Most tattoos are in 2D, (2-dimension). They are flat images in 2D, with no depth in the design. 3D tattoos, (3-dimensional tattoos), are the tattoos tha
Most tattoos are in 2D, (2-dimension). They are flat images in 2D, with no depth in the design. 3D tattoos, (3-dimensional tattoos), are the tattoos that have an extra dimension and that is depth. This type of tattoo gives the illusion of being above the skin or inside the body.
Older cartoons were created in 2-D and were standard animation and common practice, you have probably seen some of the oldies but goodies like Popeye, Tom and Jerry, etc.
These 2D cartoons were made of thousands of drawings, shown quickly and in order so that the characters seemed to be alive and moving. In reality, 2D art work is flat.
They have only two dimensions; height and width. 3D, or 3-dimensional creates depth and this is game changing.
These 2D cartoons were made of thousands of drawings, shown quickly and in order so that the characters seemed to be alive and moving. In reality, 2D art work is flat.
They have only two dimensions; height and width. 3D, or 3-dimensional creates depth and this is game changing.
The unfinished butterfly tattoo posted in the 'Featured image' section is an example of what 2-dimensional looks like in comparison to a 3-dimensional tattoo. On the unfinished left side, the wing doesn't have surface lighting or shadowing, so it looks flat.
The right wing, as you can see, has had the third dimension applied by the artist. Having added lighting and shadows to the tattoo, the butterfly is coming to life! Illusion has been made and now there is an appearance of distance between the wing and actual skin.
Third dimension, or depth, fools the eye into thinking that space exists. It can be done to make the object, (or design), appear closer to the eye or further away. This is the dimension that gives 3D art its “rounded or curved” look.
3D art is created by lighting, shading, shadowing and blurring techniques to create a life-like piece of art.
3D art is created by lighting, shading, shadowing and blurring techniques to create a life-like piece of art.
In making a 3D tattoo, the artists needs to add highlights. These are the areas of “high light”, as if the sun were shining on it. Shading is used to make a rounded figures and shadows create depth and distance.
The difference in 2D and 3D is the life-like effect of 3D. Third dimensional designs add the appearance realness, it does not change the meaning of symbols if that were to ever be a concern to someone.
3D tattoos create optical illusions by tricking the eye into thinking that part of the skin is “removed”, and showing the muscles and tendons beneath and fooling the eye into thinking another dimension has been there all along. This technique can be used for any number of designs.
Creating a breast for someone that has lost theirs due to cancer is of huge significance. One popular technique for 3D tattoos is to create the illusion that something is sitting on top of the skin.
This is done by “rounding” with highlights, shading and adding shadows to both the design, and the skin. Shadowing convinces the brain that space exists and offers a look of reality.
For people that have undergone this type of surgery, this can absolutely make the appearance of an actual breast, sometimes in combination with reconstruction, sometimes not.
This is done by “rounding” with highlights, shading and adding shadows to both the design, and the skin. Shadowing convinces the brain that space exists and offers a look of reality.
For people that have undergone this type of surgery, this can absolutely make the appearance of an actual breast, sometimes in combination with reconstruction, sometimes not.
To make 3D tattoo designs seem realistic, the tattooist should be mindful of correct lighting.
If the shadow and the highlight appear to be created by different light sources, the 3-dimensional effect is lost and it will appear flat.
If the shadow and the highlight appear to be created by different light sources, the 3-dimensional effect is lost and it will appear flat.
Using red and blue ink to make a tattoo design may appear sloppy to the bare eye, but with 3D glasses, (the same ones at the movies), they also create a 3D tattoo.
This same effect is used in the making of a 3D film.
This same effect is used in the making of a 3D film.
Tattoo designs in 3D are taking the tattooists art into a new dimension...(see what I did there)! ;)
How to Take Care of Your Tattoo
You finally did it. You got the tattoo you always wanted. It’s bright and it’s colorful. But now you have to take care of it to make sure you don’t get a skin infection.
So how do you even know what the right steps are? Should you trust the tattoo artist? Ask your dermatologist?
It depends on where you live, really. In the United States there are few guidelines for tattooing, and even fewer for aftercare.
Currently, 7 states have no regulations at all; 30 states license tattoo artists and require them to give you written or verbal instructions on how to take care of your new work of art.
But just 7 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and North Dakota, require tattoo artists to provide their customers with aftercare instructions mandated by the public health department.
Dermatologists think this needs to change so that everyone who gets a tattoo also gets instructions on how to take care of it to prevent infections and serious complications.
Aftercare for Your Tattoo
So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.
- Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
- Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and pat dry.
- Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
- Gently wash your tattoo area several times a day with soap and water and gently pat dry.
- Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.
You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink.
If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, don’t worry. It’s normal. But never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color. If you think your tattoo is infected, or isn’t healing properly, go see your doctor.
More Aftercare
When you leave the tattoo shop, your ink will look like a million bucks. It will be bright and shiny. That’s not going to last. The tattoo will fade over time. Always put sunscreen on it, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright -- SPF 45 or higher is best.
And moisturize it daily, especially if it’s on an area of your body, such as your hands, where it can fade quickly.
