As tattoos become more widely recognized as a legitimate art form, realism tattoos are becoming more and more prevalent in ink culture.
Tattoo enthusiasts have always admired realism tattoo styles, but modern realism designs are on a whole other level. Compare this to traditional tattoos or other styles of bold cartoon imagery that aren’t aimed at photorealism and you’ll immediately notice the difference.
With so much talent in this field today and tools and techniques evolving, there’s never been a better 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 provide tips on how to keep them realistic forever.
Background and history of realism tattoos
Realism tattoos are a modern reflection of the 19th century realism art movement. At this time, the masters of oil painting and canvas aimed to depict reality in its purest form, without ornamentation or embellishment, using the most precise instruments and techniques available at the time.
The invention of the camera once again raised the bar for realism, making it possible to capture the essence of objects without the need for artistic interpretation.
As tattooing returned to the mainstream in the 20th century, artists sought to push the boundaries of realism and revive the primitive techniques of the old masters in bold new art forms.
What is realism in tattoos?
Although there is no definitive rulebook for realism tattoos, several key characteristics characterize this style. In the 1970s, Latin American artists began using precision needles to create incredibly detailed black and gray ink tattoos.
Born out of necessity in California prisons, this style quickly seeped into wider tattoo culture and changed things forever. Here are some of the defining characteristics of realism tattoos that still remain today.
- A single-needle sewing machine that can create thin lines and fine shading.
- Focus on black and gray realism tattoos, adding occasional red or ink for contrast
- Combine larger pieces to create a unified, flowing sleeve.
- Use of shadows, blur effects, clouds, and other filler designs
- There will be less emphasis on traditional tattoo text, flashes and bright motifs.
Realistic tattoos have always been in fashion, but it’s not until recent technological innovations have made them more realistic and desirable. Today’s realistic ink is even more detailed and difficult to distinguish from photos, making it one of the most popular designs of all tattoos.
What makes a tattoo realistic?
A tattoo does not have to be realistic to be considered a good tattoo and vice versa. Realistic tattoos work best when they faithfully represent the subject matter while maintaining the characteristics that make them great tattoos.
This means that the subject matter and style must fit the format, as well as the artist’s technical ability. Additionally, the artist must have the insight and vision to interpret the subject matter and create a powerful tattoo design, which requires talent and years of experience.
It’s also worth noting that some aspects of realism can be put aside in order to achieve a balanced and consistent tattoo design. For example, the sleeve might feature a highly detailed eye next to an angel, an hourglass, or detailed Gothic architecture.
These components may not fit the scale of the tattoo sleeve, but a true artist can adjust the scale to make each image look appealing on an individual and group level.
Therefore, realism in tattoos is a little different from realism in canvases or photographs. It is widely accepted that realism tattoos are not considered the most accurate interpretation of a design, but rather an alternative to old-fashioned designs.
Many realism tattoos are almost indistinguishable from their subject matter, thanks to perfect linework and shading. As always, your perfect realism tattoo may be different from everyone else’s and it’s all about clearly expressing what you want to get the desired result.
Who is the most famous realism tattoo artist?
Freddy Negrete is known as the godfather of realism tattoos, known for his realistic black and gray ink that maintains a distinctive style. Others have inherited the baton from his pioneering style and taken it to the next level with even more sophisticated and advanced techniques.
Steve Butcher is an artist known for his stunning portraits of pop stars, athletes, and other legends past and present. It is difficult to tell whether Butcher’s work was created directly from a photo printer or whether it was done by hand.
Matt Jordan is an artist known for his truly epic designs, treating his clients’ backs like Renaissance and 19th Century Realism Revival canvases. His portfolio depicts generals riding into battle on horseback and gods dramatically colliding in the sky. His style does not aspire to pure hyperrealism, but instead captures the essence of art.
There are many realism artists out there, but be sure to research their specialty before making a commitment.
Realism tattoo designs and motifs
What tattoo designs best suit a realistic style? It’s all a matter of taste, but there are some motifs that work best with realism. Keep these things in mind when planning your next piece or looking for inspiration.
portraits and characters
Photorealistic portraits are usually a popular design type in the realm of realism tattoos. Artists study the intricate details of a person’s face and use incredible detail and shading to express that person’s uniqueness on their skin.
From classic artists like Sinatra and Elvis to modern icons like Jordan and Drake, you can find great examples of hyperrealist portraits both online and in person. Similarly, if you want to get a photo-realistic tattoo of your loved one, this is a good way to find an artist.
animals and natural objects
Wild animals have always been a classic in the tattoo industry, and realistic ink is perfect for capturing the essence of animals in style. From lions to wolves to tigers to bears to birds, there’s no shortage of ferocious creatures to imprint on your skin in photo-realistic detail.
Flowers, trees, and other plants also work well as realism tattoos, but they are often used as accents or fillers rather than the main event.
abstraction and surrealism
The image doesn’t have to exist in reality to create a great realistic tattoo. From ancient folklore to modern legends, many mythical creatures have entered the realism tattoo category.
It turns out that abstract and surreal tattoos fit very well into the style of realism, even if the subject matter does not always correspond to the limits of reality as we perceive it.
Tips for getting and maintaining a realism tattoo
We are in a golden age of realism tattoos. There are many ways to get the piece you want. However, this is a unique style and usually takes more time, patience, and money. Here are some tips to help you create the realistic tattoo you want and keep it looking fresh.
Find a proven realism artist
Realism is probably the most difficult tattoo style, so it can narrow your options when choosing a tattooist. Be prepared to do some research and maybe even travel to another city to get the best job possible.
Realism tattoos also tend to be more expensive than standard tattoos, so keep your budget in mind and don’t expect a discount if you work with a well-known artist.
Provide photos and references
Even the most talented realism tattoo artist needs references when creating a design that matches your skin. Consider sending your tattoo idea ahead of time to let the other person know what you want. If you have a new concept in mind, find other tattoo images that match your vision and be willing to listen to the feedback they provide.
Prepare multiple sessions if necessary
Because of their fine lines and intricate detail, realism tattoos usually take longer to apply than typical traditional ink. 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.
For short or full sleeves, expect to attend at least three sessions, each lasting several hours. It may take several months for your tattoo art to complete and heal, but it’s worth the wait.
Use aftercare best practices
Realism tattoos can fade or run off if you don’t adhere to the best aftercare and long-term maintenance methods. You don’t want to waste that effort and money, so use Mad Rabbit’s soothing gel to repair your ink after each session.
From there, consider applying SPF 30 tattoo sunscreen every time you go to the beach with realistic ink, and using lotion every day even when you’re not sitting in the sun.
Doing realism tattoos correctly
Realism tattoos are a pillar of culture and are some of the most sought after pieces of work today. Learn the history of realistic tattoos, appreciate the artistry behind your favorite designs, and don’t settle for low prices when getting the artwork you desire.
Keep in mind that realism tattoos require even more maintenance and long-term care than other types of tattoos. With the right approach and some pro tools, you can protect your realistic tattoo art for years to come.
source:
Realism Movement | Art Story
Style Guide: Realism | Tattoo
Realism tattoo designs, ideas and meanings | Tattoos for you
Roots of “black and gray realism” tattoo | Cap Radio
