BLACK & GREY PHOTO REALISM

“This is the style I’m proud to be known for. You can trust me - I’ve got this!”

Realism is a slower process than Freehand. For Jeremy to create the detailed Black and Grey Realism pieces he is known for, he needs time to execute the high quality of these pieces.

If you would like a sleeve in this style for example, expect to require at least 5-7 sessions, depending on the detail you would like achieved and size of your body. As a rough guide, a Black and Grey Realism portrait usually takes Jeremy 6 hours, and a rose takes approximately 3 hours.

As the name of the style suggests, the design must be based on photo references. The better the references, the better the tattoo. Jeremy is able to design truly original designs with Photoshop, using techniques such as morphing images together and changing the aspects of a photo.

Upon arriving at a realism tattoo session with Jeremy, you can expect that the first portion of your session will be used to finalise your design, size up your stencil and ensure that both yourself and Jeremy are content with the design before commencing tattooing it onto your skin. This work takes time and involves collaboration between artist and client, and is absolutely vital to ensure you both gain a great tattoo result. 

It is highly recommended that you read the advice Jeremy has written on his blog pertaining to realism tattooing.

It’s For You If:

You are after tattoos that are highly-detailed and life-like, and you are willing to put your trust in Jeremy to do what he does best. You are committed to booking multiple sessions if required in order to achieve this result. 

This style is great for you if you would like a portrait of a loved one, someone you admire (or a face you simply like the look of), or would like an animal tattoo. If you’re not quite game enough to make the leap to colour tattoos, or if you have existing work that is black and grey, stick to Black and Grey Realism for this tattoo. 

Because of the potential factors that may unforeseeably extend the amount of time required for your tattoo on the day, such as necessary design amendments and managing how your skin and nervous system respond to the tattooing process,  you understand and appreciate that you should have a degree of flexibility with the time and budget you allow for your realism tattoo/s. 

It May Not Be For You If:

You would like maximum coverage in minimal time (in which case, consider Freehand). If you’re limited on budget and don’t have much room to move in this area, but would still like a highly-detailed, quality piece of work, we highly recommend holding off on getting your tattoo until you save what you need - never skimp on quality when it comes to your tattoos.

COLOUR REALISM

“This is a serious style. It’s slow and precise – and when done well, looks epic. I can create highly detailed tattoos in colour realism that completely reflect the photo reference.”

Most of the information regarding black and grey realism above also applies to colour realism, apart from the time that it takes. The style is slower than black and grey realism because all the colours need to be packed in, and the additional work Jeremy must do in order to prepare for your piece.

Once Jeremy has finalised the design, he will need to spend time conducting a colour study in order to select the correct colour palette for the tattoo. Expect the preparation for your colour realism tattoo to encompass the first 1-2 hours minimum of your initial session.

A standard colour realism portrait needs approximately 9 hours+ to complete (depending on the design’s detail and size). For this reason, clients wishing to book colour realism sessions are given the choice of booking one extra long day (8-9 hours), or breaking it up over two back-to-back days (5-6 hours each). We highly recommend opting for the 2-day option, as it ensures Jeremy has time to do the piece complete justice, and also ensures he remains fresh towards the end of the piece. 

If you’re worried about long sessions, you can be assured that realism is a soft style of tattooing and most people don’t have issues sitting through back-to-back sessions. Jeremy also uses numbing agents in his tattoo process to settle the skin throughout the tattoo, and to ensure his clients can remain relaxed as the session progresses.

It’s For You If:

You want a detailed, life-like piece that makes people go “wow”. You are committed to booking multiple sessions if required in order to achieve this result. This style is great for you if you would like a portrait of a loved one, someone you admire (or a face you simply like the look of) or would like an animal tattoo. If you want to make a statement with colour, or have existing tattoos that are in colour, stick to colour for this tattoo. 

Because of the potential factors that may unforeseeably extend the amount of time required for your tattoo on the day, such as necessary design amendments and managing how your skin and nervous system respond to the tattooing process,  you understand and appreciate that you should have a degree of flexibility with the time and budget you allow for your realism tattoo/s

It May Not Be For You If:

You would like maximum coverage in minimal time (in which case, consider Freehand - please note Freehand can’t be done in colour).

Would like a cartoon or animated image tattooed. Realism designs can only be based on photographs (read Jeremy’s blog for more information on this). 

If you’re limited on budget and don’t have much room to move in this area, but would still like a highly-detailed, quality piece of work, we highly recommend holding off on getting your tattoo until you save what you need - never skimp on quality when it comes to your tattoos.