The careful line-drawing and stippling techniques of science illustration make them a natural starting point for incredible tattoos. Students and admirers of the sciences are flying their geek flags high with skin art of meaningful molecules, anatomical drawings, and space exploration's most historic events. So in the name of science, we've rounded up some of the best body ink inspired by chemistry, space, and the natural sciences.
Ferns make such a delicate and dainty tattoo, don't they? The plant has inhabited our planet for about 360 million years, thanks to its intelligent, rugged design that allows it to successfully reproduce in large amounts.
David Peyote worked on this astronaut tattoo that we love.
We heart this anatomical diagram by LA Ink's Kim Saigh, who completed this piece coincidentally on Valentine's Day.
So this isn't a real tattoo, says photographer Diana Eastman, but, rather, a manipulated self portrait. The back image is from Gray's Anatomy (no, not the TV show). We think it's only a matter of time before a devoted med student gets this incredible illustration inked. Do you dare?
Name that molecule! We spy . . . a methylene bridge.
After completing field work at Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arkansas, Evan was inspired to get some elephant ink. These particular illustrations are based on Czech illustrator Zdenek Burian's animal drawings.
Name that "dope" molecule!
This ode to the dinosaur kingdom is so cute for being such a fierce creature.
This space cat and moon tattoo is cute.
This science-themed tattoo is bold, bright, and beautiful.
The planets aligned for this tattoo.
This is an amazing watercolor space tattoo.
This sea-themed tattoo is so unique.
Love how pretty and delicate this starry arm tattoo is.
You gotta hand it to this guy for his tiny science tattoos.
This simple fruit fly tattoo doesn't bug us one bit.
Mars is the new moon in terms of space exploration. There are plenty of reasons to love the Red Planet, and this tattoo and Curiosity Rover [4] are just two of them.
Paleontology power! This simple silhouette of a dinosaur skeleton is both elegant and edgy.
We're totally mad for this Albert Einstein quote tattoo.
Whoa, this female scientist tattoo is impressive.
Love this delicate botanical illustration of a poppy.
