What is a tattoo: A tattoo is a design or shape made by the insertion of a pigment into punctures or cuts in the skin. In technical terms, tattooing is micro-pigment implantation. The word is traced to the Tahitian tatu or tatau , meaning to mark or strike (the latter referring to traditional methods of applying the designs). Free tattoo designs have some good links below. In Japanese the word used for traditional designs or those that are applied using traditional methods is irezumi ("insertion of ink"), while "tattoo" is used for non-Japanese designs. Most tattoo enthusiasts refer to tattoos as tats, ink, art or work, and to tattooists as artists. This usage is gaining support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of tattoo designs and photographs of tattoos. Tattoo designs that are mass produced and sold to tattoo artists and studios and displayed in shop are known as flash. Free Tattoo Designs: If you are looking for free tattoo designs, we have a selection at the bottom of this page. If you have an idea for a tattoo design but can't find what your looking for, then why not try a 3D-Visualiser! They will be able to produce an accurate graphic / pictorial representation based purely on your description. If you are into graphics, work in graphics or simply want to know more about 3D visualisation and how its achieved, visit the engineering dreams site now!

Popularity: Tattoos have become very fashionable in recent decades in most parts of the world, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan. The growth in tattoo civilization has seen the arrival of new tattoo artists into the industry, many of whom have scientific and fine art training, and that coupled with advancements in tattoo colours and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing has led to a marked upgrading in the quality of tattoos being produced. Movie stars, models, popular musicians and sports figures are just some of the people in the public eye who are commonly tattooed, which in turn has fuelled the acceptance of tattoos within mainstream popular culture. Most tattooists these days offer free tattoo designs, and only charge for the time it takes. In 2005, a telephone census conducted by an International company asked over 1000 US citizens to give their opinions of tattoos as a form of art. A majority of the respondents said tattoos were a form of art, while the remaining said they differed.