Reviewed & updated: April 26, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA
Not that many people dare to get realistic tattoos. Realism is pretty hard to do, and some ideas can’t be brought to life. If you are a fan of art, real-like ink, and you have a specific style of tattoos that you prefer, you will love this article! However, make sure you have a trustworthy tattoo artist before you place anything similar on your body!
Do Realistic Tattoos Age Well?
Do you have someone’s photograph that you’d like to tattoo? Realism tattoos look great once you get them, but they do wear off and fade meanwhile. Saturation, as well as the shading, will change, which may have an impact on how you see realism tattoo designs. Some people also have to redo their tattoos as they age.
How Much Does A Realistic Tattoo Cost?
The tattooing process always varies and every tattoo artist is different. However, and usually, tattoo artists can charge anywhere from $150-450 for your medium-sized tattoo.
Top 12 Realistic Tattoos
1. Shoulder Realistic Tattoos

People who like bigger tattoo ideas will love this Indian inspired design. This is an amazing sleeve that is done professionally, and with the right shading!
2. Realistic Tattoo Black And White Tattoos

You don’t have to add any significant sign or symbol to your body tattoo. Just bring your favorite picture to your tattoo artist and talk about your preferred art & style of tattoo.
3. Realistic Tattoos Black Design Art

This is an amazing sleeve tattoo, especially if your skin can handle the ink. People who love real life like tattoos will want their lady tattooed on their bodies! Realistic tattoos usually take 6-8 hours to achieve.
4. Artwork Realism Tattoos

This realistic tattoo is a piece of art but done quite differently. If you dislike dark lines, a lot of shading, as well as big bold sleeve ideas, you will fancy this tattoo!
5. Animal Realism Tattoo Owl Design

An owl tattoo can also look pretty realistic. Owls are ancient beings that represent wisdom, knowledge, as well as fertility. If you like this design as well as the meaning, stick to similar tattoos.
6. Black And Grey Tattooing Realistic Tattoo

This tattoo is very well done. It is a sleeve that not that many artists can do. This realistic tattoo will take over 6 hours of your time, so be prepped to wait at the salon for quite some time.
7. Realistic Animal Tattoos

This wolf tattoo is done with perfect shading, as well as some 3D elements. Realistic tattoos such as this one are for guys who like sleeve tattoo ideas, as well as meaningful designs. A wolf will symbolize loyalty, ritual, as well as guardianship. If you value these virtues, a wolf should be your go-to.
8. Realistic Tattoo Body Design

This giant tattoo with horns is for guys who like devilish art. You can add to your tattoo, and you can always decorate your sleeve as time goes on. Start out slow and this tattoo will look great in the end.
9. Realism Tattoo Sleeve Ideas

Half-woman, half-wolf is for guys who are indecisive. If you like this sign and you are not too sure which way to sway, stick with both! It will take you 8 hours to achieve similar realistic tattoos.
10. Animal Tattoo Ideas Owl Realistic Tattoo

Realistic tattoos can be smaller. Are you a fan of animal tattoos in general? This tattoo will take way less of your time, and it will be less expensive than any other art that you choose to go for. If you are on a budget, consider this one!
11. Realistic Tattoos Lion Tattoo

A lion stands for power, freedom, strength, as well as pure power! Maybe you are also Leo in the zodiac? Consider some pros & cons of getting this animal on your body, before you place this sign forever.
12. Realistic Tattoos Face & Glass Tattoo

This is a hyper realistic tattoo! Tattoos such as this one are very hard to achieve. You will be back for several different sessions since it will take quite some time for your tattoo artist to achieve this lifelike tattoo. Be ready, and remember it will be worth it in the end.
On That Note
There are many different realistic tattoos that you can go for. You can always browse the web, or bring a picture with you. Let your tattoo artist help you with your final decision, and consider these 12 tattoos that we’ve presented!
Still looking for inspiration, then checkout this blog post about tattoos ideas
Still looking for inspiration, then checkout this blog post about arm tattoo ideas
Still looking for inspiration, then checkout this blog post about face tattoos
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Feature image from Pinterest