IMPORTANT: We do own the copyrights, so you are NOT allowed to put them up on a website, re-sell them or anything other than use them for your OWN tattoos.

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It seems like people have raised the bar and aren’t ready to settle for a generic tattoo that an unknown number of people already have.

Getting a unique tattoo often requires a little bit of effort, but it can actually be pretty easy to create a totally unique tattoo or add your own “twist” to an existing design.

I have previously touched on the subject of how to come up with a unique idea for your tattoo, but I wanted to give you some more specific ideas for how to get that *idea* out of your head and “onto paper”…

1. Create a tattoo based on a photo

Example: Let’s say you want a tiger tattoo…I found this beautiful photo:

Photo credit istock/Brimac The 2nd

A skilled artist would easily be able to draw up a custom tattoo for you based on that photo. You will probably want to ask the copyright owner if it’s ok to use the photo for your tattoo, alternatively make a few small changes to it in order not to make it an exact copy.

We’re actually considering including a separate gallery containing only beautiful photos that are suitable for turning into a tattoo, like the one above, in the new version of TattooMeNow.

By the way, the development of the new site is taking a bit longer than expected but I’ll keep you updated on when we’re ready to open.

2. Use an image editing program to change the colors, edit, combine two tattoos, or add something to a tattoo.

If you’re really good at using programs like Photoshop you can probably create a great-looking tattoo from scratch, or easily change an existing design to your liking.

The problem is, Photoshop is pretty expensive, and requires quite playing around with it before you know how to use it to the fullest.

I’ve found a few great alternatives though. Piknic and Splashup are two free, simple to use image editors that you should definitely check out!

Here’s one I found that was created exclusively for editing tattoo designs. It’s isn’t free and I haven’t tested it myself but it looks pretty cool and is probably worth it (it comes with a 60 money-back guarantee so you can always get your money back if you don’t like it).

3. Add lettering

Adding some beautiful lettering to a tattoo is a great way to “make it your own”. I have a good article about tattoo lettering here: “How to easily create unique tattoos with a meaning…”

Got any other ideas for how you can create your own unique tattoo? Please comment below!

Mark

PS. I almost forgot to add “Get a TattooMeNow membership” It’s not only the ultimate “tattoo idea database” but you’ll also be able to ask for feedback and ideas from our helpful members.

By the way, a few people have asked me about this…if you get your membership today, you will NOT have to pay any extra when the new site goes live..

]]> http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/getting-a-tattoo-idea-out-of-your-head-and-onto-paper/feed/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/how-to-enhance-the-look-of-your-tattoos/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/how-to-enhance-the-look-of-your-tattoos/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:50:14 +0000 Mark http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/?p=357 How do you make a tattoo look better without touching the tattoo itself?

You improve the looks of the body it’s on!

I recently asked my good friend Mike Geary over at TruthAboutAbs if I could give away his ebook “Insider Secrets for a Lean Body” to my newsletter subscribers. Luckily his answer was “Sure Mark!”.

I read through it the other day and it contains some really simple “tweaks” that you can implement into your daily life that’ll make it a lot easier to get lean.

…and secrets like “The top 15 fat-blasting workouts” and what fast food that is ok to eat and what will make you FAT.

So, download your free copy and get the secrets to carving out those six pack abs or if you’re a girl - that flat sexy stomach!

Tattoos DO look a lot better on a lean body!

Talk soon,

Mark

]]> http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/how-to-enhance-the-look-of-your-tattoos/feed/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-secrets/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-secrets/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:26:26 +0000 Mark http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/?p=290 Cool title of the post, don’t you think!?

Just kidding.

To be totally honest with you, these aren’t really secrets, but still I’m surprised to see how most people completely overlook them. I guess that must be why tattoo removal is such a profitable business these days?

This is a great step-by-step plan to follow if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo and want it to turn out as good as it possibly can.

Here’s we go…

Secret  #1. Find a purpose or a meaning

Nothing wrong with getting a tattoo “just because it looks good”. But if you want a tattoo that you’ll be sure to feel proud of and love for the rest of your life, you’ll want it to have some kind of “deeper meaning”.

Ever seen Miami Ink? Have you noticed that every single person that walks in their door and is being showcased on the show has some kind of purpose or story behind their tattoo?

Why is this important?

Well, first off it makes the odds that you’re still going to be happy about that tattoo a few years down the line that much greater.

It has a cool little side-benefit too (especially if you’re single): When you have a deeper meaning behind your tattoo and you share that with other people they often instantly tend to look at you as a more interesting person.

You’ll probably also find that people walk up to you more frequently at the street, at parties etc. wanting to compliment you on or ask questions about your tattoo. If you’re a naturally shy person, this is a great way to have girls/guys approach YOU, instead of the other way around

Ok, enough of the “dating stuff”…

So how do you find that “special meaning” for your tattoo?

Here are some ideas…

• Have you experienced a tragic/happy event or moment that you’ll never forget?
• What are your values and beliefs?
• Is there a person in your life that has a special place in your heart? (be careful here…you know what I’m talking about!)
• What are your aspirations/goals?

Secret #2.  Come up with a *killer* idea

This is often the hardest part…But a lot of people often make it a lot harder than it has to be.

Once you know what you want your tattoo to represent, all you have to do is figure out what it is that is going to symbolize that memory, value, event or whatever it is.

One mistake I’m seeing a lot is people looking around forever for that PERFECT tattoo design, but there’s always something wrong with the designs they come across. Be it the colors, that something is missing, the size, or that it’s just not the right “style”. As a result, they end up frustrated and never get that tattoo they wanted.

It’s highly unlikely that you’re going to find a tattoo design that’s a 100% spot on no matter how long or how hard you look for it.

Let’s say you’re a member of TattooMeNow…

Yes, we do have thousands of designs in our gallery, and it’s growing every month. Does that mean you’re going to find that perfect dream tattoo among them? Not very likely.

BUT, it’s very possible that you’re going to find a great design that can be slightly modified, added to, combined with another design, or something that’ll just spark an idea.

The real secret lies in realizing that most tattoo artists are willing to make any changes you’re asking for.

Here are a few tips on what you can do that will hopefully get your ideas flowing:

• Combine two tattoos into one
• Add tattoo lettering to an existing design.
• Ask your artist to modify or add something to a design
• Find a photo of what you’re looking for and tell your artist to turn it into a tattoo

Beautiful photos that can easily be turned into tattoos are actually something people have been asking me for, and we will most probably include a gallery of such photos in the new version of TattooMeNow that will be launching in the near future.

I can’t promise that it’ll be there on the launch day, but it’s definitely something we’re planning on includin pretty early on.

If you simply can’t find ANY design, photo or whatever that you can bring to your artist, you’re pretty much left with one option and that is to try to communicate to the artist exactly what it is that you want and have him/her draw a custom design for you. This MAY work well if you’re good at communicating and the artist “gets it”.

Oh, I almost forgot…there’s of course the option of drawing it up yourself, if you have a talent for that.

Secret #3: Find a world-class, super-duper fantastic artist

This is obviously a crucial step to making sure you end up with a great tattoo.

Here’s a step-by-step approach that I recommend you follow…

Step 1. What type of tattoo are you getting? Is it going to be black & grey or colored? Are you willing to travel or are you going to be limited to the artists in your local area? These are all important questions you should ask yourself before you start looking for an artist.

Most artists specialize in or are better at certain styles or types of tattoos. Others only work with color etc. The answers to these questions will determine the size of your list of potential artists that will compete for the honor of doing your super-awesome tattoo

Step 2. When looking for a shop and an artist, look at their previous work. Most shops have websites where you can view the tattoos the artists have done.  Type in “Tattoo shop” + “your city” into Google and you’ll most probably find the majority of the artists in your area. If you have friends with tattoos you like, ask them who the artist was.

Other ideas for finding artists are browsing tattoo magazines, visiting conventions and talking to people online. Don’t forget to create a list of all the artists you find most interesting.

Step 3. If you’re really serious about finding the very best, you’ll want to pick the 2-4 artists from your list you’re most interested in and do some more research on them. Check if they’re a member of the Better Business Bureau and if they have any records there. Search for their name and studio online and see if you can find any further info on them, maybe even comments from previous customers.

Then, go visit all the shops and ask a few questions such as how long they’ve been in business, if they have any references, how many tattoos they’ve done, if they guarantee their work and if you can have a look at their portfolio. Based on the impression you get when visiting the artists, pick the one you like best and make an appointment.

Step 4. When showing up in the studio, make sure the artist’s work area and needles are clean and that he/she has all the proper certifications. Then pray a silent prayer and hope for the best

This may look like a lot of things to go through just to get a tattoo. But if you look at your tattoo as a lifetime commitment that you’re going to be looking at every day I’m sure you’ll realize it’s worth it.

Mark

PS. Do you have any other tips, tricks or secrets you’d like to share? Post a comment below!

]]> http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-secrets/feed/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/more-free-tattoos/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/more-free-tattoos/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:30:46 +0000 Mark http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/?p=256

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I think these tattoos are STUNNING! What do you think?

(c)istockphoto/DomenicoGelermo

(c)istockphoto/iofoto

(c)istockphoto/iofoto

Personally, these are the kinds of photos that make me motivated to find something extraordinary beautiful for my next tattoo

Mark

PS. If you still haven’t joined us, I suggest you do it right now and you could be finding the perfect design for your next tattoo within minutes. Here’s the link:
http://www.tattoomenow.com

]]> http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/awesome-tattoos/feed/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-lettering-secrets/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-lettering-secrets/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 18:47:55 +0000 Mark http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/?p=155 When I found out about this I thought it was so cool and useful I needed to share it with you…

It’s a GREAT way that not a lot of people know of, that will allow you to get creative and easily come up with an almost endless amount of cool tattoo ideas.

Adding lettering to a tattoo is the perfect way to add some extra meaning to it. A word or a set of words can also make out a great tattoo on their own.

You may already know that you can find quite a few “fonts” (lettering styles) in software programs like Paint or Photoshop, but you may not be aware of how to get access to up to 100,000 fonts and see exactly what your tattoo will look like in REAL TIME…

Have a look at these lettering tattoos I just created in a matter of minutes using this method…

.

Let’s say that you for some reason happen to want a tattoo with the same style and words as Angelina Jolie’s tattoo here below…

No problem!

Here’s what I came up with…

Or maybe you like this style better…

‘

Now this is where it gets really cool…

Below I have added lettering with two of the tattoos our new artists have drawn for us.

Each of the tattoos above took me about 15 minutes to make using a simple program called Paint that comes free with Windows. If you’re not familiar with Paint, don’t worry, I’ll explain everything step-by-step in a minute…

.

Again, the designs above are simply examples I put together really quickly, I’m sure you can do a lot better if you spend a little more time tweaking. The reason both of these are religious type designs is simply because I found it easier to come up with ideas for tattoos in that category.

Ok, it’s time to show you how you can do this too…

Follow this link and then come back here. The site should be pretty self-explanatory.

Back? Great!

By the way, sorry for the bad “I Love Mark” joke

If you for some unexplainable reason have decided that you don’t want an “I Love Mark” tattoo, simply change the text in the “custom preview” box and all fonts will instantly change to display that text.

Close to the top of the page you’ll see a bunch of different categories. Some of my favorites are Retro, Medieval and Celtic (great if you want to add lettering to a celtic design). Want a tattoo in arabic or with arabic letters? Check out the arabic category. As you can see, there are lots of possibilities here.

All the tattoos on the site I linked to above are 100% free for personal use, which means it’s OK to use them for your tattoo.

How to create your lettering tattoo using Microsoft Paint (for Windows users):

1. Click the “Download PC / Mac OS X” button

2. Save the .zip file to your hard drive

3. Open the .zip file and extract the .ttf file(s) (sometimes there are more than one) to your    WINDOWS —> fonts    - folder on your computer.

4. Go to the start menu in Windows and open     Programs —> Accessories —> Paint

5. Once in Paint, click      File —> New     OR    File —> Open    if you have a tattoo design on your computer that you would like to add text to.

6. Click the “T” in the toolbar, click somewhere in the workspace and type away!

7. To change the font to the one you just downloaded and to change the size, click  View —> Text toolbar   in the top menu. If you’ve followed the steps above the font you downloaded should show up in the font list in the toolbar that just opened.

To change the text color, click   Colors —> Edit colors   in the top menu.

If you didn’t already know how to do this, the steps above may seem complicated at first, but when you’ve done it once and know how it works it’s actually really easy.

When the text looks the way you want it to you can print it out and bring it to your tattoo artist!

If you want access to more (100,000+) and even better quality fonts, check out this site. It will also allow you to “custom preview” just like the site I showed you earlier. Most designs there cost a little money, but if you find a great one it’s probably well worth it.

What really excites me about this is the fact that you can customize ANY tattoo design and make it totally unique. Let’s say you have a TattooMeNow membership which contains several thousand designs. Using the method I’ve just told you about you could add your own “twist” to any of the designs, and as you’ve already seen, there are literally thousands of great-looking fonts to choose from.

And with the new artists we’ve hired and the launch of our new site you’ll soon have access to even more great designs.

That’s it for now!

Mark

PS. Did you like this post? Getting some ideas? Please leave a comment below!

]]> http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/tattoo-lettering-secrets/feed/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/free-tattoo-designs/ http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/free-tattoo-designs/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 22:59:52 +0000 Mark http://www.tattoomenow.com/blog/?p=1

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