Lesya Toumaniantz’s radical facial tattoo has recently gone viral, posted on thousands of Facebook pages with captions like “next level face tattoo” from Russia. So I thought it was time to tell the real story behind this remarkable tattoo.
About a month ago, Rouslan Toumaniantz, a well known and sometimes notorious Belgium-based tattoo artist (of Tattoo Box in Kortrijk), and Lesya, a designer living at the time in Saransk, a city in central Russia started talking via chat (Rouslan speaks fluent Russian) and realized they had a lot in common, and quickly began falling head over heels in love. About a week ago they met in person in Moscow and decided to get married — their plans for their life together include her learning to tattoo (Rouslan tells me she’s already a talented artist), apprenticing under her husband-to-be, while she also gets the full-body ink that she’s always dreamed of (biomech is the current plan) — and of course a family.
Her new facial tattoo that’s getting all the attention, a huge commitment for both a person with limited experience as a publicly modified person and for a new relationship screams out the intensity of their commitment to their new life, reads “RUSLAN”, the name of her betrothed. At first glance the tattoo echoes Latin American gang tattooing — MS-13 is the first thing that’s come to many people’s minds — and I worry that it could complicate future travel in the Americas, to say nothing of putting her in danger in some cities (of course, these are places where deaf people speaking sign language occasionally are stabbed when foolish gangmembers assume they’re throwing rival gang-signs). But to be clear, the tattoo has nothing about committing to a life in a gang — it’s a commitment to love.
I know that there are people who are terrified that Lesya has made a rash decision that she’ll regret horribly, but sometimes the best decisions are the ones you make in an instant with your heart rather than the ones long-debated in your mind. I know many people whose favorite mods are the ones they got “on a whim”, and who are still happily married to the person they fell for the instant they saw — “love at first sight” is an old truism — and proposed to within the week. I wish them the best of luck and hope that their life plays out as they dream it to be.
Edit/Update: People have asked why it says “RUSLAN” when I’m writing his name as “Rouslan”. It’s simply because one is the French spelling, and the other is the Russian/English spelling of the name — they chose the latter because it fit better on her face.
Continue after the break for a more explicit photo.
Comments
435 responses to “Lesya and Rouslan”
As one poster said, “…..marking one’s property” or like a child who writes his name on all his toys.
He should have written ‘Property of Ruslan’ that would make him proper ego boost i guess. And she should start saving up for a laser treartment. But who am I to say that uh?
He should have written ‘Property of Ruslan’ that would make him proper ego boost i guess. And she should start saving up for a laser treartment. But who am I to say that uh?
He should have written ‘Property of Ruslan’ that would make him proper ego boost i guess. And she should start saving up for a laser treartment. But who am I to say that uh?
She looks beautiful! She was obviously a radiant women before and the tattoo definitely doesn’t change that. It really goes well with her face and is very well done. However as others have pointed out I wish for her own sake that she had started out with a mod that was less extreme.
She looks beautiful! She was obviously a radiant women before and the tattoo definitely doesn’t change that. It really goes well with her face and is very well done. However as others have pointed out I wish for her own sake that she had started out with a mod that was less extreme.
She looks beautiful! She was obviously a radiant women before and the tattoo definitely doesn’t change that. It really goes well with her face and is very well done. However as others have pointed out I wish for her own sake that she had started out with a mod that was less extreme.
The worst part about this entire thing is that he spells his name Ruslan on her face, but Rouslan on everything else.
Regardless of their love, or the fact that the might possibly be together forever, probability says that it will end, therefore it is a massive mistake.
He is an awful man for letting her do this so early into the relationship, regardless if it was her idea or not. I feel very sorry for her, she is such a pretty young girl, best hope there is a few ‘Ruslan’s’ out there!
The worst part about this entire thing is that he spells his name Ruslan on her face, but Rouslan on everything else.
Regardless of their love, or the fact that the might possibly be together forever, probability says that it will end, therefore it is a massive mistake.
He is an awful man for letting her do this so early into the relationship, regardless if it was her idea or not. I feel very sorry for her, she is such a pretty young girl, best hope there is a few ‘Ruslan’s’ out there!
The worst part about this entire thing is that he spells his name Ruslan on her face, but Rouslan on everything else.
Regardless of their love, or the fact that the might possibly be together forever, probability says that it will end, therefore it is a massive mistake.
He is an awful man for letting her do this so early into the relationship, regardless if it was her idea or not. I feel very sorry for her, she is such a pretty young girl, best hope there is a few ‘Ruslan’s’ out there!
Wtf man?! What were they thinking? What if after 2-3 years the relationship doesn’t work anymore? She will cut her cheeks? This is madness man! I’m a tatoo artist to,but i don’t see the point in tattooing your girlfriend/wife face whit your name like branding a cow!
Wtf man?! What were they thinking? What if after 2-3 years the relationship doesn’t work anymore? She will cut her cheeks? This is madness man! I’m a tatoo artist to,but i don’t see the point in tattooing your girlfriend/wife face whit your name like branding a cow!
Wtf man?! What were they thinking? What if after 2-3 years the relationship doesn’t work anymore? She will cut her cheeks? This is madness man! I’m a tatoo artist to,but i don’t see the point in tattooing your girlfriend/wife face whit your name like branding a cow!
Love it or hate it.. I just think its nice to see someone with a facial tattoo smile 🙂
Love it or hate it.. I just think its nice to see someone with a facial tattoo smile 🙂
Love it or hate it.. I just think its nice to see someone with a facial tattoo smile 🙂
i think its lovely,i wish them luck,and i av face tatts myself so obviously i lv it ,great respect to them both xx
i think its lovely,i wish them luck,and i av face tatts myself so obviously i lv it ,great respect to them both xx
i think its lovely,i wish them luck,and i av face tatts myself so obviously i lv it ,great respect to them both xx
I think RealMonster said it best.
Regardless of any context, I think the tattoo itself looks beautiful in every aspect. It does not take away from her “previous beauty” as people have been putting it. The fact that people are still saying that today astounds me. It’s an absolutely awful thing to say, so stop saying it. Would you say that to a woman who has spent years modifying her face to her own liking? No, you would say, “good for her.” I think she was beautiful before, and still is beautiful now.
However, I can’t help but agree with previous comments about how this screams “ownership”. I don’t really think it was a good decision, however, if they stay happily married for the rest of their lives, then that’s wonderful! All the power to them.
The tattoo is aesthetically pleasing, but it just doesn’t seem like a healthy start to their relationship.
I think RealMonster said it best.
Regardless of any context, I think the tattoo itself looks beautiful in every aspect. It does not take away from her “previous beauty” as people have been putting it. The fact that people are still saying that today astounds me. It’s an absolutely awful thing to say, so stop saying it. Would you say that to a woman who has spent years modifying her face to her own liking? No, you would say, “good for her.” I think she was beautiful before, and still is beautiful now.
However, I can’t help but agree with previous comments about how this screams “ownership”. I don’t really think it was a good decision, however, if they stay happily married for the rest of their lives, then that’s wonderful! All the power to them.
The tattoo is aesthetically pleasing, but it just doesn’t seem like a healthy start to their relationship.
I think RealMonster said it best.
Regardless of any context, I think the tattoo itself looks beautiful in every aspect. It does not take away from her “previous beauty” as people have been putting it. The fact that people are still saying that today astounds me. It’s an absolutely awful thing to say, so stop saying it. Would you say that to a woman who has spent years modifying her face to her own liking? No, you would say, “good for her.” I think she was beautiful before, and still is beautiful now.
However, I can’t help but agree with previous comments about how this screams “ownership”. I don’t really think it was a good decision, however, if they stay happily married for the rest of their lives, then that’s wonderful! All the power to them.
The tattoo is aesthetically pleasing, but it just doesn’t seem like a healthy start to their relationship.
If I was her Ma, I would be in a fit of tears,,,,but I am not so I can only shake my head at her.
If I was her Ma, I would be in a fit of tears,,,,but I am not so I can only shake my head at her.
If I was her Ma, I would be in a fit of tears,,,,but I am not so I can only shake my head at her.
no more extreme than eating processed factory food.
no more extreme than eating processed factory food.
no more extreme than eating processed factory food.
i have tattoos, i know many artists and they all agree this is so wrong, he is marking the poor girl. she is loved up/besotted with him etc ,as with the stars he is trying to control and he should have his bloody hands cut off before he defaces any one else, if that was my daughter he would be dead
i have tattoos, i know many artists and they all agree this is so wrong, he is marking the poor girl. she is loved up/besotted with him etc ,as with the stars he is trying to control and he should have his bloody hands cut off before he defaces any one else, if that was my daughter he would be dead
i have tattoos, i know many artists and they all agree this is so wrong, he is marking the poor girl. she is loved up/besotted with him etc ,as with the stars he is trying to control and he should have his bloody hands cut off before he defaces any one else, if that was my daughter he would be dead
I’m still not convinced its real, I am not against facial tattoos each to their own, I have many tattoos that others may not like, I personally do not like this it reminds me of a gang tattoo and yes i do think she will regret it but we all have many regrets in life just because most aren’t visible doesn’t mean they are not there,
I’m still not convinced its real, I am not against facial tattoos each to their own, I have many tattoos that others may not like, I personally do not like this it reminds me of a gang tattoo and yes i do think she will regret it but we all have many regrets in life just because most aren’t visible doesn’t mean they are not there,
I’m still not convinced its real, I am not against facial tattoos each to their own, I have many tattoos that others may not like, I personally do not like this it reminds me of a gang tattoo and yes i do think she will regret it but we all have many regrets in life just because most aren’t visible doesn’t mean they are not there,
This was not her first tattoo. Doesn’t really make it any less shocking though; the naked photo freaks me out – she looks like a child. The shape of the tattoo completely obliterates her face, it seems to change the shape of her cheeks (& looks a bit Hannibal Lecter-ish).
The smaller tattoo above her eyebrow (which she had before the massive ownership stamp) says ‘All For Love’. No shit.
I really really hope she knows what she’s doing – although all the evidence suggests that she doesn’t.
This was not her first tattoo. Doesn’t really make it any less shocking though; the naked photo freaks me out – she looks like a child. The shape of the tattoo completely obliterates her face, it seems to change the shape of her cheeks (& looks a bit Hannibal Lecter-ish).
The smaller tattoo above her eyebrow (which she had before the massive ownership stamp) says ‘All For Love’. No shit.
I really really hope she knows what she’s doing – although all the evidence suggests that she doesn’t.
This was not her first tattoo. Doesn’t really make it any less shocking though; the naked photo freaks me out – she looks like a child. The shape of the tattoo completely obliterates her face, it seems to change the shape of her cheeks (& looks a bit Hannibal Lecter-ish).
The smaller tattoo above her eyebrow (which she had before the massive ownership stamp) says ‘All For Love’. No shit.
I really really hope she knows what she’s doing – although all the evidence suggests that she doesn’t.
Fucking loony tunes the pair of them.
Fucking loony tunes the pair of them.
Fucking loony tunes the pair of them.
I like what the middle finger there is doing
I like what the middle finger there is doing
I like what the middle finger there is doing
This is very very extreme. As a tattooist, I would never do this tattoo on someone…especially someone who was this young and otherwise inexperienced. I’m also against doing spouse-name tattoos in general.
But that is MY OPINION and MY LIMIT.
This woman and this tattooist have made a choice that is no one else’s business. While I understand that something this high profile isn’t going to go ignored, I don’t understand how hateful most of the reactions seem to be.
Saying that a pretty girl getting her face tattooed will ruin her life is sexist. For one, it thrusts a status-quo standard of beauty on her as if it’s her fucking duty to uphold it. If she were considered an ugly girl, would it be more acceptable for her to have a large facial tattoo? Are phsycally appealing people obligated to fit into other people’s concept of beauty by default? Is she not allowed to express herself into a more singular, personal manner because the general public owns pretty faces?
And how does that ruin her life? Is being conventionally pretty her only talent, skill, or option? Why are men allowed to be strange looking and sucessful, but women are supposed to be sucessful only after being attractive? She wants to get into the body modification profession. I don’t think the state of her skin is going to interfere with how she lays in a line. Being a pretty face does not define most women.
As for the tattooist, calling him a monster or setting limitations on how he may or may not conduct his legal business with consenting adults is absurd…especially here. Imposing restrictions on what he may do within the legal bounderies will only hinder the rest of the industry, clinets and artists alike.
We all have our comfort zones but why does it make you so mad that these people don’t want to live in or define themselves by yours?
This is very very extreme. As a tattooist, I would never do this tattoo on someone…especially someone who was this young and otherwise inexperienced. I’m also against doing spouse-name tattoos in general.
But that is MY OPINION and MY LIMIT.
This woman and this tattooist have made a choice that is no one else’s business. While I understand that something this high profile isn’t going to go ignored, I don’t understand how hateful most of the reactions seem to be.
Saying that a pretty girl getting her face tattooed will ruin her life is sexist. For one, it thrusts a status-quo standard of beauty on her as if it’s her fucking duty to uphold it. If she were considered an ugly girl, would it be more acceptable for her to have a large facial tattoo? Are phsycally appealing people obligated to fit into other people’s concept of beauty by default? Is she not allowed to express herself into a more singular, personal manner because the general public owns pretty faces?
And how does that ruin her life? Is being conventionally pretty her only talent, skill, or option? Why are men allowed to be strange looking and sucessful, but women are supposed to be sucessful only after being attractive? She wants to get into the body modification profession. I don’t think the state of her skin is going to interfere with how she lays in a line. Being a pretty face does not define most women.
As for the tattooist, calling him a monster or setting limitations on how he may or may not conduct his legal business with consenting adults is absurd…especially here. Imposing restrictions on what he may do within the legal bounderies will only hinder the rest of the industry, clinets and artists alike.
We all have our comfort zones but why does it make you so mad that these people don’t want to live in or define themselves by yours?
This is very very extreme. As a tattooist, I would never do this tattoo on someone…especially someone who was this young and otherwise inexperienced. I’m also against doing spouse-name tattoos in general.
But that is MY OPINION and MY LIMIT.
This woman and this tattooist have made a choice that is no one else’s business. While I understand that something this high profile isn’t going to go ignored, I don’t understand how hateful most of the reactions seem to be.
Saying that a pretty girl getting her face tattooed will ruin her life is sexist. For one, it thrusts a status-quo standard of beauty on her as if it’s her fucking duty to uphold it. If she were considered an ugly girl, would it be more acceptable for her to have a large facial tattoo? Are phsycally appealing people obligated to fit into other people’s concept of beauty by default? Is she not allowed to express herself into a more singular, personal manner because the general public owns pretty faces?
And how does that ruin her life? Is being conventionally pretty her only talent, skill, or option? Why are men allowed to be strange looking and sucessful, but women are supposed to be sucessful only after being attractive? She wants to get into the body modification profession. I don’t think the state of her skin is going to interfere with how she lays in a line. Being a pretty face does not define most women.
As for the tattooist, calling him a monster or setting limitations on how he may or may not conduct his legal business with consenting adults is absurd…especially here. Imposing restrictions on what he may do within the legal bounderies will only hinder the rest of the industry, clinets and artists alike.
We all have our comfort zones but why does it make you so mad that these people don’t want to live in or define themselves by yours?
i totally agree that we all have our limits. But what strikes me odd here is that this is the same guy that chose to tattoo 56 stars on a girls face without a consent form of any kind. It’s okay for him to showcase his work, but if u really loved someone wouldnt you protect them a little, maybe not share the backstory yet, protect privacy and the feelings of your loved one, just show the work? Why so quick to showcase something that is really so personal with no care or nuance? It just strikes me as incredibly suspicious on his part. also, for the dudes out there, any lady that would agree or demand to do something like this so quick to show you “her love” is one u need to be wary of too. I so believe in true love and i love facial tattoos, i don’t think they are life ruinous. But because of this guys past history I am convinced that this is going to end very badly. If he had just been some random tattooer who hadnt already done something professionally questionable I’d almost not question this. There is something very negatively pathological about this on both ends and i hope their collective community keeps an eye on them so that no gets too badly hurt.this is not what love looks like.
i totally agree that we all have our limits. But what strikes me odd here is that this is the same guy that chose to tattoo 56 stars on a girls face without a consent form of any kind. It’s okay for him to showcase his work, but if u really loved someone wouldnt you protect them a little, maybe not share the backstory yet, protect privacy and the feelings of your loved one, just show the work? Why so quick to showcase something that is really so personal with no care or nuance? It just strikes me as incredibly suspicious on his part. also, for the dudes out there, any lady that would agree or demand to do something like this so quick to show you “her love” is one u need to be wary of too. I so believe in true love and i love facial tattoos, i don’t think they are life ruinous. But because of this guys past history I am convinced that this is going to end very badly. If he had just been some random tattooer who hadnt already done something professionally questionable I’d almost not question this. There is something very negatively pathological about this on both ends and i hope their collective community keeps an eye on them so that no gets too badly hurt.this is not what love looks like.
i totally agree that we all have our limits. But what strikes me odd here is that this is the same guy that chose to tattoo 56 stars on a girls face without a consent form of any kind. It’s okay for him to showcase his work, but if u really loved someone wouldnt you protect them a little, maybe not share the backstory yet, protect privacy and the feelings of your loved one, just show the work? Why so quick to showcase something that is really so personal with no care or nuance? It just strikes me as incredibly suspicious on his part. also, for the dudes out there, any lady that would agree or demand to do something like this so quick to show you “her love” is one u need to be wary of too. I so believe in true love and i love facial tattoos, i don’t think they are life ruinous. But because of this guys past history I am convinced that this is going to end very badly. If he had just been some random tattooer who hadnt already done something professionally questionable I’d almost not question this. There is something very negatively pathological about this on both ends and i hope their collective community keeps an eye on them so that no gets too badly hurt.this is not what love looks like.
Wow.. To be honest, my first thought was that it is a shame for such a naturally beautiful girl to change her appearance so drastically, especially in a way that nearly every one outside of the body modification community (and even a lot of those within it, apparently) would not find attractive… However, I also tend to be something of a hopeless romantic and think it’s a wonderfully amazing gesture of love and devotion, and I truly hope they live happily ever after.