What We Do
At Ink People, in our award-winning studio in Erenköy Istanbul, we work across a range of tattoo languages. Below we explain every style we do — what it is, who it suits, and the process and healing — alongside examples of our work. Pick the style you're looking for and we'll match you with the right artist.
Realism
Photo-real tattooing
Realism is the art of transferring a photo, scene or object onto skin as faithfully as possible. Light-and-shadow transitions, texture and depth are worked with millimetric precision; from a distance the design reads almost like a printed image.
If you want the portrait of a loved one, an animal, nature or a lifelike object, this is the right choice. Wide, flat areas (arm, back, calf) carry the depth of realism best.
Process & Healing
Process: because of the dense detail, it usually spans several sessions. Healing takes 2-3 weeks; fine shading may need a small touch-up over time. Pain is moderate and varies by area.
Portrait
Carry a face, a memory
Portrait work is the most personal way to render a person's expression and character onto skin. The look in the eyes, the skin texture and the likeness demand mastery; that is why a sharp, high-resolution reference photo matters so much.
It is ideal for memorial pieces, family portraits or a figure that inspires you. With the right scale, the likeness holds up even as the years pass.
Process & Healing
Process: reference quality is decisive for likeness. Usually finished in one or two long sessions, healing takes 2-3 weeks. A small touch-up after healing may be advised to keep facial features crisp.
Illustrative / Whimsical
Lines from your imagination
The illustrative and whimsical style brings the aesthetic of a comic, a fairy tale or a dream onto the skin. Characters, storybook scenes and original figures are built with a linear language and playful colour and texture.
If you imagine a fully bespoke design with a story behind it, this style pushes the limits. The artist turns your idea into an illustration from scratch; no two pieces are ever the same.
Process & Healing
Process: the concept stage (the sketch) is the most enjoyable part and takes shape together. Healing takes 2-3 weeks. Coloured, textured areas may want a small refresh over time to keep their vibrancy.
Colour Work
A vivid palette on skin
Colour work adds energy and life to a tattoo. The right pigment choice, smooth gradients and building a palette suited to your skin tone are the heart of the craft. It spans a wide range, from neo-traditional to a watercolour effect.
If you want an eye-catching design full of character, colour is for you. Made with quality pigments and cared for properly, colour tattoos hold their brightness for many years.
Process & Healing
Process: depending on the area it may take one or several sessions. During healing the colours look a little dull in the first week, then sharpen. Sun protection (SPF) is the single most important factor for colour longevity.
Blackwork
The power of black alone
Blackwork creates strong, graphic and timeless designs using only black ink. With solid black fields, fine linework, geometry and the use of negative space, it achieves an extremely clean and lasting look.
If you are after a bold, modern and crisp aesthetic, blackwork is a very strong choice. It is one of the most fade-resistant styles and holds its character well as the years pass.
Process & Healing
Process: large solid-black fields can require multiple passes, so session planning matters. Healing takes 2-3 weeks. Cared for properly, the need for touch-ups is very low.
Cover-up
A new story over an old tattoo
A cover-up is the way to completely conceal a tattoo you no longer like or one that has faded, with an entirely new design. Reading the tone and position of the old ink and building a clever composition over it to hide it takes serious expertise.
If you are unhappy with a past tattoo, instead of removing it we can turn it into something more beautiful. We first talk through what is possible together, with a free assessment.
Process & Healing
Process: depending on how dark the old tattoo is, the new design is kept larger and usually darker. In some cases a few laser-lightening sessions beforehand may be advised. The first step is always an in-person assessment.
Piercing
Sterile, safe application
Our piercing service puts hygiene and safety at the centre. With single-use sterile equipment, quality implant-grade jewellery and correct placement, we offer a clean application for ears, nose, brow and more.
Whether it is your first piercing or you are experienced, we decide on the right jewellery and placement together. We explain the aftercare instructions clearly afterwards.
Process & Healing
Process: the procedure is quick. Healing varies by area (cartilage spots can take several months). Following the given aftercare routine is the key to smooth healing.
Let's bring your idea to skin
Not sure which style you want? No problem. Tell us your idea and we'll find the right artist and style together. We're waiting for you at our Erenköy studio.