Old school tattoos are often brightly colored, featuring bold, stylized imagery of swallows, anchors, ships and sacred hearts. Traditionally associated with sailors, this Americana style of tattooing has become embraced again by a younger audience, thanks in part to its popularity with emo musicians, and various images can be connected by small details like stars to make "tattoo sleeves" — tattoos that cover the arm like a sleeve.
Japanese-inspired tattoos are instantly recognizable for, among other things, their highly stylized waves made famous by ukiyo-e painters, such as Hokusai. Japanese imagery in tattoos also includes dragons, samurai masks, geishas, cherry blossoms and leaping koi carp. Tattoos in this style are a way for their owners to display their heritage or show an appreciation for Eastern art. The addition of color makes Japanese style tattoos extremely eye-catching.
Many people choose to have their loved ones’ names or even faces tattooed on their body as a form of dedication. Lines or even whole stanzas from poems and lyrics are also quite commonly adopted for tattoos, so the owners can display their admiration for literature that speaks to them.
Music has long gone hand in hand with tattooing and many well known musicians have tattoos. It has also become popular for music fans and amateur musicians to get tattoos that reflect their love for music. These can range from the names of favorite bands or images of favorite album covers to musical notes and instruments and even lyrics. It is important to remember that bands come and go, however, and a tattoo of an outdated musician might cause you embarrassment down the line.
Many tattoo enthusiasts get ink that takes its influence from the tribal tattoos and rituals of ancient Burmese, Bornean and Polynesian people. These designs often vary between densely shaded patterns to an assortment of thin lines and intricate spirals, as well as stylized depictions of animals and demons. Celtic crosses and patterns are also quite common — especially in bands, which are tattoos that wrap around the arm or leg. Tattoos inspired by Native American tribal art are also popular, including depictions of totem poles, dream catchers, stylized eagles and other animals of significance to various tribes.
Some people choose to display their faith by having religious imagery tattooed on their body. However, it is not uncommon for secular people to get so-called religious tattoos either. Common images include depictions of Jesus Christ, Hindu gods and deities, crucifixes and other symbols.