Tattoos, like skulls on fire, are very popular today stretching far from the absolutist - tough guys with unfavorable pasts - stereotype to extend to women, teens, the most business-like executive and the glamorous world of celebrities. Rockstars, sports figures, teen pop stars, fashion models and other idols of the era proudly flaunt their bodywork.

Tattoos are a excellent outlet for expressing individuality. The fine art of tattooing is the 6th fastest-growing retail business in the United States. The single fastest growing demographic group seeking tattoo services is, to the surprise of many, middle-class suburban women.

They aren't merely a person's name in block handwriting any longer, they are now a mainstream fashion accessory for women, frequently occupying the same category as shoes and handbags. They are artistically crafted, intricate designs, shapes, and figures associated with individual tastes and personality traits.

Different people get different designs for many different reasons. A good tattoo artist can make you any design that you have in mind. Some go for rough elements such as skulls and fire, while others may go for soft elements like flowers and butterflies.

Tattoos are great expressions of ideas, experiences, and beliefs. More importantly, they are great reflections of character and personal values. A Tattoo acts as symbols of public identity, social self-awareness and collective memory.

They are no longer only associated with the punks, gang members and bad kids from the wrong side of town. Tattoos are becoming more mainstream, acceptable and are leading to changes in the community and the industry.

In the case of skull tattoos, they have been popular for a number of decades. Although skulls are primarily thought to represent death, they are still highly requested tattoo subjects. A well know skull tattoo worldwide is the 'Jolly Roger' skull and crossbones that were used by pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Symbolizing the presence of pirates, the skull and crossbones was used to ward off trespassers and promise death if they did not turn back. Today it is one of many well-known and widely recognized skull tattoos.

There are numerous variations of skull tattoos that are available in today's tattoo studios. For example, roses are added to soften the hard nature of the skull or a flowing ribbon where a name or message can be added.

Snakes and skulls combined are supposed to symbolize immortality and knowledge. Other items that are commonly seen incorporated into skull tattoos are candlesticks (symbolizing black magic), daggers, swords and spider webs.

Especially skull tattoos featuring roaring flames is a particular popular design combination. Flaming skulls are not only popular as body art, but there is another way they are used, they are also popular as airbrushed art on helmets, motorbikes, snowboards and various other applications.

Because skull tattoos are generally known to be monotone, so people prefer to have flames on the skull to bring some colour to it. They have become increasingly popular among the bikers, as flaming skulls have become a symbol for outlaws.

So, it doesn't matter what tattoo design you go for, maybe skulls on fire, as long as it hold a certain meaning to you. In todays society it has become for most people an oulet for expressing their individuality!