Arguably one of the most popular tattoo styles today is the realism tattoo style. Unlike traditional, old-school, Japanese, or every other tattoo style in the ink world, realism tattoos, as you can tell by the name, distinguish themselves by their often hyper-realistic, lifelike appearance. Though the subjects of lifelike tattoos can be infinite, the only requirement is that the tattoo looks as close to photorealistic as possible.
How is that achieved? Photo realism tattoos ought to be as accurate and detailed as possible. Hence, it only makes sense that realistic tattoos require a highly skilled hand. Outlines do not exist in the real world; thus, they are rarely (if ever) used in realism-style tattoos. To separate the subjects of the tattoo, masters in the hyper-realistic tattoo style entail a lot of shading, way more than any other tattoo style would require. Thus, with the amount of shading necessary to achieve the desired effect, hyper-realistic tattoos take considerably longer to complete than other tattoo styles. And because of all the detailing, realism tattoos require extra aftercare to prevent them from fading. Therefore, getting a realistic tattoo as your first is generally not recommended, considering it’s not a “one-and-done” type of tattoo session. Still, the end result is very much worth it.
If you are considering getting one or simply enjoy looking at the lifelike ink reproductions on the skin, you will undoubtedly appreciate seeing the many realism tattoo ideas we have gathered below. What do you think about realism-style tattoos? Perhaps you’re planning on getting a realism tattoo yourself? Let us know in the comments! And, as always, let us know your favorite realistic tattoos from the list by giving them an upvote!
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Beautiful Boy Toby
Real Shadows
Crazy Realistic Statue Piece
Mechanic Tattoo
Everyone’s Favourite Giant Hagrid As Played By The Incomparable And Greatly Missed Robbie Coltrane
Full 360 Wraparound Choker
I think the whole point is to never have to wear another necklace ever again! Absolutely stunning!
Ganster Opera Girl
Ripped Collage
My Dog, Mike Teilwigger. Dutchman Tatto, Long Island New York
Two Pieces Done By Jooa In NYC
Curado Tattoo
Golden Balloon Dog Tattoo
Napoleon Crossing The Alps
Girl And Warrior
Healed Big Peonnie
Beautiful White Cat
Pilot With Her Views
Purple Rabbit Balloon
Magnificent Egyptian Chest Piece
Cat Tattoo
Viking And Nature Mix
Tesla - Sergio Sanchez - Archive Studios Los Angeles California
This is AMAZING, and one of the more deserving for a tattoo considering he's a significant Father of America's technological progress.
Nautical Skull
Space Turtle
Panda Munching On Bamboo
Tiger Heads
Mother & Father Tattoo
Baby Portrait
Big And Unusual Project
This reminds me of that Scooby Doo movie where theyre in Tokyo and they have to fight this giant samurai ghost
Deep Sea Anglerfish
Goddess Of Victory
Felis Catus
Incredible Skull
Banjo Tooie Realistic Patchwork
Realistic Imagination
Masked Fighter Woman
Back Tattoo That Took 4 Days
A Cover Up Tattoo Of A Golden Girl
I don't remember this Golden Girl. Is it from a Blanche flashback? Maybe one of Sofia's memories..."Picture it! Sicily, 1926..."
Wise Man Collage Full Back Tattoo
"Hyenas Life"
Underwater Lower Leg
The Goblin King By Leah Marie At Higher Love Tattoo In Cincinnati, OH
Realistic Charizard Collage Tattoo
My Head Tat Done By Corey Cuc At Hot Rod Tattooing In Martins Ferry Ohio
Raging Poseidon
A Portrait Of A Family Member
African Collage
Medici Statue
Compass On A Map
Took Inspiration From The Phantom Troupe And Got My Own Version Of The Tattoo
From The “A Cure For Wellness” Movie
"The Balance Of Your Brain And Your Heart"
...okay but the top of the zipper should be open and that would bug me for the rest of my life
Regal Woman Tattoo
Unfnished Mansion And Graffiti Tattoo
Senna Tattoo
"Bill Evans, William John Evans"
Dog Portrait
Christopher Lloyd As Uncle Fester
Mask Tattoo
Wise Man Tattoo
O' Fortuna by John Embry. Muse & Myth. Louisville, KY
Been thinking about getting a tattoo and have a day trip planned to Louisville next weekend. Might check this place out.
Japanese Inspired
Money Girl
A Jumper And A Nuthatch, By Gretta At Grettaalva Studios, Ottawa, Canada
Wall Smash Tattoo
Whale Splashing
Our Lady Tattoo
All-Time-Seeing Woman
Dead Silence And The Doll
"Real Eyes Realize Real Lies"
Lost Girl Tattoo
St. Barbara. One Of The Fourteen Holy Helpers
Billie Eilish
"This Heart Belongs To No One"
Santa Carla
One thing that always bothered me about Santa Carla, all the Damn Vampires!--- Lost Boys