If you’re looking for a more contemporary style of tattoo artistry, you might want to look into getting a 3D tattoo. Through realistic shading and specific linework, many tattoo artists can create a three-dimensional image that looks like it could be snatched right off the skin.

While some men prefer tattoos that maintain a more animated or artsy look, 3D tattoos are perfect for those who want something different and modern, setting them apart from the more traditional ink style.

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From 3D animal tattoos on the forearm to a small yet intricate 3D tattoo on the hand, there are several options to consider when researching this up-and-coming tattoo trend. To help you discover some of the best designs, we’ve put together this list of the top 25 3D tattoos for men.

1. 3D BUTTERFLY TATTOO

3D butterfly tattoos can be done in a way that makes the butterfly look as if it is going to fly right off your skin. Representing many different things, from life to transformation, choosing a butterfly as the image for your 3D tattoo is sure to result in a stunning and special image. 3D butterfly tattoos also provide you with the opportunity to get more creative and bold with various colors and shades.

@jt.tat2 / Instagram2. 3D CROSS TATTOO

3D cross tattoos place a unique twist on a pretty traditional tattoo for those with religious backgrounds or a strong sense of faith.

@pepoomarius / Instagram3. 3D NIPPLE TATTOO

3D nipple tattoos are perhaps the most innovative and impactful 3D tattoos. Invented for women and men who have had to undergo mastectomies due to breast cancer, a 3D nipple allows survivors and fighters to feel more comfortable with their bodies after being forced to undergo such a dramatic and difficult change.

@tattoosbyemi / Instagram4. 3D SPIDER TATTOO

If you’re looking for something a bit edgy or even creepy, 3D spider tattoos can be made to look incredibly real. So much so that you might end up having a couple of people swatting at you or trying to brush a spider off of your back!

@probly.escobar / Instagram5. 3D COMPASS TATTOO

If you’re looking to take your compass tattoo to the next level, adding a three-dimensional effect can make all the difference. Whether your compass tattoo represents guidance or staying on course, 3D compass tattoos feature optimal detailing and the intricacy needed to accurately display how distinguished a compass can be.

@blacksmith.tattoo / Instagram6. 3D DRAGONFLY TATTOO

Like a 3D butterfly tattoo, 3D dragonfly tattoos can be done in a way that allows for the dragonfly’s wings to literally shimmer and look as though they could fly off into space. Even the eyes of a dragonfly on a 3D tattoo can look totally realistic, and even a bit unsettling for those who get a bit freaked out by flying insects.

@riahtattoo / Instagram7. 3D HEART TATTOO

Whether you want an image of an organ-like heart or a 3D heart tattoo that resembles the beloved shape, 3D heart tattoos can represent various things from love to life.

@jiro_painter / Instagram8. 3D LION TATTOO

While lion tattoos are known for promoting a sense of power and authority, 3D lion tattoos bring those energies to life even more through realistic shading and highlighting.

@elaugurio / Instagram9. 3D DRAGON TATTOO

Like the 3D lion tattoo, 3D dragon tattoos are powerful yet sultry. Being that they are usually pretty long and intricate, the three-dimensional aspects of this tattoo really take it to the next level. If you’re looking for a unique location for a 3D dragon tattoo, try designing one to run up the length of the arm, starting at the base of the wrist.

@jluongart / Instagram10. 3D HUMMINGBIRD TATTOO

With wings that move at the speed of light, a hummingbird makes for one of the best animals to make into a 3D tattoo. 3D hummingbird tattoos are a wonderful addition to a sleeve or already heavily tattooed area since it adds a bit of sweetness and feminine energy.

@cachotattoo / Instagram11. 3D SKULL TATTOO

Since skull tattoos are already pretty edgy and dark on their own, 3D skull tattoos create a more intense image that needs to be done with caution and care to avoid looking out of place. If you’d like to add some flair to this otherwise basic image, try doing a 3D skull tattoo in color rather than just black and white.

@jay_davies_tattoos / Instagram12. 3D JESUS TATTOO

Though you will certainly be in the chair for a good while, 3D Jesus tattoos are a unique and elaborate way to pay homage to one’s religious beliefs or upbringing.

@francescofrigenti_tats / Instagram13. 3D STAR TATTOO

While star tattoos were very popular in the 90s and early 2000s, 3D star tattoos bring back the simple yet classic image more updated and hiply.

@nubz_tattoos / Instagram14. 3D GLASSES TATTOO

If you’re looking to add some ink on the funkier and more psychedelic side, 3D glasses tattoos can be done in red and blue ink to evoke the perspective you have while wearing a pair of 3D glasses. From a cat wearing 3D glasses to an image in the same style of an object viewed through the lens of said glasses, this is one of the quirkier, yet cooler tattoos on our list.

@local.crew.tattoo / Instagram15. 3D GEOMETRIC TATTOO

3D geometric tattoos are perfect for those who simply like the look and style of three-dimensional art yet don’t have a particular preference for the image.