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Black-and-grey and colour realism

Black-and-grey is Shavali’s signature alongside realism itself: smooth grey-wash shading for a timeless, photographic look that ages gracefully. Colour realism adds depth and life where the subject calls for it. Both start from a strong reference, a real photo or a clear idea, because realism is only as good as what it is built from.

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Portraits, memorials and pieces that mean something

A portrait carries weight: a person, a pet, a memory. It has to be right. Portraits, memorial pieces and religious designs are the work Shavali enjoys most, precisely because they matter most to the person wearing them. He works from clear, high-resolution references and refines the design until the likeness feels true, then executes it in a single focused session or across planned sittings for larger pieces.
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Built to age well

Realism is detailed, so it is designed to last: enough size and contrast that the depth does not flatten over time, smart placement, and honest advice on what a given idea needs to still read in ten years. SPF 50+ and occasional touch-ups keep it crisp.

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What realism costs

Realism is detailed, time-intensive work, priced by the size, detail and time it needs, with larger pieces planned across sessions. Realism starts from $150. You get a clear estimate at your consult once the size and detail are set.

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Why a specialist matters for realism

Realism is unforgiving: the difference between lifelike and flat is in the shading and the patience. A studio that runs one client at a time, with full attention on the piece, is exactly the setting realism needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a realism tattoo cost in Melbourne?
Realism is detailed work, priced by the size, detail and time it needs. It starts from $150, and larger pieces are planned across sessions. You get a clear estimate at your consult.
A clear, high-resolution, well-lit image with sharp detail and good contrast. The better the reference, the truer the likeness, so avoid blurry or heavily filtered photos.
Both work well. Black-and-grey gives a timeless, photographic look and ages smoothly, while colour adds life where the subject suits it. Shavali will recommend the right approach for your piece.
With enough size, contrast and good placement, realism ages well. Keep it out of constant sun, use SPF 50+, and plan an occasional touch-up to maintain the depth.
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