respect is earned and honesty is appreciated. Trust is earned and loyalty is returned. From Al Capone to John Dillinger and more, take a trip to the ink underworld of organized crime.
I’ll make you an offer of ink inspiration you can’t refuse.
discover design ideas drawn from movies like “the godfather” and historical eras like prohibition.
when it comes to gangster tattoos, men choose to incorporate everything from the iconic tommy gun to the old model 18 ford and of course styles that represent an artistic spirit for the art of bootlegging. in particular, portraits of the world’s most notorious mobsters and gangsters are among the most popular pieces among men today.
However, another popular theme includes black, gray and white ink silhouettes to highlight the nefarious activities of the night. You’ll find getaway rides like the Lincoln Continental, the 1928 Cadillac Town Sedan, and the 1940 Lincoln Coupe, among others as well. More modern ideas include ultra-realistic broken glass with 3d body art.
Regardless of which route you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy a trip back in time. just take a moment to explore the top x best gangster tattoos for men below.
1. gangster noir tattoos
noir most commonly refers to Hollywood films of the 1940s and 1950s that revolved around a stylized criminal underworld and were characterized by stark contrast and edgy themes. These tattoos perfectly capture this aesthetic by using fully saturated black ink and gray wash to recreate the villains with their machine guns and the beautiful women who often stood by their side.
2. smoking gangsters with hats tattoos
Quintessential gangsters were products of their environment, and in 1920s and 1920s urban America, men wore felt hats and smoked. the dramatic faces of these nail-hard enforcers and slippery rum dealers were made all the more interesting by the wide-brimmed hats and plumes of smoke that obscured their faces; These tattoos perfectly capture this illicit aesthetic.
3. gangster gun tattoos
The war between police and criminals in this golden age of organized crime was defined by the weapons used. From revolvers and .45 colt, to long rifles and finally the thompson machine gun, these weapons continue to be powerful tools, in combat and in art. These tattoos perfectly capture the fierce nature and utilitarian lines of these weapons that helped shape a generation in America.
4. wacky gangster tattoos
Absurdity became a prominent principle in postmodern art and this sentiment is perfectly captured in these amazing black and gray tattoos. one of the most interesting aspects of absurdist art is that it doesn’t necessarily mean abstract, it simply works to point out the irrational and illogical nature of life. These tattoos, with their realistic rendition of animal gangsters, perfectly capture this aesthetic and philosophy.
5. gangster tattoo portrait
Some of the most compelling artwork uses the human face as a focal point. the human brain is wired to interpret the smallest details in the expression on people’s faces, so I suppose it’s no surprise that we’re naturally drawn to portrait work. These black and gray tattoos use an excellent gradation of tones to create these impressive tattoos dedicated to the most notorious “cups” of organized crime.
6. modern gangster tattoos
gangs and mobsters did not disappear when prohibition ended. in fact, thanks to television and film, the concept of “the gangster” is stronger now than it was when al capone and “lucky” luciano were around. Some of these tattoos incorporate classic gangsters with more modern tattoo styles, while others use a more modern interpretation of a gangster to create interesting pieces.
7. gangster tattoos from the prohibition era
A strong movement began in the 1900s to ban alcohol in the United States. Proponents believed that banning alcohol would lead to a more moral society without the burdens of alcoholism and its associated problems. instead, the criminal underworld instantly stepped into the government’s shoes and the first of the Italian Mafia families rose to power. These excellent tattoos perfectly capture the speakeasies, machine guns, and newspaper headlines that epitomized the era.
8. gangster vehicle tattoos
Besides guns and money, the most defining artifacts of the prohibition-era gangster were cars. Many of these tommy gun-wielding villains preferred the 1928 Cadillac thanks to the wide running boards that allowed gangsters to hang from the sides and spray bullets at the “coppers” as they walked away. Another famous gangster ride is John Dillinger’s 1932 Studebaker Major that he used to rob banks in 1933. The black and gray ink and sleek approach of these tattoos are a perfect choice for capturing the sleek lines of these beautiful vehicles.
9. gangster skull tattoos
gangsters are outlaws who live a life of crime that can realistically only end in two ways: prison or death. the “here today; gone tomorrow” attitude that defines the existence of the gangster means that death is always just around the corner. What better element to incorporate into these tattoos than skulls?
The ultimate symbol of mortality, skulls can be applied using a number of different styles and methods, making them a versatile addition to any gangster tattoo. these black and gray pieces are great examples of how skulls can be successfully incorporated into these wicked designs.
10. pop culture gangster tattoos
while the impact that gangsters like al capone and “lucky” luciano had on the american landscape was undeniable, the true scope of their impact is only visible some eighty years later. How these murderers and thieves were romanticized in Hollywood will have a more lasting impression on American culture than the banks they robbed or the liquor they sold.
One only has to look at the deification of Tony Montana in the hip hop world to see the impact pop culture has had in popularizing the gangster ethos. These tattoos are black and gray odes to the most famous mobsters, real or invented.
Did you enjoy these tribute tattoos to mobsters of the past? click the links below for more cool ink designs and ideas:
- al capone tattoos
- top 41 ak 47 tattoos
- tommy gun tattoo ideas
