When you think of classic Western tattoos, bold outlines and simple colors probably come to mind—anchors, hearts, maybe a skull or two. But artists like Tatu Panda are shaking things up with a whole new take on ink. His floating tattoos are anything but ordinary. Using super fine lines and microrealism techniques, his designs create the illusion that they’re hovering just above the skin.
What makes them float? It’s all in the details. Tatu Panda adds soft, diffused shadows under sea creatures—think sharks, stingrays, and even alligators—making them look like they’re gliding across your arm. The result is a clean, subtle tattoo that grabs attention without shouting.
“It’s about precision, detail, and making the art pop,” says the Miami-based artist. For him, floating tattoos aren’t just about the look—they’re also about giving people something meaningful, personal, and quietly bold. “A lot of my clients want something that doesn’t scream, but still makes people do a double take,” he explains.
But there’s more to Tatu Panda’s approach than style. Microrealism tattoos were once seen as a fringe trend, even mocked by some in the industry. Instead of backing down, Panda leaned in. “It was my way of giving the middle finger to the industry,” he says. Now, his work speaks for itself.
Tatu Panda proves that floating tattoos and microrealism aren’t just trends—they’re here to stay. Want to see more or book your own piece? Catch him on Instagram and get inspired.
