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
