Why Black-and-Gray Realism Is So Popular Today: Roman Zakharchenko’s Perspective
Written by Nia Bowers
January 23, 2026 - What connects rapper Drake, actor Tom Hardy, and the men of the Beckham family? Tattoos. And not just any tattoos, but ones done in the same style - black-and-gray realism. According to a Pew Research Center study, 32% of American adults have at least one tattoo, while 22% have more than one. Among the most widespread styles is realism, which exists both in color and in black and gray. One of the most prominent representatives of this style today is tattoo artist Roman Zakharchenko. His work can be found in specialized publications and on the bodies of thousands of people around the world.
Beyond Color
“Black-and-gray realism is extremely popular worldwide. It can be called a timeless classic. Every artist tries to interpret it in their own way, blending it with personal stylistic elements - which is exactly what I do,” Roman says.
The tattoo artist himself has chosen realistic imagery as the central motif of his work - most often portraits, sometimes with fantasy-inspired elements. This approach has allowed him to carve out his place in a large-scale niche and attract his audience. Roman works primarily on large projects and complex compositions, such as full backs or sleeves.
Three Reasons for the Popularity
Roman explains that people choose this style for several reasons. First, it allows artists to create incredibly detailed images where textures, volume, and depth are clearly visible.Second, it’s about the maturity of the style. It is most often chosen by older, more conscious clients for whom a tattoo is no longer a whim, but something meaningful or even sacred.
And finally, according to Roman, the popularity of black-and-gray realism lies in its versatility over time. Many people avoid bright, colorful tattoos out of concern that they may fade quickly, while black-and-gray designs tend to age better and retain their quality longer.
“Black-and-gray tattoos are more resistant to sunlight. This is important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Colored pigments can fade in the sun, so black-and-gray options are more universal and cause fewer issues,” Roman explains.
Where to Go for Such a Project
The choice is vast. According to Marketdata LLC, tattoo services are provided by approximately 11,600 tattoo studios in the United States alone, with around 52,000 tattoo artists nationwide. The highest concentration is found in California, Texas, and Florida. In virtually every studio, you can find an artist working in black-and-gray style, as demand for it remains high.Roman himself works at one of Los Angeles’ most commercially successful and recognizable tattoo studios - Sashatattooing Gallery. This space has long outgrown the format of a traditional tattoo parlor and operates as an international art platform. The studio is known for its high-profile clients from the worlds of music, sports, and film. Among those tattooed there are Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, singer Jae Park, UFC fighters, and professional athletes, as well as collaborative projects with major brands. Working in such an environment implies a high level of trust and refined taste, and it is here that Roman develops his large-scale автор projects in the genre of black-and-gray realism.
“Yes, there are many artists in the U.S., and the best of the best come here. But if you’ve found your own style, there’s nothing to worry about. People will gravitate toward you on their own,” Roman says.
The Tattoo Artist’s Background
Today, choosing a tattoo artist increasingly begins with watching short videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Algorithms promote entertaining clips and flashy fragments of the process, creating the illusion of experience and professionalism.“You can’t rely on the tattoo artist’s charisma or how well they dance on camera. You need to study the portfolio carefully and pay attention to its authenticity. For example, I try not to edit photos at all, so people can see the real result,” Roman says.
When choosing a tattoo artist, it’s important to focus first and foremost on their background: how many years they’ve been in the profession, where they work, whether they’ve participated in competitions, and whether they see complex projects through to completion.
Roman Zakharchenko has been in the tattoo industry for more than ten years. During this time, he has participated in over 17 tattoo conventions, received seven awards, and served four times as a judge at professional tattoo competitions.
According to Roman, as in any craft, results are what matter most in tattooing. Black-and-gray realism remains in demand precisely because it stands the test of time - both visually and conceptually. That means this style is unlikely to lose its relevance in the years to come.
