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“Ink Report”
“Ink Report”
First access to exclusive designs, insider details, and a vibrant blend of tattoo tales served up weekly(ish).
Artist Guide
10
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22
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2024
Realistic tattoos are both easy to imagine and difficult to choose. There is, after all, a broad spectrum of possibility. At the end of the day, realism is all about resemblance and truthful likeness. In tattooing, the most common convention is photorealism — translating the subject of a photograph to skin. Alternates are hyper-realistic tattoos, which enhance three dimensionality, or micro-realistic tattoos, which (not surprisingly) are small but mighty replications of source material. Surreal tattoos, following the art of those like or inspired by Dali, balance realism with elements of surprise or subversion. Realism is one of the most popular styles with tons of amazing tattoo artists around the world. Learn more about the source material, techniques, aesthetics, and history of the popular tattoo style in the style guide here.
Here are 10 Realism tattoo artists you should know.
Dom Brown is a tattoo artist based in Manchester, UK, known for his black and gray surrealism with a focus on dark art and dark fantasy themes. His work often incorporates haunting elements of nature, portraits, and abstract designs. Dom’s intricate shading and thorough detail bring a moody, atmospheric depth to his tattoos, making each piece both striking and a deeply thought-provoking vortex.
Dmitry Troshin is a tattoo artist based in Lake Forest, CA, specializing in black and gray realism. His work is characterized by stunning highlights, negative space and diligent focus on details, creating lifelike and vivid pieces. Dmitry’s ability to balance realism with dramatic contrast, and depth makes his tattoos stand out on his client’s skin.
Joybacks is a widely admired tattoo artist based in Mexico, renowned for his stunning realism tattoos. His work is distinguished by bold, vivid colors, bringing each design to life with clear and detailed expression. Known for his photorealistic approach, Joybacks creates tattoos that are truly recognized as impressive pieces of art that pop on skin.
Adrienn Kern is a tattoo artist based in Budapest, Hungary, known for her ability to blend hyperrealism and surrealism in her work. She uses dramatic colors and techniques to create visually fantastical pieces that balance lifelike detail with dreamlike, surreal elements. Adrienn's bold, expressive approach sets her apart, making her tattoos both captivating and unique.
Aung Swe is a tattoo artist based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the owner of OverTime Tattoo Collective. He is esteemed for his bold, colorful photorealism tattoos, showcasing vibrant and remarkable details. At times, his work leans toward hyper-realism, giving the viewer the impression that the tattoo is reaching out to them. Aung Swe's artistic expertise truly brings each design to life.
David Benjamin Kaye is a renowned photorealism tattoo artist based in New Zealand, working out of Ship Shape Tattoo. He is celebrated for his exceptional colorwork, creating shockingly real designs that often feature portraits and animals. David’s attention to detail and mastery of color is truly astonishing, making them appear almost three-dimensional. His ability to capture lifelike expressions and textures sets him apart as one of the leading artists in the field of photorealism.
Daniel Luzardo is a tattoo artist working between Miami, FL, and Austin, TX, known for his breathtaking realism tattoos. His work is so detailed that you can see the pores and textures in many of his designs, showcasing an extraordinary level of precision. Daniel excels in both color and black and gray realism, creating lifelike tattoos that are strikingly true to form, whether he's working on portraits or intricate, textured scenes. His expertise when utilizing negative space makes his work stand out for its depth.
Yomico is a photorealistic tattoo artist based in Brooklyn, New York, known for his incredible skill in colorwork and his ability to blend surrealism into his designs. His tattoos often push the boundaries of realism by incorporating ethereal elements, creating stunning yet thought-provoking pieces. Yomico’s expertise in color and his unique artistic approach make his work both photorealistic and creatively captivating. He is truly masterful at his craft.
Melek Tastekin is a renowned tattoo artist working in Colorado and New York, recognized for blending color realism, hyper-realism, and portraiture with a surrealist style. Known for pioneering the "Neon" style, she uses vibrant colors to create striking, lifelike designs. In addition to her tattoo work, she expresses her artistry through oil paintings, acrylic works, and sculptures, continuously drawing inspiration from various art forms.
Hugo Feist is a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist known for his dark fantasy designs and mastery of black and gray realism. His work often features dramatic highlights, with striking pops of red that add intensity to many of his designs. Hugo’s tattoos blend realism with imaginative, moody elements, creating visually captivating and atmospheric pieces that stand out in the world of dark fantasy art.
