Cross Tattoos: The End-All Resource Page
Cross tattoos dominate the tattoo landscape like never before. Over the horizon rise many reasons for this popularity.
Some attach their liking to this symbol by superstition: In a way, their cross tattoos give them a protection, as if their fears and troubles were vampires.
Some understand the heart's desire for symbol and representation of intuitive truth that words cannot describe. Their cross tattoos speak the language of the heart-- either to themselves, or to tot hers.
Some hop on the popularity train and ink themselves for appearance-only reasons.
The Symbolic Power of Cross Tattoos
The channels of the heart provide passageway to the inner man. The mode of transportation is the power of image. Remember this vital truth: While the mind speaks in propositions, the heart speaks in pictures or symbols.
While their is no superstitious or magical power in any symbol, symbols become powerful based on the meaning we give them. Therefore, cross tattoos may be a folly to the one who inscribes them on themselves. But they may be a powerful symbol and reminder of deep truth, for example of the healing power of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Picking a Cross Tattoo
Assuming you have brushed aside superficial reasons for inking yourself, and assuming also you understand that your tattoo must represent something to your deep heart, here is a step by step process for sorting through cross tattoos to obtain the design you want.
Step #1--Determine Key Elements of the Symbol
Before looking at initial designs, write down two or three key elements you want your tattoo to communicate-- and to whom.
First, Are you looking to communicate the idea of healing? Forgiveness? The person of Jesus himself? An event? Reconciliation? Brokenness?
And to whom? Are these elements a reminder to yourself, to others, or both? And if both, it is best to state it this way: When looking at cross tattoos, I want to communicate healing primarily to my self, but secondarily to others. (Or vice-versa?)
Do all this with a pencil and paper. The thinking you do on this front end of the process will allow you to sort through the head-spinning number of options you will face down the road. Cross tattoos are plentiful...
Step #2--Invest in Your Design
Hopefully, no lecture is needed in tattoo permanency. If you've crunched methodically through step one, and you've comprehended the value and importance of your tattoo symbol and communication, then comes time to invest cash in your design.
Unless your design is ridiculously basic, don't bother looking for free cross tattoos and designs. Any symbol worth branding permanently on your body is worth investing in.
You may even want to hire a graphic artist who understands tattoos to design one for you. With this option, you receive a high-level of customization and the benefit of thinking through the symbol before you ever walk into the tattoo shop.
Almost as good is subscribing to a high-end tattoo resource. I've scoured the 
options and right now one of the best resources is TattooMeNow!: The Ultimate Online Tattoo Membership.
I picked this resource based on the tremendous value and scope of it's offerings:
- Design Gallery of over 3,253 (and growing) designs
- Members gallery with over 38 categories where you can view photos of other's tattoos, including cross tattoos, to get ideas and inspiration for your own
- Studio Directory that lists over 10,000 studios in 38 countries, including reviews of studios so you can make an informed choice
- Discussion Forum where you can talk with tattoo artists and other other tattoo enthusiasts to get feedback before you ever get your tattoo!
- Video Vault with 12 categories covering Educational, Funny, Conventions, Documentaries, TV-shows & more..
- Media Library with Tattoo ebooks, audio books & resources: "You And Your Tattoo" (Audio Book), "Got Ink?" (Ebook) and many, many more! Download everything to your computer. More stuff added regularly!
- Money-back Guarantee.
Get all your bases covered with the TattooMeNow!: The Ultimate Online Tattoo Membership.
Step #3--Plan Your Big Day
Give the tremendous symbolic power you've invested into your tattoo, and having planned and looked through the resources to help you sort out your cross tattoos and options, you should make an event of the day you get your tattoo
Some things you'll want to think about:
- Obtain any supplies you will need for healing and care of your tattoo, such as Neosporin ointment, gauze, aspirin or tylenol.
- Be sure to make an appointment with you tattoo artist and talk with them ahead of time. This is a big deal, and you don't want them to be rushed either. You'll also want to discuss pricing options, and if it will take more than one session to finish. You may also want to make a list of questions you have to ask them.
- Invite a special friend or group of friends to join you.
- Do you want to bring a camera to preserve the memory of the day?
- Consider doing something special afterwards: going out to nice dinner or other special activity.
- Record you thoughts on the selection, meaning, and process of picking your cross tattoo in a journal as a keepsake.
If you follow through with a well thought out process, searching, and selecting among cross tatoos can be a rewarding, rich experience.
Where to next?
TattooMeNow!: The Ultimate Online Tattoo Membership.
Visit our Celtic cross tattoos page.
Read about the wholistic healing of Jesus on the Cross in preparation for your experience.