Realism tattoos are some of the most awe-inspiring pieces of art that you will ever see. The level of detail and precision that goes into these tattoos is simply astounding. And the best part is, they look just like real life!

Whether it's a portrait of a loved one or a work of art that you're particularly fond of, realism tattoos are sure to impress.

You can't walk into a tattoo shop without seeing at least one client with a hyper-realistic portrait or animal on their skin. But how long will they stay in style? Do realism tattoos age well? Or do they eventually start to look like a bad high school art project?

Only time will tell... but in the meantime, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of getting this type of ink.

Do realism tattoos age well?

While it's true that realism tattoos can be quite impressive, they don't always age well. As the years go by, the lines and colors will begin to blur, and your once-crisp tattoo will start to look more like a smudged nosedrawing.

If you're looking for a tattoo that will stand the test of time, you might be better off stick with something a little more abstract.

Tips for picking a realism tattoo that will age well

We've all seen them. The examples of poor tattoo choices that were probably cool at the time, but now just make the wearer look unfortunate. If you're considering getting a realism tattoo, there are a few things you can do to make sure your tattoo ages well.

Here are some tips for picking a realism tattoo that will age well.

Avoid portrait tattoos

If you're set on getting a realism tattoo, avoid portrait tattoos. As we age, our skin stretches and sags. This is especially true around the face and neck area. A portrait tattoo that looked good when you were 20 might not look so good when you're 40 or 50.

If you absolutely must have a portrait tattoo, make sure it's of someone who is already elderly. That way, as you age, your tattoo will look like it was always supposed to look that way.

Choose simple designs   

Complex designs with lots of intricate details are also not ideal for realism tattoos. These types of tattoos are more likely to suffer from poor line work as the years go by. When in doubt, go for a simpler design. A tattoo with fewer details will age better than one with too many details.

Consider black and white  

Black and white tattoos tend to age better than color tattoos. This is because the lines in black and white tattoos are usually thicker than the lines in color tattoos. Thick lines are less likely to blur as they age.

This is probably the most important tip on this list. No matter how good your design is, if it's done by a bad artist, it's going to look bad. Do your research and find a realism tattoo artist near me who has a portfolio that you like. It's worth paying a little extra to get a quality tattoo that will age well.

Wrap up! 

If you follow these tips, you'll be sure to pick out a realism tattoo that will age well! And if you don't, well... at least you'll have a good story to tell when people ask about your regrettable ink choice!