Realism tattoo: placements, size and longevity
Portraits, animals and objects rendered like a photograph, with soft transitions instead of outlines. Needs space and calm skin.
How the style ages
This style works with fine lines and small gaps. Ink migrates very slightly in the skin over the years – fine lines show it first. The spot is therefore what decides: on calm skin with little friction the style lasts a long time, on hands, feet or the stomach it barely does.
Colour and sun
The style does without bright colours. Black is considered the most durable ink – sunscreen never hurts though, because even black turns greyer over time on exposed spots.
How much room it needs
The style only unfolds on a large area. Back, thigh, chest or a whole arm are its natural places; on small spots, little remains of what defines it.
Which placement?
Of 16 placements, 6 are a good fit, 5 are possible and 5 are difficult. It gets difficult on the wrist, the hand and fingers, the stomach, the neck, the ankle and foot.
| Placement | Verdict | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm | possible | 12–14 cm |
| Inner arm | possible | 12–12 cm |
| Upper arm | good fit | 12–18 cm |
| Shoulder | good fit | 12–20 cm |
| Wrist | difficult | 2–6 cm |
| Hand and fingers | difficult | 1–6 cm |
| Chest | good fit | 12–30 cm |
| Ribs | possible | 12–25 cm |
| Stomach | difficult | 12–25 cm |
| Upper back | good fit | 12–35 cm |
| Lower back | possible | 12–25 cm |
| Neck | difficult | 3–10 cm |
| Collarbone | possible | 12–15 cm |
| Thigh | good fit | 12–30 cm |
| Calf | good fit | 12–18 cm |
| Ankle and foot | difficult | 2–10 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Where does a realism tattoo hold up best?
Good spots include the upper arm, the shoulder, the chest. Of 16 placements, 6 are a good fit, 5 are possible and 5 are difficult.
Does a realism tattoo age quickly?
This style works with fine lines and small gaps. Ink migrates very slightly in the skin over the years – fine lines show it first. The spot is therefore what decides: on calm skin with little friction the style lasts a long time, on hands, feet or the stomach it barely does.
Does a realism tattoo need sun protection?
The style does without bright colours. Black is considered the most durable ink – sunscreen never hurts though, because even black turns greyer over time on exposed spots.
See it on your body before you ink it
Tattvue places your design on a photo of your own skin, so you can judge size, placement and style before you book an appointment.