Realism tattoo work at Alma Studio

Tattoo Styles

Realism

Art that mirrors life

Realism tattoos capture the world as it is — with depth, shadow, texture, and stunning accuracy. Whether it's a portrait, an animal, a landscape, or an object that holds meaning, our artists bring subjects to life on skin with the same care and precision as a fine art painting.

Our Realism Work

Realism tattoo by Alma Studio
Realism tattoo by Alma Studio
Realism tattoo by Alma Studio
Realism tattoo by Alma Studio
Realism tattoo by Alma Studio

What to Expect

Pain Level

Realism involves significant shading and layering, which can be more intense than line work. Larger pieces on sensitive areas will require breaks.

Healing Time

Allow 3–4 weeks for full healing. Realism tattoos benefit from careful aftercare to preserve the tonal range and detail.

Session Length

Realism pieces are time-intensive — expect 3–6 hours per session, with larger works requiring multiple sessions.

Ideal Placements

Upper arm Thigh Back Chest Calf Full sleeve

Pricing

Realism tattoos start from £200 per session. Complex pieces are quoted after consultation to ensure we can do your vision justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do colour realism? +

Yes — we work in both black-and-grey and full colour realism. Colour realism can produce stunning results, especially for nature-inspired pieces like flowers, birds, or landscapes.

How many sessions will my piece need? +

Small to medium pieces can often be completed in one session. Larger work like half-sleeves or back pieces typically require 2–4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

What references do you need? +

High-quality reference photos are essential for realism work. The clearer and more detailed your reference images, the more accurate the final tattoo. We'll work with you to refine the design before your appointment.

Ready to book your realism tattoo?

Get in touch and we'll bring your idea to life.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

Address

49-50 North Street
Brighton and Hove
BN1 1RH

Hours

Mon-Sun 11am – 6pm

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Tattoo — Placement

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1 Arm
2 Leg
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4 Chest
5 Ribs / Side
6 Shoulder
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1 Tiny — coin-sized (~2–3 cm)
2 Small — credit card (~5–8 cm)
3 Medium — palm-sized (~10–15 cm)
4 Large — hand-sized or bigger (~20 cm+)
5 Half sleeve
6 Full sleeve
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your idea

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