- Free Consultation
- First Time Discounts
- Certified & Safe
- Diverse Tattoo Styles
- Loyalty Reward Scheme
Expert Realism Tattoo Artist
Realism Tattoo Artist Near Me
Realism tattoos are captivating pieces of body art where the vividness of colour meets the precision of photo-realism. With roots in photo-realistic painting techniques, this style evolved in the late 20th century as tattoo artists sought to push the boundaries of realism, capturing life-like portraits, natural scenes, and intricate textures in full, vibrant colour. Here at Apex Ink we have excellent artists that can create a memorable realism piece. Or, recreate your bespoke design.
Where Does Realism Tattoo Come From?
Realism tattoos originated in the 1970s and 1980s, inspired by the fine art movement of realism in painting and drawing. Artists began experimenting with new machines, pigments, and needle techniques that allowed for smoother shading and greater detail than traditional tattooing methods.
By adapting photo-realistic art principles, tattooists could replicate portraits, landscapes, and lifelike objects directly onto skin. Colour realism grew as a natural progression, with advancements in ink technology enabling richer tones and more stable pigments. Today, realism tattoos represent one of the most technically demanding styles, combining artistic vision with precision and patience.
Why Choose Apex Ink Realism Tattoo Tattoos?
Specialist Artists: Our team includes artists who can focus on realism with fantastic designs.
Custom Designs: Every design is drawn to suit you - we don’t just replicate Pinterest images.
Attention to Detail: Fine line tattoos demand a steady hand and experienced technique, something our artists are known for.
A Studio You Can Trust: Clean, professional and welcoming - we make sure the process is as smooth as the final design.
READY TO GET STARTED? BOOK ONLINE!
Realism Tattoo Testimonial
Sample Of Our Tattoo Styles
MEET THE TEAM
CJ
CJ IS CO-OWNER AND LEAD ARTIST AT APEX INK WITH OVER 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS A TATTOO ARTIST. HE IS HIGHLY SKILLED AND IS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY IN THE STUDIO. HE IS A VERY DIVERSE ARTIST AND HAS TATTOOED MANY STYLES OVER THE YEARS BUT SPECIALISES IN BLACK AND GREY, PORTRAITS, REALISM AND ANIME TATTOOS
INTERESTS: MUSIC, INSTRUMENTS, ANIME, DOCUMENTARIES, FAMILY, COMBAT SPORTS
Vagas
VAGAS IS THE 2ND RESIDENT ARTIST IN THE APEX STUDIO. SHE HAS CAPTIVATED FEMALE CLIENTS WITH HER UNIQUE FLASH DESIGNS AND PATCH WORK TATTOOS. DON'T LET HER SWEET SMILE FOOL YOU; SHE IS VERY SERIOUS ABOUT HER CRAFT AND BUSINESS. VAGAS SPECIALISES IN BLACK AND GREY FINE LINEWORK, DOTWORK AND MANDALA.
INTERESTS: MUSIC, CARS, FASHION, ART
Aftercare Advice for Colour Realism Tattoos
To ensure your colour realism tattoo heals beautifully and lasts in vibrant detail, follow these global aftercare guidelines:
- Initial Care (First 24–48 hours)
- Keep the tattoo wrapped in the bandage applied by your artist for the recommended time (typically 2–4 hours).
- Wash gently with lukewarm water and an unscented, mild antibacterial soap. Pat dry - do not rub.
2. Daily Cleaning
- Wash 2–3 times per day gently. Always dry with clean paper towel or allow to air dry.
3. Moisturising
- Use a thin layer of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic tattoo aftercare lotion (e.g. Aquaphor, E45, or a product recommended by your artist) 2–3 times a day. Don’t over-apply—letting skin breathe aids healing.
4. Avoid Irritants and Contamination
- Avoid swimming (pools, sea, hot tubs), soaking in baths, or sweating heavily for at least 2 weeks.
- Wear clean, loose clothing to reduce friction on the tattoo surface.
5. Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sun during healing. Once healed, always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to maintain colour vibrancy and prevent fading.
6. Monitor Healing
- Expect light peeling or flaking—this is normal.
- Avoid picking scabs or scratching; let them fall away naturally.
7. Long-Term Care
- Keep moisturising occasionally to maintain skin health.
Touch-ups may be necessary after colours settle—consult your artist.
FAQ: Colour & Grey Realism Tattoos
What makes colour realism different from black-and-grey realism?
Colour realism uses full-colour palettes to reproduce lifelike images, relying on smooth gradients, subtle shading, and colour theory. Black-and-grey realism focuses on grayscale tones and contrast alone.
How long does a colour realism tattoo session last?
Sessions vary by size and complexity. Small designs may take 3–4 hours; large portraits can take multiple sessions over several days.
Does colour realism fade faster than other styles?
Colour pigments can fade more noticeably over time, especially in direct sunlight. Proper aftercare and sunscreen significantly slow fading.
Can you recreate my photo in colour realism?
Yes. High-quality reference images yield the best results—sharp focus, even lighting, high resolution. We’ll discuss tweaks to composition, size, and placement for the finest outcome.
Is colour realism more painful than other styles?
Pain depends on placement, individual sensitivity, and tattoo size. Colour realism may take longer, which can increase discomfort over time - but your artist will pace sessions with breaks as needed.
How much does a colour realism tattoo cost?
Cost varies; expect a rate per hour (e.g., studio’s standard hourly fee) multiplied by time needed. A quote will be provided after your consultation.
Do you offer cover-ups or reworks for existing colour tattoos?
Yes. Depending on the previous work and skin condition, cover-ups or refreshes are possible. Schedule a consultation to assess feasibility.