Realism tattooing reproduces a subject with photographic accuracy: a face, an animal, a statue, a pair of hands. At Soulraven Studios realism is worked in black and grey, from a clear reference photo, and it needs enough size to hold the detail, which is why portraits are usually forearm, upper arm, thigh or larger.
A portrait is the most demanding thing a tattoo artist does. The likeness lives in millimetres: the distance between the eyes, the shape of a smile, the weight of a shadow under the jaw. The studio works from high-resolution references and plans the size so the detail survives healing and ageing.
Animal and wildlife pieces, lions, tigers, birds and pets, follow the same discipline. Fur, feathers and eyes are built in layers of grey over solid black, and the composition is placed so the animal sits naturally on the muscle.
Memorial portraits of family members are a large part of this work. Bring the best photo you have; if the only photo is small or blurred, say so and the studio will tell you honestly what is possible.
Consultations for custom, large and cover-up work are J$2,000, in the studio. A 50% deposit secures your date.
Examples
Realism & portraits from the studio.
Real client work. Tap any piece to see it larger.
Questions
Realism & portraits questions
How big does a portrait need to be?
Large enough for the features to be drawn clearly, usually a minimum of a hand’s length for a single face. Smaller than that and the likeness blurs as it heals.
Can you work from a phone photo?
Often, if it is sharp and well lit. Send it on WhatsApp and you will get a straight answer.
Kingston, Jamaica
Have something in mind?
Let’s talk about it. Tell Soulraven the idea, the placement and the size, and send your references in WhatsApp.