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Body art, like any creative medium, goes through cycles.
Branding was big for a time, as was gauging.
Below, we take a look at 20 outstanding examples of the medium.
via pinterest.com
Should you think this is for you, heres 20 inspiring works of pure genius.
Escher Hodgepodge
To kick things off, heres a classic M.C.
Escher-style tat that offers a little surreality, but doesnt go too far afield.
Plus, its just a fun way to go.
Characters Portraits
This person has a love ofSkeletorfrom the He-Man cartoon that is worthy of concern.
By getting a photographically shaded work, you could create avintage sensibilityabove and beyond a sepia-toned filter.
Its a nice way to blur the line between realism and surrealism.
It requires a particularly gifted artist to execute convincingly.
Outside of3D sidewalk art, theres little that plays more heavily on perspective.
How much of your body and where is entirely up to your own sense of personal aesthetics.
This person above took it more literally, though to stunning effect.
Going Big
Devoting the bulk of your canvas to a single piece is tough.
But when the effect is this striking, its well worth the pain.
Bionic Machinery
One of the most popular types of 3D tattoo is the biomechanical mixture.
Its not too hard to imagine a far future where humans become clockwork creatures, which these tats embrace.
Skull Cap
Maybe you shave your head regularly, or your genetics take care of that for you.
Whatever the case, it frees up some unique real estate for skull cap style tattoos.
Utilizing the rounded shape of the head can offer some crazy possibilities for 3D effects.
Animal Familiar
Animalsprovide ample inspiration for 3D tattoos.
The flapping butterfly above is an understated example that becomes more amazing the longer you look at it.
Our favorite examples have them looking out at the world in hyper-realistic technicolor.
Skintegration
The actual skin of the person is typically just used as a canvas.
But when there are stretch marks or scars present, it offers a unique artistic opportunity.
Dont be afraid to embrace the skin youre in!
Crenellations
The blackout style of tattooing can be used for more than painting over parts of the body.
For example, by adding dark nooks and crannies that are enough to makeany trypophobicsquirm a little bit.
Light and Shadow
Virtually every 3D tattoo employ shadows to give the popping,chiaroscuro effect.
Mutation
Though the eye of this piece is central, its not the focal point of the work.
Rather, the entire limb has been altered with teeth and flesh to become a mutated appendage.
Skin Clothes
Were all wearing a meat suit, and this throw in of 3D tat reveals the seams.
Just dont be the guy who tries to tattoo on anactual suit and tie.
Mystic Mural
Simple, straightforward, and hard to miss.
Designs which flow in and out of themselves are a good bet to achieve this effect.
What are your favorite types of 3D tattoos?
Want to name drop a tattooist adept in this style of ink?
Leave us a comment below!
