500 Most Realistic 3D Tattoos Design & Idea for women

3D tattoos take tattoo art to another level – or another dimension if we’re being literal. These photorealistic tattoos are one of the more contemporary trends in tattooing, requiring a great deal of creativity, thought, and most importantly talent on the tattoo artist’s part.

500 3D Tattoos Design

Psychedelic Portrait
Ocean Skull
Rose & Sculpture Back Tattoo
Be The Witness Of Your Thoughts
Evil Chest
Disney embroidery tattoo
House of Stairs
Triadic Ballet Costume
Biomechanical Arm Tattoo
100 Dollar Bill Rose
Spider-Man Hand Tattoo
Skull & Snake Hip Tattoo
Landscape 3D Side Piece
Prometheus Bound and the Oceanids
Skull & rose hip and thigh piece
Octopus & Jellyfish fusion
Men's sleeve, Ace of Spades
Snake & Dragon's Eye
Pink Panther embroidery
Lion & Clock Morph
Map & Compass
3D tattoo
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3d tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
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3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3d tattoo
3d tattoo

3D Bug Tattoo
3D Camera Tattoos
3D Car Tattoo
3D Cartoon Tattoo
3D Compass Tattoo
3D Cross Tattoos
3D Cyborg Tattoo
3D Design
3D Eyes Tattoos
3D Face Tattoo
3D Flaming Heart Tattoo
3D Flower Tattoos
3D Forearm Tattoo
3D Guitar Tattoo
3D Hand Tattoo Designs
3D Head Tattoo
3D Music Tattoo
3D Pavel Angel Tattoo
3D Photo Tattoos
3D Pizza Tattoo
3D Portrait
3D Puzzle Tattoos
3D Iguana Lizard
3D Scissor Tattoo
3D Scorpion Tattoo
3D Shoulder Tattoo
Skull Moon Tattoo
3D Skull Tattoo
3D Snake Tattoos
3D Spiderman Tattoo
3D Spinal Tattoos
3D Tattoo
3D Tattoo Design Ideas
3D Tattoo Designs
3D Tattoo Ideas
3D Tattoo Illusion
3D Tattoo On Chest
3D Tattoo On Forearm
3D Tattoos
3D Tattoos Eyes
3D Tattoos Images
3D Tattoos Navigation
3D Tattoos On Arm
3D Tattoos On Back
3D Tattoos On Black People
3D Tattoos On Foot
3D Tattoos On Leg
3D Tattoos On Shoulder
3D Tattoos Pictures
3D Tattoos Pinterest
3D Tattoos Prices
3D Tattoos Shoelace
3D Tattoos Snake
3D Tiger Tattoo
Dragon Tattoo
3D Watch Tattoo
3D Zipper Tattoo
Amazing 3D Tattoos
Awesome 3D Tattoo
Batman 3D Tattoo
Beautiful 3D Tattoos
Best 3D Tattoos
Big Eye 3D Tattoo
Bizarre 3D Tattoos
Black Butterfly 3D Tattoo
Buttons 3D Tattoo
3D Sagittarius Tattoo
Crawling 3D Tattoo
Crawling Spider Tattoo
Creepy 3D Tattoos
Excellent 3D Tattoo
Fabulous 3D Tattoos
Fantastic 3D Tattoo Design
Fascinating 3D Tattoos
Frightening Tattoo
Gorgeous 3D Tattoo
Horrifying 3D Tattoo
How 3D Tattoos Are Done
How Are 3D Tattoos Done
How Much Are 3D Tattoos
Ice Age 3D Tattoos
Incredible 3D Tattoos
Magnificent 3D Tattoo
3D Chinese Tattoo
Nice 3D Tattoo
Original 3D Tattoos
Predator Neck Tattoo
3D Chest Picture
Realistic Mouth Tattoo
Ribbon 3D Tattoo
Robotic 3D Tattoos
Scariest 3D Tattoos
Scary 3D Tattoos
Sexy 3D Tattoos
Skull With Rose Tattoo
Stunning 3D Tattoo
Trendy 3D Tattoo
Unique 3D Tattoos
Weird 3D Tattoo
Weird 3D Tattoos

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tatoo-3d-biomechanical   
tattoo-3d-bio 
tattoo-3d-butterflies 
tattoo-3d-camera 
tattoo-3d-cheshire-cat 
tattoo-3d-clock 
tattoo-3d-corset 
tattoo-3d-cross 
tattoo-3d-elephant 
tattoo-3d-eye 
tattoo-3d-fall 
tattoo-3d-garter 
tattoo-3d-good-vs-evil 
tattoo-3d-hands-and-faces 
tattoo-3d-heart 
tattoo-3d-lace-moth 
tattoo-3d-man-jump
tattoo-3d-map 
tattoo-3d-mayan
 
tattoo-3d-pavel-angel 
tattoo-3d-paw 
tattoo-3d-popeye 
tattoo-3d-ribs 
tattoo-3d-roman 
tattoo-3d-scorpion 
tattoo-3d-scripts
 
tattoo-3d-simple-key 
tattoo-3d-skull  
tattoo-3d-snake-crowl 
tattoo-3d-soldier

What are 3D tattoos?

The term ‘ 3-dimensional tattoo’ refers to any design that looks three-dimensional, rather than two-dimensional (flat) on the skin.

The best tattoos of this nature will be realistic enough to look like photographs.

The 3D technique is used for a number of innovative and creative designs – from simply tattooing hyper-realistic looking objects to crossing into the realm of believable optical illusions.

3d stomach tattoo

3D tattoos are likely to take longer to complete than two-dimensional designs and require a huge amount of expertise from the tattoo artist.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo like this, it’s best to try to find a tattooist who specializes in this aesthetic, even if it means looking outside your area or paying a bit more than expected.

3-dimensional tattoo work only achieves its purpose – looking realistic – if the artist gets everything 100% right.

3d head tattoo

Realistic 3D tattoo design ideas

As we’ve already mentioned, creativity is key to creating the very best and most original tattoos.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider the following ideas – and don’t forget to check out our massive gallery of awesome three dimensional tattoos!

3d eye tattoo

Animals and objects

This type of tattoos in 3D involves simply – though let’s be honest, it’s not that simple – tattooing a photorealistic image of something on your body.

Real-looking objects and animals make for striking, eye-catching tattoos.

Some popular choices include:

  • Flowers – always a popular tattoo element, flowers look even better when tattooed in 3D. Most people opt for roses since they’re one of the more complex flowers to tattoo and ones with the most depth involved – there’s a lot of light and shadow play on and between the petals, unlike with flowers that are naturally more flat. Drops of water are sometimes added for extra realism. Both color and black options are viable, and each will result in a distinctive style – though of course, the use of color will make the image more lifelike.

3D Rose Tattoo

  • Portraits – portrait tattoos are tough to get right and a major commitment (they’re not as easy to cover up as names!), yet this doesn’t affect their popularity all that much. Plenty of people still get them, and there’s no reason not to if you have the right tattoo artist to help you and the certainty that this is the right choice for you. Portrait tattoos are usually done in black ink. If they were done in color, they’d blend in too much with the color of your own skin.

3D Realistic Tattoo

  • Animals – both tattoos of pets and of wild animals are often done in 3D to add depth and heighten the aesthetic value of the design. Usually tattooed in color for maximum realism, these tattoos tend to be quite large in order to preserve all the details and make the design more believable. Tigers, wolves, and lions are common choices, as are snakes and lizards.

tattoo-3d-snake

  • Spiders – from black widows to huge tarantulas, realistic spiders make for awesome-looking tattoos in 3D. Though these insects generally cause most people to flinch and many are positively fearful of them (sometimes with good reason, after all), the symbolism of the spider is not altogether negative. They’re associated with power, mystery, and growth. Spiders also represent the concept that our choices construct our lives – likely due to the elaborate webs that spiders gradually build to catch prey.

3d button tattoo

  • Skulls – often combined with other elements, such as flowers or snakes, skulls never seem to lose popularity. In 3-dimensional tattoos they’re typically done in black ink, giving them a dark, gothic look. This fits in with the general cultural meanings of death and mortality that skulls bring to mind. Skulls also have some positive meanings, though – they’re sometimes associated with protection and wisdom.

3d crawling spider tattoo

  • Eyes – realistic-looking eyes, either single or in a pair, are another tattoo you’ll see a lot of while browsing our gallery. Eyes are symbolic of intelligence and omniscience, as well as morality and truth. In certain cultures, eyes are considered to be gateways into the soul – sometimes associated with the concept of the ‘third eye’. The third eye is supposed to be the eye of the soul – what could simply be called intuition. In Egyptian and Western occult traditions, the left eye symbolizes the moon and the North, while the right eye represents the sun and the South.

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Landing insects

This is one of the most popular choices and one of the safest ones where it comes to achieving the desired effect.

And the effect you’re aiming for here is to make it look as if an insect, such as a butterfly or a dragonfly, has landed on your skin.

3d foot tattoo

The insect is made to look realistic through painstaking work on the tattoo artist’s part – working with several reference images of real examples of your chosen insect to make sure it looks ‘real’ on your skin.

The tattoo is not complete without adding a shadow dropped by the insect – without it, the tattoo could still look somewhat flat.

shoelace 3d tattoo

The placement of a 3D landing insect tattoo is also an important factor to consider. Especially in the case of larger designs, the area can’t be too curved (like the top of your shoulder or your elbow), since this will distort the shape of the tattoo. For lifelike insect tattoos, consider your forearm, the back of your shoulder, or somewhere along your leg – such as your thigh or calf.

The sky’s the limit on what insect you could go with for your tattoo. You could think about what critters visually appeal to you, consider whether you have any personal stories or memories you associate with any particular insect, or take a cultural meaning or value associated with an insect as a starting point.

3d strawberry tattoo

Butterflies

Butterflies are symbolic of transformation, first and foremost. This is because they start their lives as considerably less attractive caterpillars before transforming themselves into the colorful, beautiful flying insects.

They’re also associated with hope, change, and life itself. As such, they’re particularly meaningful 3D design choices if you want to celebrate an important change in your life or overcoming a difficult struggle. Butterflies are also sometimes thought to be symbolic of the passing of a loved one.

In addition to the above, a blue butterfly 3D tattoo generally symbolizes good luck. Yellow butterflies stand for joy, happiness, and positivity. White ones are associated with purity and, in the context of Christianity, salvation.

3D Tattoos Butterfly

Popular 3D Tattoo

Dragonflies

Dragonflies have many meanings which differ somewhat between cultures. In general, they symbolize change, adaptability, transformation, and self-realization.

In Japanese culture, dragonflies are symbolic of power, victory, and agility. For Native Americans, dragonflies stood for happiness and purity, as well as for protection from ill health and injury. In Buddhist cosmology, dragonflies represent the joining of Heaven and Earth.

3d leg tattoo

In tattoo art, dragonflies are often thought to represent living in the moment – letting go of the past, not worrying too much about the future, and focusing on what’s important to us here and now.

Cracked or ripped skin

These tattoo designs in 3D are way less grim than they sound. The 3D effect is achieved here by making it appear as if part of the skin is missing, to reveal something unexpected and unusual beneath.

It’s an interesting choice since this type of tattoo blends in perfectly and appears as if it really is a part of the person’s body.

Again, there are plenty of options here, limited only by your creativity and the size you want your tattoo to be.

3d compass tattoo

Biomechanical

The biomechanical tattoo style involves designs which represent a seamless blend of human and machine. This means combining bones and tissue with gears, pistons, and other mechanical elements in one design, creating the illusion of a cyborg-like nature.

Though biomechanical designs are sometimes done as traditional, two-dimensional tattoos, the 3D option is far more popular. In order to show the blend of muscle and metal, the muscle must be ‘exposed’ – hence including the illusion of missing skin in the design.

3d puzzle tattoo

Biomechanical tattoos don’t have any specific meanings in themselves – most of the time they’re purely a form of artistic expression and of decoration.

The biomechanical style in broader art movements originates from the 1970s and is closely associated with Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie Alien. In recent years, the steampunk style has influenced biomechanical tattoos – swapping the steel and cabling of traditional biomech for brass clockwork and gears.

3D tattoo

3D tattoo

Superheroes and other pop culture elements

A highly popular choice among ‘missing skin’ tattoos, this type is based on the idea of having a costume or a different appearance ‘under’ your skin.

Superheroes are a common theme here – you’re bound to have seen 3D tattoo pictures where it seems as if the person’s skin has been torn off to show a Spiderman or Batman costume underneath.

Characteristic, distinctive clothing/costumes, armors, and appearances of characters from movies, comic books, and games, are all great choices for this kind of tattoo.

An interesting twist is to have several tattoos with the same theme – a ‘rip’ on the chest is a classic, but you could also get matching tattoos, here and there, on other parts of your body – such as your shoulders, arms, and legs.

3D tattoo

Writing

Using the 3D technique puts a new spin on the traditional quote tattoo. This kind of design usually involves making it appear as if the writing is under your skin, rather than on it.

To achieve this effect, the tattoo artist uses shading to create the illusion of a part of your skin missing, with the letters showing underneath.

3d converse tattoo

There a couple of things to decide on when considering this kind of three-dimensional tattoo. First of all, you need to think about what the writing itself should be – you could opt for a name of a loved one, a quotation that’s important to you, or even a full page of text from a source that has personal meaning to you (e.g. your favorite book or a religious text).

Next up, the shape of the ‘cutout’ – it could look as if the skin is missing in a particular shape, such as a star, heart, or circle, or you could go for a less ordered ‘ripped’ look – as if it’s been scratched or torn off.

The fact that the writing will be ‘under’ your skin suggests that the text is not just important to you, but is a part of you. A 3D under-the-skin writing tattoo is therefore the perfect choice for writing that truly represents who you are, or who you want to be.

3D Tattoos Sleeves

Optical illusions

An optical illusion uses perspective, shapes, color, and light/shade to create images that are deceptive, confusing, or misleading to our perception. Put simply, optical illusions cause us to see something that either doesn’t exist in reality or actually looks different than what we think it does.

There are many types of optical illusions out there, but the type we’re most interested in is based mostly on an illusion of depth. Think of graffiti art that makes it seem as if an image is ‘floating’ in the air, or of murals that make it look as if there’s a tunnel – when really, it’s just a plain, solid wall.

3d illusion tattoo

All 3D tattoos involve some level of illusion – the illusion of realism – but some designs are specifically designed to create extra depth and ‘trick’ the eye. These are specialist tattoos and you may need to put some work into finding the right tattoo artist, but the end result will be totally worth the effort.

Final words

Though they’re a relatively recent trend in tattoo art, these types of tattoos have caught on remarkably fast and remain highly popular. With some creativity and the help of an experienced tattoo artist, you can create some truly unique, original designs for your tattoo.

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500 Most Realistic 3D Tattoos Design & Idea for women

3D tattoos take tattoo art to another level – or another dimension if we’re being literal. These photorealistic tattoos are one of the more contemporary trends in tattooing, requiring a great deal of creativity, thought, and most importantly talent on the tattoo artist’s part.

500 3D Tattoos Design

Psychedelic Portrait
Ocean Skull
Rose & Sculpture Back Tattoo
Be The Witness Of Your Thoughts
Evil Chest
Disney embroidery tattoo
House of Stairs
Triadic Ballet Costume
Biomechanical Arm Tattoo
100 Dollar Bill Rose
Spider-Man Hand Tattoo
Skull & Snake Hip Tattoo
Landscape 3D Side Piece
Prometheus Bound and the Oceanids
Skull & rose hip and thigh piece
Octopus & Jellyfish fusion
Men's sleeve, Ace of Spades
Snake & Dragon's Eye
Pink Panther embroidery
Lion & Clock Morph
Map & Compass
3D tattoo
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11420807_407237902802258_2039286718_n
11820676_1593372200885334_2145846488_n
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3d tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3D tattoo
3d tattoo
3d tattoo

3D Bug Tattoo
3D Camera Tattoos
3D Car Tattoo
3D Cartoon Tattoo
3D Compass Tattoo
3D Cross Tattoos
3D Cyborg Tattoo
3D Design
3D Eyes Tattoos
3D Face Tattoo
3D Flaming Heart Tattoo
3D Flower Tattoos
3D Forearm Tattoo
3D Guitar Tattoo
3D Hand Tattoo Designs
3D Head Tattoo
3D Music Tattoo
3D Pavel Angel Tattoo
3D Photo Tattoos
3D Pizza Tattoo
3D Portrait
3D Puzzle Tattoos
3D Iguana Lizard
3D Scissor Tattoo
3D Scorpion Tattoo
3D Shoulder Tattoo
Skull Moon Tattoo
3D Skull Tattoo
3D Snake Tattoos
3D Spiderman Tattoo
3D Spinal Tattoos
3D Tattoo
3D Tattoo Design Ideas
3D Tattoo Designs
3D Tattoo Ideas
3D Tattoo Illusion
3D Tattoo On Chest
3D Tattoo On Forearm
3D Tattoos
3D Tattoos Eyes
3D Tattoos Images
3D Tattoos Navigation
3D Tattoos On Arm
3D Tattoos On Back
3D Tattoos On Black People
3D Tattoos On Foot
3D Tattoos On Leg
3D Tattoos On Shoulder
3D Tattoos Pictures
3D Tattoos Pinterest
3D Tattoos Prices
3D Tattoos Shoelace
3D Tattoos Snake
3D Tiger Tattoo
Dragon Tattoo
3D Watch Tattoo
3D Zipper Tattoo
Amazing 3D Tattoos
Awesome 3D Tattoo
Batman 3D Tattoo
Beautiful 3D Tattoos
Best 3D Tattoos
Big Eye 3D Tattoo
Bizarre 3D Tattoos
Black Butterfly 3D Tattoo
Buttons 3D Tattoo
3D Sagittarius Tattoo
Crawling 3D Tattoo
Crawling Spider Tattoo
Creepy 3D Tattoos
Excellent 3D Tattoo
Fabulous 3D Tattoos
Fantastic 3D Tattoo Design
Fascinating 3D Tattoos
Frightening Tattoo
Gorgeous 3D Tattoo
Horrifying 3D Tattoo
How 3D Tattoos Are Done
How Are 3D Tattoos Done
How Much Are 3D Tattoos
Ice Age 3D Tattoos
Incredible 3D Tattoos
Magnificent 3D Tattoo
3D Chinese Tattoo
Nice 3D Tattoo
Original 3D Tattoos
Predator Neck Tattoo
3D Chest Picture
Realistic Mouth Tattoo
Ribbon 3D Tattoo
Robotic 3D Tattoos
Scariest 3D Tattoos
Scary 3D Tattoos
Sexy 3D Tattoos
Skull With Rose Tattoo
Stunning 3D Tattoo
Trendy 3D Tattoo
Unique 3D Tattoos
Weird 3D Tattoo
Weird 3D Tattoos

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tatoo-3d-biomechanical   
tattoo-3d-bio 
tattoo-3d-butterflies 
tattoo-3d-camera 
tattoo-3d-cheshire-cat 
tattoo-3d-clock 
tattoo-3d-corset 
tattoo-3d-cross 
tattoo-3d-elephant 
tattoo-3d-eye 
tattoo-3d-fall 
tattoo-3d-garter 
tattoo-3d-good-vs-evil 
tattoo-3d-hands-and-faces 
tattoo-3d-heart 
tattoo-3d-lace-moth 
tattoo-3d-man-jump
tattoo-3d-map 
tattoo-3d-mayan
 
tattoo-3d-pavel-angel 
tattoo-3d-paw 
tattoo-3d-popeye 
tattoo-3d-ribs 
tattoo-3d-roman 
tattoo-3d-scorpion 
tattoo-3d-scripts
 
tattoo-3d-simple-key 
tattoo-3d-skull  
tattoo-3d-snake-crowl 
tattoo-3d-soldier

What are 3D tattoos?

The term ‘ 3-dimensional tattoo’ refers to any design that looks three-dimensional, rather than two-dimensional (flat) on the skin.

The best tattoos of this nature will be realistic enough to look like photographs.

The 3D technique is used for a number of innovative and creative designs – from simply tattooing hyper-realistic looking objects to crossing into the realm of believable optical illusions.

3d stomach tattoo

3D tattoos are likely to take longer to complete than two-dimensional designs and require a huge amount of expertise from the tattoo artist.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo like this, it’s best to try to find a tattooist who specializes in this aesthetic, even if it means looking outside your area or paying a bit more than expected.

3-dimensional tattoo work only achieves its purpose – looking realistic – if the artist gets everything 100% right.

3d head tattoo

Realistic 3D tattoo design ideas

As we’ve already mentioned, creativity is key to creating the very best and most original tattoos.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider the following ideas – and don’t forget to check out our massive gallery of awesome three dimensional tattoos!

3d eye tattoo

Animals and objects

This type of tattoos in 3D involves simply – though let’s be honest, it’s not that simple – tattooing a photorealistic image of something on your body.

Real-looking objects and animals make for striking, eye-catching tattoos.

Some popular choices include:

  • Flowers – always a popular tattoo element, flowers look even better when tattooed in 3D. Most people opt for roses since they’re one of the more complex flowers to tattoo and ones with the most depth involved – there’s a lot of light and shadow play on and between the petals, unlike with flowers that are naturally more flat. Drops of water are sometimes added for extra realism. Both color and black options are viable, and each will result in a distinctive style – though of course, the use of color will make the image more lifelike.

3D Rose Tattoo

  • Portraits – portrait tattoos are tough to get right and a major commitment (they’re not as easy to cover up as names!), yet this doesn’t affect their popularity all that much. Plenty of people still get them, and there’s no reason not to if you have the right tattoo artist to help you and the certainty that this is the right choice for you. Portrait tattoos are usually done in black ink. If they were done in color, they’d blend in too much with the color of your own skin.

3D Realistic Tattoo

  • Animals – both tattoos of pets and of wild animals are often done in 3D to add depth and heighten the aesthetic value of the design. Usually tattooed in color for maximum realism, these tattoos tend to be quite large in order to preserve all the details and make the design more believable. Tigers, wolves, and lions are common choices, as are snakes and lizards.

tattoo-3d-snake

  • Spiders – from black widows to huge tarantulas, realistic spiders make for awesome-looking tattoos in 3D. Though these insects generally cause most people to flinch and many are positively fearful of them (sometimes with good reason, after all), the symbolism of the spider is not altogether negative. They’re associated with power, mystery, and growth. Spiders also represent the concept that our choices construct our lives – likely due to the elaborate webs that spiders gradually build to catch prey.

3d button tattoo

  • Skulls – often combined with other elements, such as flowers or snakes, skulls never seem to lose popularity. In 3-dimensional tattoos they’re typically done in black ink, giving them a dark, gothic look. This fits in with the general cultural meanings of death and mortality that skulls bring to mind. Skulls also have some positive meanings, though – they’re sometimes associated with protection and wisdom.

3d crawling spider tattoo

  • Eyes – realistic-looking eyes, either single or in a pair, are another tattoo you’ll see a lot of while browsing our gallery. Eyes are symbolic of intelligence and omniscience, as well as morality and truth. In certain cultures, eyes are considered to be gateways into the soul – sometimes associated with the concept of the ‘third eye’. The third eye is supposed to be the eye of the soul – what could simply be called intuition. In Egyptian and Western occult traditions, the left eye symbolizes the moon and the North, while the right eye represents the sun and the South.

3d_tattoos_fabulousdesign_24

Landing insects

This is one of the most popular choices and one of the safest ones where it comes to achieving the desired effect.

And the effect you’re aiming for here is to make it look as if an insect, such as a butterfly or a dragonfly, has landed on your skin.

3d foot tattoo

The insect is made to look realistic through painstaking work on the tattoo artist’s part – working with several reference images of real examples of your chosen insect to make sure it looks ‘real’ on your skin.

The tattoo is not complete without adding a shadow dropped by the insect – without it, the tattoo could still look somewhat flat.

shoelace 3d tattoo

The placement of a 3D landing insect tattoo is also an important factor to consider. Especially in the case of larger designs, the area can’t be too curved (like the top of your shoulder or your elbow), since this will distort the shape of the tattoo. For lifelike insect tattoos, consider your forearm, the back of your shoulder, or somewhere along your leg – such as your thigh or calf.

The sky’s the limit on what insect you could go with for your tattoo. You could think about what critters visually appeal to you, consider whether you have any personal stories or memories you associate with any particular insect, or take a cultural meaning or value associated with an insect as a starting point.

3d strawberry tattoo

Butterflies

Butterflies are symbolic of transformation, first and foremost. This is because they start their lives as considerably less attractive caterpillars before transforming themselves into the colorful, beautiful flying insects.

They’re also associated with hope, change, and life itself. As such, they’re particularly meaningful 3D design choices if you want to celebrate an important change in your life or overcoming a difficult struggle. Butterflies are also sometimes thought to be symbolic of the passing of a loved one.

In addition to the above, a blue butterfly 3D tattoo generally symbolizes good luck. Yellow butterflies stand for joy, happiness, and positivity. White ones are associated with purity and, in the context of Christianity, salvation.

3D Tattoos Butterfly

Popular 3D Tattoo

Dragonflies

Dragonflies have many meanings which differ somewhat between cultures. In general, they symbolize change, adaptability, transformation, and self-realization.

In Japanese culture, dragonflies are symbolic of power, victory, and agility. For Native Americans, dragonflies stood for happiness and purity, as well as for protection from ill health and injury. In Buddhist cosmology, dragonflies represent the joining of Heaven and Earth.

3d leg tattoo

In tattoo art, dragonflies are often thought to represent living in the moment – letting go of the past, not worrying too much about the future, and focusing on what’s important to us here and now.

Cracked or ripped skin

These tattoo designs in 3D are way less grim than they sound. The 3D effect is achieved here by making it appear as if part of the skin is missing, to reveal something unexpected and unusual beneath.

It’s an interesting choice since this type of tattoo blends in perfectly and appears as if it really is a part of the person’s body.

Again, there are plenty of options here, limited only by your creativity and the size you want your tattoo to be.

3d compass tattoo

Biomechanical

The biomechanical tattoo style involves designs which represent a seamless blend of human and machine. This means combining bones and tissue with gears, pistons, and other mechanical elements in one design, creating the illusion of a cyborg-like nature.

Though biomechanical designs are sometimes done as traditional, two-dimensional tattoos, the 3D option is far more popular. In order to show the blend of muscle and metal, the muscle must be ‘exposed’ – hence including the illusion of missing skin in the design.

3d puzzle tattoo

Biomechanical tattoos don’t have any specific meanings in themselves – most of the time they’re purely a form of artistic expression and of decoration.

The biomechanical style in broader art movements originates from the 1970s and is closely associated with Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie Alien. In recent years, the steampunk style has influenced biomechanical tattoos – swapping the steel and cabling of traditional biomech for brass clockwork and gears.

3D tattoo

3D tattoo

Superheroes and other pop culture elements

A highly popular choice among ‘missing skin’ tattoos, this type is based on the idea of having a costume or a different appearance ‘under’ your skin.

Superheroes are a common theme here – you’re bound to have seen 3D tattoo pictures where it seems as if the person’s skin has been torn off to show a Spiderman or Batman costume underneath.

Characteristic, distinctive clothing/costumes, armors, and appearances of characters from movies, comic books, and games, are all great choices for this kind of tattoo.

An interesting twist is to have several tattoos with the same theme – a ‘rip’ on the chest is a classic, but you could also get matching tattoos, here and there, on other parts of your body – such as your shoulders, arms, and legs.

3D tattoo

Writing

Using the 3D technique puts a new spin on the traditional quote tattoo. This kind of design usually involves making it appear as if the writing is under your skin, rather than on it.

To achieve this effect, the tattoo artist uses shading to create the illusion of a part of your skin missing, with the letters showing underneath.

3d converse tattoo

There a couple of things to decide on when considering this kind of three-dimensional tattoo. First of all, you need to think about what the writing itself should be – you could opt for a name of a loved one, a quotation that’s important to you, or even a full page of text from a source that has personal meaning to you (e.g. your favorite book or a religious text).

Next up, the shape of the ‘cutout’ – it could look as if the skin is missing in a particular shape, such as a star, heart, or circle, or you could go for a less ordered ‘ripped’ look – as if it’s been scratched or torn off.

The fact that the writing will be ‘under’ your skin suggests that the text is not just important to you, but is a part of you. A 3D under-the-skin writing tattoo is therefore the perfect choice for writing that truly represents who you are, or who you want to be.

3D Tattoos Sleeves

Optical illusions

An optical illusion uses perspective, shapes, color, and light/shade to create images that are deceptive, confusing, or misleading to our perception. Put simply, optical illusions cause us to see something that either doesn’t exist in reality or actually looks different than what we think it does.

There are many types of optical illusions out there, but the type we’re most interested in is based mostly on an illusion of depth. Think of graffiti art that makes it seem as if an image is ‘floating’ in the air, or of murals that make it look as if there’s a tunnel – when really, it’s just a plain, solid wall.

3d illusion tattoo

All 3D tattoos involve some level of illusion – the illusion of realism – but some designs are specifically designed to create extra depth and ‘trick’ the eye. These are specialist tattoos and you may need to put some work into finding the right tattoo artist, but the end result will be totally worth the effort.

Final words

Though they’re a relatively recent trend in tattoo art, these types of tattoos have caught on remarkably fast and remain highly popular. With some creativity and the help of an experienced tattoo artist, you can create some truly unique, original designs for your tattoo.

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