All about the phoenix tattoo for men
Phoenix is one of the most popular themes in men's body art. In the article we will talk about the meaning of a tattoo, the best modern styles for men, location options and the intricacies of choosing a sketch.
Meaning
Initially, phoenix tattoos were a punishment for serious crimes, which was practiced by the Japanese and Romans. Today the Phoenix tattoo has no negative meaning.
The meaning of the tattoo is symbolic: the phoenix personifies a man's willingness to withstand any life situations. This is the choice of people with an inner core who are not used to giving up in the face of difficulties.
The bird gives strength to overcome adversity. It symbolizes rebirth and is associated with the sun. She is revered as the soul of Ra (the Egyptian sun god).
Phoenix tattoos for men are the choice of men with an active lifestyle. They have a special energy. They differ from women's drawings in brutality and manner of execution.
The designation of the phoenix may vary slightly depending on the type of drawing.
- A bird soaring in the sky is interpreted as a symbol of freedom and immortality. This sign is applied to the body by those who have gone through a difficult period of life and have found the strength to live on.
- The phoenix, depicted with the dragon, indicates the duality of human nature. In general, this is a sign of the balance of power for internal confrontation.
- The designation of a fiery bird with lotus flowers is associated with the symbolism of eternity and rebirth. The lotuses indicate the perfection with which life's difficulties are overcome.
- The phoenix feather speaks of the eccentricity and eccentricity of the male nature. A person is firm, courageous, energetic, has tremendous willpower.
- Phoenix and Skull - dissonance between life and death, spirituality and dark forces.
- A bird against the background of the sun or flame speaks of an inner transformation. This is a rejection of the old foundations and a turn towards a renewed consciousness.
Depending on the embedded meaning, a tattoo can mean the completion of one's own destiny, a passionate temperament, a spiritual flame.
For example, a bird on fire speaks of self-flagellation, the fall of the soul.
Phoenix and symbols
Phoenix is not only a hero of ancient Egyptian mythology. Among the peoples of different countries, it has its own meaning.
- Among the Jews, the bird is associated with immortality, eternal life, preservation of youth.
- The Chinese depict a phoenix along with a dragon. Such a symbol means yin and yang, harmony, a sign of imperial power.
- Among the Slavs, it is a sign of victory over dark forces, a symbol of goodness.
The value may vary by color. Yellow phoenix is the personification of the sun, red - fire, black and gray - ash, past memories.
Phoenix is a powerful talisman. Therefore, before deciding on the place of application, it is necessary to study in more detail the value depending on the area of application.
Popular styles
Most often, the phoenix is depicted on a tattoo as a large project. In medium to large sizes, it looks and recognizes better. This allows you to embody the idea of applying tattoos in the most popular male styles.
Abstraction
The abstract phoenix is distinguished by the originality of the sketch. Its silhouette can be defined by lines, strokes, blots and spots. Despite the seeming formlessness, the tattoo is quite recognizable and effective.
Often, the bird is depicted in the form of tongues of flame, above which a recognizable silhouette with open wings rises. The priority of the style is the play of reason with associations and hints.
Warmth always emanates from such tattoos. You can feel movement and special energy in them. Usually the flame from which the mythical bird is reborn is taken as a basis.
Abstraction may not be the main, but an auxiliary technique. Its elements perfectly complement the general sketch, completing its idea. For example, it can be blots, blurring of the pattern along the edges.
Watercolor
The watercolor style creates the effect of a wet technique drawn on porous paper. This is what birds look like in watercolor style.
However, in men's body art, the style is used mainly to decorate the main figure. At the same time, men do not use several shades of bright colors at once.
Usually, the key detail is stuffed with black pigment, and the watercolor additions with some color contrast. These are mostly streaks and stains that can complete the main idea of the sketch.
Geometry
Canonical and popular figures are some of the frequent additions of small tattoo designs. They are carried out mainly in black in straight narrow lines.
Besides, small geometric phoenix can consist of geometric shapes with a volumetric effect. More often, however, rhombuses, rectangles and triangles are used to constrain the overall shape.
They are the semantic design of the tattoo, give the image a complete look. Often combined with lines, blots, abstract elements. Figures can be hollow or partially tinted internally.
Graphics
The graphic direction is demanding on the clarity of detail. These tattoos are stuffed exclusively in black. Moreover, even the slightest dilution of the paint is not allowed.
If you need to create a shadow or volume, this is done only by hatching. The lines of the drawing are clear, precise, verified. The typing style imitates an academic pencil drawing.
There is no feathering in it. Special elaboration is in the foreground. Everything secondary is not drawn. A graphic bird is not necessarily realistic, style does not make it a primary concern.
Linework
The basis of this direction is the lines, through which a recognizable silhouette is set. This style is mainly suitable for small tattoos and miniatures.
It can be traditional and contour. The phoenix model is built with a contour, in some cases, shadows are added in addition to it. They are stuffed with softer punctures.
It is executed in black, does not provide for global detail and artistic accuracy. This is an option for simple tattoos or to complement other tattoo art techniques.
Old school
Old school technique is one of the traditional but controversial solutions for this topic. The reason lies in the combination of bright contrasts, because of which the phoenix runs the risk of becoming like a rooster.
To prevent this, one has to resort to different interpretations of the fire bird. Somewhere this is the prevalence of black. In other cases, craftsmen try to use no more than two contrasting inks.
The old-school phoenix is distinguished by its brightness, which it acquires due to the black outline of every detail of the pattern. Literally everything is outlined, be it a large or a tiny element.
The style does not strive for a realistic rendering of the image. The bird often lacks reliable proportions. The bird itself is more like an eagle.
Only the characteristic tail makes it recognizable, putting everything in its place.
Oriental
The oriental phoenix is part of Asian culture, reflecting every element of the design. The basic elements of the style are thin contours, ancient images, tight fit on the body.
The classic version is the so-called sleeve. The bird may resemble your favorite tattoo character - a Chinese dragon. This can be seen in the shape of her body and the scaly pattern that replaces the traditional plumage.
Eastern phoenix is stuffed in black or color. This is one of the best destinations for the embodiment of mythological characters. The technique is characterized by the asymmetry of the elements of the composition.
The drawing is often mobile, it is applied to the muscles, providing for the movement of the male body. Thus, it is possible to achieve the effect of liveliness of a key figure or a certain storyline.
Realism
Realistic printing is a photographically accurate reproduction of the image with maximum fidelity. This is a high level of craftsmanship, flawless light and color rendering.
Tattoos can be colored or monochrome (black and white). The general principles are the accuracy of proportions, the effect of volume, smooth gradients, the creation of shadows and halftones. This is a 3D live image.
The realistic phoenix has the smallest details, down to the texture of the feathers. It is decorative, traditional and three-dimensional (3D effect). Most often voluminous, but can be of medium size.
Sketch
Phoenix, embodied in the sketch style, is unique and unusual in its own way. Visually, the picture resembles an unfinished pencil sketch. The drawing consists of many lines and strokes that define the original shape.
The technique does not strive for precise alignment and smoothness of shape. Often the bird is angular, the manner of execution seems to be harsh. However, the key figure is recognizable, and its implementation is very suitable for men's tattoos.
She is stylish, creative, effective, impulsive. The technique is not beaten, it is often performed in monochrome.
If the stylistic idea requires it, the bird can be complemented by abstract spots and fiery lines.
Tribal
This direction belongs to those in demand among young people. It is embodied exclusively in black ink, presenting not so much a realistic as a stylized image.
The bird can be depicted as a kind of ornament. The picture is characterized by symmetry, the half-turn phoenix is depicted asymmetrically. A different texture of a mythical bird can be transmitted.
The drawing is made up of elements that are not connected to each other. In addition to thick lines and curls, it can consist of geometric shapes painted in black or gray.
Trash polka
This trend is a separate type of body art. It accumulates the traits of other techniques. The drawing may show the overlap of several elements.
Mixing of styles is noticeable. For example, it can be a mix of realism and abstraction in the form of a photographically live bird against a background of red blots. Silhouette plots are no less attractive.
Often, the pattern is set in black and red. In this case, the key figure is stuffed with black ink, and the red pigment acts as an accent. Popular additions are splash explosions, shadows, semicircles.
How to choose a sketch?
Choosing the right picture involves taking into account several recommendations.
- The location can be open or closed. If on duty it is necessary to follow the dress code, choose the second option.
- The style of the tattoo is selected based on your own preferences and features of the anatomy of the body.
- It is better not to repeat someone's sketch, but to pick up several ideas and, based on them, ask the master to create something unique.
- The color is a personal choice of the client. However, color options fade faster than black and white.
- The client should like the tattoo and emphasize the beauty of his body. She should convey his inner world and outlook on life.
Location options
The location of the tattoo depends not only on its size, but also on the level of pain threshold that a man can withstand. Most sensitive areas: face, neck, sternum, hands, fingers, knees, elbows, ribs.
A tattoo on the shoulder is considered to be a man's assistant, his support in difficult life situations.
This is not only spectacular, but also a sign of stability and reliability.
A great way to express yourself is to sit on your forearm. Such a tattoo demonstrates internal energy, character stamina. This area of the body is the best canvas for realistic images.
Wrist location is an option for small and first tattoos. Such sketches are stuffed as amulets or as signs of self-expression, made with a minimum of detail.
Sleeve placement is one of the most popular. In this case, the tattoo can be located from the forearm to the hand or to the elbow. Its importance is associated with independence and the desire for freedom.
The location on the neck is associated with the influence on consciousness and thinking. It is believed that the phoenix applied here renews and cleanses from negativity not only the body, but also the mind.
Large work is applied to the entire chest. It not only looks spectacular, but is also a kind of talisman with a sacred meaning. The phoenix depicted on the sternum protects the man and warns of danger.
Sitting on the back is a sign of the transformation of thinking and future. This testifies to the man's complete readiness for spiritual rebirth. In addition, the back position is considered one of the best and most practical.
Some salon clients ask to apply phoenix to the ribs and sidewall. As a rule, this is an image of a bird in flight with open wings. It looks impressive, refers to a closed type tattoo.