Specialty
Colour Realism Tattoos in Whitby
Colour realism is the same discipline as black & grey realism, building photo-true depth and texture, but with pigment doing the work that black ink alone cannot. Skin tones, fabric, fur, light. At HeadRush Whitby, colour realism bookings are mostly taken by Max and Maks.
What colour realism is
- •Same shading principles as black & grey realism, with controlled colour saturation layered on top.
- •A clean reference photo is critical. The artist is essentially translating the photo into skin.
- •Colour needs a few extra days to peel and settle. Your artist gives you aftercare for the wrap they used.
When colour realism is a good fit
- •Pieces where colour is part of the emotional weight. Pet portraits, flowers, food, skin-tone faces.
- •Designs that need to read photographic at full size.
- •Areas with consistent blood flow for proper healing. Upper arm, shoulder, calf, thigh.
What colour realism needs
- •Palm-sized or larger, so the colour has room.
- •Stable skin: upper arm, shoulder, calf, thigh.
- •SPF 30+ once healed to keep colour sharp.
Who does colour realism at HeadRush
Max: does portraits, flowers and animals in colour.
Maks: adds strong technical control of layered pigment.
Ross: takes colour projects that suit his black & grey work.
Recent work
Pricing
- •Studio minimum: $135 (HST included).
- •Hourly rate: $180–$200 depending on artist.
- •Most colour-realism pieces: 4–6 hour single session for medium size, or split across 2–3 sessions for larger work.
You get the exact price in writing at your free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will colour realism fade?+
All tattoos lose some saturation over years. Colour fades a bit faster than black ink, especially with sun exposure. SPF 30+ once healed is the single biggest factor in keeping colour sharp long-term.
How is healing different from black & grey?+
Slower. The skin has more pigment to push out, so peeling can run a few extra days. Your artist will give you specific aftercare for the wrap they used.
Can I mix black & grey with colour realism?+
Yes. It is a common combination. We can sit a colour element (a rose, a small accent) inside an otherwise black & grey piece, or do full colour with B&G shadows. We will design the balance at the consultation.
What does a good reference photo look like?+
Direct natural light, in focus, the subject filling the frame. Phone flash and heavy filters distort the shadows we use to render depth.
Do you offer touch-ups?+
Yes. Touch-ups are $20 a visit for the life of the tattoo.
Ready to start?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. Bring your references, talk through size and placement, and leave with a session count and a price. No deposit until you book the session.
Book a free consultation