A realistic tattoo mimics its subject so closely that the finished piece can look like a photograph printed on skin. Black & grey realism is Nero Tattoo's core craft: depth is built with black ink and the skin's own tones alone, without outlines.
What kind of style is realism?
In realism, shading does the work that outlines do in more traditional styles. Soft transitions, precise highlights and textures demand both a draftsman's eye and years of needle technique, because the style forgives very little. It is also one of the slowest techniques: the same surface area takes considerably more hours than a simpler design.
The most popular subjects are portraits, animals, landscapes and pop culture characters. The style works best where the skin is even and the image has room: upper arm, thigh, back and chest. Our realism guide goes deeper into the style.
How does black & grey age?
Black & grey is famously one of the most durable styles. Black pigment is stable, and the tones soften evenly over the years. A well-made piece looks like a softer version of itself after a decade, not a faded blur. Sun protection and proper aftercare decide the rest.
