Tattoo styles
Realism tattoos aim to look like a photograph on skin: lifelike faces, animals and objects built from careful shading, depth and contrast.
At Black Hope Tattoo, Alan Aldred tattoos realism in colour and in black and grey, from memorial portraits to horror and film characters. Oli and Maddie bring their black and grey shading too.
A tribute to someone you love, built from your best reference photos.
From Beetlejuice and Pennywise to Darth Maul and Predator, in full colour or black and grey.
Pets, wildlife and meaningful objects, rendered with lifelike texture.
Realism is only as good as the reference. Send clear, well-lit, high-resolution photos where the face or subject is sharp and large in the frame. Your artist will tell you which photos will work best.
Colour realism gives a vivid, punchy result, while black and grey realism has a softer, timeless finish that ages beautifully. Talk it through with your artist when you get your quote.
Recent work
Who to book
Questions
Alan Aldred tattoos black and grey and colour realism, including portraits, film characters and memorial pieces. Oli and Maddie also work in black and grey realism and shading.
Portraits are priced by size and time. Our minimum price is £100, which is also our hourly rate. Email the photo, size and placement for a price and time estimate.
Often, yes, as long as the photo is sharp, well lit and high resolution. Email it over and your artist will let you know if it has enough detail.
Faces need enough room to hold detail as the tattoo ages, so portraits are usually palm-sized or larger. Your artist will suggest the right size for your design.
Yes. Memorial portraits of people and pets are some of the most meaningful pieces we tattoo. Send your best photos and any details you would like included.
16 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Email info@blackhopetattoo.com or send an enquiry.
Tattoo styles in Colchester
Black & grey tattoosDotwork & geometric tattoosJapanese tattoosRealism & portrait tattoosFine line & botanical tattoosCover-up tattoosVisit
16 Trinity Street
