Realism style tattoo designs for men: the best collections (77 photos)

Modern tattoos differ not only in different themes and ideas, but also in design styles. The most complex for the master, but spectacular and impressive for men are tattoo designs in the style of realism. Realism is the most popular style today, and many connoisseurs call it a long-lasting trend in body art culture.

Realistic and trustworthy tattoos are made with skillful use of paints, shades and 3D effect. Most often these are portraits, animals and birds, different insects and cool subjects. Where did this trend come from, what ideas are popular today, on what places you can have such tattoos and in what format, you can learn from the article below.

Realism style tattoo for men. Main categories

Generally, in the style of realism, an experienced master can depict on the client's body absolutely any plot and picture. Here there are no restrictions and frameworks for the selection of sketches and themes, the main thing is to follow the features and distinctive features in the design, namely to convey a believable picture with jewel-like precision.

The main categories practiced in the format of realism:

Predators and other animals;
Cute and intimidating insects;
Proud and beautiful birds;
sea inhabitants;
portraits of people and idols;
plots from books, movies, fantasy, etc.;
3D tattoos.

For reference! The development of realism is directly connected with the development of tattooing equipment. Only a modern and high-quality machine is capable of executing a realistic three-dimensional drawing in which many details and gradients are vividly expressed.

Animals, birds, fish, insects

The most common realistic tattoos are living creatures of all formats and subjects. A man can stuff intimidating predators, cute animals, sea creatures, soaring birds or frighteningly plausible insects on his body. For example:

fox - Cunning, keen intelligence and intuition;
eagle - Freedom, speed, intelligence and a keen eye;
carp - eastern motif, symbol of courage, bravery and fearlessness;
scorpion - danger, fearlessness, invincibility;
scarab - symbol of youth, prosperity, beauty and determination.

As a rule, any character in such a body painting stands as a characteristic of its owner, an embodiment of his best qualities and aspirations.

Objects

Realistic designs often use sketches with different objects, by which you can determine the activities, interests and hobbies of the man. It can also be different modern accessories, gadgets and other things. For example:

camera - such a sketch is chosen by creative people associated with photo art;
compass - a sign of a traveler and a man who wants to determine his way of life;
book - a symbol of wisdom and deep knowledge;
home - the value of family traditions;
ring - an embodiment of love, loyalty, family and sensitivity.

Particularly popular are drawings of weapons, armor, with which men emphasize their militancy, courage and honor.

Portraits of people or other living beings

Another newfangled trend in the field of tattooing is the realistic execution of portraits. Different faces can act as the main character, such as:

A beloved girl or wife - The embodiment of fidelity and deep feelings;
relatives - recognition of closeness of kinship, honor and respect;
children - manifestation of endless strong love and devotion;
idol - A symbol of devotion and love for that person's work.

It is no less rare for men to stuff non-existent, and fictional characters from movies, books, legends, mythology on their bodies. Religious faces, faces and icons are also relevant.

Plot tattoos

Effectively and originally look whole plots taken from books, mythology, fantasy works, history or literature. Complex compositions look so realistic and three-dimensional, that attract the admiring glances of others. As a rule, on such a bold experiment are decided by young, creative and extraordinary guys.

3D tattoos

If a man prefers not only realistic, but also the most mesmerizing image on the body, the master can perform 3D tattoo. This is a three-dimensional, three-dimensional, spatial image. This format is most often used to depict:

portraits - Demonstrations of love, tastes, choices, or devotion;
stories from movies or cartoons - manifestations of body art;
animals and birds - Power, freedom, danger, courage, wisdom;
biomechanics - hooks, gears, pistons and even nails sticking into the skin;
carvings in the style of wood carving. - as if intricate patterns on a piece of wood, but actually on a man's body;
mythical characters. - dragons, various pagan and Scandinavian gods with their own designation;
geometry and abstraction - intricate drawings that attract and fascinate the eye;
monsters - three-dimensional drawings of terrifying creatures for horror and extreme lovers;
insects and arthropods - bugs, spiders and other frightening and fascinating creatures;
religious pictures - angels, demons, icons and faces of saints, as well as various subjects from the Bible and holy writings.

The 3D effect is a difficult task, which many modern masters cannot do. Therefore, in addition to selecting a sketch and place on the body, it is extremely important for a man to find such a specialist that has the right skills and experience in such works.

Technique of execution

Tattooing is performed by piercing the skin to the depth of the dermis layer (up to 3 mm). The technique of imposition of patterns depends on the way of entering the paint - manually or with a special electric machine. Necessary photorealistic achieved as a game of half-tones and shades of light, and color transitions at different angles.

Stages of execution of drawings tattoos:

The outline of the figure is defined. Artists apply it sparse dashed or solid lines. Sometimes, emphasizing the naturalness, the outline is not outlined (the figure under the cover of fog should not be clearly outlined).
Fill in the dark areas of the workpiece.
Move on to colored parts. The darkest areas are painted over first, then the lightest.
Apply white highlights.
Detailed elaboration of the areas (filling the last strokes to get a realistic photo picture).

Tattooed realistic painting has become the most popular trend among various segments of the population. Since the subject matter is quite broad, many people want to add a brutal accent to decorate their bodies. Creative approach to the transfer of various optical illusions allows them to "come to life" on the body and seem real.

The technique of performance differs in some subtleties:

The complexity of high-quality performance;
For the longevity of permanent art, you should not abuse the white color;
The greatest effect is achieved by highlighting the details and meticulous drawing of each element;
"Live" natura comes out when combining several directions (organics, biomechanics, etc.)

Recommendations for choosing a tattoo salon

Before entrusting a part of your body to a master, a person should take care to involve a professional artist with sufficient experience, with the presence of luggage of their works and photocopies. The quality of the desired decoration will depend on this. If one decides to get a tattoo, the steps to choose the perfect artist for the new tattoo composition will not only help one avoid playing roulette, but also find the tattoo artist of their dreams.

How to look:

You need to ask for recommendations from acquaintances or colleagues with tattoos you like, get the artist's name and coordinates. A familiar master can be a good guy to know, but, first of all, it is worth to get acquainted with his sketches and workplace. You can use social media to communicate with groups of people who will recommend reputable salons in the desired region.
It is necessary to carefully read the digital portfolio, look closely at the galleries of paintings posted on the salon's website or on the artist's page on other social networks. Be sure to read comments and reviews while researching potential artisans.
Analyze your needs and options. This will make it easier to find the perfect tattoo artist. Most experienced masters are versatile and do work in a variety of styles. But some talented artists prefer a particular style exclusively.
Visit salons and get to know a potential artist by agreeing on a time for your appointment in advance. Consultations are usually free, but the time of an unauthorized visit can be wasted: the master will be busy working and will not be able to discuss the nuances of your order.
Make sure the place is safe and the craftsman is sterile. Of course, in words, everyone assures about the observance of all norms and sterility in the work. Meanwhile there are things that you can check yourself.

So, the signs of sterility of tattoo salon:

The presence of an autoclave or device for sterilization;
changing needles taken from the sterile package before each new client;
availability of containers for disposal of used needles;
disposable paint containers;
Frequent change of gloves;
State license authorizing tattooing services;
General order and cleanliness.

Counting on a long-term relationship, you need to pay attention to the prevailing atmosphere and comfort of the salon. Witty banter, loud music, smells, the degree of safety and organization of the process itself is something that should be considered.

Many photorealistic tattoos are so impressive that they look like a photo printed on your skin, albeit a little creepy.

Historical background on realism tattoos

Realism is a movement that emerged originally as the opposite and protest to academism and romanticism. It began in the end of the 19th century, when improved machines and equipment for tattooing were produced. What distinguishes it from then to today is realism:

versatility;
the division into many variations;
inconsistency;
plausibility of pictures.

This style reached its peak of popularity relatively recently, such tattoos began to be stuffed more and more often by the leaders of informal groups and activities. Masters use in the work a lot of halftones and bright colors, follow the proportions, carefully traced every detail, creating the effect of light and space depth.

On what places men most often apply tattoos with realistic themes

Tatoo realism is gaining popularity in geometric progression. And if in the past such sketches were mostly printed on the forearm and shoulder, today drawings cover almost the entire body from the neck to the feet. Each area on the body has its own special meaning.

Shoulder

The relief and musculature of the shoulder will emphasize a realistic or three-dimensional tattoo with wild animals, soaring birds. No less cool here will look mythical characters, storylines from famous books and paintings.

Forearm

On the forearm a straight line and smooth skin without a pronounced relief is assumed, so here most often portraits and faces are tattooed, supplemented with different objects and inscriptions. 3D tattoo also suitable for any size and complexity.

Tattoo on the wrist

On the wrist is not a lot of space, which means that it is better to place small drawings. For example, the head of an animal or bird, fish, various interesting symbols and objects. If it is a 3d format, biomechanics, geometry and abstraction, imitation wood carvings are appropriate.

Tattoos on the palm, on the hands and fingers

The hands are a mobile and active part of the body, which is always in the spotlight. Realistic sketches often occur on the hands, but on the fingers and palms such motifs are rare. Here is acceptable symbolism, all kinds of objects, muzzles or traces of animals, birds, insects.

Tattoo sleeve

The most popular trend in recent years is the sleeve in the style of realism. Such a tattoo completely overlaps the circumference of the hand, representing a three-dimensional subject image. It includes a combination of different portraits, natural phenomena, buildings, fantasy, etc.

Neck

Tatoo on the neck are conspicuous and eye-catching, they give a bright accent to the male appearance. Most often in a realistic format draw small insects, muzzles of animals or birds, ancient intricate patterns, religious signs and symbols.

Chest

On the chest, more often than not, realism manifests itself in exciting and spectacular pictures, such as a predator's grin, a poignant shot from a story or movie, a portrait of a beloved wife or a huge scorpion with a sting. Their main purpose is to emphasize the masculinity and strength of the wearer.

Side

On the side, due to the oblong and smooth surface, large scale drawings are appropriate. These can be portraits, faces of saints and religious motifs concerning faith and prejudice. Various epic subjects are also popular.

Thigh

Men rarely depict tattoos on their thighs, and they are usually of a purely personal and even intimate nature. Here you can put an inscription, beat it with abstraction or patterns, apply symbols and objects relating to matters of the heart.

Back

One of the most suitable areas for such work is the back. Here will fit a large and complex drawing, combining subjects, portraits, living creatures, patterns and complementary elements.

Spatula

After specialists found an important energy channel in the scapular area, tattooing here has become increasingly common. Realistic and cool here will look paws or muzzles of predators, insects, small excerpts from stories, objects and symbols.

Foot

On the feet, as on the arms, large, complex compositions and even sleeves are appropriate. Here it is recommended to beat those plots and sketches that will strengthen faith in yourself, hope for a bright future, determination and strength of convictions.

Popular compositions

Regardless of the stylistics, the compositions with the clock, combined with something mystical, are very popular. For example, customers often order the clock face, which uses not numbers, but inscribed pentagram or hexagram. Also clocks can be depicted with birds and blood, which indirectly alludes to the subjects of King's and Alan Poe's paintings.

In modern subjects, the clock is depicted as a symbol of eternity, along with the overall picture is complemented by a symbol of fleeting, short-lived life. Successful combinations are considered a clock and a planet, a clock face and a butterfly, a clock on the hand of an astronaut. All of this can be displayed as a large tattoo, as well as in a small drawing on the shoulder or forearm.

Fans of Steampunk and Biomechanics "stuffed" a kind of hole in the heart area, through which you can see the mechanism with the clock, as a symbol that the man is not eternal. Also, dials are often depicted as part of any human limb, regardless of the location of the drawing.

Are there guidelines for realism style tattoos?

Before scoring one of the aforementioned areas on the body with a cool drawing, it is important for a man to consider several pre-determining criteria for the choice, namely:

sketch - Drawing should be made independently, not using other people's ideas;
The cost - Realism requires a large financial outlay, it is better to prepare for them in advance;
preparation - It is necessary to prepare properly for the procedures in the salon;
care - you can ask the master about the care of the affected area (questions about disinfection, healing and prevention of infection);
area on the body - selected sketch can be tried on to different places with the help of temporary transfers and according to the principle of proportionality;
dress code - before getting a tattoo, it is necessary to consider how compatible it is with a man's professional activity;
equipment and materials - The masters must have the latest models of machines and professional paints, because realistic and complex designs can be performed only by a modified high-speed machine.

Opinion of the expert

Viola Madison

Tattoo master, 8 years experience

Most of the sketches and ideas presented are large and complex works that fill a large space on the skin. Before starting the procedure, the master should test the paints for allergic reactions. This is also relevant because the drawings require multiple shades and colors.

Features of Realism

The style has its own features that distinguish it from the many others that exist today. Any salon will show unique patterns that will remain in the memory of every client for a long time. One of the distinguishing features is the complexity of the work, because we have to apply a very complex and precise features, because we need to get something similar to the original.

An ordinary master will not be able to perform the work at the proper level, it is necessary to look for a real professional, because unlike other styles, Realism requires specific skills, knowledge and abilities, without which it is simply impossible to perform a masterpiece.

The image has a very realistic character, it seems that the tiger is about to jump off his hand and start chasing his prey or the face, which is painted on one of the body parts, is about to wink at his master.

The main difficulty is not only to clearly draw all the lines, but also to choose the right color scheme. The wrong approach to this issue will significantly distort the image.

There is still such an important factor as a feature of the skin of clients, in fact, when the skin is somewhat stretched or in a particular area has an uneven, convexity, it must also be used wisely, many are trying to just paint over the color scheme, others, on the contrary, are trying to use these properties as part of the future drawing.

How to choose a tattoo sketch?

The selection of the sketch is not an easy process, especially for men, who are going on such a bold experiment. To do this, it is necessary to adhere to 5 rules:

Preliminary choice - A man decides in advance what or who he wants to see on the tattoo. Approximate sketches can be printed out, taken to the master and together make a composition.
Determination of one's desires - Follow not other people's advice, and their own preferences and knowledge, the master can only correctly direct the thoughts of the client in the right direction.
Size and proportionality - if it is a small picture, it should have thin lines and lack of unnecessary details, if it will be living creatures or portraits, mechanisms, a lot of small details require a large size.
Location on the body - Large-scale sketches are suitable for the back, chest, legs and arms, medium-sized options draw on the shoulder blades, shoulders, hips, and small are appropriate on the hands, wrists, neck.
Frames and lines. - Any work will fade over time, and lose the clarity of the lines. Therefore, it is better to give preference to those options where dark saturated colors prevail, because light and colored works wear out faster.

Would you get a realistic tattoo of a loved one?

YesNo

Modern Meanings

Usually the candle tattoo, the photo of which is presented in the article, has the following meanings:

A candle, with which the drops of wax, resembling tears, are made in memory of a dear person who has gone to the other world;
If the body depicts an extinguished candle burn, it probably represents a certain event that turned the tattoo bearer's life upside down and became a serious challenge for him;
Thin candlelight indicates that the bearer of the tattoo attaches great importance to knowledge or is seriously interested in theology.

Old-school burning candle tattoo

Styles and colors that are popular for realism style tattoos

In practice, most modern masters practice and use only one style, and mixing several at once, close and similar to each other. The following currents are the most appropriate to realism:

old skool - classics of the genre, the style and the last century, practicing a thick edging and bright hues;

thrash polka - style with a predominance of red and black shades;

3D - three-dimensional three-dimensional drawings that change the perception of space;

Dotwork - application of paint is made dotty;

blackwork - rough, masculine works with a predominance of black paint.

Realism does not have clear requirements for the color scheme, this is the style, where the main factor is the similarity with nature. For this purpose, absolutely any colors and their close shades can be used for the light and play of colors.

Places to place the tattoo

The location is chosen, first of all, from the size of the intended tattoo. For small drawings, the hands, wrists, shoulders, and feet are fine. For larger subjects, the chest and back are used, due to the presence of massive skin. Also, you should pay attention to the fact that different places feel the pain of application differently.

The back is fine for a large application, but it's worth understanding that the lumbar and shoulder blades will be more painful. For first-time tattooers, the best places are the forearms, shoulders, calves and thighs. Where the skin is not as close to the bones and there is a muscle layer underneath.

Also, the most painful places are the Adam's apple area, knees, elbows, scalp, and fingers. There the skin is the thinnest and is located close to the bones and internal organs. Therefore, to make a tattoo in these places, it is worth to be prepared morally.

Symbols that can be combined with a tattoo in the style of realism for men

There are no specific requirements for the choice of symbolism in realism. It can be absolutely any additions corresponding to the general character and meaning of the sketch, for example:

weapons - a symbol of protection, aggression, the ability to defend themselves;
flowers - romance, sincerity, beauty and purity;
wings - amulet against evil and temptation;
cross - strength and patience;
candle - light that illuminates the path of life;
hieroglyph - sacred symbol whose meaning depends on the translation;
eye - spiritual secret knowledge, divination;
money - good luck and prosperity talisman;
skull - a symbol to ward off dangers to life.

In fact, this is not the whole list of relevant symbols and objects for modern tattoos. But these are the most commonly used additions to the pictures.

Tattoo realism: flowers and other beautiful vegetation

Tattoo with a variety of colors finds its embodiment in any style of tattoo, including realism. The tattoo with the fulfillment of color is one of the most popular designs for girls. Such tattoos include an outwardly beautiful image with deep meaning. The main advantages of realism in the performance of flowers is that you can ask the master to apply not just a flower, but a beautiful bud with small drops of morning dew or rain. Such insignificant details bring additional meaning and color to the drawing, making it unique.