo: Among the favorite themes of Celtic tattoo designs is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood goes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion, which was a nature, based religion. Trees frequently symbolize life, growing from a seed into a tree much like a person grows from a child into an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving plant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths. There is also an association with Christianity in the Adam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit from a tree.
The Celtic Cross Tattoo: Among the most popular and most lasting Celtic designs is the Celtic Cross. The symbolism here is obviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the cross. These are beautiful crosses done with interlacing lines of Celtic knots.
Celtic Heart Tattoos: Another favorite Celtic design theme is a heart. Celtic heart tattoos are once again intertwined knot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done in black color only but can also be done in color. These are exquisite designs and make great tattoos. These are particularly popular among women.
More Symbols Include:
1) Anchor: Steadfastness 2) Bell: Weddings, Anniversaries. 3) Chain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years together. 4) Cross: Faith, Marriage. 5) Diamond: Wealth, Good Fortune. 6) Dragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection. 7) Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship. 8) Heart: Love. 9) Horseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness. 10) Key: Home 11) Knot: Everlasting, together forever. 12) Leaves: Love Grows. 13) Ship: Smooth passage through life. 14) Vine: Love Grows. 15) Wheel: Willingness to work for a loved one. 16) Double Spoons: The Couple Together Forever. 17) Triple Spoons: Family.