want the best realism tattoo possible? read these tips
How to get the best realism tattoo, provided to you by a leading realism tattoo artist.
So, you’ve decided to get a realism tattoo. Firstly, I’ll tell you that you’re awesome and we can definitely be friends.
Secondly, I’ll ask (or force) you to read the tips below. Contrary to what some people like to believe, your tattoo will be on you forever, and if you want to wear yours like a badge of honor rather than shove it in the closet with the rest of your skeletons, it’s important you do as much as you can to ensure your idea is properly transformed from a vision in your head to an exceptional tattoo on your skin.
TIP #1: BE AWARE OF HOW REALISM DESIGNS ARE CREATED
The first thing you need to know is that realism designs are created differently to other styles of tattooing.
While artists specialising in other styles can draw up their design from scratch or trace any type of image, realism artists create their designs using photographic references. By sourcing photographic images and layering different elements of each one using software such as Photoshop, we are able to create a design that is cool, unique and most importantly, that looks real. Some artists, such as myself, also use markers on the skin itself after the stencil has been applied to freehand some extra elements and add their own flavour to the design.
TIP #2: PROPERLY CONSIDER YOUR SUBJECT MATTER
When deciding on what you would like tattooed, ask yourself these 4 simple questions:
1. Will I be happy to have this on my skin for the rest of my life?
An obvious one, but very important nonetheless. Your tattoo doesn’t have to necessarily resonate with you on a deeply personal level – it’s completely okay to get something simply because you like the look of it – but it should be something that you will enjoy looking at forever, regardless of what stage of life you’re in.
If it’s going to genuinely bring you joy, then go for it. If you’re 18 and thinking of getting a portrait of your best mate because #bffe then please, sleep on it. For another 10 years.
2. DO I NEED TO DO ANY RESEARCH?
PLEASE do your research on cultural, religious and historical subject matter. If you would like a certain Greek God for example, know the history behind them and what they represent – it could be something that totally doesn’t resonate with you. Keep in mind how certain subject matter may come across as culturally insensitive (e.g. American-Indian headdresses, religious symbolism, etc.).
3. Could I make this more interesting?
Repeat after me: “My tattoo is a piece of art.” If you want to make an impact with your tattoo rather than have it look like everyone else’s, get creative. Think of your body as a canvas and this as your opportunity to put an epic piece of art on it. Go Picasso on that shit and think outside the box. More advice on this in tip #3.
A lot of people ask for similar tattoos (e.g. pocket watches, owls, etc.) and while it’s not a bad thing to have a tattoo that is similar to what other people have, have a think about how you could make it a bit more special… a bit more YOURS.
4. Will this even be possible?
Realism designs are created using photographic images. If you want a tattoo of a character that only exists in animated form then it can’t be tattooed in the style of realism because, well, it’s not real.
If it doesn’t exist in photos, it can’t exist as a realism tattoo.
TIP #3: LOOK FOR USESABLE REFERENCE IMAGES
As mentioned in tip #1, realism artists rely on photographic images to create their designs. This doesn’t mean they can use any photo on the internet – in fact, there are very specific requirements that each image needs to meet.
You should know these requirements. When sending images to your artist for ideas, the artist will absolutely froth over you if you provide images that are:
1. Photographs
NOT animated images, drawings, and DEFINITELY NOT photos of other tattoos…. I don’t know how to explain this any further. MUST. BE. PHOTOS.
2. High-resolution
If you want a detailed and good quality tattoo, we need a good quality photo that shows detail. If you send through a blurred image of a face for example, when creating the stencil your artist won’t be able to define the wrinkles on the forehead, the hairs of the eyebrow, etc. Basically, if it’s not visible in the photo, it’s not visible in your tattoo.
3. Different
Ask me for a sailing ship and I guarantee you will provide me the same image that I’ve seen a million times before. This really comes back to tip #2 in how you can make your tattoo more interesting and unique. There are heaps of photographers doing really cool things these days - allow yourself to have some fun finding images with a point of difference. If you provide your tattoo artist with interesting images, I have no doubt that he or she will be genuinely more excited about your tattoo than others. We relish any opportunity to take on projects that dare to break the mould of conventional tattooing.
Of course feel free to send though any kind of image that provides an insight into your inspiration, but at the end of the day, it’s the reference images that will make the design and therefore, the tattoo.
TIP #4: PICK THE BEST PLACEMENT
As mentioned earlier, your body is a canvas. What I didn’t mention is that your canvas can be a fickle little thing, in the sense that you can’t just whack an image anywhere and expect it to turn out perfectly. You could have a great design, but if it’s not applied in the correct area it could look like what the French call, “le’ shit”. Want to know why? Silly me, of course you do:
1. Your body has curves and contouring
Picture this: You get a large, detailed tattoo of your beloved dog wrapped around your lower arm. Yeah sweet, looks good standing still with your arm straight, but what happens to poor ol’ Chestnut’s face when you perform basic twisting movements, like opening a jar? I’ll tell you what: distortion. And there it is, in a heartbeat your tattoo of Chestnut has gone from making people swoon to making people ask wtf is on your arm. Poor Chestnut. How could you?
You get the picture. Consider what area of your body is most suited to the shape and size of your tattoo. Usually the flatter the surface, the better.
2. Skin condition = tattoo condition
If you have a job working outdoors where your arms are exposed to sunlight and wind all day, it’s likely the skin on your arms won’t be in the greatest of condition. This not only means that the skin may not take to ink well, but it also means that once the tattoo is applied and you continue to expose it to the sun, it will fade much quicker than usual. If you want something to really last, consider getting it done on an area of skin that’s in good condition and that won’t be too exposed to the elements.
3. “MAKE THE PAIN STOP PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD”
Certain areas of the body are prone to experiencing more pain from tattooing than others. If you really don’t handle pain well, I’d advise against being tattooed for large amounts of time on areas like the neck and ribs. This is general advice as everyone’s different and you may be more sensitive in different areas, but just keep this in mind before booking pieces that will require you sit in the chair for a substantial amount of time.
TIP #5: KEEP YOUR ARTIST UP TO DATE WITH WHAT YOU WANT!
Consider how changing your mind on your tattoo affects your booking. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. If you are booked in to get a wolf and later decide you would like it to be wearing a hat and smoking a dart, tell your artist BEFORE your session. This especially applies if you decide to change your subject matter all together, like replacing the wolf with an elephant. Don’t just rock up on the day and expect the artist to alter the design at the click of a finger. We spend valuable time creating designs, so practice common courtesy and let us know if you have changed your mind on what you would like as soon as possible. This will save you money anyway, as creating the new design will cut into your session time.
I hope this article inspires you to make the most of your realism tattoo experience. Invest proper time and energy into considering your tattoo and I can assure you, you’ll end up with something you love.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch by Facebook, email or through the Contact page on my website.
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