What are Realism Tattoos?

Unlike traditional tattoo styles, realism style tattoos contain so much detail that they almost look lifelike. For those who are interested in portrait tattoos, pet tributes, and realistic nature scenes, realism tattoo are the way to go. While most realism-style tattoos are done in black and grey, in order to maximize the depth through shading, some are also done in color. At its core, realism tattooing is a fusion of classical art and modern tattooing techniques. Continue reading to learn more about realism tattoos, and the world of possibilities that this style opens.

Black and Grey Realism Tattoos

Realism, in contrast to stylized or illustrative designs, captures the essence of a subject through careful shading, smooth gradients, and intricate details. Utilizing only black ink (usually), artists are able to make tattoos come to life through this style. To achieve this effect, tattoos artists often employ a technique called "grey wash," where black ink is mixed with water to produce various shades of grey. This results in dramatic contrast and realistic depth. Because of the inherent realism of the style, there aren't many limits to what images can be captured as a realistic tattoo. Many people get portraits of their loved ones as tattoos as a way of paying tribute to them. Similarly, some people get pet portrait tattoos to memorialize their furry friends. Nature scenes like a bouquet of flowers or even a ship at sea are also great material for realism tattoos, as the depth and intricate details that the style calls for can capture things like movement and emotion.

Color Realism Tattoos

Some artists utilize colored ink for realism tattoos. This is a good way to add even more life and vibrancy to a tattoo. It's important to note, however, that realism style tattoos still shouldn't look like illustrations, even though they incorporate color. For more stylized and illustrative designs, customers should check out tattoo styles like American traditional, and Japanese traditional. When color is used in realism tattooing, it is combined with detailed shading to add depth to the image. This creates an interesting effect where the primary, highlight colors pop even more than usual, making for a more vibrant tattoo. Light sources are also incorporated into full-color realism tattoos, which contribute to the overall "realistic" look and feel of them.

For examples of realism tattoos done by our staff at American Vintage Tattoo, make sure to check out the realism tattoo gallery on our site.

To Book an Appointment for A Realistic Tattoo, Visit American Vintage Tattoo

If you are looking for a high-quality realism tattoo that looks like it could walk right off your skin, check out American Vintage Tattoo. Our artists are experts who have many years of experience bringing vibrant, realistic designs to life. Whether you are looking for someone to tattoo a realistic portrait of a loved one, or if you need someone to help bring a scene in your head to life, American Vintage Tattoo can help! Visit our website to schedule a consultation for a realism tattoo today.