You’ve seen them in photographs, videos, and postcards, but you’ve probably never seen one in person let alone taken a ride in one. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, yet serve no functional purpose. Yet the second the idea of riding in a hot air balloon becomes real, excitement, or in some cases fear, instantly overwhelms the senses in a uniquely fantastic way.
Hot air balloons were responsible for the first manned flight. In 1793, Pilatre de Rozier and Francis Laurent boarded a hot air ballon in Paris under the watchful eyes of the public. After a brief 10 minute flight, the two Frenchmen became the first bonafide pilots.
Since that first maned flight, thousands of different types of hot air balloons have taken to the sky for a variety of different purposes. Today, they’re mostly used to provide people with aerial views of the landscape.
From large monocolored bags, to cathedral shaped balloons, hot air balloons are created in any shape imaginable. Although sometimes used for scientific purposes, hot air balloons are used mainly by pleasure seeking enthusiasts.
With their bright color and endless design variations, hot air balloons also happen to make for some pretty interesting tattoos. Here are a few of our favorites.
These dangling ornamental ropes.
This traveling planet.
This nautical-themed hot air balloon tattoo.
This diamond-shaped glyph.
This spectacular watercolor work.
This dotwork hot air balloon.
This colorful neo traditional work.
This rose-covered envelope.
This dotwork design.
This brightly-colored watercolor work.
