Music Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas

Some music tattoos will depict a person, or figure playing an instrument of the wearer’s choice. These are often seen with a person’s favorite musician — guitarists and classical musicians being the most popular examples of this. They may also take on a more sinister aspect, some people using skeletal figures, or the image of ‘death‘. One of the kitschier examples of this are pinup tattoos. A scantily clad woman with a guitar or microphone. This image is often intended to show the underlying sensuality of certain music.

Tattoos, like music, are an art form. And as we are prone to listen to certain songs over and over because of the way they make us feel, we may also feel compelled to get a tattoo to express the very same emotion. It just seems natural to mix these two compelling art forms to convey our deepest feelings.

Music Tattoos, Designs, Pictures- with something of equal relevance in their life.

These designs are great because they can be done in so many different ways. They can be small and simple, therefore, easy to place. But many people choose to make a statement with their music tattoos and mix their passion for music with something of equal relevance in their life. Some will mix a music note with a symbol of their faith, thus expressing their devotion to both. Others will mix music with star signs, hearts, eyes, flames and anything that connects their appreciation of music with something of great value in their lives.

Music Tattoos, Designs- A music enthusiast may pick a similar style.

A music enthusiast may pick a similar style. However, it is not uncommon for them to express their appreciation of a favorite musician. Most bands use a font that is particular to them; this font can be used in a descriptive figure — such as the band’s logo — or simply by tattooing the band’s name in an identical font.

One of the most popular music tattoos are musical notes. The treble clef is used most frequently; the beautiful curves make this a stylish design. The bass clef is also used, though less frequently. It is understandable why these two signs should be so common, as they indicate the pitch of any particular score, and set the undertone to every song.

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art


Although less frequently used, you may occasionally see wood block geisha tattoos. These usually show a more elongated version — both in body and face — and her clothing may appear long and flowing. The colors are normally more subdued, and show the geisha in a traditional setting; for example, she may be dancing, playing a shamisan, or simply fanning herself demurely. For something a bit different, you could create a fantasy piece in the wood block style; for instance, the geisha could rise from the ocean, her robes combining with the waves; or her pale, painted face and a white, or light blue kimono could meld with a snowy mountain, with only the shocks of dark black hair, sensual eyes and bright reds lips standing out.

Though there is no set definition to what geisha tattoos may symbolize, it is pretty easy to understand why some may see them as an emblem for elegance, striking beauty and hundreds of years of remarkable artistry.

Geisha Tattoos, Designs- with a heavily painted face peering over her shoulder, neck partially painted and a shoulder exposed.

Geisha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art


The majority of geisha tattoos, however, take on the look of a pin up model. This style tends to exaggerate the feminine curves, red lips and vibrant trappings; it also plays off of the subtle sensuality that geishas are known for. For instance, it is not uncommon to see the geisha standing with her back turned to the on-looker, with a heavily painted face peering over her shoulder, neck partially painted and a shoulder exposed.

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

A professor of Japanese language or history should be able to provide some insights into the meanings of various Kanji tattoos and help narrow the field of choices down. Public and university libraries may contain volumes on Kanji symbols and dictionaries to provide translations. Finally, there are translation services that can, for a nominal fee, provide the accurate and thorough research and guarantee. The guarantee is important, because if a person obtains a tattoo that turns out to be inaccurate later, that guarantee may cover the cost of removal and a new tattoo.

Kanji Tattoos, Designs- The artist specializes in applying the ink, not the translation.

Literal and popular phrases may require a combination of symbols, without proper research, the Kanji tattoos will not mean what is intended. It’s important research Kanji for both literal and symbolic meanings.

Don’t wait to decide on what Kanji symbol is most desirable when the artist is loading the ink. Do not rely on the artist to determine what symbol best fits the desired word or phrase. The artist specializes in applying the ink, not the translation.

If speaking to someone fluent in Japanese is not an option, consider visiting a college or university where Japanese is taught.

Japanese Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Many people take Japanese tattoos further than just covering large portions of their body. Instead, they opt to cover almost their entire body, from neck to mid-thigh. These are often seen with a multicolored pictorial tattoo of the Suikoden, which was, and still is a massively popular set of four novels in Chinese literature.

It was originally translated in Japan in 1757 and woodcuts were created for these stories in 1827. Since then, many people enjoy these rich and colorful tattoos that tell classic and unmistakable stories.

Despite the fact that tattooing is still considered rather on the taboo side in Japan, those who seek out either rebellion or a sense of beauty will find themselves drawn to the mystical, unique and splendid style of Japanese tattoos. This style will continue to have a draw for its variety and its colorful nature.


Japanese Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Japanese Tattoos, Designs- or something more meaningful to you personally.

The beauty of Japanese tattoos is that you can go well beyond symbols or small, meaningful signs, and create masterful pieces that can cover large areas of your body. For instance, many images can portray beautiful outdoor scenes with large billowy clouds, wind or even fantastic, old fashioned scenes of a wavy ocean.

These are often taken from the ukiyo-e or “pictures of the floating world”, which is a genre of Japanese woodcuts. These remarkable scenes can be mixed with many figures from either an outdoor scene, such as flowers or animals; folkloric characters, or something more meaningful to you personally.


Another thing to keep in mind is placement. For instance a hikae, or chest panel tattoo, is a classic placement. This tattoo starts at the chest and blends out into the shoulder, and often down the arm. A nagasode tattoo is considered a “sleeve” piece and starts under the shoulder and down to the wrist, while a shichibu is 7/10ths of the sleeve and gobu is 5/10ths.


Japanese Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art


Although these tattoos can be deeply meaningful, the aesthetic appeal is not to be forgotten. Whether deeply cheerful in appearance, or profoundly stoic, Buddha tattoos have a habit of always being beautiful.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs- a more pensive depiction.

Many Buddha tattoos feature a more pensive depiction. This version — unlike the jubilant cartoon equivalent — tends to bear a more thoughtful expression, and may appear to be in deep meditation.

The eyes are generally closed, legs crossed, and he may be surrounded in soft shades reminiscent of light. This version also tends to be more colorful, but may feature hues of gray; or may even be done entirely in outline.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art