“Black & Grey Realism Tattoo Prices in 2025 – The Real Numbers (No Bullshit)”
- Ray Hawse
- Nov 19
- 1 min read
“I’m tired of seeing people get quoted $300 for a ‘realism portrait’ that fades in six months. Here’s exactly what my black & grey realism costs in 2025 — no hidden fees, no surprises. These are my real rates, updated November 2025.”
The Pricing Breakdown (use big bold headings + example photos of your work)
Small Single-Session Pieces (3–6 hours) Forearm portraits, single animals, script with shading $600 – $1,200
Medium/Large One-Day Pieces (7–10 hours) Half-sleeve level, big chest/back pieces $1,400 – $2,000
Full Sleeves & Large-Scale Projects 25–60+ hours over multiple sessions $5,000 – $20,000 (most land around $12,000–$15,000) → Before/after progress shots
Back Pieces & Bodysuits 35–100+ hours
$7,000 – $50,000+ (Yes, really — and worth every penny when it’s done right)
Cover-Ups & Reworks Priced 1.5–2× normal rate because of the extra planning and laser prep advice I give Starting at $1,500
What’s Always Included
Unlimited design time & revisions
Professional reference editing
High-end inks & needles
Touch-ups for life (yes, free forever)
What Affects the Final Price
Detail level (photo-realism with skin tears & texture = more time)
Placement & body type
How fast we book (I only take 5–7 big projects per month)
“If you want a tattoo that looks like a black & white photograph on your skin in 10 years, this is what it costs. Cheap ‘realism’ is why half the tattoos I see need covering. I’m booking February–July 2026 right now. If you’re serious, hit the button below and tell me your idea — I’ll give you an exact quote within 24 hours.”
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