- Length: 30+ hours
- Results: Tattoo realism with confidence
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- Audio: English
SIMPLIFIED REALISM
WITH BRANDON OVER & NATHAN MOLENAAR
Put your realism tattooing skills on the fast track and start tattooing ANY design with our simple realism framework…
(even if you don’t have a “natural eye” for realism).
DID YOU KNOW?
You Already Know How to Tattoo Realism...
This simplified way of tattooing realism means you can duplicate any realism design (like portraits)...
From a flat, 2-dimensional piece of paper to a living, breathing, 3-D canvas - your client, even if you’ve never drawn a realistic design before.
Check Out Our Students’ Work
A Look Inside Simplified Realism
Realism uses the same tattooing techniques you already use all the time – they just need to be adapted and applied in the right order. We’ll show you how even the most complex realism designs can be broken into 6 simple steps that you can easily tackle using the 3 Mag Method…
With this simple, repeatable process you’ll be able to tattoo any realism design (without an art degree, without years of experience, and without needing to “specialize” in realism).
Facial Feature Workshops
Technique Drills
6-Step Formula
Equipment Breakdown
Easy-to-see HUD
Full-length Live Tattoos
What If I Struggle With Drawing?
Realism is actually the ideal style for you. When you prepare correctly, realism is simply filling in a detailed stencil to “copy” a photo onto the skin using tattooing techniques you’re already familiar with.
If you struggle with the design and drawing side of tattooing, focus on the simple technical skills we’ll give you Simplified Realism – this lucrative style could be your ideal path into the industry.
Doesn't It Take YEARS To Learn Realism?
Depends on what type of realism you want to do…
If you want to master hyper-realistic tattooing and compete with the top 1% of artists…then it might take a while to learn.
But doing a realism tattoo that matches your reference photo and keeps your clients happy using simplified techniques? That’s something you can learn fast – if you approach it the right way.
I Don't Want to Specialize in Realism - Do I Still Need to Learn It?
Only if you want to have the skillset to tattoo any (high paying) client that walk through the door…
Because look – Even if you aren’t going to spend the decades it takes to master hyper-photorealistic tattoos, having a working knowledge of realism means you don’t have to turn high-paying customers away and it makes you a major asset to any tattoo studio (which is a big factor in getting hired).
Knowing the techniques that are used in realism to create ultra-smooth shades and depth in a design can strengthen your skills in every other style and improve your artistry as a whole.
The Simplified Realism Curriculum
STAGE 1
How to Create Your Designs
1. Finding References
How to take or create
References are the foundation of realistic tattoos. However, freehanding realism takes forever, and the quality is not as high (even if your drawing skills are top-notch).
- Where to find good reference images online
- How to take your own reference photos
- What qualities make a “perfect” reference image
2. Creating Designs on Procreate
The Three Staging Layers
Learn how to craft unique and realistic tattoo designs using Procreate. This module covers combining references, layering designs, and creating stunning backgrounds that make your tattoos pop.
- The 3 staging layers in a tattoo
- Getting realism designs to flow with the body
- How to handle backgrounds in a way that makes your tattoos POP
3. Stenciling Realism Designs
Two Ways to Stencil
Your stencil is the roadmap to producing a clean tattoo. With a style that requires perfect precision, your stencil is as important to the tattoo as your equipment and technique.
- The 2 types of realism stencils
- Applying and overlapping elements of a stencil
- How (and when) to split a tattoo into 2 sessions
STAGE 2
Equipment
4. Equipment
realism machine mastery
Master your equipment setup for flawless realism tattoos. In this module, we’re showing you step by step how to fine-tune your machine for perfect execution, including:
- The best - and worst - machines for realism
- Which stroke to use (and why it can make or break your design)
- What your machine’s “hit” is - and how to adjust it to get buttery smooth blends every time
5. Needle Selection
the key to buttery blends
Learn the critical role needle selection plays in achieving ultra-smooth shading and buttery.
- Needles shopping list: know exactly which needles to use (and which to avoid)
- Understand how a needle’s shape can change the effect it creates in the skin
- Discover new configurations you may have never heard of…
6. Ink Selection
which brands & mixes
Realism often relies heavily on gray wash. However, while you’re tattooing, the client’s blood can mix with the gray wash and make it look darker than it actually is. In this module, we’ll cover how to handle this issue plus:
- What ink brands we recommend
- Techniques to mix your own gray wash
- How to get consistent smooth shading every time - even on multiple session tattoos.
STAGE 3
Tattooing Realism
7. Tattooing Realism
Theory
Understand not only what to do, but also why it’s done that way. This will make using your new, 6-step framework feel like second nature.
- How to become a “laser printer tattooer,” so you never have to worry about the stencil coming off
- The 6-Step Framework every realism tattoo can be broken down into (and how to do it yourself so you can take on any design).
- Which voltage to start with so you can prevent damage to the skin while creating ultra-smooth shading
8. Tattooing Realism
Technique
Once you know the theory behind tattooing realism, it’s time to practice all of the techniques and skills you’re going to need to pull it off in real life with follow-along drills for pupils, eyebrows, blood vessels, hair, whiskers, skin blemishes, and more.
- Use our simple 3-mag method to recreate any texture you’ll come across in a realism tattoo so you’re never working line-for-line (the reason new artists run out of room and end up with a distorted tattoo)
- Shade the “3 C’s” and break down a design into basic shapes so you can confidently handle light sources in your tattoos
- Use the “brush lining” technique to create linework without “hard” edges
9. Tattooing Realism
CLIENTS Live Tattoos
This is where everything gets tied together, and we’ll apply what you have learned on real skin.
- Complete video commentary that makes clear connections between the technique drills and real-life tattooing
- Constant heads-up display showing exactly what needles, inks, machines, and voltages I’m using so you’re never in the dark
- Tips for working with real skin so you’re prepared to move from fake skin to the real thing
STAGE 4
Bonuses
Bonus #1
Reference Library
Save hours of time searching for the perfect reference with these most-asked-for realism tattoo designs, curated for you by our team of tattoo artists.
Bonus #2
Making References with AI
Using a 100% unique reference photos means you’re giving your client a tattoo that no one else has.
Bonus #3
Photography Secrets: How to Photograph Your Tattoos
In this bonus module, you’ll learn all the industry secrets to capturing professional-grade photos of your work without redness in the skin or overhead glare (no professional-grade equipment required).
Bonus #4
LIVE Tattoo Q&A Session with Brandon - LIMITED TIME ONLY
Join Brandon LIVE in this exclusive training. Whether you’re stuck on a technique, or you just want advice on refining your style – this is your chance to get direct coaching.
LIMITED-TIME BONUS: Only students who join before the timer on this page hits zero will get to join the call AND receive lifetime access to the replay video.
Ready to Tattoo Realism?
Join the Course for $397
Clear realism tattooing guidance
Technique Drills
Full-length Client Tattoos
Meet Your Instructors
Brandon Over
An in-demand tattoo artist with over ten years of tattooing under his belt, Brandon owns and operates his own tattoo shop in Lafayette, TN. While he creates tattoos in every style, he specializes in neo-traditional, traditional, and realism tattoos. Brandon offers regular feedback and support to Tattooing 101 students in the Tattooing 101 Mastermind Group to help artists perfect their craft.
Specializations
American Traditional | Neo Traditional | Realism
Nathan Molenaar
As Lead Instructor at Tattooing 101, Nathan has 10+ years of experience in the industry alongside the marketing expertise he gained while working with Diabolik Tattoo, a highly-rated tattoo studio in Newcastle, Australia. He uses this unique combination of knowledge to help new artists develop the skills they need to be successful in an increasingly digital world.
Specializations
Neo Traditional | New School | Blackwork | Realism
Let’s Get Started
Join the Course for $397
$397
LIFETIME ACCESS
Easy, secure one-time payment
- Simplified Realism Course
- All bonuses!
- LIMITED TIME: Live Call + Recording Replay Access
$225/mo
PAYMENT PLAN
Lifetime access; 2 monthly payments
- Simplified Realism Course
- All bonuses!
- LIMITED TIME: Live Call + Recording Replay Access
If you don’t think it’s worth this small investment, then we’re happy to give you all your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special equipment or a different tattoo machine?
Some equipment does make tattooing realism easier, and inside the course, we’ll discuss in depth how to make sure your equipment is optimized for realism. However, to begin the course and start doing the drills, you can use any equipment you have on hand.
I struggle with drawing tattoo designs - is this for me?
While building strong drawing skills will transfer to your tattooing, realism is a style that relies heavily on recreating photos using proper tattooing technique.
Using the Simplified Realism method, you won’t need to draw anything from scratch off the top of your head.
How long will this course take?
Simplified Realism is designed for you to take at your own pace – watch the entire course in a weekend and get to work, or digest it slowly while you balance a busy schedule. It’s up to you.
We’ve taken the stuff you need to know and condensed it down into a clear “how-to” course -no need to spend months just trying to get the basics.
The ultimate goal of this course is to get you tattooing realism in the easiest and fastest way so you can feel comfortable tattooing realism (even if you plan to specialize in another style). That way, it’s in your toolbelt, you don’t have to turn away high-paying clients, and you can make an informed decision about whether you want to take your realism skills to the next level.
How long will I have access to the Simplified Realism Videos?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like – across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If you get into the course and decide it’s not for you, please message us at replies@tattooing101.com within 30 days for a full refund.
Questions? Need help? Email us at replies@tattooing101.com.
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