Dog Tattoo Ideas

Canine Love: 8 Amazing Tattoo Ideas for Dog Lovers

Amazing Dog Tattoo Ideas

Immortalize your love and the ups and downs you had together with your canine best friend with these amazing dog tattoo ideas.

Americans love their dogs: over 63 million U.S. households are home to at least one canine.

Most dog lovers show off their love for man’s best friend by wearing dog t-shirts or hats or putting a sticker on their car. We here at Skin Factory Tattoo, however, think there’s no better way to proclaim your puppy love to the world than by getting a dog tattoo.

The possibilities are endless for dog lovers. Here’s a look at eight inspired dog tattoo ideas. One of these may just be your next tat.

1. Your Dog

The most obvious tattoo design for any dog owner is to get a rendition of their beloved fur baby. The only drawback is that as tattoos are permanent you have to be OK with seeing a reminder of a deceased pet on your body every day. Although, this can also be a wonderful way to memorialize a beloved part of your family.

For this type of tattoo, it’s best to take photos of your dog and narrow them down to two to three possible shots to show to your tattoo artist. You may want them to capture an exceptionally cute or funny expression that shows off your dog’s personality.

2. Go Abstract

Your tattoo artwork doesn’t have to be highly detailed and show every hair on your dog to be beautiful. Many tattoo artists can take an image and interpret it in an abstract, modern way. We’re not talking about drawing an unrecognizable Picasso-esque version of your dog, but maybe incorporating bright colors, hard-edged shapes, and patterns into the image for a design that really pops.

3. Go Minimal

Maybe you don’t want a big, colorful, splashy tattoo of your dog covering a lot of skin. The good news is dog tattoos can be minimal, too! The perfect dog tattoo for you may consist of a few black lines that form your dog’s face and expression, or your favorite breed.

Or you may want something as simple as the outline of a heart tattooed along with a short sentimental quote about what pet ownership means to you. How about the dog constellation Canis Major with an outline of a dog superimposed over it? Going minimal is a great option for the person who wants a more subdued tattoo design.

4. Paw Print

If you don’t want an image of a dog on your skin but still want to convey your love for all things canine, a paw print tattoo may be the perfect compromise.

And we’re not just talking about cute little cartoon-like paw prints (unless you’d like a trail of those along a body area) but a large, realistic-looking paw impression. Many owners with big dogs even opt for a life-sized rendition of their pooch’s paw print on an arm or leg.

Tattoo artists can get very detailed with this idea by inking in the texture of your dog’s toe pads or making it look like they stepped in mud before they stepped on you. Or they can incorporate your dog’s face into the paw print.

Artists can get surprisingly creative with this tattoo design, so this is definitely one idea you may want to explore.

5. Multiple Dogs

What’s better than one dog tattoo? Several, of course! A really cute idea is to have three or four dog heads tattooed on your lower back, inner arm, or calf area.

If you own more than one pet, this is a great way to include them all in your tattoo design.

6. Your Dog’s Name

Another classic tattoo design is to simply have your dog’s name tattooed. You can choose to have their profile illustrated along with the name, or opt to just have the named inked. You can choose a simple, black and white font, or go for a more decorative and colorful one. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is up to you.

Your artist can also incorporate dog imagery with the lettering—such as a paw print or dog bone—so people will know the name is referring to a loved pet. Some people get a tattoo design depicting a heart-shaped dog tag that has their dog’s name.

7. Flowers and Other Decorative Touches

The beauty of tattoos is what they allow you to get as creative as you like, and that means you can include decorative elements in your dog tattoo such as flowers, stars, or other embellishments.

You could also get a tattoo that pays homage to your dog’s roots, such as showing pine trees behind an Alaskan husky, or a Bavarian mountain behind a German shepherd.

8. Your Dog’s Alter Ego

Do you think your dog sees himself as a superhero, keeping your yard safe from squirrels and alerting you to strangers? Or maybe he has an inner rock star, as evident by his howling each time you play music.

You can get playful with your tattoo design by incorporating a bit of your best friend’s personality into the artwork. Your tattoo artist can render your dog wearing sunglasses or include superhero tattoo elements such as a cape and mask.

Explore These Dog Tattoo Ideas

Dog Tattoo Ideas

As you can see, dog tattoo ideas are really only limited by your imagination. Your tattoo artist should also have plenty of other ideas to help you find the perfect way to show off your love of your dog, or dogs in general, to everyone.

Thinking of getting a dog tattoo, or a tat to symbolize another pet or animal? Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your tattoo ideas with us. Our artists will make your vision a reality.

To learn more, contact us here.

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Foot Tattoos

Watch Your Step: Everything You Need to Know About Foot Tattoos

Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.

Are you set on the perfect foot tattoo to decorate your dogs?

There are some important things you should know before you take the plunge —and pain is just the beginning.

Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.

Do Foot Tattoos Hurt?

It’s well known within the tattoo industry that foot tattoos are among the most painful.

This is because, in order to insert the pigment permanently into your skin, your tattoo artist drives a needle beneath the skin’s surface. Obviously this is going to hurt on any part of your body. But places that have more nerve endings, like your foot, are going to hurt a lot more.

There are two elements to tattoos which include the linework and shading. Both can create an intense burning sensation from the needle scratching your skin. Unlike other parts of your body where flesh or muscle will help to dull the pain.

Your feet have more exposed nerve endings in your feet, over 7,000 nerve endings to be exact. At times you may feel your bones vibrating. Brace yourself for some intense pain if you’re set on a foot tattoo. If it’s your first one you might want to keep it simpler.

The other aspect that makes a foot tattoo a challenge is that your feet tend to react quickly to stimulation. Which is why if you get tickled on your feet your reflex is to kick out.

To stop yourself from jerking you’re going to have the urge to tense your body. This can lead to more pain.

This can be a problem when you’re trying to stay completely still during a tattoo. A skilled tattoo artist will expect this and be able to react accordingly.

Why Tiny Foot Tattoos Are a Bad Idea

If you’re frustrated with a tattoo artist for not giving you a tiny tattoo on your foot, then we can explain. Foot tattoos tend to bleed over time. So something very small can begin to smudge on the parts of your foot you use the most.

Ultimately they’re saving future you from a blobby mess on your foot years down the road. Make sure you find the right tattoo artist. Some will refuse to do foot tattoos at all since they can be dangerous if infected and also fade faster in the wrong places.

Where Should You Get One?

As we mentioned, getting a foot tattoo in the wrong place can lead to it fading or smudging. So where should you get a foot tattoo?

The problem is most areas on your foot are used. For example, the sides of your feet tend to rub on your shoes all day. The top of your foot is an option but it will hurt more.

Ankle tattoos need extra care to prevent them from fading in the sun. Ultimately you’ll have to find the best spot for your design as well as your body. Work with a professional to find your ideal placement.

You will also need to decide the orientation of your tattoo. Such as if the tattoo should face you right side up or be facing other people. This is all personal preference.

Care for Your Foot Tattoo

During the time when your foot tattoo is healing it’s going to be difficult to wear shoes. For this reason, you may want to plan to get your foot tattoo during the summer months or when it’s warmer. This will allow you to wear flip flops, sandals, or ballet flats.

At the same time, you don’t want to expose your tattoo to the sun for too long. In fact, your tattoo is going to need a lifetime of sunscreen applications to protect it and keep it from fading.

Yes, this is true for most tattoos that are exposed. But your foot can be especially prone to direct sunlight when wearing sandals and showing it off. So you need to be extra careful.

It’s important to strictly follow the directions of your tattoo artist. Since a tattoo is an open wound, not caring for it appropriately could lead to serious infection.

Foot tattoos are even more prone to infections than others. You won’t be able to submerge your tattoo in water or expose it to the sun for at least two weeks.

Surprise You Have A Foot Tattoo!

Foot Tattoos

The fun thing about a foot tattoo is once you’ve gotten through the pain and aftercare you’re going to be really excited each time you see it. That’s because you may forget sometimes that you even have a foot tattoo.

Foot tattoos are subtle and you probably won’t notice it every day. So when it catches your eye from time to time, it’ll be like a special surprise you get to experience again and again.

The only thing about the excitement of having a tattoo is it will make you want another one!

Despite the pain, foot tattoos are aesthetically pleasing and increasingly popular. Once you have one you’ll want to show it off to all your friends and family.

Ready to Get Inked?

Foot tattoos may be a bit more painful but they sure look amazing when completed. Once you get through a couple of weeks, you’ll be dying to get a matching one on your other foot!

If you’d like to speak with a professional tattoo artist who can provide you with the delicate foot tattoo you’re dreaming of, then check out our two locations. Our artists are highly skilled and professional.

Want to learn more about types of tattoos and piercings? Along with what to expect? Check out our blog for expert advice.

To learn more, contact us here.

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wedding ring tattoos

Forget the Diamonds: The Top Tips and Ideas for Wedding Ring Tattoos

Wedding ring tattoos – With 2.3 million couples getting married each year, it’s hard to come up with a unique idea to represent you and yours. But, modern brides are setting new trends every day.

The traditional wedding ring is no exception. Yet, that ring may not be what you’re expecting, these days. Today’s brides are choosing wedding ring tattoos over the diamond.

You read that right. Couples are getting tattoos. Right on their ring fingers to represent the wedding band.

Well, why not?

They’re beautiful. It’s a permanent symbol of your bond. And, if you get the right one, it’s timeless and classy, too.

It checks all the boxes of a traditional wedding ring, without investing 3 months wages.

So, how are couples choosing the perfect wedding ring tattoos? Let’s find out!

Wedding Ring Tattoos: Tips and Ideas to Help You Choose!

It’s not exactly a new idea, but it’s definitely gaining ground. Maybe because tattoos are more popular than ever. Or, it could be the savings involved.

Wedding ring tattoos are far less expensive than a traditional wedding ring. You can get one for $50 to $2,000, depending on the design and the artist. That’s a lot of money you can save for the honeymoon!

But, the real reason may have more to do with the tattoo itself. The most valuable thing about a wedding ring tattoo is not the price tag. It’s the meaningful design that a couple chooses together.

They’re personalized in a way that the traditional ring isn’t. And, that’s what couples want.

Choose Your Style

Every couple is unique, and so is their personal style. That style will merge into your ring tattoos.

Only about 16% of the world has tattoos. That already makes you unique. But your tattoo style says even more about you.

Here are a few styles to consider.

Traditional/Classic
Tribal
Colorful
Symbolic
Bold & Blackwork
Watercolor
Cultural

There are many more styles to choose from. The style you choose depends only on your preferences.

Symbolism is Important

Here’s where it gets personal. Choosing a wedding ring tattoo should include something symbolic. Something special that represents the relationship between you and your spouse.

Find good symbolism in your past, present, and future. Consider how you met, what you like to do together, and your favorite things.

Places you’ve traveled to and struggles you’ve overcome can be meaningful symbols, too. Find something that represents your relationship and its special strength.

Here are some ideas to think about.

Special Places: beaches/waves, mountains, sunshine, palm trees
Health and Wellness: heartbeats, peace, double hearts, yin/yang, lotus
Love and Closeness: hearts, love knot, Claddagh, Celtic Knot
Dreams, Spirit, and Strength: moon, crescent moon, clouds, stars

These are just a few symbols. Do your research and you’ll find one that suits you! Remember, not all symbols are simple enough for a tattoo. So, make sure you choose one that works.

Speak with your tattoo artist to see if it can work in your ring tattoo.

Keep it Simple

A simple tattoo makes a classy statement. It’s also the best bet for this situation.

Why?

To start, fingers are very small areas! Your tattoo artist will have an easier time and do a better job on a simple design.

Here are a few more good reasons to keep it simple.

It’s a painful area – less is more
Simple lines and shapes look better
Simple finger tattoos blurless
Easier to touch up later

Choosing a simple design doesn’t mean you’re settling for boring. Talk with your tattoo artist to get it right!

Plan It Before You Ink It

This isn’t the kind of tattoo you do on a whim. It’s far more important and symbolic than that. Take the time to plan your design before you have it done.

Choosing an Artist

This is the most important part of the whole process! You need to choose a tattoo artist that understands your vision. And, one that can do the work in the style you like.

Start by checking out some tattoo artist’s online. Look at their web portfolios and read reviews from past clients. Narrow it down to three artists that seem good.

Then, schedule appointments with your top three choices. Meet, ask a few questions, and get to know your potential tattoo artists.

Ask if they have experience with wedding ring tattoos. It’s not a deal breaker if they’ve never done one. But, make sure they are confident they can do the work.

Take a look around the shop. You’ll get a feel for how they handle their business.

Is it clean? Professional? Do you feel comfortable here?

You’ll need to come prepared to discuss your design vision or look at options. Talk about pricing, too. It’s ok if they give you a range, as long as it works for your budget.

Schedule Design Visits

Once you decide on an artist, you’ll need an appointment to plan and complete your tattoo design. Bring notes about your ideas with you. If you’re not sure, as for guidance.

Most artists have many, many options you can choose from right in the shop. But, whatever you choose, personalize it a little bit. Then, negotiate to have it removed from the options.

This is yours. No one else should have it.

Picking the Right Time

Schedule inking appointments, next! It’s up to you whether you do it before or after the wedding.

Talk to your artist about what it’s like to get a tattoo. This can help you choose the right day.

Getting it done on your wedding day is not the best option. Think about everything else going on that day. It’s a very busy day, and you don’t want to add to it.

You can always use plain bands as your symbol during the ceremony. For best results, don’t rush your tattoo appointment. Schedule it during a time when you can relax and enjoy the moment!

Talk to a Tattoo Artist, Today!

Don’t go the traditional route. Look into wedding ring tattoos, instead! They’re personal, symbolic and beautiful.

It’s a unique and meaningful way to represent your marriage!

To learn more, contact us here.

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Cliche Tattoos

15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting

15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting

Tattoos are a way of showing your creative self-expression, except when you decide to get a lame cliche tattoo. Here are 15 of the worst cliche tattoos to avoid.

Tattoos can be a beautiful and creative way to express yourself or commemorate something special. Tattoos can also be a permanent bad decision.

Don’t fall victim to an embarrassing tattoo. Here are 15 cliche tattoos you should avoid when you’re planning to get a tattoo.

How to Know if You’re Getting One of the Many Cliche Tattoos

Cliche Tattoos

Below are the most cliche tattoos right now. Like fashion trends, every day more tattoos become a cliche. The best way to predict if that tattoo you’re planning to get will become a cliche one day is, to be honest with yourself.

Ask yourself if the design you’re getting means something significant to you that you will like for years to come, or if you’re just following a trend. Tattoo trends are harder to get rid of than fashion trends.

Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.

1. The Infinity Sign

The infinity sign tattoo symbolizes rebirth, reincarnation and forever. Similarly, your infinity tattoo will also last forever. This tattoo is everywhere, so go for a sign that’s more unique.

2. The Chest Wings

Chest wings is a very detailed design that covers your entire chest. Sometimes people even get this on their back.

You might be tempted to get this piece because of it’s symbolic and inspiring symbolism. Or how you hope that like in nature, you tattooed wings will help you fly. In myths, wings are earned, but you only have to pay for your tattooed chest wings.

If you’re in great shape, you might feel you need this design. Sure, your chest wings look nice now. But will you still like this design when your pecks sag to man boobs or when your back is hunched over?

Probably not.

If you must get wings, perhaps go for a more subtle design in an area that less likely to hunch or sag with age.

3. The Lower Back Butterfly

Lower back tattoos or “tramp stamps” are never a good idea. Luckily you can hide them with clothes, but they will make an appearance during swimsuit season.

If a lower back tattoo still sounds appealing to you, at least go for a design that isn’t as cliche as a basic butterfly.

4. A Heart on the Wrist

This tattoo is usually gotten after a break-up. Quick, relatively painless, and seemingly subtle, an outline of a heart seems like the perfect ink.

Turns out this tattoo is incredibly cliche. We’re pretty positive it’s a prerequisite to being a contestant on The Bachelor.

5. Tribal Tat

Tribal tattoos are also incredibly common, and we’re guessing most people who have these tattoos have never been in a tribe. Often this design will take up the entire arm, making it difficult to ever look classy in a short-sleeved shirt.

6. The Dandelion Birds

This tattoo of a dandelion blowing in the wind and transforming into flying birds seems to be everywhere these days. It’s meant to symbolize your fate and the fulfillment of your wishes.

The dandelion stalk symbolizes to let go of the past, so this design can also represent rebirth and resilience. Or also “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” a motto as cliche as this design.

7. “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”

Speaking of cliche lines, having the phrase “not all those who wander are lost” tattooed on your arm is incredibly cliche. So don’t get lost with this tattoo after wandering into your local tattoo parlor.

Try to think of a phrase that actually means something to you, and perhaps get that tattooed somewhere.

8. “Carpe Diem”

“Carpe Diem” or “seize the day,” is another cliche tattoo text to get. Instead, try seizing the day with a more original phrase.

9. Om Sign

We get it, you do yoga. You talk about it all the time, you don’t need to get the om sign on the back of your neck too. Also, don’t you want to be able to admire your tattoo without using a hand mirror?

10. Anchor

Either you have a boat, have been on a boat, or need a reminder to stay grounded. Maybe look into another way to stay grounded or show of your love for boats because an anchor tattoo is incredibly cliche.

11. “This Too Shall Pass”

Getting the phrase “this too shall pass” tattooed on your body is a great way to remind yourself that things get better. Unfortunately, your tattoo will not pass and it’s also cliche.

12. Dreamcatcher

You might be tempted to get a dreamcatcher piece on your back or neck to symbolize that nice dreams will travel through and bad dreams will be caught, and the feather at the bottom is the breath of air which is key for life.

You also can just get a dreamcatcher and hang it up in your room. Dreamcatcher tattoos tend to be big pieces, that unlike an actual dream catcher are cliche and will last forever.

13. Barred Wire

Barred wire tattoos symbolize that you are not an open book, you’re unapproachable and difficult to understand. They also likely show you got this tattoo sometime around the 90s.

These tattoos are also really cliche, so perhaps find another way to symbolize that people should leave you alone. Like not a tattoo that will for sure spark conversation.

14. Geometric animals

We’ve been seeing a lot of geometric animals lately, mainly foxes. While these designs look cool and unique now, they’re becoming a cliche and soon they will feel incredibly dated.

15. Area Code

If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body. You might think that this tattoo is key, to remind you where you came from.

You know you grew up, it’s in your cell number. Unless you keep forgetting your area code when you call your parents, avoid this cliche tattoo.

Get a Unique Tattoo

Don’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Your tattoo should express yourself in a unique way. Don’t be one of the many people with cliche tattoos.

Talk to a tattoo artist at the Skin Factory Tattoo shop before making your final decision. We have tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Henderson and Maui Good luck!

For more resources and insight on tattoos, check out our blog.

To learn more, contact us here.

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Wrist Tattoos

15 Timeless Wrist Tattoos You’ll Want to Show Off

15 Timeless Wrist Tattoos You’ll Want to Show Off

If you’re browsing ideas for wrist tattoos but you want something you’ll love decades down the road, our list of timeless ideas will help spur your imagination and find the perfect match. Take a look!

Are you looking for a classic but unique tattoo idea for your wrist? The wrist is an awesome spot for tattoos.

It’s important to choose a tattoo that has meaning for you. Luckily, there are some classic tattoo ideas that have many different meanings.

Choosing an idea for your wrist is a big decision. While it’s not as exposed as your shoulder, wrist tattoos are conversation-starters. Keep reading for 15 awesome wrist tattoo ideas.

1. Minimalist Astronomy

Astronomy is very trendy in the tattoo world. Stars, planets, and moons all create a mythical and dreamy vibe. Some people choose to get the moon in a specific lunar phase that is important to them.

They’re also usually quite small tattoos with little elaboration. This makes them great options for first-time inkers. Since the wrist is a smaller area, minimalist tattoos are ideal.

2. A Portrait

Everyone experiences loss at some point in their life. For many of us, we want to commemorate that lost loved one with a tattoo.

Portraits make awesome tributes to a lost friend or family member. The wrist makes for a smaller portrait with less detail, but still characteristic. Make sure you hire an artist with experience in realism and portraits.

3. Handwritten Script

There’s something so special about having your grandparent’s handwriting tattooed. It’s like they wrote it permanently on you.

It’s also popular to have children write something for a tattoo. Wrists are the perfect spot for handwritten script because they’re compact. The writing won’t overwhelm the space, but you can still look down and see it every day.

4. Botany and Flowers

Men and women love getting botanical and floral tattoos. For some, the type of plant has meaning to them. For others, they like the adornment created by floral patterns.

The most common flowers tattooed are roses, dandelions, and lotuses.

5. Mandala

The mandala is an ancient design in Hinduism and Buddhism. It represents cycles and the universe.

Even if you don’t follow a religion, mandalas make beautiful wrist tattoos. They adorn the wrist with a unique and exquisite pattern.

6. Jewelry

It’s quite common to get jewelry tattoos, especially for friendship bracelets. The artist can even make the bracelet look like its hanging on the wrist.

Many people choose to get jewelry tattooed on if they have strong metal allergies. Or, to remember a family heirloom.

7. Travel-themed

Millennials love their travel-themed tattoos. They represent freedom, exploration, and discovery. Plus, they can be specific to where you’ve traveled or important places to you.

Some common travel themed tattoos are compasses, world maps, and anchors. Anchors are especially popular with people who find meaning in the sea.

8. Words to Live By

Quotes are super popular all over the world. Phrases and certain words capture us and provide meaning. Tattooing them on our body helps us to remember that meaning every day.

Many quotes are from classic novels and songs. Others are common words that hold immense meaning, like “love” or “hope”.

9. Blackout Bands

Blackout tattoos are all the rage. While some may think they lack creativity, blacking out a section of your body can be very creative. Its lack of detail provides meaning to the wearer.

The wrist is a great spot for blackout band tattoos. Although it may be a bit more painful than others, it looks super cool.

10. Arrows

We all follow a direction in our lives, some forward and some to our roots. Arrows are excellent symbols to represent where we’re going.

Some get tattoos of arrows on their wrist to remember to keep moving forward. Or, to remember where they came from.

11. Family Coat of Arms

The family coat of arms is a common icon in many cultures. It’s usually passed down through generations and has a strong meaning. Tattooing the family shield on your body shows allegiance and loyalty.

The shield is a perfect shape for the wrist. Although the space is small, it’s a notable spot for a coat of arms.

12. Birds and Feathers

Birds can have varying meaning for tattoo enthusiasts. The species of bird also changes the meaning. And, for some people, bird tattoos look pretty and have no meaning.

Doves are the most popular bird to get tattooed. It represents love and faith. Cardinals and crows are also very popular. Feather tattoos are on the rise; they can represent the fragility of life.

13. Crosses and Religious Iconography

Religion is a huge part of human identity (if you subscribe to it). For many believers, getting a tattoo is a show of faith. It demonstrates your beliefs and reminds you of them each day.

Some people get crosses, saints, and other iconography. The meanings are as broad as the number of religions in the world.

14. Non-English Text

While English text is special, using the language of your background is even more. People who grow up speaking English can get a tattoo with their ancestors’ language.

Not only is the text itself symbolic, but the language chosen is symbolic. It represents your roots and heritage.

15. Coordinates

Is there a special place in the world where you experienced something magical? It could be where you got married, found enlightenment, or found freedom. Or, it could be your family home or the town you grew up in.

Coordinate tattoos are a way to remember that life-changing location and moment. The numbers of the coordinates won’t mean much to outsiders. But, people who know you and know the place will see the meaning in it.