Definition
What is realism tattoo?
Realism is a tattoo style that aims to reproduce photographs or life-like images directly on the skin. It relies on intricate shading, smooth gradients and extreme attention to detail.
Realism can be done in black-and-grey (photo-realism) or full colour. Large pieces often take dozens of hours across multiple sessions. Artists specialise narrowly — portrait realists rarely do hyper-realistic animals and vice versa.
Examples
- Hyper-realistic black-and-grey portrait of a loved one
- Colour realism of a tiger or wolf
- Photo-realistic pocket-watch or skull