Anatomy tattoos

Anatomical tattoos (or anatomy tattoos) are a relatively new trend in the tattoo fashion. They are 3d tattoos based on optical illusions, quite similar to the biomechanical tattoos. The most important difference between the two categories is the main theme of the design: various parts of the human anatomy versus mechanical and robotic components mixed with allien-like tissues that are enhanced by natural systems in the human body in the case of biomechanical tattoos.

The tattoo artist must have must have advanced knowledge of anatomy, because these tattoos mimic the contours of muscles and bones, following the human musculoskeletal system. The point of these tattoos is to appear natural or even possible, to be believable and realistic (they don't need to be actually plausible, but must appear so). Because of this, placement is an essential component of these tattoos. The tattoo must be placed over the correct joints and muscles in order to look as believable as possible. Furthermore, the tattooer must be able to blend the tattoo into the normal, un-tattooed skin. If the tattoo looks like a sticker or out of place then the entire effect is ruined, even if the actual tattoo is nicely executed. These tattoos are only successful when they appear to trick the eye, known as a trompe l'oeil in artistic terms.

The most popular themes for the anatomy tattoos are:
- the human skeleton (especially the bones of the back, the ribs, the wrists and the ankles)
- the muscles (especially the arm muscles and the leg muscles)
- various organs (the heart, the brain, etc)
- scars (like post operative scars or Frankenstein-like scars)
- the blood circulatory system

Anatomical tattoo (muscles and tendons) covering the entire arm

Anatomical tattoo depicting the muscles and the tendons of the arm

Anatomical tattoo (muscles and tendons) covering the shoulder and the arm

Anatomical tattoo covering the upper arm

3d tattoo: the skeleton of the human hand

heart tattoo

anatomical tattoo on the leg

3d anatomical tattoo on the arm

3d tattoo: a human brain

anatomical tattoo: the skeleton of the human foot

Anatomical tattoo: scar tattoo

3d tattoo creating the illusion that the skin is ripped off and the ribs are revealed

3d tattoo depicting a giant heart inside an empty body

Scar tattoo which creates the illusion that the arm was attached to the body (like in Frankenstein)

anatomical tattoo: the spine and the ribs are revealed under the ripped skin

Anatomical tattoo: the human hand's skeleton

He has hemorrhoids... and he is proud with that

I know, it's not a tattoo, but it's funny. I assume that the poor kid has absolutely no idea about the meaning of the ideogram imprinted on his sweater.

What doesn't know the lucky owner of the sweater is that the ideogram means "piles, hemorrhoids" (both in chinese and in japanese). Fortunately for him it's easier to get rid of a sweater than it is to get rid of a tattoo.

Now, I would like to give you an advice: if you want to decorate your skin (or your clothes) with ideograms (Kanji or Hanzi) you should avoid the ideograms which contain the radical depicted in the image below:

This radical means "sickness" and the kanji / hanzi composed with this radical are usually associated with diseases, sickness, illness, etc (e.g.: 疔 = ulcer, 疝 = colic, 疥 = scabby eruption, 疣 = wart, 癢 = itchy) - in short, not the kind of words that one would normally choose for a tattoo.

There are several ideograms composed with this radical which are not related to illness and diseases, (e.g.: 疾 = fast, rapidly) but there are very few and, unless you are absolutely sure about the meaning of the ideogram, it's better to avoid the Kanji / Hanzi which contain the above-mentioned radical.

Mom tattoos

Mom tattoos have been around for ages. These pieces are usually pretty straightforward in meaning: an appreciation for one’s own mother. However, given the many styles, and the many years that this design has been going around, it is not unusual for a person to get this tattoo strictly for its kitschy value. It has become an unusual icon that has, and will likely continue to remain, a staple in tattoo art.

Mom tattoos are not restricted to one single design. Many people like to create tattoos that reflect not only the appearance, but the personality of their own loved one. These regularly feature realistic portraits that are surrounded by objects that are important to the wearer’s kin. It may also feature things like the mother’s name, date of birth (and sometimes death); a quote that is relevant to the person in the picture, or occasionally even song lyrics or poem excerpts. These are usually done in dramatic black and whites – sometimes with small bursts of colors in the eyes, or elsewhere.

Failed tatoos: Kanji mistakes - the seven virtues of the samurai

Well, this is happens when you get a kanji (or hanzi) tattoo without consulting someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. This is one of the worst kanji tattoos I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of silly tattoos).

First, let's take a look at the image below: the seven virtues of the samurai, written in kanji. I've choose a common type of fonts - MS Gothic.

Now let's take a look at this photo:

It's obvious that the tattoo is a completely lame.

Let's take a closer look at the ideograms tattooed on this dude's body:

The first kanji, tattooed on the neck: two strokes are missing (the strokes from the top) and the ideogram has been splitted into two parts: 王 (king, monarch) and 我 (I, me). In the image below is a standard depiction of this kanji:

The second and the third kanji seem to be well written.

The 4th kanji is missing a stroke. In the image below is a standard depiction of this kanji:

The 5th kanji is a total mess: a stroke is missing (in the upper right corner of the kanji) and the radical looks like an independent character. In the image below is a standard depiction of this kanji:

The 6th word is composed of two kanji characters (名 - distinguished / name / reputation and 誉 - glory / honor /praise / reputation). When a word is composed of two or more kanji, all the kanji must have the same size and must be written on the same line. In the image below is a standard depiction of this word:

As for the last word - Loyalty - this word can be written with one ideogram (like he did) or with two ideograms, like this: 忠義. Considering the awful drawing of the word above (honor), it was the a wise decision to choose the simpler variant :)

Small Phoenix Tattoos

If you’re nervous or unsure about getting a new tattoo it’s a good idea to get a small tattoo. Small tattoos prepare you for what to expect when getting larger tattoos. Small tattoos are usually discreet and easy to conceal unless they’re somewhere visible like your hands, face or neck. But even small wrist tattoos are easy to hide with the right watch, jewelry or long sleeves. It’s a good idea if you’re nervous that getting a tattoo will hurt because you can have the tattoo finished quickly and get an idea of what it feels like. What’s great about a small tattoo is that later you can always add to the design and make it the focal point of a bigger tattoo. Small tattoos can be in black ink or color and be located pretty much anywhere on the body. Small tattoo designs aren’t exclusive to any age or gender either. There are all kinds of designs for small tattoos for girls and for guys.

Small tattoos are popular because they’re simple, inexpensive and easy to hide. Some common small tattoo designs include hearts, stars, small dragonfly tattoos, flowers, small fairy tattoos and even small Asian symbols. Small celebrity tattoos are quite common as well since actors and singers may have to hide or cover their tattoos for certain roles or gigs.

Unique Phoenix Tattoos

Coming in just behind the eagle in the popularity ranks is the phoenix tattoo. Perhaps the phoenix is better known as the bird of fire. This originates from an age old story from Greek mythology. The phoenix is said to of lived for 500 years. A few short days before its death, the phoenix made itself a nest from aromatic twigs. The bird then sets fire to the nest and goes down in flames. 3 days after its death it is believed that the phoenix reappears from the ashes and is reborn. This is where the phrase “Phoenix from the ashes” originates.

In different cultures the phoenix has varying meanings. In Asia it is believed that it is the bird of virtue and grace. The phoenix plays a huge part in Chinese mythology, it is believed to be the second most important player, second only to the dragon.

Tattoos with meaning change over the course of time. What the phoenix once meant as a tattoo probably does not ring true now. In fact it is very difficult to put a meaning to this bird as over time it has had so many. However, there is one theme that has remained a constant throughout the journey.

Phoenix Tribal Tattoos

The single most requested tattoo design. The most popular tribal designs are Maori, Haida and Polynesian designs. There is also great interest in Native American tattoo designs. The term "tribal" of course covers an astonishing array of tattoo design possibilities, from the traditional tribal tattoos of indigenous and aboriginal cultures, to the latest in graphic design for the body.

The phoenix is another tattoo design that illustrates the enduring popularity of Japanese tattooing traditions. But the phoenix is also a design with a rich mythological history in both Eastern and western cultures. Tales of the phoenix appear in ancient Arabian, Greek, Roman, and Far Eastern mythology. In both Greek and Egyptian tales, the phoenix represented the sun, dying in flames at the end of the day and rising each morning.

3D tattoos: dark-art biomechanical tattoos

When it comes to a biomechanical tattoo, the cyborg tattoos and the alien-infestations tattoos are by far the most popular choices. However, it is not necessarily the case that a biomechanical tattoo contains only robotic / cyborg components and alien-like tissues and bones. In fact, there are many other themes and elements which can be integrated in a biomechanical tattoo design: reptiles, spiders, monsters, demons, etc.

Not as widespread as the cyborg tattoos or alien-infestation tattoos, the biomechanical tattoos depicting a monster inside the body of the the tattoo's wearer is still a quite widespread choice.

Without claiming to be exhaustive, this list contains the main themes of the biomech-monsters tattoos:
- zombie infestation (zombie bites, zombie transformation, zombies eating the body from inside etc)
- the human body depicted as the monster's hiding place
- fetuses (zombie fetuses, mosnter fetuses)
- torn skin revealing a hidden monster (usually only the teeths, the claws and sometimes the eyes of the monster are visibles) eating the body from inside
- skeletons (the entire skeleton or just some parts - usually the skull and the hands) inside the body
- demons living inside the body

3d tattoo on a women's back: a monster living inside the body

3d tattoo on the shoulder: a gate to another dimension?

3d tattoo: Chucky hiding inside a person's body

biomechanical tattoo: a child (cyborg-child?) prisoner inside a human body

3d tattoo on the shoulder: a human skull

3d tattoo: a skeleton "living" inside someone's arm

3d tattoo: a demon (or dragon?) head

biomechanical tattoo: creepy teeth and eyes

a human fetus tattooed on the forearm

biomechanical tatoo: a bionic fetus

biomechanical tattoo: an unnatural fetus

3d tattoo: a horned demon destroying the host body from within.

3d tattoo: Hulk's face tattooed on the shoulder and arm

creepy tattoo: zombie bite

3d dark tattoo: a little demon (monster) living inside someone's body

For more photos and images with biomechanical tattoos visit our website, seiza.ro