Sandry Riffard

Realism Tattooing: What Sets It Apart

Realism is one of the most technically demanding styles in tattooing. The artist has to translate a three-dimensional reference onto a two-dimensional surface that also happens to be curved, textured, and constantly moving. Sandry Riffard works exclusively in this style, which means every piece relies on precise shading gradients, accurate proportion mapping, and a deep understanding of how light wraps around forms. Unlike looser styles where the artist can improvise, realism demands discipline. A portrait that is off by millimeters reads as wrong. A shadow that is too heavy flattens the whole image. Riffard's focus on realism means the work lives or dies on detail. The style also requires strong reference material and clear communication between artist and client about what the final piece will look like on skin.

Working in Le Puy-En-Velay

Le Puy-En-Velay sits in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, a smaller city better known for its medieval architecture and pilgrimage routes than its tattoo scene. That context matters. Artists who build significant followings from outside major metropolitan hubs often do so purely through the strength of their work online, not foot traffic or local reputation. Riffard's 330,000-plus Instagram followers reflect exactly that. The audience is global, not regional. Clients willing to travel for realism work will find Le Puy-En-Velay accessible by road and rail from larger cities like Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. The quieter setting can also mean more focused, unhurried sessions compared to high-volume city studios. For clients combining travel with a tattoo appointment, the area offers a distinctly different pace than Paris or Lyon.

What to Expect from Realism Work

Realism tattoos require more from both the artist and the client than most styles. Sessions tend to run longer because shading and detail work cannot be rushed without visible quality loss. The skin also needs to hold ink differently for realism. Smooth gradients depend on even saturation, which means the artist is often working in passes rather than completing sections in one go. Clients should expect multi-session work for anything larger than a small piece. Healing matters more here too. Realism degrades faster than bold traditional work if the client does not follow aftercare instructions carefully. Fine details and soft shading are the first things to blur if a tattoo is over-moisturized, exposed to too much sun, or picked at during peeling. Riffard's specialization means the work will look sharp on day one. Keeping it that way is on the client.

How to Approach Booking a Realism Artist

Booking a realism artist like Sandry Riffard requires preparation. Start with clear reference images. Realism artists work from photos, so the better your reference, the more accurately the artist can plan the piece. Blurry screenshots or low-resolution images make the job harder. Know what you want but stay open to the artist's input on what will actually hold up on skin over time. Not every photo translates well. Some details are too fine to survive the healing process. Reach out through the artist's preferred channel, in this case Instagram, with a concise message that includes your idea, placement, approximate size, and availability. Avoid vague requests like 'I want something realistic.' Give the artist something concrete to respond to. Expect a consultation before booking, especially for larger pieces. Realism artists often want to discuss reference, placement, and session planning before committing to dates.

Building a Following Through Instagram

Sandry Riffard's Instagram presence under @audeladureeltattoobysandry has grown to over 330,000 followers, a number that places this account well above the average for tattoo artists, even those in major cities. That kind of reach does not happen by accident. Consistent posting of healed work, process videos, and close-up detail shots gives potential clients a clear picture of what to expect. For realism artists specifically, Instagram is the primary portfolio platform because the style is highly visual and photographs well when lit correctly. The handle itself, 'au delà du réel,' translates roughly to 'beyond reality,' which signals the artist's commitment to the realism craft directly in the branding. Clients evaluating Riffard's work should look at healed photos, not just fresh pieces, to assess how the work settles over months. That is the real test of a realism tattoo.