PHOTOS: Women tattoos: Bigger, Bolder

A small butterfly or Chinese symbol on an ankle or lower back is no longer the choice of ink work for women, as they now opt for bigger and bolder tattoos.

Tattoo artists have reported a rapid increase in the number of women getting full-sleeve tattoos and dramatic thigh and calf designs.

Hate it or love it, you can't ignore it -- here's a look at the latest in tattoo designs.

First up is Helen Taylor from Stoke-upon-Trent poses for a portrait at the Brighton Tattoo Convention last month, an annual two-day gathering which attracts visitors, performers and tattoo artists from around the world.

A contestant waits for the start of the Miss Belly-Dance Hungary competition in Budapest October 28, 2012.

Matt Gone, also known as 'The Checkered Man', talks to a woman during the sixth Tattoo Expo in Saltillo February 24, 2013. 

Sophie Lenton from Bracknell poses for a portrait in Brighton, southern England February 16, 2013.

Dixie Dread from Brighton poses for a portrait at the Brighton Tattoo Convention, southern England February 16, 2013.

Cassie Douthwaite (L) and Stuart Abercrombie from Preston pose for a portrait in Brighton, southern England February 16, 2013.

Anne-Marie Ormsby from London poses for a portrait in Brighton, southern England February 16, 2013. 

The tattoo of Germany's Ariane Friedrich is seen as she competes in the women's high jump qualification at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium.

A tattoo on a Roberto Cavalli staff member backstage before the Just Cavalli's Spring/Summer 2013 collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Tattoo artist Kat Von D arrives at the 55th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.

Lucy Miller from Harlow poses for a portrait at the Brighton Tattoo Convention, southern England February 16, 2013.

Competitors show off their tattoos before the MBK Tattoo Contest 2012 at a shopping mall in Bangkok.