Here we have a Black & Grey portrait tattoo of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya. Some might describe this style as realism or even illustrative, but we simply call it Black & Grey. The technique used in this piece ensures that it will age beautifully, maintaining its depth and clarity for years to come.

Do tattoos get more realistic than this? Absolutely. A quick scroll through Instagram will reveal hundreds of hyper-realistic animal portraits, stunning in their detail. There’s no denying the skill and artistry behind hyper-realistic tattoos—they are truly breathtaking. However, while they may look incredible at first, over time, many begin to blur, fade, or lose definition. The tattoo industry has yet to see a 30-year-old hyper-realistic piece, but there are plenty of five-year-old tattoos that were once mind-blowing and have now lost their impact.

That’s why we stand by the belief that bold will hold—strong contrast, solid shading, and timeless techniques result in tattoos that stay sharp and striking for a lifetime.