In early November, boxing fans watched as Canelo Alvarez entered the ring to face Sergey Kovalev. Alvarez emerged victorious, securing the World Boxing Organization title in the 175-pound weight class. But it wasn’t just his win that had people talking.
The fight offered a rare opportunity to see Canelo’s tattoos in full display. His back features an inspirational quote: “Destiny is not a matter of chance. It’s a matter of choice. Life is hard but never give up. Keep on trying and always believe in yourself to achieve your dreams.”
But the real buzz came from his arm tattoo — a striking portrait of his daughter. This eye-catching piece offers a glimpse into the world of portrait tattoos and what it takes to get a great one.
Serious Subject Matter
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: if you’re getting a portrait tattoo of someone, make sure it’s someone you genuinely love.
Many people rush into relationships and get tattoos prematurely. For instance, Johnny Depp got “Winona Forever” during his relationship with Winona Ryder. After their breakup, he had to modify it to “Wino Forever.”
Canelo’s portrait tattoo, however, is of his own daughter, a deeply meaningful piece he’s unlikely to regret.
Check (And Double-Check) the Artist’s Portfolio
Let’s be honest: not all tattoo artists have the same level of skill, especially when it comes to portrait tattoos. This genre requires a very specific technique, and not every artist is up to the challenge.
Before committing, take the time to research the artist’s portfolio, particularly focusing on their work with portrait tattoos. Don’t get distracted by their other designs — make sure their portraits are detailed and realistic.
A poorly executed portrait tattoo can quickly turn into a joke and could even insult the person you’re trying to honor. Do your homework to ensure the artist is right for the job.
Big, Bold, and Bright
On the flip side, a tattoo artist can only work with the reference material you provide. For a successful portrait tattoo, the artist needs a high-quality image to work from.
Avoid handing over a blurry, low-resolution photo. The clearer and more detailed your reference image, the more accurate your tattoo will be. Aim for a high-resolution image (at least 8×10 inches), ideally one that is well-lit and captures the subject’s personality as much as their appearance.
With the right reference and a talented artist, you can achieve a tattoo of the same caliber as Canelo Alvarez’s — a true work of art.