The word Kanji is almost synonymous with Japanese tattoos. However the meaning goes much further back than the comparatively recent popularity of the Kanji designs that are common in the world of tattoo fans.
While it may be hard to learn, Kanji can make the learning of the Japanese language both fun and simpler...not easy, but simpler.
Kanji is a form of writing that is founded on Chinese characters. The term "Kanji" actually means Han characters. This connects it to its roots with date back to the Han Dynasty in 57AD.
Language historians cannot specifically document when the Japanese population began to adapt the Classical Chinese to their own applications, however, its presence in today's world clearly establishes the connection.
Kanji writings can generate more than 60,000 different drawings or "ideographs." Naturally, each drawing has its own meaning, much like each sentence written in any language, communicates a different part of the overall message. You'll want to audition your tattoo artist to make sure he or she can provide you with an accurate translation of your Kanji tattoo. You'll be especially thankful should you have friends who read and understand Japanese.
Just to make things even more complicated for your research into a Kanji design, there are other choices for your consideration. Hiragana and Katakana, collectively referred to as Kana, can have a remarkable impact on the end result of your tattoo design. The choice of these styles can add an entirely different level of elegance to your ultimate tattoo decision. The drawings are smoother with a rounder stroke. It's definitely a personal choice so, no reason to rush. Take your time.
This is one of the most beautiful, artistically significant and soulful selections you can make for such a personal decision. Don't be so anxious that you forget to meditate on your choice for an extra day...or a couple of weeks. The choice is more or less permanent so don't allow yourself to rush or stress over the decision.
You can always choose your design to incorporate all of the styles. Your imagination and creativity are your only limits...other than the expertise of your tattoo artist.
Take your time and get some input from some of your tattoo artist's other customers. She or he should be happy to provide an email address of a satisfied customer who will be happy to help you explore and understand the range of possibilities.
Ciao,
Doc Rich
PS To see a large selection of Kanji and other tattoo designs, Click here to visit my other tattoo blog, HotToTattoo.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kanji...Hottest Tattoo Designs
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Me Too Tattoos For Couples, A Good Idea?
I'm a romantic at heart and would do nearly anything in the world to please my my spouse of a couple dozen years. We've been together for a very long time and share a mind-set that nearly has us finishing each other's sentences. However, I'm not about to have a rose tattooed on my...
Now I don't usually ask for advice, because it's 100% opposite of what I do in my career. And I pride myself on being an above average communicator. However, this lady melts my heart with just one flash of an eye...making it nearly impossible for me to say no. But a rose tattoo on my forearm? I think not.
I'm an Asian tattoo type of guy and I'm currently considering a very cool Kanji design. Plus I trust the tattoo artist because he speaks fluent Japanese.
I've decided my strategy will be to take my spouse with me to look at the tattoo designs he displays and hopefully the Kanji designs will grab her soul like they've grabbed mine.
Here's my promise. If I lose the negotiation I'll post my picture and reveal my rose tattoo right here in this blog.
I've been working on this relationship for enough years to know what's important. And a rose is a rose and not a pussy cat. And for that I'm thankful.
Ciao,
Doc Rich
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The Tattoo World Continues To Ramp Up
I've taken a few months to dive into research about everything related to tattoos and those of us who are part of this world. The numbers are nothing less than amazing.
More than 35% of the US population has at least one tattoo. This is up from 24% in 2006. Just two years and more than a 1000% increase in popularity. What does this mean? Please.....I'm not even thinking about taking another two months off to dig into that subject. Here's what's important....
Enjoy yourself in the pursuit of being yourself. If you have been inked and pierced and laced....we'll chat about that in the future....just enjoy yourself in the pursuit of .... let's call it artistic expression. For some of us it's about rebelling against everything that's conservative and just basically un-cool and boring.
Life is too long to go around wanting to do something that's as completely personal as getting a tattoo or having a piercing or two installed on your own body, but hesitating because of the fear of what people will say or think about it.
People of the world....get a grip. There's lots more important stuff going on in the world for you to focus on....
Ciao,
Doc Rich
PS Click on the banner and take a look at my newest tattoo blog... Hot To Tattoo.com
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Tattoo World Gets Bigger Every Month
According to the popular search engines, especially Lycos, "Tattoos" was the third most popular search term of every other category. It tends to rank 4th to 7th place for the most popular search term every month of the year.
"Tattoo and tattoos" is one of only seven search terms to never fall out of the Top 50 Search terms in the 1000 or so weeks since Lycos has been keeping track. The other six are Dragon Ball, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Las Vegas and the WWE/WWF.
*In July of 2002 "tattoos" reached its highest ranking ever, coming in as the number two most requested search term on the internet. "Tattoos" was requested more often than Britney Spears, marijuana or Kazaa, illustrating that skin ink is more popular than "sex, drugs and rock n' roll!"
Lycos dropped the term "tattoos" from it's Poll because the term was so popular. According to Lycos, tattoos rarely drops out of the top ten search terms requested on the Internet and Lycos dropped the term because they wanted to make room for other searches.
Ask.com found these stats about tattoo searches:
LA fashion week reminds us once again that trends come and go. But,
while the Devil may wear Prada, Search Engine Ask.com reveals that tattoos
have been stealing the scene as the #1 searched beauty term since 2003. No
longer taboo, the popularity of tattoos prove that skin is always in.
-- Virtually every language is searched for in tattoo designs: from Aztec
sayings to Russian phrases, but Japanese and Chinese characters/symbols
are among the most frequently searched.
-- Location, location, location: Backs rank the highest in searches
(lower, upper and all over). But, not far behind: necks, arms, wrists
and ankles. Unmentionables also rank high.
-- Angelina's number, choice and types of tattoos rank the highest in the
celebrity category. Ask.com searchers are also intrigued by other
celebs. Most notably, Nicole Richie, Alyssa Milano and heavy metal
rockers Metallica.
-- As for who searches for tattoos more: given the top five ranked
designs, which are tribal, cross, stars, butterflies and fairies, we'd
say women.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Looking For Tattoo Designs
You can hardly look anywhere without seeing someone whose been inked. I’m mature enough not to be under any pressure from my peers. I’ve done my homework about tattoos and feel comfortable about the tattoo designs I want.
I definitely decided not to go to the shop and browse through the worn-out catalogs I’ve seen in the 5 shops I’ve visited. Like the cleanliness, hate the catalogs (By The Way, You'll Love The Designs At These Shops
I've had much better success with my online selections than those in the store catalogs. Make your choice online and you'll save time, plus, 98% of the designs can be duplicated at your local tattoo shop.
Think about this: You don't have to settle for the designs you see at the first or even the first 10 shops you visit. Don't allow yourself to feel pressured into making a design decision you're not 100% satisfied with.
If one artist can't do the design you want, move on. Believe me, there are talented artists out there who can do unbelievable work. Take your time and don't settle....get what you want.
After all, you'll be living with your tattoo for a long time!
About The Author:
Alex Rich PhD is a hypnotherapist and a personal and business coach and wears his tattoos proudly. Who Has The Biggest Selection of Tattoo Designs On The Net? Click On Looking For Tattoo Designs
Copyright 2007 – Alex Rich, PhD. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
