Tribal tattoos are extremely popular. They represent something from the past, and something savage. Almost always created in only black ink, tribal tattoos are structured, abstract images that look like thorns or wrapped vines. They can be as basic or intricate as you like, allowing for the artist to put some real talent into it.
Stars are also very popular tattoo designs, representing everything from wonder to fame. One option is the nautical star, a four- or five-pointed star with a raised line going down each arm. These stars are usually shaded on one side to provide the illusion of depth.
Angels are good source material for tattoos. They can be portrayed as pretty and demure, or radiant and filled with holy power. Back tattoos of angel wings are also very popular.
Whether it is an iron cross, Celtic cross or Christian cross, crosses make good tattoos. They can express your religion or beliefs, or can be chosen simply as striking artwork that dramatically accents your body.
Flowers are often used in body art, because they allow the wearer to explore color options and create images that are beautiful and vibrant. Flowers can also be chosen for specific ideas they represent, such as serenity, represented by a lotus blossom.
Dragons are mythical creatures of great power, and dragon images work well as tattoos, because they represent that power. A dragon can also be one of the most expansive tattoos, sometimes covering a person's entire back. Their serpentine nature also allows them to wrap around arms and cross longer expanses of skin, giving them more individual character.
Sometimes joked about as the stereotypical first tattoo for women, the butterfly has acquired this reputation for a good reason. The delicate nature of the butterfly places it in sharp contrast with other tattoos, and striking colors allow for great originality in an otherwise typical tattoo.
Kanji tattoos are words written in Chinese or Japanese script. Kanji are popular because they contain a secret. You know what it means, and people are compelled to ask you if they want to know the meaning. Also, if someone recognizes it, then you have an instant connection. Do your own research first, as there are stories of kanji tattoos not saying what the wearers expect them to say.
The Celtic knot is a complicated design that has woven lines intertwined in a pattern, demonstrating complexity and strength. The defining element of a Celtic knot is a single line drawn through an intricate pattern. At any place within the image, you can trace the line, and it never ends -- it just continues to loop and weave until you return to your starting point.
Not solely for the biker crowd, skulls are always popular tattoos. They can be flaming, screaming, smiling or just plain scary. Skulls are often used in rock bands' logos. Skulls can also be piled in a mound, staring at something, or be placed on a contrasting background.