Rafael Korski

History & Background

Rafael Korski has established himself as a recognized name in Brazilian tattooing from his base in Ivoti, Rio Grande do Sul. With over 77,000 followers on Instagram, his audience reflects the demand for his particular approach to realism and black & gray work. The state of Rio Grande do Sul has a growing tattoo culture, and artists like Korski contribute to putting smaller cities like Ivoti on the map for quality tattooing. His Instagram feed serves as his primary portfolio, where followers track his latest pieces and watch his technique evolve. Korski operates independently, without a listed studio affiliation, which suggests he manages his own bookings and client relationships directly. This independence also means his style remains distinctly his own, unfiltered by shop aesthetics or group creative direction.

Defining Characteristics of His Work

Korski's work sits squarely in two overlapping styles: realism and black & gray. Realism tattooing demands an artist who can translate photographic reference into skin with accuracy. Every shadow, highlight, and texture must land in the right place. Black & gray amplifies this challenge because there is no color to distract the eye. The entire image relies on value contrast, smooth gradients, and precise saturation. Korski's portfolio shows consistent control over these elements. His shading transitions from deep blacks to the lightest grays without visible banding. The contrast he achieves gives his pieces a three-dimensional quality that reads clearly from a distance and holds detail up close. This combination of styles appeals to clients who want tattoos that look like they could step off the skin, rendered in a timeless monochrome palette that ages well.

Popular Motifs & Subjects

Realism and black & gray artists frequently work with subjects that reward detailed rendering, and Korski's portfolio aligns with this tradition. Portraits are a cornerstone of the style, whether of family members, cultural figures, or personal icons. Animal imagery also appears prominently in realism work, from wildlife to pets memorialized in ink. Religious and spiritual iconography, skulls, and figurative compositions all lend themselves to the depth and drama that black & gray shading produces. Korski's Instagram showcases his range across these subjects, each piece demonstrating his ability to handle different textures like fur, skin, and organic forms. Clients considering a realism piece should browse his feed for examples that match their vision. The style rewards clear reference material and open communication about which details matter most.

Placement & Sizing Considerations

Realism tattoos need space to breathe. The level of detail Korski achieves in his black & gray work requires adequate canvas size for the shading transitions and fine lines to hold up over time. A small realism piece can lose definition as ink settles and spreads, so larger placements like the forearm, upper arm, thigh, or back tend to produce the best results. That said, experienced realism artists can adapt their approach for smaller pieces by simplifying detail without losing the overall impact. Placement also matters for visibility during the healing process. Areas with less friction and sun exposure help preserve the subtle gradients that define quality black & gray work. Discuss placement options with Korski directly, as he can advise on sizing based on your specific design and body area.

Choosing Rafael Korski for Your Tattoo

Selecting an artist for a realism or black & gray tattoo comes down to portfolio evidence and communication. Korski's Instagram following of over 77,000 people speaks to the consistency and appeal of his output. When reviewing his work, look for healed photos, not just fresh pieces. Healed work reveals how the artist's technique holds up over time. Pay attention to how smooth the shading remains and whether the contrast survives the healing process. If you are traveling to Ivoti for a session, factor in the logistics of follow-up appointments or touch-ups. For clients in the Rio Grande do Sul region, Korski offers a local option for high-quality realism without traveling to Porto Alegre or beyond. Reach out through his website or Instagram to start the conversation about your project.