Thieves Tattoo Photo #5291

In Europe, tattoos appeared on convicts as early as the eighteenth century, initially as forced identification marks. Over time, inmates reclaimed the practice, turning imposed branding into a voluntary system of rank, affiliation, and personal history written on skin.

Using lines of varying thickness to define shape and depth, linework tattoos achieve expression through economy. The absence of shading keeps the focus on the quality and flow of each stroke.

The collarbone's clean horizontal line provides a natural guide for elongated designs. This placement adds a subtle accent to the upper body and works especially well with fine-line and minimalist styles.