The Animal Tattoo Designs

Animal instincts are strongly desired by man. Animal species are closely related to humans and often, humans turn to animals to represent their sought after qualities and beauty. A lot of us find the ferocity and strength of certain animals awe-inspiring that we each have a chosen favourite that we ascribe to.
Animal tattoo designs comprise at least 25% of tattoos already inked. It is not so hard to find one since we probably have been contemplating on which kind of animal we can closely relate to even before we decided to get a tattoo.
Animal tattoo designs can vary from a single animal posing to attack or an entire jungle scene with your favourite animal resting on it. The tattoo can depict a certain mood or behaviour that you feel at that moment. Animal tattoos can also represent memorable places or persons that you have encountered and would want a lasting souvenir.
Some animals can be traced back to ancient cultures so their meaning and symbols could change slightly. It is interesting to dig up something entirely unexpected from an animal and it would make a great design if you are able to articulate it well with the handwork.
There are many free designs you can find on the Internet. However, the risk that it has been used before is high considering the nature of online activity. To get the best animal tattoo designs, pay tattoo sites are worth paying a visit since you can get one of a kind design from them. You can request certain designs and you are guaranteed that nobody else is going to use it in the future. Your designer can help work out some details for you.
You can also interact with other tattoo fans that could give you insights on where to get a tattoo best. This way, you'll be more confident to walk into a tattoo shop and more than 100% sure that you will be getting the exact design you want.

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Japanese Animal Tattoos

The images of animals have been an integral and prominent part of the Japanese culture for centuries. With tons of superstitious and religious beliefs the Japanese had a wide range of animals that were known to carry innate meaning and symbolism.
Japanese arts are rich with images of many different kinds of animals. The ancient tribes of Japan stamped themselves with different animal tattoos based upon the significance that particular animal held for them. This practice was common amongst the very first tribes that settled into Japan such as the Ainu and Wa people.
There were certain animals that were revered by society. In fact there are a number of animals that are held in high esteem by the people of Japan even today. Some of these animals were actually considered to be gods such as the tiger throughout Japanese history. People would get animal tattoos in order to please their gods.
Another superstitious belief held by the ancient Japanese tribes was that one could actually acquire the characteristics of the animal by wearing its tattoo. The snake for example has been a very popular choice for tattooing in Japanese culture. Although the snake is an animal considered to have a negative character by the global society in Japan it stood for wisdom and healing. Hence those who wanted to acquire these character traits would wear snake tattoos on different parts of their body.
In some cases images of animals were considered to have special powers of protection. The ancient tribes would wear the images of different animals believing that they could save them from bad luck and ill fortune. Other animals were known to bring good luck and great fortune.
The symbol of the crane
Amongst the many different animal tattoos that have been popular in Japan is the crane. The crane has long stood as a metaphorical representation of wisdom, longevity, fidelity and fortune. It is common to find the crane being paired with other symbols of longevity in Japanese tattoo art. The use of the crane with pine trees, bamboos, stones and tortoises is common in the history of Japan. When used in combination with the sun the symbol of the crane stood for social ambition.
An interesting observation revealed that the Japanese actually believed that cranes had a life expectancy of thousands of years. The Taoists were a few steps   ahead as they ascribed immortality to the bird.
The snow white body feathers of the crane contrasted by the black feathers on the neck provide the visual contrast that accentuates the design. Crane tattoos are often found in limited color with great detail being put on the long wings and the texture of the feathers.
In modern times the popularity of Japanese animal tattoos has crossed its borders. The west has been particularly intrigued by this age old practice of Japan. They have taken to the art form with no reservations whatsoever whereas in Japan people are still quite reserved about the practice of tattooing.