Colour Realism Seminar Recap
A Day of Innovation and Learning with Glen Carloss
This past Sunday, a group of passionate tattoo artists gathered for the Colour Realism Seminar, an event that brought together both seasoned professionals and new tattooists eager to refine their craft. Hosted by the talented Glen Carloss, the seminar provided an in depth look at the art of colour realism in tattooing.
With a full day of technical learning, hands-on practice, and insider insights, it was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Held here at Fleetwood Tattoo Co, Essex.
The day kicked off bright and early, with attendees arriving at the venue, greeted by a welcoming breakfast spread. This was the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet, mingle, and share their backgrounds in the tattoo industry.
The relaxed, informal atmosphere allowed artists from various places to connect and exchange stories, creating a sense of community.
After the morning introductions, the seminar moved into the more technical portion of the day. Glen, who has built a reputation for his stunning colour realism tattoos, began by explaining some of the foundational techniques that he uses to achieve hyper-realistic results in his work.
What made this seminar stand out was the transparency Glen brought to the table. He shared industry secrets and techniques that are not widely known or practiced, giving attendees a rare look at some of the tools and methods that set his work apart.
Glen discussed his approach to colour theory, shading, and layering techniques, as well as how he achieves such precise detail in his tattoos. This session was packed with useful tips, from understanding how to mix colours for maximum vibrancy to how to create smooth gradients that mimic the natural flow of light and shadow.
After a busy morning of learning, everyone broke for lunch, which provided an opportunity to enjoy our lovely spread and reflect on the information shared so far.
The first exercise involved experimenting with colouring pencils. This gave participants the chance to try out the techniques they'd learned on a smaller scale, using pencils to replicate the textures, shading, and colours that are essential to colour realism. Artists had a chance to really focus on precision and fine details- skills that are crucial when transitioning to tattooing on skin.
Once everyone had gotten a feel for these new techniques, the seminar moved on to the main event: using tattoo guns on fake skin. This part of the seminar was particularly exciting, as it allowed participants to test out their newfound skills on a more familiar medium. Working with tattoo machines on synthetic skin may not be the same as working on live skin, but it provides a low-pressure environment to experiment with technique, pressure, and needle configuration.
By the end of the day, attendees had gained valuable insight into the intricacies of colour realism, and everyone left with new tools, techniques, and ideas to incorporate into their own tattooing practices. The mix of technical explanations, practical exercises, and real-world applications made for an enriching experience that will surely influence the way many of the artists approach their future projects.
A huge thank you to Glen Carloss for his expertise and generosity in sharing his knowledge, as well as to everyone who attended and made the event such a success. It was a day of learning and inspiration, and we look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.
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