A realism tattoo brings an image to the skin with the fidelity of a photograph. At Leonardo Fonseca Ink Tattoo, a studio in the Renascença neighborhood of São Luís – MA, Brazil, realism is the house specialty, always in black & gray.
What realism is
In realism, the design is neither simplified nor outlined with thick lines. The result depends on volume, texture, contrast and, above all, light and shadow. In black & gray, all of this is built using only shades of black and gray, layer by layer, until the image gains depth.
Portraits of people and pets, sculptures, eyes, flowers and animals are among the most common themes. The studio's portfolio includes pieces such as Jesus, Tiger and Helmet and rose.
Who it is for
Realism suits anyone who wants to immortalize an image in rich detail: a tribute to a loved one, a pet, a work of art or a personal reference. Because the technique needs room for the detail to breathe, it usually works best on medium and large areas such as the forearm, arm, calf, thigh and back. For small pieces, the usual route is micro-realism.
How the process works
It all starts on WhatsApp: you send references, the body placement and the approximate size, and receive a quote within two business days. Every piece goes through three hand-drawn studies before going onto the skin, and you approve the final sketch. On the day, the studio sees one client at a time, with no rush: the session ends when the work is done.
Aftercare
A realism tattoo relies on soft shading, and healing directly affects the result. For the first weeks, keep the area clean and moisturized, avoid sun, pools and the sea, and don't pick at the scabs. Follow the instructions given at the end of the session closely. Once healed, sunscreen is what helps most to preserve the contrast over the years.
How to book
The studio's minimum price is R$ 300, and the date is reserved with a 15% deposit of the tattoo price (minimum R$ 100). To get started, message me on WhatsApp +55 98 98914-7770 or read the frequently asked questions.
