Tattoo style
Realism tattoos in South Tyrol
Realism brings photos, portraits and nature onto the skin as true to life as possible. Light, shadow and texture all have to work together precisely. At Herzstickl in Schlanders and Kaltern we tattoo realism in black and grey and in colour.
Black and grey or colour
Black and grey realism works with black and finely graded shades of grey. It feels calm and timeless and is especially suited to portraits, statues and atmospheric motifs.
Colour realism lives on rich tones and soft transitions and makes animals, flowers or landscapes glow. Which version suits your motif and your skin is something we discuss in the consultation.
Realism
Work in this style
A selection from our artists’ portfolios.
Portraits, animals and detail
For a realistic tattoo, the reference image is crucial. A sharp photo with good light and clear contrast makes a big difference, especially for portraits of people or pets.
Realism also needs space: fine details like eyes, hair or fur can only be rendered cleanly from a certain size upwards. We help you choose motif, framing and size so the tattoo stays readable in the long term.
Patience and several sessions
Realistic tattoos are built layer by layer. We usually split larger pieces into several sessions so the skin can recover and the shading is built up cleanly.
Further down this page you can see which artists at Herzstickl in Schlanders in the Vinschgau valley and in Kaltern tattoo realism. You can send us your reference image directly through the request form.
Good to know
- Flat, larger areas such as upper arm, forearm, calf, thigh or back work especially well.
- The skin needs enough time to heal between sessions.
- Strong contrast helps a realistic tattoo stay vivid for years.
- Realism needs a certain minimum size so details do not blur.
Artists who tattoo Realism
Open a profile for more work and details.
GuestApolloTattoo Artist since 2022 · Schlanders and KalternRealism Black & Grey
GuestClaudio CarlottiniTattoo Artist since 2012 · Schlanders and KalternRealism Black & Grey
GuestDaniele BellinoTattoo Artist since 2010 · SchlandersBlackwork · Realism Black & Grey · Realism Color
GuestRiccardo VigliottaTattoo Artist since 2017 · Schlanders and KalternFine Line · Blackwork · Realism Black & Grey
FAQ about Realism
What kind of photo works as a reference?
Ideally a sharp, high-resolution photo with clear light and distinct shadows. We are happy to look at blurry or very dark images too and will tell you honestly what can be done with them.
Black and grey or colour: which is better?
Both have their strengths. Black and grey feels calm and timeless, colour adds brightness. We advise you based on the motif, placement and skin type.
How many sessions does a portrait take?
That depends on size, level of detail and your skin. You will get a clear estimate after the consultation with your reference image.
Can I get a portrait of my pet?
Yes, pet portraits are among the most popular realistic motifs. Send us a good photo through the request form and we will get back to you.