26 Outstanding 3D Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2024
Tattoos have come a long way in regard to style and design, nowadays you can get just about anything you want. Imagine walking into a studio today and only being able to choose between simple tribal or sailor-themed designs? The world of tattooing has leveled up since then, and now artists are creating amazing tattoos that look like you could reach out and grab them, otherwise known as 3D tattoos.
But before you go and get your own 3D tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the craziest, most stunning, and timeless 3D tattoo ideas of 2024. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
With that said, let’s begin.
Amazing Geometric-Inspired 3D Head Tattoo
Tell me you didn’t want to stick your hand through your screen and touch this tattoo? How amazing is that 3D illusion? This style can be a challenge to perfect because the angles need to be precise to create the illusion, clearly, the artist knows his stuff because he did an amazing job. The line work is crispy and clean. Impressive for a head tattoo, especially because there’s a possibility of warping due to the rounding of the skull. Big props to Artist IG: @edumandarina_tattoo from Barcelona, Spain
Adorable Embroidery 3D Dinosaur Tattoo
We’re starting this list off with an adorable embroidery tattoo. You might have noticed that this style has increased in popularity recently, with more and more people getting sticker or embroidery tattoos. Here we have the cutest colorful dinosaur patchwork piece. I love the color palette, and you’ll notice the lack of solid linework with this style. Each stitch is created by a special technique and stroke of the needle.
The piece is well placed as it fits snugly between the client’s existing work, kudos to the artist for this awesome 3D tattoo.
IG: muslubash.tattoo
Brutalist-Inspired Architecture 3D Forearm Tattoo
If you’re unfamiliar with the term Brutalist, it’s a style of architecture that emerged in the 1950s. It’s characterized by structural elements as opposed to decorative design. I love that the artist created a trippy version of it by adding the warped walls. Another thing that stands out about this tattoo is the contrast of solid blackwork and dotwork, the lighter stippled shading has been used to make the solid black pop. I truly enjoy the contrast.
Extraordinary 3D Holographic Forearm Sticker Tattoo
It blows my mind that artists can be this talented, if I didn’t know this was a tattoo I would have thought it was an actual sticker. The colors used to create the holographic effect are amazing. Great placement, it complements the existing stitchwork tattoo the client has. Truly outstanding.
IG: muslubash.tattoo
Masculine Geometric 3D Mandala Full Sleeve Tattoo
How amazing is this geometric-inspired full sleeve? The linework is magnificent and the way the artist created the 3D effect with darker shading is genius. There’s a lot going on here, but it’s not too busy. I really enjoy that and I’m sure the client can’t wait to show off this amazing tattoo. There are a few areas where the solid black could use a touch-up, but overall this is a great piece.
IG: weschetattoo
Gorgeous Feminine Purple Moon and 3D Hand Tattoo on Forearm
Here we have a lovely and simple feminine piece. The 3D effect has been created by overlapping lines and I’m sure you could put on 3D glasses and they would work. I enjoy how crisp the linework is and the stunning gradient in the moon. Credit to the artist for making something so simple look so good.
IG: auraninetyfour
Dainty Black and Gray Butterfly Tattoo On Woman’s Hand
Hand tattoos are on the rise and here we have the perfect example of something dainty and feminine. Butterflies are a popular animal to incorporate into designs and it works so well here because the simple addition of a shadow creates the illusion that the butterfly is 3D. I’m loving the white highlights, it gives this micro tattoo the pop it deserves. Nice work!
IG: _honeytattoo_
Beautiful Color Realistic 3D Forearm Tattoo
Have you ever laid eyes on something as bright as this? Wow, the varying shades of blue are lovely and add highlights without needing to pack a lot of white in. Like many realistic 3D tattoos, the three-dimensional illusion was created by adding shadows under the rose and butterflies. Obviously, because this is a realistic tattoo, there is a lack of solid black linework. However, I feel that it would have suited the rose to have solid linework on its petals, the way it currently looks is a bit flat. Regardless, I think the artist did a stellar job and the placement on the forearm is spot on.
IG: malavida.tattoo
Precious Dinosaur Kitten 3D Sticker Tattoo
Another sticker tattoo! As you can tell this is a popular design within the 3D style. One thing that should be noted when considering this type of tattoo is that they don’t always withstand the test of time. Currently, the colors are bright and the white is packed in nicely, but that may not be the case in a year or two’s time. Either way, this tattoo is too precious for words, the expression on the kitten’s face is priceless. Kudos to the artist IG: @mr.sticker.tattoo for packing the white in so solidly. Very Impressive
Unique 3D Tattoo On Woman’s Forearm
What does freedom mean to you? If you’re wondering what those numbers mean, it’s a cryptic message that can be deciphered using an alphanumeric keyboard, the ones you’d find on an old-school mobile phone. I love the design, I love the placement, and I love how soft the shading is. One thing about such light shading that you should always keep in mind is that it can fade quicker than tattoos with darker shading, so be prepared for this possibility.
IG: pelleossa_ink
Cute 3D Smiley Face Minimal Tattoo
Even though this tattoo is super simple, it’s totally adorable. I love how the artist perfected the 3D red and blue; there’s no doubt that 3D glasses would work on this piece. The placement is great, especially because the design is placed over the middle of the triceps leaving equal space on each side.
IG: sophie_a_tattoo
Incredible 3D Squirtle Sticker Forearm Tattoo
Where are all the Pokémon fans? This one is for you. First off, the linework is impeccable and smooth. Bold is the way to go as it will ensure that the tattoo holds up over time. Secondly, the color packing and blending are really well done. The artist behind this piece is known for creating awesome sticker tattoos, hence the name mr.sticker.tattoo. Go check out his work if you’re in need of more sticker inspiration at IG: @mr.sticker.tattoo
Awesome 3D Mona Lisa Tattoo
All I can say about this tattoo is, wow! The Mona Lisa is a very unique painting and attempting to duplicate it takes some serious skill. Here we can see the artist adopted the famous painting into their own distinctive piece which incorporates a 3D effect. The shape of the frame works perfectly for the thigh, while the size of the design is ideal; it’s not too big and not too small, and there’s enough room left for more ink. All the credit to the artist for this smooth and extremely intricate tattoo as not many artists can pull something like this off.
IG: edit_paints
Mesmerizing 3D Flower and Butterfly Color Realism Back Tattoo
I don’t even know where to begin with this piece. There is so much intricate detail in it, I love how the artist uses varying shades of red as opposed to black ink for the shading, but what truly stands out is how the colors of the butterfly and flower complement each other. The placement is ideal for a design of this size, and even though it’s placed in the center of the back, it comes across as off-center because of the composition of elements. Overall, a stunning tattoo that looks absolutely gorgeous on this client’s back.
IG: malavida.tattoo
Stunning 3D Feminine Blue Butterflies On Woman’s Arm
Butterflies are extremely popular, and also very feminine. Here we have four lovely blue butterflies making their way up the client’s arm. What I like about this piece is both the simplicity and intricacy. There’s plenty of detail in the butterflies but the overall design and composition is simple and elegant. I like that there is space open for additional butterflies or flowers, but this is definitely one of those pieces that should be left as it is. Great work!
IG: malavida.tattoo
Pretty 3D Micro Daisy Tattoo over Triceps
Daisies symbolize new beginnings and in Norse mythology are believed to be a sacred flower for the goddess of beauty, love and fertility. I love the placement over the triceps; it’s very elegant and the design is the perfect size for the client’s arm. Hopefully, it withstands the test of time as there is a lot of white which is notorious for fading. If nature is your thing, then this is the artist you want to check out; there’s a lot more where this came from on IG: @debrartist
IG: debrartist
Tiny 3D Heart Tattoo On Woman’s Shoulder
I’ve never seen a 3D tattoo as simple as this, but so well done that it doesn’t even look like a tattoo. This 3D micro heart is too precious for words, the only concern I have is that it probably won’t keep for very long. The lack of solid lines was necessary for the design but will be the reason this tattoo fades. Either way, it’s a really cute concept, but be aware if you decide to do something similar that it won’t be a forever tattoo.
IG: gregory_tattoo
Out of This World 3D Hanya Mask Cover-Up Tattoo
Sometimes people get a tattoo that they truly regret, luckily there’s such a thing as a cover-up, like this one. I’m not sure what the client was covering up, but that doesn’t matter because now, they have this masterpiece.
The Hanya mask is used in Japanese Noh theater and represents a jealous female demon, although this one seems to be more masculine and leans toward a warrior style. The blue highlights really give this tattoo that extra pop, but it’s the metallic texture that’s truly impressive. Creating something like this takes a lot of skill, knowing which needles to use, and knowing how to apply techniques.
If you’re impressed by this, you need to check out Michal’s Instagram account, it will blow your mind, IG: @michalledwigtattoo
Creepy 3D Spider Tattoo Crawling Up Man’s Neck
If you have arachnophobia, I suggest you stay far away from this guy. If I didn’t know this was a tattoo I would have thought this man was in trouble, but luckily it’s a tattoo and a really well-done one too! The shadows under the legs and abdomen of the spider give the impression that it’s crawling up the neck, and also what makes it 3D. Neck tattoos are a bold statement, and this guy decided to be even bolder with a spider design. Really Cool
IG: luxury_ink_han
Amazing “Welcome to the Jungle” 3D Script Tattoo over Triceps
Guns N’ Roses will always be one of the most iconic bands of the late 1980s and early 90s. Ask anyone if they know the song “Welcome to the Jungle”and I bet you everyone will be able to sing at least half the song. This is an awesome addition to this client’s triceps, the script is smooth and consistent, but it’s the 3D effect that pulls you in. It looks like you could reach into her arm.
IG: newtattoo_demi
Stunning Colorful 3D Octopus Thigh Tattoo
The detail and color in this tattoo are out of this world. The way the artist did the color gives the illusion that the tattoo is sparkling which adds that feminine touch, not to mention all the pretty flowers. I love the chromatic effect. The picture makes it look like it’s quite a small piece but if you notice the placement (on the thigh) it’s actually quite a large tattoo. I’d really like to see this tattoo healed, hopefully, it doesn’t lose its sparkle. Amazing work by Korean artist IG: @mooongnyum_tattoo; go check out more of his work there.
3D Embroidery Celtic Football Club Fan Tattoo
The best way to show your support for your favorite football club is to get a tattoo and that’s exactly what this fan did. Instead of your run-of-the-mill tattoo, this fan chose something a little different and I’m loving it. Cross stitch tattoos are an awesome addition to any tattoo collection. But similarly to sticker tattoos, they sometimes don’t heal well. However, regardless of that one possible downfall, this tattoo is almost perfect. The tiny details like the unraveling hem are very clever and the artist did a fantastic job with the 3D effect.
Beautiful 3D Falling Ginkgo Leaf Tattoo on Calf
The Ginkgo tree is native to China and is the last living species of the Ginkgoales order which first appeared over 290 million years ago. What a way to show your appreciation for this lovely tree. As new leaves emerge, they will come out a beautiful bright green and as the seasons change, so do the leaves, turning a stunning golden yellow in Fall. These lovely leaves represent endurance as they were some of the only trees to survive the Hiroshima blast. I love the placement on the calf and the fact that it wraps around the leg.
IG: newtattoo_studio
Cute 3D Linework Basketball Player Tattoo On Man’s Calf
This is such a fun little tattoo. I’m not sure if it’s a character from a show or something the artist had as a flash piece. I love that the lines are bold and clean, nobody wants a linework tattoo with poorly done lines. It appears this piece is on the calf and seems to be quite big because it takes up quite a bit of the calf. Even though it’s an uncomplicated tattoo it has a lot of character and has been done really well.
IG: ignorant_tattoos
Realistic 3D Rose and Butterflies Forearm Tattoo
This piece is phenomenal, but what I truly enjoy is the fact that the artist used soft and thin outlines on the rose petals which add extra depth and bring the rose to the foreground. The white highlights around the butterflies are an excellent decision because it distinguishes them from the rest of the tattoo while adding depth and a 3D illusion. I love the colors and how they break away from the black and gray shading, which, by the way, is as smooth as butter. Amazing work by Artist IG: @david.jay.kai.tattoos, go check out the rest of his work for more inspo.
Amazing 3D Sugar Skull Tattoo On Upper Forearm
Our final tattoo is a stunning sugar skull that looks like it was pasted onto the client’s arm. The forearm is a great area for this piece as it nicely fits the width of the arm. What’s truly amazing is that the artist got the shade of off-white perfect for a skull, many artists use white ink but in reality, a skull isn’t white. The detail in the teeth is so realistic, you’d almost think they were real.
We hope you found what you were looking for and had as much fun looking at these tattoos as we had writing about them. Until next time, happy inking!
IG: edit_paints
