Realism tattoos in Barcelona

How we approach realism

Realism aims to make the tattoo look like a photograph: volume, light, shadow and the texture of skin, fur or materials. It can be done in black and grey, with soft gradients, or in colour, with a palette that mimics real light.

The quality of the reference photo is key. For a portrait, the ideal is a sharp image with good light, no filters and the face large enough. If you do not have one, at the consultation we look at what can be done with what you have, or we combine several photos.

These are medium or large pieces, because the detail needs space to last. A coin-sized portrait loses its features within a few years; from around palm size it starts to work well.

Large pieces are done over several sessions. The base and main shadows come first, and contrast and detail are added in later sessions once the skin has healed.

Works well for

• Portraits of people and pets
• Animals
• Scenes and landscapes
• Forearm, arm, thigh and calf

We are at Carrer de Bailèn, 120, in Dreta de l’Eixample, three minutes from Verdaguer metro. Walk-ins and appointments welcome.