Tattoo Chicano - a description of the style for men and women, the place of application (shoulder, forearm, sleeve, on the arm), the original sketches and photo examples

Each of us is unique and peculiar, but many people wish to emphasize this using exclusive clothing, hairstyles, jewelry and accessories. Not the least in the list of available options is the tattoo.

Every day trending tattoos are becoming more and more popular among young people. Availability of quality tools, a full palette of colors, extensive experience of masters tattoo parlors allows you to create real masterpieces on the body in a variety of techniques and styles.

As many people - as many tastes. In thinking through the sketch of a future tattoo, boys and girls come up with diametrically opposed solutions. Some prefer minimalist drawings, contoured outlines, light watercolor compositions, while others order skulls, huge portraits of Mexicans in sombreros and scenes of sultry kisses with skeletons.

Latin American "dance of death"

Chicano - a relatively young direction of tattoo art that appeared in the mid-20th century. Detailed, meticulously inscribed brutal subjects quickly gained popularity worldwide. The harsh black and gray images openly tell about the realities of life, the inevitability of fate and the inevitability of punishment for transgressions.

The characteristics of this style are easy to recognize at a glance: photographic quality, perfect elaboration of all details, sharpness of outlines, and a rich, somber tone. The most widespread subjects are on the themes of Latin American history, culture and religion. The motifs are dominated by philosophical allusions to the frailty of life and the inevitability of death.

An analogy can be drawn between the Chicano tattoo masterpieces and the paintings of medieval painters who developed the same themes. No matter how one lives, Death drags everyone to the grave. It is useless to resist this mad dance of death, or to try to avoid the grave through exorbitant power, fame, or money. One fate for all...

The genesis of the trend

Chicano is the common name for the groups of Hispanics who settled the land of the Southwestern United States between the 16th and 19th centuries. Beginning in the 1940s, gangs of Latinos began to emerge everywhere, needing by any means to feed their families and survive.

Tattoos were tattooed by members of these gangs as a sign of belonging to the gangster clan. Oddly enough, outspoken criminals always gravitated toward the divine theme when choosing a tattoo option.

Today, manly macho men stuff tattoos of this kind, seeking to emphasize their own "toughness", toughness of character and faith at the same time. And many just really like the exquisite photographic subjects, reminiscent of dark comic strips of life in Latin America.

Characteristics

Chicano can be easily identified due to the special stylistics of drawing: the minimal connection of color, a lot of fine details. Color can be highlighted only individual eye-catching elements, such as plump lips or a girl's beautiful eyes.

To achieve maximum realism, the following techniques are used:

the most precise drawing of lines, shadows and highlights;
extremely clear lines;
darkening of the background to make light details stand out in contrast.

Traditional imagery

Mysticism and religion are the most popular subjects when it comes to Chicano style tattoos. Tattoos with angels and saints are a common solution. Cynics, however, can choose a more "shocking" subject, displaying on the body a gruesome picture with Death, skeletons and skulls.

Very popular among fans of the Chicano style is the image of a girl-dead, directing each of the living to the grave. During the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated nationally in Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico and Nicaragua, Clavera Katrina is the main symbol. Many girls adorn their faces with somber makeup, mimicking stitched mouths and gaps in their eye sockets. Numerous tattoo artists have been inspired by this image, implementing chicano-style designs.
The skull is not at all a symbol of a pirate. The Mexicans gave the skull a sublime meaning, believing it to be a refuge for the souls of the deceased. Accordingly, the skull was perceived by the commoners as an instrument of mystical power, and its image on the body was associated with a reliable amulet that attracted positivity.
Weapons are an inherent feature of any Latin gang member. Tattoos with guns are a tribute to tradition, an expression of a peculiar attitude towards life.
What else can gangsters occupy themselves with if not gambling. Participation in endless gambling fights imprinted on the feet and hands of gang members: cards, slot machines, dice, roulette wheels, etc.

What is the best place for a tattoo

Under the chicano style tattoo it is better to choose a location covered with clothing. A good idea is to place the plot on the shoulder. It is possible that the owner of the tattoo will want to further develop the theme, and then it will be easier to find a place for a "continuation" by placing an additional picture on the chest or back.

Quite popular these days is such a variant of chikano tattoo as "sleeve". The thick, saturated image captures the entire surface of the arm from shoulder to wrist. It looks very beautiful and convincing, as you can see in numerous photos.

Jewelry for life

Chicano is a very specific genre of tattoo. Before stuffing such a tattoo, think about how you will look in the eyes of others, playing soccer or relaxing on the beach. Besides, the tattooed image will stay with you for life.

The impulsiveness of youth passes quickly, and you'll have to explain to your grandchildren someday what the skull on your shoulder means. Consult with a master. If the chicano doesn't reflect your underlying beliefs, perhaps you should have chosen something "lighter."