Realism Tattoos in Cali, Colombia: What to Expect, Sessions and Aftercare

A realism tattoo aims to look like a photograph on the skin: smooth shading, volume and a lot of detail. At Legassy Studio in Cali we mostly work black & grey realism: animals, portraits, mythological and religious figures. Because of the level of detail, a realistic piece usually needs enough size, one or more long sessions and good care while healing. The consultation is free on WhatsApp.

If you are looking for a realism tattoo artist in Cali, this guide helps you understand what makes a realistic piece work, what to expect from the process and what to ask before starting.

What exactly is realism in tattooing?

Realism reproduces an image with volume and depth, as if it were a photo or a painting. Unlike bold-line styles, almost everything here is built with gradients: going from the deepest black to very light greys without hard edges. That is why it is one of the most demanding styles and where the artist’s experience shows the most.

• Black & grey: uses only shades of black and grey. It is the most common and ages best.
• Realism with touches of color: for example, a colored eye inside a grey piece. You can see one in the gallery below.

To understand the difference with other dark styles, read our guide on blackwork vs. realism.

How many sessions does a realism tattoo need?

It depends on size and level of detail. As a reference:

The artist will give you a specific estimate during the consultation. You can also read how long a session lasts depending on the design.

Which placements work best for realism

Realism needs space for the detail to breathe. If it is done too small, the greys move closer together over the years and the image loses definition. The most common placements are:

• Arm and forearm: wide surface and easy to show.
• Calf: ideal for vertical pieces like the Ganesha in our portfolio.
• Back and chest: for large projects with several figures.

How to choose the reference (and why it matters so much)

In realism, the quality of the reference defines a big part of the result. If you want a portrait of a person or your pet:

1. Use a sharp photo, with good light and no filters.
2. Look for contrast in the face: clear lights and shadows.
3. Send several options; the artist will tell you which one works best on skin.

If your idea is not a portrait (an animal, a mythological figure, a composition), the team designs the piece with you from your references.

Good realism is not measured the day you leave the studio but years later: that is why size, placement and contrast are decided at the design stage.

Special care for a realism tattoo

Smooth gradients are the first thing to show if healing goes wrong. Follow your artist’s instructions to the letter and, especially in Cali’s climate, protect the piece from the sun and heavy sweating during the first weeks.

We explain it in detail in how to care for a new tattoo in Cali’s climate and in our step-by-step aftercare guide.

Where we are in Cali

Legassy Studio is in south Cali, near Mall Plaza and the Cañaveralejo Bullring (Plaza de Toros), at Calle 7 # 56-55. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The consultation is free: message us on WhatsApp with your idea and we will advise you with no commitment. Find directions on our contact page.

Keep reading

If this was useful, these guides complement what you just read:

• Sleeves and large tattoos in Cali
• How much does a tattoo cost in Cali?
• Black & grey realism gallery
• Micro-realism: what it is and how much detail is possible

Ready to take the step? Check out our tattoo portfolio in Cali.