Bold, saturated colour that pops off the skin, and smooth black & grey realism with real depth. If you want a tattoo that stops people in their tracks, this is where it happens — at Candy Ink in Sunnyridge, East London.
Colour tattoos
Packed, vivid colour is what Candy Ink is known for. We do bright florals, birds and butterflies, characters, neo-traditional pieces, new school cartoons and soft watercolour washes. Our clients regularly mention the colour shading in their reviews — it’s something we take real pride in.
- Neo-traditional — bold outlines with rich colour, depth and ornamental detail.
- New school — playful, exaggerated and full of personality.
- Watercolour — soft washes and splashes, usually anchored with some linework so it holds its shape.
- 3D — shading and highlights that make designs look like they’re lifting off the skin.
Black & grey and realism
Black & grey uses diluted black ink to build smooth, soft shading — ideal for realism, portraits, religious pieces, wildlife and anything with a moody, photographic feel. It suits every skin tone and ages beautifully.
- Animal & pet portraits — your dog, cat or horse, or wildlife like lions, wolves and elephants.
- Realism — roses, clocks, eyes, statues, landscapes and more.
- Surrealism — realistic elements combined in dreamlike, impossible ways.
Getting the best result
- Size matters. Realism and detailed colour need room — we’ll recommend a size that keeps the detail readable for years.
- Great reference photos. For portraits, send sharp, well-lit photos with clear eyes. You can upload them right in the quote form.
- Sunscreen for life. Once healed, SPF 50 on exposed tattoos keeps colour bright and shading crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Colour or black & grey — which lasts longer?
Both last a lifetime when done well and protected from the sun. Black pigment is the most stable, while lighter colours like yellow and white fade faster in strong sun — so sunscreen matters.
Can you do colour on darker skin?
Yes. We’ll recommend a palette and contrast that shows up beautifully on your skin tone.
How long does a realism piece take?
It depends on size and detail. Larger realism and colour pieces are often done over more than one session — we’ll give you an estimate with your quote.