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The Meaning Behind Key Tattoos
Key tattoos are not just your typical lock and key tattoo anymore. There are more meanings to key tattoos other than the device to open a lock. Keys are also things we press that connect to make sound or to cause an electrical response. For example, keys on a piano and keys on a keyboard. Additionally, a key can be the little box with symbols and words describing their meaning on maps and other publications using signs that require explanations.
If you’re really into keys that open locks and want the very first one, it’s a block of wood with three pegs on one end; it kind of looks like a short pasta server. Still, the most popular key in terms of keys that open locks is the skeleton key. While the skeleton key is not the most ancient of all keys, it runs a close second place. This key has been around for about three thousand years. People use it because of its range from classic simplicity to elegant, ornate beauty.
Types of Key Tattoos and Their Meanings
Key and Lock Tattoos
Key and lock tattoos are unique in their meaning and very mysterious. One might wonder what is so valuable that you must keep it under lock and key. It can represent freedom after a time in time in your life when you’ve felt imprisoned. It could also mean you are unlocking a new chapter in your life. In key tattoos, people use old locks and keys because of their style. Their unique-looking designs and craftsmanship are hard to find in modern-looking keys and locks.
Couples generally wear key and lock tattoos. One wears the lock, and the other wears the key. You will need to decide if you want body art or to keep it personal, meaning hidden. Either way, agree on style because you’ll want them to match, just like you! Most intricate key and lock tattoo designs come from Victorian times when a great deal of effort went into metal art. This same art is imitated in tattoos today.
Key to My Heart Tattoos
Key to my heart tattoos are a very personal statement. This type of tattoo usually represents a beautiful moment in your life. The key to my heart tattoos will most often represent meanings such as; the love you share for someone who can only unlock your heart. Negatively, key to my heart tattoos can also express deep sorrow and betrayal. A heart with a tear or crack and a broken key can symbolize this meaning the best. Additionally, you can add things like torn ribbons, roses, or even thorns to these key tattoos.
Key to my heart tattoos with a message of love is very popular these days among couples. Their message is quite simple but very powerful. Only you can unlock my heart, or you have found your true love.
Skeleton key tattoos
Skeleton key tattoos are among the most popular of the key tattoos. It is probably due to their versatility in design. Skeleton keys range from very plain to extremely ornate. A single key alone has many different meanings. These meanings are personal, and a viewer would have to question the wearer of these key tattoos as to their meaning. Keep in mind that there may not be any meaning. Many people wear body art for the sake of art. Most certainly, skeleton keys are considered metal art.
The art of creating skeleton keys is hundreds of years old. If you’re considering getting a skeleton key tattoo, be sure to study images of skeleton keys. Minimalists would enjoy the simplicity of designs created during that period. If you’re looking to wear a skeleton key simply because it fits in well with your body art, consider elaborate skeleton key tattoos.
Coloring for these keys can be all over the place. Original coloring, of course, would be realistic metal colors, steel, grey, black, and rust, anything metal oxidizes into. If you gravitate towards fantasy, cartoon, or overstated, you can use any color. Remember, the more elaborate the key, the more skin it will take; you’ll want to show that detail. However, the size of this tattoo allows placement just about anywhere on your body.
Piano key tattoos
Piano key tattoos are popular with musicians, especially if they play the keyboard or piano. However, using piano keys in a tattoo is also appropriate for a person who may want to show a grouping of instruments to represent their membership and ability to play in a group. It can also express your love of music and especially music created from the piano.
Computer key tattoos
Computer key tattoos are a fabulous new category emerging in the tattoo world, and the possibilities are endless. Using these key tattoos in very clever ways provides an opportunity for a unique piece of body art. For instance, commands that require multiple keys, such as control, alt, delete, for rebooting have been seen, and the meaning is obvious. For you, non-computer users, control, alt, delete, pressed all at the same time reboots, or allows stopping a program in its tracks. Using a delete key next to an inked name could be pretty humorous.
Small key tattoos
Coloring of Key Tattoos
Because of the types of key tattoos we’ve mentioned: key and lock tattoos, key to my heart tattoos, skeleton key tattoos, piano key tattoos, computer key tattoos, this coloring topic could be a little lengthy; but we’ll save that for another time and try to keep this section brief, this writing. Some of these key tattoos are self-explanatory in terms of color, and some can use some ideas.
Key and lock tattoos beg for color. Metallic and realistic would be nice, but that, of course, depends on your choice of lock; whether you choose a new and shiny lock or an old and rusty lock. Computer key tattoos are the most intriguing in terms of color. You can virtually use any color you want. Of course, if you’re a Mac user, you may want white instead of black; but any color would be appropriate; it’s the key tattoo itself that will be significant in meaning. Piano key tattoos will require an excellent tattoo artist. The shading on these key tattoos makes or breaks the superb quality of the design.
Placement of Key Tattoos
The majority of the key tattoos would wear well in smaller sizes; however, that is entirely subjective. If a giant key is your thing, go for it. Large ornate skeleton key tattoos placed on the upper back could be stunning. On the other hand, tiny skeleton key tattoos are often hidden behind an ear. Hiding key tattoos is part of the fun of getting inked with one of these little gems. Piano key tattoos require a medium to a significant amount of skin. We’re talking length here, so plan on the leg, arm, and back or chest area.
Thank you for this article.
I think that a very small SKELETON KEY inked in black and a hidden place by that special someone is very erotic and sexy, whether it’s behind her ears, ankle, or somewhere else in her body.
The smaller the better!
😉
Thanksgiving for this article now that I wanted to do a tattoo a long time ago but didn’t have a specific idea now that I saw this info it gave me a perfect idea on what I want as a tattoo.
Thanks again??