Fat bastard Wine Celebrates the Art of Tattoo

Tattoos used to be taboo, but nowadays they seem to be all the rage.  Celebrities superstars like Angelina Jolie, Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp sport serious displays of well-inked skin, and plenty of people are getting in on the action, too.  In fact, thirty-six percent of those ages 18 to 25, and 40 percent of those ages 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo, according to a fall 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center.

According to Wikipedia, tattoos have been around since the Neolithic age, when Ötzi the Iceman sported carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines.   Today, the images people choose to display on their bodies are a bit different.  Just ask the folks at Fat bastard Wine.  Known for its great quality, irreverent style and cutting edge attitude, Fat bastard is conducting a sweepstakes this February, March and April offering one lucky winner the chance to get inked by a renowned, professional artist.  In preparation, the company decided to find out what’s hot at a hundred parlors around the U.S.  They asked top tattooists to reveal their most popular requests.   Here’s what the tattoo artists said:

1. Words:  A picture may be worth a thousand of them, but actual words are still the most popularly-requested tattoos in town. Not surprisingly, names of loved ones top the list.  Meaningful phrases and famous or significant quotes are also a big trend.  “To get a tattoo or not to get a tattoo?” is apparently an easy question to answer in some circles.
2. Religious Symbols:  Crosses, praying hands, and other signs of devotion are second on the list.  Although tattoos have gotten a slightly negative reputation, this iconic inking actually makes sense:   tattoos used to form part of religious ceremonies for many ancient people. 
   
3. Flowers: Big with the ladies, flower tattoos show a hard and soft side all at once.  Roses for romantics, daisies for the light-hearted and sprawling fields of violets for those outgoing people whose personalities bloom over.  Great for gardeners and those with a green thumb, these posies don’t have to be watered and even better, they never die. 
   
4. Asian symbols: Chinese and Japanese characters and even Koi fish are huge favorites among American customers. But because the translation can be a little tricky at times, Confucius says, “Be careful.”  Britney Spears famously got a symbol she thought meant “mysterious,” but actually meant “strange.”  And while this turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophesy, you definitely don’t want to end up advertising “General Tsao’s Spicy Chicken.”
   
5. Tribal Symbols: Yes, you’ve seen them.  You know those bold black shapes with thick swirling lines? They actually mean something.  But just as with Asian symbols, exactly what they mean can be a bit tricky.  Traditional and primitive, these forms come from all sorts of different tribes and it’s hard to tell just by looking at them.  These obscure but striking looks are not recommended for those who may become annoyed by constant questions about the meaning behind the body art.
   
6. Butterflies:  They make a more elegant statement for the girly girl who wants a permanently pretty accessory.    Whether they are Monarchs, Emperors or more average citizens of the order Lepidoptera, these delicate specimens never spent a day as an ugly caterpillar.
   
7. Hearts:  Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear it on your arm, -- forever!  Fill it in red, pink, white or personalize it with the name of that special someone.  Ahh, mi amour, who doesn’t love love?
   
8. Skulls:  No longer just for pirates and Hell’s Angels, a skull tattoo says “Bad Ass,” much better than an eye patch, a beat-up leather jacket or a motorcycle.  Creeps you out?  How about a nice …
   
9. Dragon:  Part serpent, part mythical creature, they spread out over backs and up legs, make a clear statement of strength and power.  From Eragon to Puff, there are plenty of options.  Just watch out for dragon slayers.
10. Birds: Eagles are the most popular species, but hummingbirds and doves can also make a statement.  And these flights of fancy never get tired or need a nest.

Not ready to take the big step and get something permanent, but like the look of a tattoo?  Check out the specially marked tag on Fat bastard wine to find a free temporary tattoo of the famous Fat bastard hippo.  And if you’re just itchin’ to get inked, enter the Fat bastard sweepstakes at www.fatbastard.com.  You may win a masterpiece from one of the top artists in the U.S. (where legal). 

Available nationwide, Fat bastard is the third-bestselling French wine brand in the United States.  This high quality collection of wine consists of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.