Tattoos made in the style of Chicano, very easily recognizable, due to the fact that they have their own distinctive differences among other tattoos and an interesting history of origin. Born not so long ago, the first tattoos date back to the middle of the twentieth century. If this is the first time you have heard the name Chicano, then you would probably attribute it to Mexican and you would be one hundred percent right. The story began during the formation of numerous Hispanic gangs and continues to this day. The first bearers were Mexican gangsters serving time in American prisons, who came up with a unique tattoo concept and began to spread it among their like-minded and fellow prisoners.
Today, the Chicano style is very popular among ordinary people and connoisseurs of tattoo art and has nothing to do with the criminal world. Therefore, you should not get yourself wound up and fill your head with prejudices.
Features and benefits
The original name of the style of tattoos "Chicano" comes from the name of the indigenous Indian tribes that lived in the United States in the XVI-XVII centuries. Over time, the members of this ethnos dissolved into the rest of the country's population. The manner of drawing was developed by the Latinos who were serving time in the United States. Popular subjects included the face of the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ, biblical quotations, and excerpts from prayers. Attributes of the criminal world were also common, such as gold bars, knives, guns, etc.
The drawings were applied to identify a person who was a member of this or that criminal structure. Wear marks facilitated street communication between gangsters. The designs also served as an expression of faith in God, the transience of human life and the willingness to die.
Tattoo Chicano men choose strong and strong-willed individuals seeking to demonstrate their superiority to others. Sometimes the drawings are chosen by young men, who are called street romantics.
Representatives of the fair sex are applied brutal sketches much less frequently. There is an opinion that unusual drawings look harmonious on a woman's body. Women who choose Chicano tattoos have a rough and independent character, and do not accept the generally accepted social norms. A body image reflects a person's state of mind and his or her life priorities. Bold illustrations declare to the world the desire to act. Tattoos are suitable for people who are determined and know their worth.
Symbols that can be combined with the Chicano tattoo.
The course of chicano itself provides for the use of typical symbols and additional objects in the art compositions of body art. For example:
- rose - symbol of love, romance, feelings and passion;
- The gun - A gun is a symbol of remorse for one's actions;
- money - The desire for wealth and prosperity;
- skull - readiness for death, no fear;
- fire - hope, light in the darkness, passion and ardor of nature.
Expert Opinion
Viola Madison
Master Tattooist, 8 years experience
Additional symbols and objects serve to create the right emotional message of the tattoo and the perception of the environment.
Choosing the Place to Apply
Initially, drawings were applied to the arm and shoulder area. Nowadays they are often depicted in the back and hip area. The size of the sketch is taken into account, as drawings of this style are rarely small. Tattoos have a defiant character, so they are placed on visible areas of the body. The most common places of application are the chest, back, biceps and forearm.
| Place of application | Features |
| Arm | The arm tattoo is the most popular. It is embossed from the shoulder to the hand. The sketches represent one-piece compositions in a monochrome scale. The drawings are applied to the hand in a spiral pattern. The technique allows the sketch to be seen from any angle. The illustrations include various images interwoven into a single storyline. Solid images are applied by men. On a woman's hand, the drawings look rough. |
| Shoulder | The area is quite voluminous to convey the expressiveness of the drawing. Usually men apply half of the sleeve on the forearm. For women, the sketch continues up to the elbow. More often bright colors are used in the images. |
| Chest and back | Looks tattoos on the pumped up male chest. For the maximum disclosure of the inner world of the man the area of the body is extensive enough. For the same reasons tattoos are applied on the back. On women large images look disharmoniously. Usually, female representatives of the weaker sex are advised to use inscriptions on these zones. |
Catchy look couples' drawings on the hands. The sketches include antagonistic elements. For example, on one hand can be depicted a young woman with flowers, and on the other - a skull.
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 a skull on your shoulder means. Consult the master. If the chicano doesn't reflect your core beliefs, perhaps you should choose something "lighter.
Styles and colors
The main features of a style are determined by its origins. In the area of the poor, drawing was fraught with difficulties, because there were not enough paints, and professional equipment was not available at all. Therefore, the characteristic feature of performance was the use of black or gray color. Contemporary artists prefer to retain the classic style. Occasionally, the inclusion of bright colors is allowed.
Chicano tattoo
For a realistic image of the sketch, the masters adhere to the following principles:
- The even contours of the details are drawn clearly;
- Shadows and highlights are carefully traced;
- The background is darkened, which emphasizes the light silhouettes.
The drawn sketches can be harmoniously continued with new illustrations. They are rendered in a similar color resolution. The laconic designs are enlivened by small, bright details in red, blue, green, and brown. Tones are used minimally. They act as a complement to the main composition.
Meaning
Chicano tattoos, made in the male style, carry a deep semantic load. The drawings symbolize the mortality of existence and justice. Often the sketches are associated with the popular "death dance" plot. The images are steeped in mystery and full of negative energy. This is largely due to the execution of drawings in black and gray. Bright touches are added to accentuate it.
The most common is the religious theme. The trend originated in the poorest areas of the United States. Faith was the only stronghold in a harsh reality. Religious images look somewhat gloomy.
Chicano tattoos for men, made in the classic version, contain sketches of girls. The most popular to this day is the drawing of Santa Muerte, which translates from Mexican as "holy death. The basis is a detailed image of a girl's skull with stitched lips.
Widely popular are tattoos in the form of various inscriptions. They serve as a supplement to the main figure. Various quotations, oaths, bright sayings in Latin are used. Inscriptions help to overcome life's difficulties, serve as a symbol of a bright future. In this combination, the tattoo becomes holistic. Sketches with religious images in women suggest that their owners are adventurous personalities with an independent character.
Below are the main meanings of the sketches:
- Text. Carries a philosophical or religious character. Some people refer to a humorous set of words.
- Biblical statements and excerpts from prayers. Reflects vanity. Often through inscriptions capture memorable life events.
- Masks. Have a unique charm. They symbolize the changeability of fate.
- Female skull. Prototype sign is the goddess Mictlansiuatl, revered by the Mexicans. Symbolizes the power of death over all life on earth.
- Patterns. Contains filigree inclusions. Tattoo is supplemented with inscriptions and the smallest details. The master creates a complex sketch imbued with a unique mood.
- Girl with a revolver. Expresses her explosive character.
- The Girl in the Mask. Symbolizes the changeability of fate.
- Skull in flowers. Serves as a symbol of death. In Mexico, it is considered a refuge for the deceased souls of relatives. Wrist symbol for attracting lucky charms.
- Knuckles and revolvers. Means that the person is willing to defend themselves at any cost.
- Zombie or skull with a gun. Symbolize aggression and readiness for revenge.
- Jesus. Includes Latin lettering and pigeons. Expresses a strong faith in God.
- Girl with angelic wings. It represents grief for lost love.
- A large number of female faces. For guys, it symbolizes strength of character. At the same time, the images carry sexual connotations.
- Weapons. Demonstrates inner and physical strength, the ability to stand up for oneself in any situation.
- Woman with a bandage over her mouth. Expresses a closed, silent personality.
- Pistols. Embodying superiority and sturdy protection.
- Banknotes, dice and cards. Reflect waste, craving for thrills and vicious pleasures.
Chicano tattoos (male and female) do not have distinctive images. There is a clearly developed technique of their application. It is acceptable to include other sketches that seem appropriate. Classic drawings in terms of frequency of application remain a priority.
Applying techniques, pain sensations
Tattoo in the Chicano style is inherent in the harmony of the symbols. The application requires a professional approach. The sketches are characterized by versatility. They can be continued. When addressing the novice artist, you should turn to a monochrome scale.
The application technique includes the following steps:
- Adjustment of the sketch. Involves changing the parameters in accordance with the contours of the body. Most drawings consist of large details.
- Preparation. Before the procedure, it is forbidden to take antipyretic and painkillers, as well as alcoholic beverages. A person should not undergo the procedure if he has a cold or acute respiratory infection.
- Application. An induction device is used, the scheme of which includes a sharp needle. It is impregnated with pigment. The master performs multiple piercing of the dermis. The tip is driven along the contour of the pattern. The device assumes the installation of needles of different diameters. The option provides lines with different thicknesses.
Images are executed in a contrasting style. Soft and sharp transitions of shadows and shadows are supposed to be applied. Lines are characterized by accuracy and evenness. The contours are inherently graceful and bold in their application.
Each person has an individual pain threshold. The use of special sprays with an analgesic effect is suggested to alleviate the physical condition. The composition includes lidocaine or novocaine. Individual intolerance to anesthetics is taken into account. The preparations help to quickly relieve pain and moisturize the skin. Epidermal cells are damaged to an insignificant extent.
Does it hurt to do chikano? How to anesthetize.
During the procedure, the skin is subjected to numerous needle punctures. Therefore, such a reaction as pain is natural for the body. But only the first minutes it will be the most acute, gradually the skin will get used to it.
The level of pain depends largely on the skill of the tattooist. An experienced specialist will properly adjust the machine, pick up needles, and his movements are maximum honed.
Masters of tattooing not strongly welcome the use of anesthesia, because under its influence the properties of the skin change, respectively the result may not be the same as necessary. Only in cases where the client has a particularly low pain threshold and can not tolerate no strength, can be used anesthesia.
How to choose a salon and a master
Native drawings are applied in specialized salons. A professional master must have a license to work. Since this style is characterized by the complexity of drawings, it is necessary to apply to highly qualified masters. Only under this condition, the desired will turn into reality.
The best tattoos are drawn by artists with a rich imagination and a high level of technical performance. A good master is able to draw almost any plot. A great role is given to the choice of color scheme, which conveys the mood of the sketch. To get a unique drawing, it is advisable to make it to order. The artist thinks through all the components of the complex sketch, marking the points of its location.
Tattoo care
After tattooing, the skin is disinfected by the master. An antiseptic is used. Then an ointment with a healing effect is applied to the fresh drawing. The recovery process is individual. It depends on the morphology of the skin. Regeneration includes several stages. Each of them involves a set of specific procedures.
The first stage
For 4-5 days, the wound should be secured from external influences. Usually used medical film, which serves as a barrier to moisture and bacteria. In some cases, food film is used. It is fixed with a surgical plaster and left for 6-12 hours.
A new compress is applied every 4 hours. The wound should be washed with soap. In the mornings and evenings, the tattoo area should be treated with alcohol and then covered with a thin layer of restorative ointment. Doctor ProTM gel is usually used.
The composition of the drug includes:
- panthenol;
- chlorhexidine;
- oils of plants;
- vitamin F.
The components promote optimal regeneration of the skin. Vitamin F has an anti-allergic effect. The remedy lies on the skin gently, does not cause pain. Usually the skin hurts for 3 days. During this period, anesthetics and the application of cold compresses are indicated. Visiting gyms and wearing synthetic clothing are forbidden. Friction and sweating cause irritation of the skin.
Second stage
The second stage involves eliminating the formation of crusts and the reproduction of bacteria.
The basic methods of care include:
- Washing the skin with warm water and liquid soap;
- blotting the washed surface with a dry cloth until the lymph has completely disappeared;
- Exclusion of water procedures;
- Wearing loose clothing;
- protecting the skin from ultraviolet light;
- drinking plenty of fluids.
You should consult a dermatologist if you notice pus-like discharge and unpleasant odor. Corticosteroids should not be used, as they can provoke rapid healing of the skin and, consequently, scar formation. If a crust is formed, it should not be peeled off.
The third stage
Full recovery takes 1.6 months. Even if the skin has gained integrity, it remains vulnerable.
For several months it is forbidden:
- scratching the area of the tattoo application;
- Water procedures;
- Rubbing the skin with alcohol;
- Use moisturizers;
- Stay under ultraviolet rays.
Ultraviolet light contributes to the destruction of the pigment. The pattern begins to fade, and the skin becomes scarred.
Tattoo removal
By the most effective method of tattoo removal belongs to the laser. The selectivity of the rays depends on the length and duration of the pulse.
Black pigment is easy to remove. Colored elements are more difficult to remove. The QS-laser with a pulse marker of 1-10-12 seconds is considered the optimal model. Usually several procedures are performed. They are performed once a month.
The absolute contraindications include:
- cardiac and vascular pathologies;
- mental diseases;
- dermatologic pathologies;
- pregnancy.
There are also individual contraindications. If a person had an intolerance to the drawing on the skin, when exposed to laser beams, the allergy can manifest itself in a more severe form. To summarize, we can say that for the application of a unique tattoo to the question of selecting a sketch should be taken seriously. Chicano style drawing should reflect the inner world. To a greater extent, the sketches are suitable for men.
Chicano tattoo: a bit of history
Despite the fact that this style itself is quite young, it has its own history. The word "chicano" itself has no specific translation. According to experts, there is an opinion that it may simply be a distorted form of the word "mexicano," which was used to refer to American Mexicans. After all, such tattoos were primarily a feature of Latin American gangs. They served as a kind of embodiment of the principles and laws of the gangs, as well as helped to find one's own among the strangers. Later, they were done by inmates in prisons, where the tattoos had an entirely different meaning. Today, such drawings are no longer associated with the criminal past, but have a slightly different meaning.
