Recognizing the elements that make an image compatible with the textural quality of my handpoked tattoos

My handpoked, dot-realism work builds value and texture through layers of stippled black and grey ink, translating light, shadow, and negative space into form. Imagery with rendered light and shadow reproduce beautifully, while those relying on crisp outlines are often better suited to machine tattooing, or a different artists approach.

Pointillism naturally softens imagery into a dispersed array of dots. It’s important to consider the organic character and visual purpose of stippling and pointillism when selecting imagery for your tattoo. This method isn’t intended to produce an ultra-fine, microscopic labyrinth of detail—it softens and extracts light and shadow into a purer form.

My work is reference-based, meaning I rely on real-life images to maintain realism. While I can make small adjustments—like refining details or simplifying elements—my focus is on interpreting existing references rather than inventing new visual information. I am a skilled illustrator, realism is simply my preference and area of expertise when it comes to tattooing.