Tattoo Styles

From the instant mankind first attached dots among stars to figure figures, then called constellations by names that turned in myths, the zodiac signs have been a basis of attraction for individuals across the ages. There is an influential attraction to the idea that the heavens have several bearing on our actions, personalities, and even every day activities. That’s why it is no secrecy why zodiac symbols are one of the most sought subsequent to tattoo designs nowadays.

Hunter S. Thompson is perhaps best known among the general public for three things: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, his legendary drug use, and (sadly) to a lesser extent, Gonzo Journalism, even though the latter is truly his greatest contribution to the literary world.

It comes as no surprise to those familiar with his work and his life that he has also become the subject of a number of interesting tattoos.

Tattoos featuring Chinese or Japanese characters have been popular long enough in America to become nearly as trite as the tramp stamp. Some recent news articles have been reporting that a similar trend is emerging in China, where English language tattoos are enjoying a new surge in popularity.

While tattoos have been a part of Chinese culture for millenia, tattoo parlors have been mostly taboo under the Communist regime. Nevertheless, tattoo parlors have been popping up in China in recent years, and although their legality may be questionable they are slowly finding their place in modern China. Even though tattoos still bear the stigma of criminal association, more and more younger people are becoming interested in tattoos because many of their favorite Western sports and celebrity figures are tattooed.

What is most surprising of all is the latest trend that Chinese tattoo artists are reporting. Tattoo parlors are seeing more and more clients seeking tattoos in the English language. Not surprisingly, it is the younger crowd that seeks the English language and Western-influenced tattoos, while older clients prefer to stick to traditional themes like tigers and dragons.

The attraction to English language tattoos is easy to understand. In the Western world, a good Kanji tattoo has an air of the exotic. To the Eastern world, an English language tattoo can present the same mystique.