Microrealism tattoo in Zurich

Photorealistic on a few centimetres

Microrealism takes what is usually done large and condenses it. An animal, an object, a detail of a face — recognisable, with light and shadow, on an area that does not fill a palm.

The 29 works here show where that holds and where the limit sits. What works through colour in a photograph has to work through contrast on skin. That is why I go through the reference more carefully for realistic motifs than for anything else.

What makes a good reference photo

The better the reference, the better the result — with realistic motifs that is not a platitude. Useful: clear light, sharp edges, visible detail. Not useful: screenshots from social media, heavily edited images, and anything sitting in shadow.

For pet portraits, several photos from the same session help more than one perfect shot. They show me how the eyes actually sit and how the fur falls.

Size is not a matter of taste here

Realism needs room for transitions. Where fine lines still work at three centimetres, a recognisable face needs more. Tattooed too small, a realistic motif loses exactly what made it work after a few years: the mid-tones.

I will tell you the minimum size your motif needs beforehand. If that does not match what you had in mind, a different style is often the more honest answer.

How it heals

After the session a protective film goes onto the area and comes off after two days. Then wash gently, a thin layer of Bepanthen, keep it clean. No pool, no sauna, no tanning bed for three to four weeks, and keep the spot out of direct sun. This is not a formality: fine lines are decided in exactly these weeks. What the result looks like afterwards you can see on the healed comparison page, instead of having to take my word for it.

How it works

After you send the form I get back to you within 48 hours. We talk through your idea, set a date, and a deposit secures it. It counts towards the final price. Then your design takes shape, and you see it at every stage — sketch, adjustment, final version. If you need to move the appointment, one free reschedule is fine as long as you tell me at least seven days ahead.

Prices

Price depends on size, level of detail and placement. In Zurich small pieces start at CHF 200, a full-day session runs between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000. Prices can differ during guest spots. You get an exact quote after we have talked about your idea — not before, because any honest figure needs to know the size and the spot on the body.

Studio and guest spots

I tattoo at Zky Labs, Bäckerstrasse 40 in 8004 Zurich, Monday to Saturday between 10am and 8pm. The studio sits in Kreis 4, a few minutes from the main station. Outside Zurich I am in Munich regularly, in Amsterdam and Warsaw less often. I keep a list for guest spots: tell me which city you would like to sit in and I will come back with dates.