The tattoo design that you either have or are looking for, has particular meaning to you but it also has a history that you might not be aware of. Do you know the history of your tattoo design? Every design has meaning and a history. Have you ever wondered how tattoo designs started in America? If so, take a ride with me in the way-back machine.

A long time ago, tattooed Polynesian natives were taken to Europe and later brought to the United States and put on display at world's fairs. This took place in the late 1800's.

In the U.S. we took the tattoo design and changed its theme from exotic designs to patriotism. Tattoos were very popular with our military men.

At the time tattoos were still being done by hand, (ouch!) which made them costly and time consuming. But all that changed in 1891 when "Professor" Samuel O'Reilly patented the first electric tattoo machine. (Hurray for Sam!)

The electric tattoo machine allowed the tattoo artist to use a number of tattoo needles at the same time for outlining and shading. This is when strong black lines and heavy shading were introduced to tattoo designs.

With the invention of the electric tattoo machine, the true Americana style of tattoo design was born. Now tattoos were less painful, cheaper and faster. As you can imagine, this one invention drastically changed the tattoo design world and increased its spread tremendously.

Without these men and women that paved the tattoo design road for you, you wouldn't be able to go to your local tattoo artist and walk out sporting an awesome tattoo design shortly after that. Plus, you've got to admit that Samuel O'Reilly is your new hero. Without his tattoo machine, your tattoo design would cost more, take more time and (believe it or not) hurt more, too. Thank you, Sam. You've really changed the tattoo design world.