Greetings, Body Art Fans!

If there's one thing that I get asked a lot in emails, it's if people have to draw their own tattoos, or if it costs more to have the tattoo artist draw it up if they can't find something they like. Nearly all my work has been drawn up by the tattoo artist I went to get the work done. I bring along some images for ideas and inspirations and then they work up something original. A few of my small designs were done "as-is," meaning I found something that didn't need any size or artistitic changes, and once I had an artist work freestyle right on my chest after he and I had swapped my artistic inspirations and he'd shown me sketches of what that brought to mind for him.

Right now, I'm trying something new I've never done for a tattoo design before. I'm doing a trade with a friend who is an artist, where I'm redoing his website for him and he's going to draw up a large-scale tattoo design for me. We're just starting, but I'll let you all know how that works out as we progress.

New and Recommended Articles:

Body Art Top 20 Articles of 2009
Here's a recap of what the most-read body art topic articles were for 2009. See some old favorites and new features in the worlds of tattoos and piercings.

SoBe Body Paints Their New Flavors
For the launch of their new zero calorie beverage flavors, drink company SoBe decided to go with almost zero clothing. The commission a pair of painted skinsuits to be worn and modeled by Twilight actress Ashley Greene.

Buddhist Tattoos
Rooted firmly in spiritual practices and imagery, the practice of Buddhist tattooing has been going on for thousands of years. Now, with tougher economic times and shifting political climates, this tradition is seeing a bit of a resurgence.

Hot Links:

• Temporary tattoos meet high end fashion
  From the fringe, to the mainstream, to the catwalk! Temporary tattooing has just taken a turn from the realm of the outcast, to the wishlist of the American teen, and is now a part of the high fashion world.
• Marine Corps Tattoo Regulation Updates
  The few and the proud are now tightening up their rules regarding tattooing. If you want to be a Marine, especially an officer, you will need to make sure you don't have any plans for extensive tattooing.
• Ed Hardy
  Although some may think he's just a fashion label, Ed Hardy is considered one of the most-skilled tattoo artists of the 20th century. Learn how Ed Hardy had a huge influence on moving tattooing from the fringes to the mainstream.
• Body Piercing Videos
  These videos showcase a variety of body piercing modifications, from ear and eyebrow piercing to tongues studs and navel rings.  See corset piercings close up, watch how hook suspensions are done, and be amazed by a belly dancer with pierced wings!

You can upload your tattoo pictures to Bellaonline and then rate your favorites! It's fun and free, and you can upload or vote here.

If you have a body art question, please come on over to the online forum. It's a great place for chatting about body art and getting an answer.

I really love your feedback and welcome your questions, so if you have something to tell me or ask, please send an e-mail or drop by the forum! Please pass this message along to family and friends who you know are interested.

Rae
Body Art Editor
http://bodyart.bellaonline.com