Russian Prison Tattoo - The Truth

Russian Prison Tattoos - The Brutal Truth

butterflys tattoos

 

Russian Prison Tattoos

Most people associate Russian Mafia Tattoos with David Cronenberg's award winning film "Eastern Promises" in which Viggo Mortensen portrayed an ex-con turned driver for a Russian Mafia Boss, who works his way up the chain of command only to find out there's even more corruption and deception than what he experienced within the prison walls.

His story merely skims the surface...

In reality, the history behind Russia's criminal underground was spawned from a generation of men who, due to the economical collapse of the Soviet Union, were left with nothing - turning to crime for a means of survival. As communism fell and the safety net was removed, many of the desperate ended up in Russian prison camp system, also known as the Soviet gulag, which to this day is known as one of the most infamous and hellish prison systems in history. It was within these camps that a new breed of professional criminal was born. A criminal network based on discipline, tradition and more importantly, rank.

Russian Mafia Tattoos are more than a statement...

As these networks of seasoned Russian criminals began to establish themselves from both sides of the prison walls, they would tattoo religious and neo-nazi symbols all over their bodies as a form of recognition amongst their fellow peers, but also as a means of living with their sins. It was not unheard of for Russian Mafia Tattoos to be forcefully inked on an individual whom was deemed to be untrustworthy, or an individual who was a child molester or rapist - which went against the strong religious undertones of that time.

Common symbols and their meanings...

To the naked eye most of these tattoos represent religious imagery, such as cathedrals or monasteries, but as the Russian Mafia began to migrate to New York, Philadelphia, and Florida between the 1970's and 1990's, the American authorities and secret services began to decipher the code which lies beneath these markings of worship. They realized that not only was there a system behind Russian Mafia Tattoos, but these criminals would literally use these symbols as a business card to whom the other was, and more importantly, what sins they've committed.

Cathedral or Church - Depending on the number of towers a particular tattoo has, it usually refers to the number of years, or amount of times that individual has been incarcerated.

Cobweb - Usually designated for someone who has committed murder.

Cat or Cats - If there is a tattoo of a single cat, this means that the individual was a thief before being imprisoned. If there are multiple cats this means that the individual was part of a gang of thieves.

Stars - This seems to be the most recognized tattoo in the mainstream media. If the owner has stars on each of his knees, this mean's he will never bow down or never be brought to his knees. Stars on the shoulders are usually awarded when a particular individual has reached a criminal status or high ranking within the network - such as a Captain. Different types of stars mean different things as well.

What's even more frightening, and sad, is that in modern day Russia it is estimated that 70% of the upper echelon of society, politics and law enforcement is controlled by the Russian Mafia families and criminal networks. It is said that the same percentage of banks are also ran by the mob in Russia. The fall of communism turned a once powerful and formidable competitor into a country so corrupt that it's highest offices are products of crime. It's common amongst society for people to associate criminal organizations with the Italian Mafia, but the reality is that if you ask anyone who knows anything on this topic they will tell you that compared to the Russian Mafia, Italian crime families are like pre-school - there is no comparison.

Various Back Tattoos

Various Back Tattoos

color fairy with butterflies tattoos

This is a color tattoo which using great colorful so Sweet fairy with dragonflies and butterflies tattoos designs

Blackjack Card Tattoos

Apparently Blackjack Card Tattoos was not just as a part of gambling games, but could also be a tattoo ideas such as some sexy pictures follows!


Blackjack  Card Tattoos Cool Idea.

Sexy Girl Wing With Sexy Angel Tattoos

Sexy Girl With Sexy Angel Tattoos

Sexy Girl Wing Tattoos Trend 2010:
Sexy Girl With Sexy Angel Tattoos

Beautiful Girl Flower Tattoos

Girls Flower Tattoos

Best Tattoos Design:
Beautiful Girls Flower Tattoos

if you talk about beauty, don't forget to talk about flowers, because flowers is the symbol of beauty. also in tattoos world, flowers is also becomes a symbol of beauty tattoos. Flower tattoos design will make everyone who uses it will be looked very beautiful, especially a girl. here are pictures of flower tattoos designs.

Tattoo Designs From Ancient Ireland

Tattoo Designs From Ancient Ireland
Celtic tattoos have experienced a massive revival in recent years. The history of the Celtic people goes back thousands of years. The early Celts displayed their skills in complex artwork particularly metal, jewelry and weapons as they were regarded as fierce warriors by the Romans. Evidence of Celtic crosses and Celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.

Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves, and North Americans of Celtic descent often wear these symbols to show their Celtic origin. The ancient Celts passed knowledge down through an oral tradition of storytelling and didn't keep many written records, consequently, there is little evidence of their tattooing remaining even though Celtic cross tattoos and Celtic know tattoos are very popular designs.

Why Tattoo Popularity?

Why The Popularity?

Why the rise in popularity? How did they start and who are the original tattoo artists that brought these bold, bright tattoo designs to us?

If you follow tattooing back to the first part of the century, you will find a few incredibly talented, wonderfully colorful characters. Top among these fine characters is "Sailor Jerry". Story goes, Sailor Jerry began his career traveling around the country on freight trains and tattooing the drifters. He joined the Navy at 19 and sailed the Pacific. If you look at Sailor Jerry's artwork, you can see the influence of Southeast Asia. Sailor Jerry's images have bold deep outlines, bold blocks of color, and large, oversized images.

Old School Tattoo Designs include imagery of stars, hearts and daggers. There are anchors, and nautical themes. What we now would say is "pirate imagery" are all found in Old School Tattoos. Beautiful, busty pin-up girls, suggestive women, skeletons, and skulls. Hearts with daggers through them and roses with massive thorns and ribbons, in bold bright colors with deep outlining. Everything that we now would consider "vintage" is included in the imagery of Old School Tattoos. They have almost a whimsical and animated quality.

Two of Sailor Jerry's students, Ed Hardy and Mike Malone have been extremely influential in keeping interest in, and reviving the Old School Tattoo Designs. Ed Hardy and Mike Malone both use the bold patterns and the bright colors typical in Old School Tattoos. Images are outlined and you can see the Asian influence in the design.

When Sailor Jerry died, he left instructions that one of his students, Ed Hardy or Mike Malone, could buy his tattoo shop in Hawaii. Mike Malone took the offer and with the purchase of the shop, he also got all of Sailor Jerry's artwork. That artwork, or "flash" can now be seen on tattoo shop walls all across America.

Don Ed Hardy, on the other hand, exploded his popularity and brought Old School Tattoo designs to the main stream by licensing his artwork to Christian Audigier. Ed Hardy Designs was formed and Christian Audigier began incorporating the artwork into fashion. This was the first time tattoo design and tattoo artwork has made it to the runways of Paris, New York and Italy. Ed Hardy artwork and tattoo design could now be seen on Rock Stars and Celebrities alike. The Beautiful Old School Tattoo Designs were now part of mainstream culture and highly sought after.

Maybe another reason for the rise in popularity of Old School Tattoos is the simple fact that we have a fascination with "vintage" What's old is new. This happens in fashion all the time. How many times have you heard people say, "I had those gym shoes in 7th grade", or "That blouse is in my moms attic". From brands like Puma, Nike, P.F. Flyers to Levi, there is always a vintage look or design just around the corner. Old School Tattoos are the "vintage" of the tattoo world. They are also the brightest, most colorful, quirky, kitschy and whimsical tattoo designs. If you are looking for a "vintage" look in your tattoo design, beautiful busty pin-up girls, colorful funky skulls, pierced hearts, fat roses with ribbon sayings, check out the Old School Tattoos. And here is a piece of advice from the infamous Lyle Tuttle: "Don't put anyone's name on your tattoo. They are not going to be around forever. Just put "Sweetheart" and call them ALL "Sweetheart"."

Buddha God Tattoo

Buddha God Tattoo

A new tattoo from Andy Shou, as exquisite as usual. The halo and smoke around the Buddha strengthen the 3D effect.

Japanese Paper For An Interesting Tattoo Art

Japanese Paper For An Interesting Tattoo Art

Sparrow Tattoo for girls

It seems that first and foremost, sparrow tattoos were originally popular with sailors. Life on the high seas was brutally rough in days gone by, and a lot of sailors that put out to sea never returned. Whether they succumbed to storms, rough waves or other sailors, it was considered a badge of honor just to make it back to port. Enter sparrow tattoos. It became a tradition for a sailor to get one sparrow tattoo for every 5,000 nautical miles of travel. Sparrows were also believed to bring a sailor good luck, so sometimes a seaman would get his tat before heading out in the hopes it would act as a talisman, and help bring him safely home again. Sparrows in nautical themes are often depicted with stars, perhaps as a symbol of following one’s destiny. Sparrow tattoos also have their place in prison culture, where the birds symbolize freedom. Certainly everyone with a sparrow tat isn’t a convict, but some convicts choose sparrows as a statement about their own freedom, especially when they are nearing release. These tattoos are typically worn somewhere on the hands, wrists or arms, but they can really be placed anywhere.

Hip Tattoo For Girls

Getting a hip tattoo is primarily a female tattoo. There are very few men who will get a tattoo here unless it is part of a much larger tattoo design that just happens to extend down to this area. So many of the common female tattoo designs can be used here. Anything from a fairy to an angel to a butterfly can all work well in the area. Often women also like to get more traditionally done hip tattoos in this area. Such as a skull and crossbones, a dragon or even a nautical star. However, due to the placement of the tattoo in such a sensual place it no longer looks to many but interestingly enough very sexy. The juxtaposition of a manly hip tattoo in such a feminine area often works really well. Another consideration is many people like to get symmetrical tattoos in this area and might design a tattoo that worked well on both sides. For example a angel and a devil can work well with one on each side of the hip. Whatever design you choose you will want something that is pretty small and not to large. Since the hip is a small area it will fit better if the tattoo is smaller and therefore you will want it to be not overly intricate either. If you get a really small tattoo that is very intricate you are headed for an ink spot in the future that can become indiscernible.

If you’re going to get a hip tattoo then make sure that it’s the best design that you can get. After all, this is a pretty big decision. And the decision you make now will be with you for the rest of your life. So how should you decide what tattoo design to choose for your hip? Let me give you a few pointers so that you can end up with a hip tattoo as spectacular as the one in the picture. First, find a design that has meaning to you; your child’s name, a religious symbol, a design that inspires you. Maybe even a design that has significant symbolic meaning to you. This is your hip tattoo so you want it to be something unique and very special. Second, make some sketches. Even if you can’t draw very well, you can do a rough drawing or an outline of your idea and a good tattoo artist can turn it into a great tattoo. The last thing you need to do to make your hip tattoo a reality is find a good tattoo artist. Don’t skimp on this part of the process either. Talk to your friends, ask for references and ask to see examples of the artist work. If you follow these three steps you’ll end up with a hip tattoo that you can be proud of for many years to come.

Sexy female tattoos

Tattoos of girls are a common subject matter for tattoos on men and women alike. These can be portraits of loved ones, famous personalities or even fictional characters. They appear in various stages of dress or undress, whichever the case may be. They also can be found anywhere the work will fit on skin.

Pin up girls

Pin-up girls are certainly a frequent subject for tattoo artists. Pin-up girls were voluptuous women whose faces and figures graced the covers and centerfolds of magazines and then were “pinned-up” on boys and even grown men’s walls. These were a frequent talking point in the gas stations and garages where they starred as Miss April or Miss December. These vintage pin-up girls are regularly given a place of honor on someone’s skin to be displayed as a permanent pin-up.

Goddesses are also a common subject for tattoos featuring pictures of girls. Whether they are ancient deities or they are still worshiped today, people have found many ways to incorporate them into tattoos. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, has found her way into many different tattoo designs. Mary, the mother of Jesus, while not being a goddess; is also a very common subject choice for tattoos. Even Eve, the first woman is depicted in many tattoos.

Tattoo girls tattoos

There are quite a few people who actually take tattoos of girls, whether daughters or wives or girlfriends, into the tattoo studio to have them re-created on their skin for a permanent reminder. I have also seen an instance where a couple divorced and the man had his ex-wife tattooed on his arm with horns and glowing green eyes to remind him what a witch she was. He has never remarried so I assume the reminder worked!

 

These can be done in color or in shades of black and grey. Both of these styles can be used to create an uncanny likeness by a good artist. If this is what you wish to do, have a picture re-created on skin, be sure to ask to see previous portraits done by the artist. This is a very personal tattoo and you don’t want a stranger on your skin for eternity! 

There are several common places for pictures of tattoo girls. The upper arm is a common place for faces, the calf is a common location for a full body portrait, and the back is typically reserved for murals and multiple figures. This is not meant to imply that these are set in stone, a persons own individuality is displayed by the uniqueness of their skin art.

Tribal tiger tattoos

Tribal tiger tattoos can be an excellent way to combine your appreciation of tribal work and the symbolism of this magnificent cat. With so many kinds of types of cats and so many different styles of tribal work the possibilities are nearly endless.

Tiger tattoo designs

In Asia tattoos hold significance other than for appearances. Tattoos are said to be the link between the physical and spiritual bodies of a human being. Most people believe tattoos are an outward manifestation of the inner being; therefore the tiger is representative of a forceful nature equal only to the dragon. There are 5 tigers that rule the cosmic forces in Chinese lore.

Tiger tattoo

* The RED tiger is the symbol of the south, of summer and fire.

* The BLACK tiger is the symbol of the north, of winter and water.

* The BLUE tiger is the symbol of the east, of spring and vegetation.

* The WHITE tiger is the symbol of the west, of fall and all metals.

* The YELLOW tiger, the greatest of the 5 is the ruler of the Earth and everything on it.

  
There are also 5 different sub-species.

* BENGAL

* SUMATRAN

* SIBERIAN

* INDOCHINESE

* SOUTH CHINA

These could easily be incorporated into a very distinct, one of a kind tattoo steeped in symbolism.

One of the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac is the tiger. Those born in the year of the tiger are said to be colorful, unpredictable, powerful and passionate. The zodiac symbol done in tribal tattoo  style would make for an eye - catching conversation piece. This tattoo could practically be as small or large as you wish it to be as the zodiac symbol can be made smaller without losing too much picture quality.  

To create the tribal tiger tattoos one could begin by marrying traditional tribal work with traditional Japanese (In Asia, the tiger is the master of all big cats.), this would be a very colorful and detailed piece to show the best of both styles. The traditional Japanese work is done in vivid color and detail, while traditional tribal is single color; (typically dark, as the original tribal work was done with whatever suitable pigment could be found.) with varying degrees of detailed patterns.

These tattoos work very well with the cats natural black stripe pattern, making them re-creatable to an almost life-like degree. The amber/golden, almost molten color of the tiger-eye would be striking against an all black tribal piece. Putting a little extra effort and thought will give you a showpiece to enjoy and show off to others for a lifetime.

Cat Woman Tatttoo

This cat tattoo design is free tattoo design is so exquisite - more like a statue looking really beautiful.

Tribal lion tattoo design

The tribal lion tattoo is chosen by people who have placed a lot of time and thought into the design of their tattoo. With it being the king of beasts, it can and does represent many character traits. Some of them being:

· WISDOM   · AUTHORITY   · COURAGE   · JUSTICE

· POWER     · CUNNING       · NOBILITY   · ROYALTY

Tattoo lion Leo

This is one of the 12 signs of the zodiac. He is the Leo, the sign of the sun (26^th July – 23^rd Aug.). The astral symbols are very popular in tribal tattoo so it should be easy to combine these styles into some stunning tribal tattoos. While the typical colors for tribal work are dark, any colors can be chosen to add to the uniqueness of your piece.

This design also has a great religious significance, with Jesus being called “the Lion of Judah” and the tribe of Judah being symbolized by a lion. Even today the lion of Judah is on the emblem of Jerusalem. So it is not uncommon for people to express their spirituality through a combination of lions and tribal tattoo.

These tattoos can be single design with its mane being entirely tribal or multiple lions with their limbs or manes being the tribal design. Armbands Tattoo and sleeves tattoo or partial sleeves tattoo are the most popular locations for tribal work, with backs tattoo, calves and thighs coming close.

A tribal lion tattoo can also be designed as a memorial for a loved one.   Especially if your loved one was born under the sign of Leo or if this person had the same qualities attributed to the great beast. These can be practically as small or large as you want them, however with smaller patterns there is some distortion of animals and tribal work.  

Lion Tattoo are also seen as dream symbols as they were nocturnal hunters and walkers of the night. One idea to meld the tribal style with a lion would be to place a lion inside a dream catcher. With the right color choices this could be a very eye-catching design.

A little research will take you a long way towards getting the tattoo that is just what you are looking for. Don’t get discouraged on your search; every truly unique tattoo was born in a process from life event to application of the tattoo that immortalizes it. These can become permanent tributes to the major events of your life much like the tribes of old told the story of their lives on their skin.