Choosing a tattoo design can be extremely difficult. There are literally thousands of designs, which have developed over a very long time. Tattoos have been found on Otzi the Iceman, dating back 6 or 7 thousand years and Egyptian mummies of about 2000 BC.



Japanese tattoos go back even further than that - about 10 thousand years. In fact, tattooing has been a worldwide practice and is still very popular.

Choosing a design is not only complicated by the sheer number available but by what it might represent. Some tattoos carry specific meaning and symbolism, such as belonging to a certain tribe or group. Some belong exclusively to criminal gangs. Others could be religious symbols, sexual lures or good luck charms. Some are said to have magical powers. Whatever the design, it is important to choose one that does not send the wrong message.

These days, it seems most people choose tattoos simply as decoration. Tattoos seem to be appearing on more and more people. We see them on movies stars, musicians and sports people. It is certainly a case of "beauty being in the eye of the beholder". A butterfly drawn on the shoulder of a young woman or a dragon on the arm of a young man can be a thing of beauty and art to some people but can have the opposite effect in others.

Love it or hate it, wearing tattoos has been with us for a long, long time and will be with us for a lot longer if we can go by its current popularity.

Tattoos can be for a lifetime or for a few weeks. Either way, it is a good idea to check out the whole process: what actually happens, how the tattoo is applied, what the risks are, what needs to be done afterwards. It is important to go to a reputable tattooist, and if there is a licensing system where you live, one who is licensed by the local or state authorities. Recommendation by friends is good.

Getting and wearing a tattoo should be a satisfying and happy experience. This is more likely to happen if each person makes sure he or she is fully informed before making the final decision. They do need to do their homework