Length: 30+ hours
Results: Tattoo realism with confidence
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Audio: English

from the artists at tattooing 101

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).

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DID YOU KNOW?

You Already Know How to Tattoo Realism...

You just haven’t realized it yet.

The ultimate realism course for new tattoo artists, ~~Simplified Realism lets beginners~~ start tattooing realism fast ~~- even if they’ve never drawn it~~ - so they can confidently tackle any realism request that walks through the door and never have to turn away a high-paying client.

Unlike the “traditional” path to realism, which takes years to master because it forces you to learn how to draw realism before ever picking up a tattoo machine, we show you how to break images down into easy-to-tattoo textures using tattooing techniques you already know with our simple 3 Mag Method.

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

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML

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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).

In this module, we’ll discuss:

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.

We’ll talk about:

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.

In this module, we’ll discuss:

The 2 types of realism stencils
Applying and overlapping elements of a stencil
How (and when) to split a tattoo into 2 sessions

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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.

Here we’ll show you exactly which needles to use (and why) to make realism even easier.

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.

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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.

In this module, we’ll dive into what you need to know:

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.

In this module, we’ll practice each technique covered in the course. You’ll learn how to:

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.

You’ll follow along with full-length tattoos here in the studio, including:

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

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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.

We’ll show you how to use Artificial Intelligence to create high-quality reference images that no one has seen before in a matter of minutes.

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 $197

Clear realism tattooing guidance

Technique Drills

Full-length Client Tattoos

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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.