Services
Colour realism
For when you want a tattoo that looks alive: rich colour, light and depth.
Colour realism shows a subject the way the eye sees it: with true shades, light and shadow. That's how portraits, animals, flowers, film and game characters come out looking three-dimensional rather than flat.
Ideas that come alive in colour
Colour works best where it's part of the subject itself: a bird's plumage, petals, the iris of an eye, firelight or a sunset sky. In pieces like these, the shades guide the eye and show what matters most in the tattoo.
A palette for your idea and your skin
Your artist chooses the palette with you: how many colours you need, which ones lead and where to keep contrast. Skin tone also affects how colour looks once healed, so we talk about it before the session. If the idea is still only in your head, bring photos, film stills or examples of colours you like.
Time and aftercare
Colour is built up in layers, so this kind of work takes more time. A medium-sized tattoo is usually done in one or two sessions, a large one over several, with breaks for healing. To keep the colour rich, protect the healed tattoo from the sun with SPF 50+.
Frequently asked questions
01Does a colour tattoo fade faster?
Every tattoo softens over time, but a rich palette and well-planned contrast hold up for years. Aftercare matters too: in the first weeks, follow your artist's instructions, and once it has healed, protect it from the sun.
02Can colour realism be done small?
Yes, as long as the colour has room. The more detail and shades in the subject, the larger the piece needs to be so the colours don't blend together. Your artist will suggest a size once they see your idea and placement.
03Does a colour tattoo need a black outline?
Not in realism: form comes from light, shadow and colour transitions, not from a line. There are dark tones in the piece, but they work as shadows, not as an outline.
04Can a colour tattoo be done on darker skin?
Yes. The palette is chosen to suit your skin tone: on darker skin, rich warm shades and stronger contrast work best. Your artist will tell you which colours will look most vivid.
05How much does colour realism cost?
The price depends on size, the complexity of the design, placement and the amount of colour. Tell us what you'd like, where and how big, and we'll give you a quote and the number of sessions. You'll find guide prices on the Pricing page.
Let’s talk about your project
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll give you a quote and suggest a date.
Other services
All services
01Black and grey realismFor those who love restraint: deep shadows and soft shades of grey.
02MicrorealismIf you want realism on a small scale: every detail stays easy to read.
03PortraitsKeep your loved ones close: a portrait of a person or pet from a photo.
04HyperrealismWhen realism isn't enough: every pore, highlight and reflection, just like a photo.
05WatercolourFor a light touch: colour that flows across the skin like paint on paper.- 06LetteringFor words that matter to you: a name, a date or a line from a favourite song.
07Cover-upIf your old tattoo no longer makes you happy, a new piece will take its place.
08TrainingFor tattoo artists who want to grow in realism: learn from an artist with 100+ awards.
09Gift cardsA gift that lets someone choose their own tattoo. Valid for 12 months.
Not sure which service is yours? That's normal: an idea usually lives in words, not in the name of a style. Tell us what you'd like and where — we'll suggest how it sits best and show you similar work. Come in for a free consultation: we'll look at the placement, try the design on and tell you honestly if it won't work that way.