Realism & Portrait Tattoos in Miami
A portrait tattoo looks for real people, whether they’re relatives, actors, or whoever matters to you. The face has to be representative and clear, so it feels real, so you feel that it is that person.
Most people come in already knowing what they want. If you know you want to do something but not exactly what, that’s fine too. I start by asking who you’d like to represent, or what you like in general, and we work it out from there.
Black and gray: where the face comes alive
Black and gray plays with the design and the tone your skin already has. The ink mixes with your skin tone to make a single design, and the contrast and the shadows are what build the face.
I like to make pieces that are mostly black and gray, then add a little color, chrome or smoke to give the piece extra strength. It’s something I’ve formed as part of my identity.
Portrait vs. anime
They’re two worlds apart. An anime design is flatter, even 2D, and you know it’s anime because of the character, not because of the tattoo style. A portrait looks for a real person, and it only works if the face is clear. If you’re not sure which one fits your idea, we talk it through in your consultation.
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What I recommend avoiding
I recommend avoiding styles that are confusing, the kind you may regret in the future. That includes micro-realism, in color and even in black and gray.
What to know before you book
- How long does it take? A session usually takes about 8 hours. It’s a drawing, so there’s never a standard duration. It depends on the design.
- How much does it cost? A session is $1,700.
- Does it hurt? Pain is very relative. Some people feel it less, others more. In general it’s like a very small scratch that everyone can handle. The area and the time influence it.
Myths, answere
- “The bone gets tattooed.” No. The needle never reaches the bone. It would hurt too much and the needle would get damaged.
- “If I gain muscle, the tattoo gets deformed.” No. Your skin grows with the muscle. It would take something very, very excessive for that to happen.
- “Black ink turns greenish.” That’s a lie nowadays.
- “It hurts a lot.” Not as much as people think, especially the first time.
