Gangsters often sport forearm tattoos to express their criminal lifestyle. Designs range from patterns featuring pistols and shootouts to themes depicting death with skull faces. From Prohibition to Hollywood’s Golden Age of Crime, gangsters were defined by their weapons and style. These tattoos perfectly capture this aesthetic through fully saturated black ink and gray wash.
Absurdist Animals
Absurdism was the most influential artistic movement of the 20th century, born out of World War II’s aftermath and a desire to confront human absurdity. Albert Camus, best known for his novel The Myth of Sisyphus, and others such as Alfred Jarry and Franz Kafka were influential figures within this genre.
Prohibition Era Gangsters
Gangsters from Prohibition-era New Orleans were notorious bootleggers who exploited the lucrative opportunity to manufacture and distribute illegal liquor during the Roaring Twenties. Not content with just making and selling rotgut whiskey, mobsters also took advantage of running protection rackets for local businesses.
Organized crime was a major problem during this time, as the growing economy enabled gangs to make millions by operating speakeasies and other illegal businesses. Unfortunately, laws against alcohol made it difficult to stop this activity unless the gangsters were willing to pay off police officers and federal agents.
Additionally, they could purchase and sell legal alcohol for “medicinal purposes,” making this an extremely profitable business since it gave gangsters a front as legitimate workers. They had also developed connections within the community which they used to stay out of trouble and maintain their business operations.
Gangster forearm tattoos are an excellent way to capture the iconic style of these notorious mobsters from this era while adding a fun, eye-catching element to your collection of tattoos.
Fedoras and Smoke
A fedora is a type of hat with a broader brim than its crown. Feathers, lace, or skulls can embellish these hats, along with ribbons, sweatbands, or leather details.
The finest fedoras are typically handcrafted from wool, felt, or leather; however, you may find some machine-crafted silk. These hats are usually steam molded over blocks tailored to fit the shape of the client’s head.
You can find many stunning examples of this style online and in local hat shops. Some are constructed using felt and straw, while others are entirely straw.
Some of these hats are custom-crafted by a craftsman with an interest in reviving traditional methods of making. Gary White of Custom Hatter in Luton, England, produces some stunning examples of this hat style that look good and are a pleasure to wear.
The hat was first invented or discovered in the 1800s, yet it was in the 20th century that it truly gained widespread appeal. It was the gangsters of Prohibition who adopted it with enthusiasm. Even though these hats can be pretty pricey, they remain highly sought after today by hat-lover alike.
Hood Money
Gangster forearm tattoos can help define who you are as an individual and showcase your individual style. These designs can be highly creative, as well as ideal for concealing any scars that may exist on your arms.
This modern badass gangsta tattoo features brown and black ink in an artistic design. It also includes a revolver to add to its allure.
Another prominent example of a hood is Nipsey Hussle, who proudly displays the H6ODSTA tattoo below his left ear alongside an anchor symbol. He was previously part of the iconic Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips gang.
Hoods don’t always feature money, but they do feature certain symbols that define them. One such symbol is a ski mask – an amusing and adventurous tattoo design showing your style.
You could opt for a gangster money design with rolled-up coins, which might be ideal for someone living on the edge. To add personal flair, add details like skulls or playing cards to make your design even more unique.
In the Prohibition era, gangsters enjoyed a time of impunity. Armed with weapons such as Tommy Guns, long rifles, and even Thompson Sub-Machine guns – these powerful weapons helped shape an entire generation of criminals in America.
Skulls
Skulls are often depicted in gangster tattoos. tattoos can range in style from being simplistic to having intricate details. They may feature different colors and patterns, which helps them stand out from other tattoo styles on the body.
Gangster forearm tattoos often feature skulls to add some detail and spice up the design. Not only that, but using heads can create a bold and powerful aesthetic that will grab the attention of anyone who passes by.
If you want to add flair to your skull tattoo, why not incorporate vibrant roses? The colors in the flowers will contrast with the sharp edges of the skull and soften its menacing vibe.
If you want to express your rebellious side, a small skull tattoo is ideal. It allows you to experiment with bolder ideas without feeling pressured into commitment right away.
