Tattoos are now widely accepted in today’s society. It is estimated that 10% of individuals in the United States have them.

Although they were once associated with criminals, many celebrities have chosen to embrace this form of body art.

Celebrity Tattoo Icon – Kat von D

Kat von D is a celebrity tattoo artist who has countless designs on her body. She regards tattoos as a form of art that she is deeply passionate about. She was quoted as saying, “I am a canvas of my experiences, my story is etched in lines and shading, and you can read it on my arms, my legs, my shoulders, and my stomach.”

She has tiny stars tattooed on the left side of her face. There are also personal symbols all over her arms and legs. Additionally, Kat von D has visible designs on her back and chest. The celebrity also has a tattoo of her mother and father along with other influential people. Within the tapestry of body ink, she has roses, words and other symbols intertwined among the designs on her body.

Kat von D is probably most well known for her reality show called LA Ink which revolves around her tattoo salon in Los Angeles.  Her career also includes modeling and her own makeup line at Sephora.

Tattoo Symbols of Celebrity Angelina Jolie

Part of Angelina Jolie’s distinctive image has to do with her tattoos. Like many others, she uses tattoos to commemorate the people and principles that she holds most dear. Angelina used to have Billy Bob Thornton’s name tattooed on her upper arm along with a dragon design. The couple was married from 2000-2003.  She tried to remove the tattoo with laser, but traces still remained. The celebrity has covered this up with tattoo coordinates that represent the birthplaces of her children and Brad Pitt. She also has his name in military code (Whiskey Bravo) tattooed on her thigh.

Another notable Anjelina Jolie tattoo is a quote by Tennesse Williams, “A prayer for the wild at heart kept in cages.” This is inscribed on her arm. Perhaps the most famous tattoo of the Los Angeles born celebrity is a Buddhist incantation written in Kmer script on her left shoulder blade.

Megan Fox’s Tattoos

Megan Fox also sports tattoos which have personal significance for her.  When she was a teenager, she had Marilyn Monroe’s face tattooed on her arm.  The celebrity has now decided to get rid of the tattoo with laser procedures.

Megan also has tattoos of cherished quotes such as:

  • -“We will all laugh at gilded butterflies”
  • -“There once was a little girl that didn’t believe in love, until she met a boy that broke her heart”
  • -“Those who danced were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

David Beckham’s Tattoos

David Beckham is a celebrity soccer player who is notorious for his love of tattoo art.  The themes of his tattoos reflect spiritual ideals and his love for his family.

On his back is a large tattoo of a guardian angel in a similar pose to Jesus as he was crucified. His children’s names surround the design. He has other tattoos of Jesus on his body as well. In addition to Christian themes, David has tattooed quotes in different types of script. There is a quote written in Chinese characters which translates to “Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honor depend on heaven.”

The celebrity honors his wife, Victoria Beckham, with a tattoo image of her. Also he has her name written in Hindi script on his arm. The date of their commitment ceremony is also encrypted on his body.

In regards to having so many tattoos, David Beckham explains, “Everybody’s got a way of expressing their feelings, and mine is through my tattoos.”

Final Note

The popularity of tattoos in mainstream society is partly due to media influence. A celebrity will choose to get a tattoo for the same reasons as anyone else. Here are a few listed by psychologist, Dr. Michael Mantell

  1. Desire to be noticed
  2. Wanting to display tattoos as a badge of honor
  3. Need to commemorate a loved one
  4. Spiritual or religious reasons

Celebrity or not, tattoo affectionados often take a lot of pride in what they value. They use their tattooed symbols to communicate to others what they stand for.

Learn about laser tattoo removal.

celebrity tattoo|names & designs

Los Angeles patient with a tattoo. Many people choose to inscribe words, pictures and designs that have personal meaning. Celebrity inspiration may or may not be a factor with different individuals*