Black & grey realism
BlackHarbourTattoo
Custom realism, built to last a lifetime
Portraits, statues, wildlife and large-scale pieces. Every design is drawn for one person and planned properly from the first conversation to the last session.
Start your pieceSCROLL
Detail worth zooming into
It's all in the shading
Hover, or tap and hold, to look closely at the soft gradients and skin texture you'd normally only see in the chair.
Portfolio
A look at the work
Portraits & realism
Large-scale pieces
About
One artist. One client at a time.
Black Harbour is a private, appointment-only studio. There's no walk-in traffic and no rushing between clients, so every session gets the full day and full attention.
The focus is black and grey realism: portraits, classical statues, animals and the large pieces that tie them together. Designs are drawn from scratch for each client and fitted to the shape of the body before a needle touches skin.
Most projects start with a relaxed consultation to talk through ideas, references and placement. From there you'll get an honest plan for how many sessions it needs and what it will cost.
Why clients choose Black Harbour
Designed for you
No flash sheets or copied work. Every piece is drawn for your idea, your placement and your skin.
Built to heal well
Realism that still reads in ten years: strong contrast, smooth gradients and aftercare that's explained properly.
A calm, private studio
Appointment only, one client at a time, with breaks whenever you need them.
“Good realism isn't about detail for its own sake. It's about a piece that still looks right years from now.”
Studio location
Private studio on the harbour front
The studio is a short walk from the old harbour, with parking nearby. It's appointment only, so the full address is sent with your booking confirmation.
Start your pieceHow it works
From idea to finished piece
- 1
Apply
Tell us about your idea, placement, rough size and any reference photos.
- 2
Review
Every enquiry is read personally to make sure it's a good fit for the style.
- 3
Consultation
We plan the design, placement and how many sessions it will take.
- 4
Book
Pay your deposit, choose your dates and the work begins.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much will my tattoo cost?+
Realism is priced by the session rather than by the piece. After your consultation you'll get an estimate of how many sessions it needs, so there are no surprises.
Do I need to pay a deposit?+
Yes. A deposit secures your date and comes off the price of your final session. It can be moved once with at least 48 hours' notice.
Can I bring my own design?+
Bring as many references as you like. They're used as a starting point, and the final design is always drawn fresh for you.
Do you do colour work?+
Black Harbour specialises in black and grey. If your idea needs colour, we'll happily point you towards someone who does it brilliantly.
How should I prepare for my session?+
Get a good night's sleep, eat a proper meal beforehand, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the day before. Wear clothes that give easy access to the area.
How long does healing take?+
The surface usually heals in two to three weeks, with the skin fully settling over a couple of months. You'll get written aftercare to take home.
Ready to start your piece?
Tell us your idea and we'll take it from there.
Start your piece