Today, tattoos are more likely to be viewed as a fashion accessory, but they remain permanently on the skin. A wide variety of motifs, shapes and colors impress with their unusual design. Since this fashion accessory lasts forever, it should be chosen well. This also applies to the part of the body that is stung. A chest tattoo is perfect body decoration for men with a fit and attractive upper body.
Trends and current motifs
Graphic tattoos have been a trend in America for a long time and it is slowly making its way to Europe. Lines and dots depicting portraits of animals and geometric figures are becoming increasingly popular. Abstract motifs, often in combination with color, are popular today.
Old school style tattoos
If previously the meaning of the tattoo was in the foreground, today the aesthetics and beauty of the image are in the foreground. In 2017 this trend will continue. And what is usually said that the Poles are pulling together is true here too. In addition to the abstract motifs in modern style, the so-called sailor tattoos are also particularly popular at the moment.
The popular onesOld school tattoosare definitely something for lovers of vintage style. Hipsters in particular opt for the eye-catching sailor motifs. Their meaning used to have to do with crossing the equator, such as sailing ship, anchor, cannon, palm tree and others aimed at the sailors' longings and wishes. Today, the old school style is characterized by strong lines that surround the motif. The interior of the figure is decorative and detailed, filled with shades of color or black.
After all, a trained man's chest provides a great canvas for a tattoo. In addition to choosing a motif that you like, the size and position of the tattoo also play a crucial role. Basically, it always looks very nice if the motif is only engraved in the upper area of the pectoral muscle. Depending on the motif selected, it can also cover the entire chest.
In new school style – video game theme
When choosing the motif and its size, you have to consider whether it will always be covered by clothing. Because it can always happen that the boss doesn't like it when a tattoo stands out from his employee's shirt collar. Last but not least, you should know the actual meaning of the selected motif by heart.
Popular symbols and their meanings
Although today tattoo design takes priority over the actual meaning of the chosen motif, it is always good to know what is hidden behind it. Regardless of whether it's a motif or bold sayings, you can go completely wrong if you get something pricked. Here are a few examples and their meaning.
- In most cultures, raven symbolizes negative and pessimistic concepts, such as death and powerful magic. On the other hand, the Celts believed in the magic, prophecy and protection of the raven. In mythology, two ravens are a clear symbol of balance, of good and evil in humans.
- An eagle tattoo with outstretched wings is best depicted on a man's chest due to the need for more piercing surface. It symbolizes strength, energy to face the future better, but not a tattoo for everyone. The motif is difficult to combine with others, which is why you have to choose a specific style for the rest of the body.
The most popular and trendy animal motifs for tattoos include the falcon and the owl. With outstretched wings, one of the two birds is a good choice for a man's chest tattoo. But what is its symbolic meaning:
- The owl is a versatile motif that is particularly interesting because of its ambiguity. It is present in every culture and on the one hand symbolizes wisdom and on the other hand it is a harbinger of bad luck and a bird of death.
- The falcon is also a bird that exists all over the world and therefore has a symbolic character in many cultures. The Egyptian sun god Ra is depicted by a falcon and for hunters the bird is a sign of success. The falcon has the best eyesight and is known for its intelligence.
- The swallow is more popular as a tattoo motif than any other bird and is one of the classics, like the star and diamond. It is fundamentally symbolically linked to seafaring, as sailors based themselves on the swallows that the coast must be nearby. They had two swallows pricked on their chest, which for them meant that in the event of misfortune, if the sailor drowned, the swallows would raise his soul from the sea and carry him to heaven.
A swallow can be done in an old school design, but can also be engraved in a different way, for example in a watercolor style.
In watercolor style
In 2015, a new tattoo trend conquered the world - watercolor orWatercolor Style. Clear contours are missing and intense, fresh colors and flowing color gradients come to the fore. Dabbled watercolor effects create motifs inspired by flora and fauna.
Animal tattoos are very popular among both genders. Among men, wild and strong animals predominate, such as the bear, the lion, the eagle, etc. But there are species, such as the birds, which are often chosen by both sexes. The Phoenix is known as the Firebird and is a symbol of renewal and rebirth.
Geometric in black and white
Geometric tattoos are particularly popular among hipsters. The characteristic design takes into account geometric figures that represent shapes in a graphic style. Most of the time it is complemented by other elements such as dotwork or watercolor.
Abstract Motive
A popular motif for chest tattoos, especially among men, is the lion. Having a lion's head tattooed on your chest symbolizes, above all, strength, courage, but also the head of the family. A wolf motif is often used as a tattoo. It was originally worn by the inhabitants of North America and symbolizes strength and family.
Of course, it is always good to know what a motif symbolizes, but what matters is personal taste and the meaning that it has for the actual person. There is nothing more beautiful than a tattoo that is specially and individually designed. This tattoo idea has graphic, dotwork and watercolor elements at the same time - golden ratio, human anatomy, descriptive geometry, drawing
Line tattoos
A line tattoo is a very minimalistic type of tattoo with almost no shades or color. The motif here is only expressed through the lines and originally comes from comic and cartoon art.
Line tattoos appear abstract or as an unfinished tattoo at the design stage. Three-dimensionality may or may not be present in the representation if the principle of representational geometry is adhered to.
The current trend is so-called blackwork tattoos, which are done exclusively with black ink. Shades and colored accents are missing here and although it sounds dark and boring, these tattoos look extremely delicate and noble.
Mandala tattoo on chest
Mandalas are a beautiful and versatile motif that is equally suitable for men and women. Thanks to their detailed design, mandalas can become real graphic works of art and can be designed according to individual preferences.
Mandalas can be represented using the dotwork principle from several dots or linearly. They can look quite decorative, but also realistic thanks to the multiple shades.
3D effect through dotwork
The dotwork tattoos, as the name suggests, consist of many very small dots and create a complete overall picture. They are mainly kept in black and white. It sounds dark, but it looks really cool.
Symmetry and ornaments
Depending on the desired effect, several styles can be combined into one. The prerequisite for a successful tattoo is, above all, the balance between decorative and realistic.
Blackwork – cones
The outstanding feature of blackwork tattoos is the three-dimensional, three-dimensional depth effect achieved only through the correct use of black lines and shades of gray.
Realistic, colorful motifs from flora and fauna
In the realistic tattoo style, portraits and nature motifs usually come into question. Photos and recordings of people and animals serve as models. In order for an image to be engraved realistically, the tattoo artist's enormous knowledge and experience are required.
Japanese style tattoos
The traditional Japanese tattoos Irezumi or also called Horimono cover the entire body with colorful motifs usually based on Japanese mythology. Clearly structured color areas and detailed black and white shades are typical.
Inspired by traditional Maori tattoos
Polynesian tattoos are characterized by very complex motifs and ornaments executed entirely in black and white. They are generally very popular with men because of their contrast and strong effect.
Shaped by nationality – USA flag
The pattern and color design of the flags clearly indicate the patriotic meaning and this shows the person's loyalty.
