As tattooing becomes more widely recognized as a legitimate art form, the realism tattoo movement within ink culture is growing.
Tattoo enthusiasts have always admired realist tattoo styles, but modern realist designs are on a whole other level. Compare this to the bold cartoon images and other styles of traditional tattooing that don’t aim for photorealism, and the difference is immediately apparent.
There’s a lot of talent in the field now, and tools and techniques have evolved, so now’s the perfect time to get the realistic body art of your dreams. This style guide will help you understand the history and meaning of these tattoos, and also give you tips on how to maintain a realistic tattoo for good.
Background and History of Realism Tattoos
Realism tattoos are a modern reflection of the 19th century realism art movement, when masters of oil and canvas aimed to depict reality in its purest form, without ornamentation or decoration, using the most precise tools and techniques available at the time.
The invention of the camera made it possible to capture objects in their true essence without artistic interpretation, once again raising the bar for realism.
As tattooing became mainstream again in the 20th century, artists sought to push the boundaries of realism and revive the pure techniques of the old masters in a bold new art form.
What is realism in tattooing?
While there are no hard and fast rules for realism tattooing, there are some key features that define the style: In the 1970s, Latin American artists began using precision needles to create incredibly intricate black and grey ink tattoos.
What began out of necessity in California prisons soon spread and changed the face of tattoo culture. Below are some of the defining features of realism tattoos that remain today.
Single needle machine for fine lines and fine shading. Focus on black and grey realism tattoos with occasional use of red or ink for contrast. Larger pieces that transform into cohesive flowing sleeves. Use of shadows, blur effects, clouds and other filler designs. Less emphasis on the text, flash or bright motifs of traditional tattoos.
While realistic tattoos have been popular for a long time, recent technological advances have made them even more realistic and appealing. Today’s realistic ink is more detailed and difficult to distinguish from photographs, making it one of the most popular tattoo designs.
How can you make your tattoo look realistic?
It is believed that a tattoo does not have to be realistic to be a good tattoo, and vice versa. A realistic tattoo works best when it is faithful to the subject while still maintaining the characteristics of a great tattoo.
In other words, the theme and style must fit the format, and the artist’s technical ability also comes into play. Additionally, the artist must have the insight and vision to interpret the theme and turn it into a powerful tattoo design, which requires talent and years of experience.
It’s also worth noting that aspects of realism can be set aside somewhat in order to achieve a balanced and consistent tattoo design – for example, a sleeve might feature highly detailed eyes, hourglasses, detailed gothic architecture, etc. next to an angel.
While these elements may not be depicted to scale on a tattoo sleeve, a true artist can manipulate the scale to make each image look appealing on both an individual and group level.
Therefore, tattoo realism is slightly different from canvas or photographic realism. It is widely accepted that realism tattoos are not the most accurate interpretation of a design, but are seen as an alternative to old-fashioned designs.
Many realism tattoos are nearly indistinguishable from the subject of the tattoo thanks to the perfect lines and shading. As always, the perfect realism tattoo may differ from someone else’s. It’s important to be clear about what you want in order to get the results you desire.
Who are the most famous realist tattoo artists?
Freddy Negrete is known as the godfather of realist tattooing, known for his distinctive, lifelike black and grey ink. Other artists have taken on his pioneering style, elevating it to new heights with sophisticated and advanced techniques.
Steve Butcher is an artist known for his stunning portraits of pop stars, athletes, and other legendary figures of the past and present. It’s hard to tell if a Butcher piece was printed directly on a photo printer or painted by hand.
Matt Jordan is an artist known for his truly epic designs, treating his clients’ backs as canvases of the Renaissance and 19th century revival of realism. His portfolio depicts generals riding into battle on horseback and gods dramatically clashing in the sky. His style aims to capture the essence of fine art rather than pure hyperrealism.
There are many realism artists out there, but you should always research their area of expertise before booking them.
Realism tattoo designs and motifs
What tattoo designs are best suited to a realistic style? It’s all a matter of preference, but there are some motifs that lend themselves best to realism. Keep these in mind as you plan your next tattoo and look for inspiration.
Portraits and figures
Photographic portraits are a common design type in the field of realism tattooing, where the artist studies the intricate details of a person’s face and then renders that person’s likeness on their skin with incredible detail and shading.
From classics like Sinatra and Elvis to modern icons like Jordan and Drake, you can find amazing examples of hyperrealist portraits both online and in person. Similarly, if you want to get a photorealist tattoo of a loved one, this is also a good way to find an artist.
Animals and nature
Wild animals have always been a staple in the tattoo industry, and realistic ink excels at capturing their animal essence in a stylish way. There are a multitude of ferocious creatures to inscribe on your skin in photo-realistic detail, including lions, wolves, tigers, bears, and birds.
Flowers, trees, and other plants are also commonly used in realism tattoos, but more often as accents or fillers rather than as the main tattoo.
Abstraction and Surrealism
An image doesn’t have to exist in reality to make a great realistic tattoo, and many mythical creatures from ancient folklore to modern legends have been incorporated into the realism tattoo category.
We see that abstract and surreal tattoos fit very well into the style of realism, even if their subject matter doesn’t necessarily match the limitations of reality as we perceive it.
Tips for getting and maintaining a realistic tattoo
The golden age of realism tattoos is upon us, and there are many ways to get the tattoo you want. However, it is a unique style and usually requires more time, patience, and money. Here are some tips to help you get the realism tattoo you want and keep it fresh.
Find a proven realist artist
Realism is probably the most difficult style of tattoo to get, which means your options when choosing a tattoo artist may be limited. Be prepared to do your research and even travel to another city to get the best possible work.
Realism tattoos tend to be more expensive than standard tattoos, so keep your budget in mind and don’t expect a discount if you hire an established artist.
Provide photos and references
Even the most talented realism tattoo artists need references when coming up with a design for your skin. Send them your tattoo ideas in advance and let them know what you want. If you’ve come up with a completely new concept, be sure to look for images of other tattoos that fit your vision and listen to the feedback they provide.
Arrange multiple sessions if necessary
Realism tattoos generally take longer to apply than traditional ink due to the fine lines and intricate detail they require. These works of art can take up to twice as long depending on the level of detail required, so plan ahead and consider multiple sessions.
A half sleeve or full sleeve will require at least three sessions lasting several hours each. It may take several months for the tattoo art to be completed and healed, but it’s worth the wait.
Leverage aftercare best practices
Realism tattoos are prone to fading and blending if the best aftercare and long term maintenance is not observed, you don’t want to waste that effort and money so use Mad Rabbit’s soothing gel to repair your tattoo after every treatment.
From there, if you get a realistic tattoo and go to the beach, be sure to wear an SPF 30 tattoo sunscreen, and consider using lotion daily, even when you’re not in the sun.
Doing a Realism Tattoo Correctly
Realism tattoos are a cultural pillar and some of the most sought-after pieces today, so learn about the history of realism tattoos, appreciate the artistry behind your favorite designs, and don’t settle when it comes to getting the artwork you want.
Remember that realism tattoos require more maintenance and long-term care than other types of tattoos, and with the right approach and a few pro tools, you can protect your realism tattoo art for years to come.
source:
Realism Movement | Art Stories
Style Guide: Realism | Tattoodo
Realism Tattoo Designs, Ideas and Meanings | Tattoos For You
The Roots of “Black and Gray Realism” Tattoos | CapRadio
