I remember years ago when I first heard the term “Biomech” in reference to a tattoo. What a cool sounding word. But exactly what did it mean? It took me quite a while before I understood what someone meant by Biomech or Biomechanical since the style is so broad and can encompass almost any elements real or alien.

So in today’s post I’ll try to give those of you who don’t know what this term means a better understanding of one of my favorite art and tattoo styles. First I will dissect the word and style then I will try to relate them to my own biomech piece as well as my buddy’s full biomechanical sleeve.

What Is Biomechanical?

This is a relatively new style of art within the last 15 years. The word biomechanical means…

(BIO) – Referring to biology or living organic creatures. The artist has great freedom in use of actual or fictional organic looking objects.
(Mechanical) – Referring to non-organic mechanized objects, obviously made from an intelligent species Earthly or otherwise. The mechanical objects can also be organic in nature but mechanical in movement, an example would be bone structure instead of metallic objects.

The Biomech style mixes both organic and mechanical objects to create an Alien Vs. Predator like scene that can include any element one can dream. One thing about a true Biomech tattoo is the size and it must have movement. When done properly a biomechanical tattoo will look as though it is part of your body. Almost as though you can see through your arm or have been attacked by an alien disease. Biomech is so busy that it takes a large surface area on your body to create enough objects and movement.

Biomech Examples

The pictures throughout this post are of my own color biomech quarter-sleeve and my buddy’s full-sleeve black and grey biomechanical tattoo. Both of these tattoos have more of an organic design rather than obviously mechanical. They also both have a lot of movement created by the layering of the various bones and alien structures. Attention is also focused on certain parts of the body as you move your arm the shapes change and mold at key areas.

If you are planning on getting a biomechanical tattoo prepare to shell out a few dollars for multiple tattoo sessions. I have about 20 hours worth of work into my quarter sleeve and my buddy has had at least 7 sessions and is still not complete.