Upper Back Tattoos

The human back makes an ideal canvas for a tattoo artist's needles. If you are considering your first tattoo could do worse than to have it be an upper back tattoo. Why?

Upper back tattoos can range from small and simple to large and elaborate, and can stand alone or be the foundations for larger and more elaborate tattoo work if you like the outcome and want to add to it. Upper back tattoos are, more often than not, covered in indoor settings so they won't be an issue in professional environments.

Women considering upper back tattoos will have to decide if their social life is a deterrent; backless formal gowns may be out of the picture once upper back tattoo enter it. But a small tasteful tattoo has found its way to many a female celebrity's upper back, so the bias against female tattoos in upper social circles may be fading. Tank tops and bating suits will also be a giveaway for upper back tattoos, but in the casual environment at poolside they are not only accepted; they are often admired.

Any upper back tattoos you are considering should be a topic of conversation between you and your tattoo artist before you make any decisions. Placement is key, so that you can incorporate you design into a later full back tattoo if you so desire. At the same time, you don't want you upper back tattoo to be so oddly positioned that it sticks out like a sore thumb.

You'll also have to consider the amount of time you are accustomed to spending shirtless in the sun. You should be using sunscreen anyway, even if you don't have tattoos, but sun exposure is a big contributor in the fading of tattoos. Your upper back tattoo is going to fade, because that is what tattoos do, but here's no reason for you to speed the process simply because you neglect the sunscreen.



One big positive to having an upper back tattoo as you first is that they are much less prone to infection than tattoos in other areas. But you'll still be responsible for following your tattoo artist's after care directions, which will include periods of letting your tattoo be exposed to the air to help it dry. So consider the time of year when you get your tattoo; bring shirtless in January in your part of the world might get uncomfortable.

Nicolas Cage, with a top-hat wearing monitor lizard, David Beckham, with his son's name above a Crucifixion scene; LeBron James, with Chosen 1; Fabio Cannovaro, with his daughter's name; Melanie Chisholm, with a phoenix; and Laura Headley, with a lotus blossom, are just a handful of celebrities who have chosen upper back tattoos to say something about themselves or the things that matter to them.



The original tattoos were used to signify membership within a clan or tribe. Sometimes they were used as a representation of status and rank. And tattoos were used this way for 1000s of years in many different cultures all around the world.

Later on, tattoos were used by sailors, bikers and those who have been incarcerated in prison as a symbol of membership. Which of course gave tattoos a disreputable look that prevented its acceptance into the mainstream for a long time. Until today. Now, tattoos are virtually everywhere and on everyone.

Tattoos are so accepted these days as a form of self-expression and as a way to respect the important memories that we have in our lives.



And one of the more popular tattoos are the upper back tattoos and for a good reason. The upper back is a very nice location for all tattoos because it is flat and has a lot of area to work with. You can put smaller stylish tattoos around the upper back or you can extend a full back tattoo up to the neck or arms.

In fact, going with an upper back tattoos is a great way to get started if you don't have one yet. And I say this because the upper back seems for most folks, the least painful part of the body to place a tattoo on. However, I'm NOT saying it won't be uncomfortable or painful! It depends on the person and the threshold for pain.

Another good reason for an upper back tattoos if of course that you can hide it with clothing so your boss or the world doesn't see your ink when you don't want them to see it.



Some folks prefer to have a medium sized tattoo placed on their shoulder blade area. You could even use both shoulder blades and create a mirror imaged tattoos for great effect. Those tattoos could be butterfly wings, angel wings, fairy wings or other similar tattoo designs. Another way to do it is to place these mirror imaged tattoos on either side of your spine. When done right, it is a beautiful pattern to show off.

Many guys prefer to use the shoulder blade area for symbolic tattoos. It can be animal tattoos or other tattoos that symbolizes the family, membership, beliefs or strengths. Something that reinforces the guy's personal identity.

Now, upper back tattoos can get a little complex because it spreads out across your entire back. It can even envelope the neck, wrapping around the shoulders and down to the arms. Usually, these tattoos are continuous or based on a theme.



Now you could look for tattoo pattern ideas for your upper back. Places to look are the tattoo magazines, tattoo design websites and the photos of work done by your local tattoo artist. Those are usually found at the tattoo studio. But I would urge you to discuss with your tattoo artist BEFORE doing anything. Make sure your artist is capable and creative.

After all, the upper back tattoos can get quite large and if it is done badly, I can't begin to describe how disappointed you will be because you are going to be stuck with that tattoo you don't like for the rest of your life. So be slow and careful. Be absolutely certain that this is the tattoo design or theme that you want to cover your back with.

So look around. Kick some tires. Check out all the possible tattoo patterns that you would consider. It could be a tribal pattern that stretches over your back or a smaller tattoo of a heart with your children names inside. While it is OK to be unique and personal. Be sure that this is what you want to proudly wear on your back forever.

Make your upper back tattoos meaningful. It is a way to express yourself to you and those close to you. And besides, you are going to want to show off your beautiful tattoo so be sure that it is exactly what you want before you get it inked on.