A color illustrative peacock with a long teal, green and red tail covers the outer hip and thigh.

Biomechanical Tattoos originated from biomechanical art which is a contemporary kind of art. It reflects the human body like mechanical parts. For example, the body joints and bones are represented by parts of a machine like pistons and gears. The movie titled “Alien” brought this type of tattoo into the limelight in 1979. The movie inspired tattoo artists to develop this prolific style of design which is referred to as biomechanical tattoo.

A traditional straight razor sits between red flowers and green leaves with a banner on the upper arm.A black and grey realistic woman's face with a lace mask, roses and scrollwork covers a back.

The traditional tattoo patterns like birds, arrows, hearts, maori, stars, flowers, anchors, feathers, dream catchers, bows and hearts have been popular for ages, but biomechanical tattoos are a newer innovation which has gradually gained popularity over time. These tattoos have become so popular because their design elements are pretty interesting, tracing their roots into robotics and mechanics. The complexity of designs and the creative application of colors make the biomechanical tattoos more interesting and captivating. The tattoo has various designs, which makes every tattoo unique. So many additions and modifications make each design a unique one, based on bearer’s taste.

Biomechanical Tattoos: The Elements

A traditional orange shrimp tattoo sits on an upper arm.

The intricate design elements and incredible features of the biomechanical tattoos are done by tattoo experts with great skills in creating outstanding color mixes with high diligence. The main components of the tattoo represent biochemical parts like pipes, gears, chips, rods, levers and many more machine parts.

Black Polynesian geometric patterns surround a sun and stars on the chest and upper arm.

Any part of the body where the biomechanical tattoo is drawn is transformed to look like a part of a machine instead of the part of a body. For example, when a biomechanical tattoo is inked on the leg or arm, it makes the leg or arm to look like a mechanical part. This is made possible because the artists make use of 3D effects. Using this artistry produces a stunning effect, therefore giving the bearer a bang for the buck.

Biomechanical Tattoos: Important Facts

A black and grey spider with a spiked, crown-topped abdomen spreads its long jointed legs across the calf.

Tattoo designers recommend biomechanical tattoos for bearers who like to get the attraction from people, as the effects created by the tattoo make the bearer’s body appear like one ripped open and having machine parts piercing out from beneath the skin. So, think twice before deciding the part of the body to place the tattoo so as to get the best from the placement. You may want to ink the tattoos on your chest, back, legs and shoulders; these spots are best for such tattoos as such locations give the designs some more realistic look. Although bearers can choose from a wide range of colors for the biomechanical tattoos, classic grey and black are really awesome for these tattoos as it makes it look more of machine parts.

A realistic yellow sunflower tattoo with a dark green background covers an arm.A realistic red rose with green leaves and water droplets sits on the shoulder blade.

The 3D effects are better portrayed in black and grey, while other colors are Ok to display blood effect and the flesh. So, anyone can choose whatever color that reflects what he wants to show through the tattoo design. The angle the tattoo is to be placed should be another vital consideration; this needs to be well thought of so as to get the best effect result.  The Biomechanical tattoo is also very costly, due to its highly sophisticated designs. The bearer should have it in mind that he would have to go through pain to have the tattoo done, so he should carefully consider this before he proceeds with his decision. However the tattoo takes a semi-permanent nature and is not easily removed, so you may have to be set to have the tattoo ink forever on your body.

Biomechanical Tattoos: Their symbolic meaning

A realistic torn American flag with red stripes and white stars on blue covers the forearm.

Similar to other tattoos, the biomechanical tattoos have a symbolic meaning. This makes such tattoos specifically suitable for lovers of tattoos who love creativity, mechanics and technology. And these passionate bearers love to showcase these tattoos as being an element of their body. The designs are fit for those who have a sense of modern creativity and not so much for those who are still tied up in their love for the ancient and traditional stuff.  So, the biomechanical tattoo designs are suitable for persons who are ready to explore new and innovative things.

A black and grey illustrative dog portrait fills a matchbook tattoo on a wrist.

Biomechanical Tattoo: Common Designs

In tattoo arts, biomechanical tattoos are among the top when it comes to creativity and sophistication. The designs have no particular design format; the imagination and creativity of the tattoo artist are what determine the result.  Although the biomechanical tattoo’s main components consist of the parts of a machine which explains the different bodily function, some other elements have been introduced like vampires, demons, and skulls.

An illustrative skeleton in torn clothes holds a red heart on a calf.A black and grey playing card tattoo places a mirrored grim reaper and hourglasses on the ribs.

It may also feel good to add some old tattoo elements like the Koi Fish and the dream catcher designs as well as the use of skeleton. Biomechanical tattoos have different forms available for both feminine and masculine though a majority is masculine. You will observe that a lot of men have biomechanical tattoos half sleeve, full sleeve, thigh, back and chest.

The Biomechanical tattoos are suitable for people who have a great passion for technology and innovation and desire to showcase it in their physical appearance. The symbolism of these tattoos does not reflect the bearer’s emotions as it is with other forms of tattoo designs. However, this doesn’t mean the bearer love the tattoo design less than the bearer of other types of tattoo design. In fact, such tattoos show how passionate and committed the bearers are, considering the amount they spend and the pain they go through just to have the artistry on them. It also apparently displays their deep passion for deep thinking and creativity.

A black and grey realistic tiger face with blue eyes covers a chest.

Come to Funhouse Tattoo in the heart of San Diego, Pacific Beach, to book an artist that specializes in Biomechanical Tattoos!