A structured guide that will forever change your view of black & gray microrealism.
Advanced online course in black and white microrealism concept art, led by María Álvarez.
There are two types of tattoo artists:
For years, I tattooed in studios across different countries, and I experienced what many artists keep quiet about: full schedules but limited creativity. Last-minute changes, unsure clients, ideas that didn't fit, forced compositions... Until I made a decision: never again would I tattoo anything that didn't fit with my way of seeing art. Everything changed when I understood how to combine technique, intention, and visual narrative.
Thus was born my current approach: microrealism with my own composition. A style that allowed me to gain international recognition, be a judge at conventions, and, above all, work with creative freedom. And that's what I'm here to teach you.
You already tattoo, even if only partially, and you know that repeating formulas isn't getting you any further.
You feel stuck. Not because of a lack of work, but because of a lack of direction.
You design, yes. But you know you could do it better. More personal. More coherent.
You've been letting customers decide for you for a while, and you accept it because "you have to eat."
You have good hands, but no method. And without a method, talent is wasted.
If you've made it this far, it's because you know your work could have more weight, more intention, more of its own language. You don't need motivation. You need structure, clarity... and someone who's been there.
— How to build visual concepts from the client’s raw ideas
— What a strong composition should have (and how to adapt it to the human body)
— How to balance technique, narrative, and aesthetics in a single piece
— How to achieve tattoos that heal well and retain their details over time
— What materials I personally use and why I choose them
— When and how to use each one to ensure quality, pigmentation, and durability
— All the steps I follow from the initial briefing to the final executionI show you my process without filters: what I do, how I think about it, and why.
Construction of visual concept
You will learn to move from an abstract idea to a design applicable to the body.
Composition and applied narrative
Visual techniques to give coherence, strength and direction to your compositions.
Microrealism with artistic intention
Volume, atmosphere, contrast and texture with expressive focus.
Review and critical editing of your own work
You'll learn to evaluate your designs using high-level artistic criteria.
BONUS: Step-by-step analysis of real-life compositions.
✔ 100% online and at your own pace
✔ Immediate and lifetime access
✔ High-quality recorded classes
✔ Downloadable tracing template
12/01/2025
PEDRO ANTONIO MOLTÓ BERNAL
Murcia, ES
Concept Art Tattoo: Composition with Microrealistic Pieces
12/11/2024
Madame.franka
Paris, FR
Very helpful!
I loved the course, although I haven't finished it yet, Maria is very educational and professional in her explanations, all the information she provides is very useful.
25/10/2024
Alba Torres
Great course!
I took both online tattoo courses with María, the Concept Art and the Microrealism courses, and I loved them. She's a genius at explaining things, and the courses are super well-organized. I learned a ton and have leveled up my tattooing style. Highly recommended!
18/08/2024
Manuel Lao Clares
Málaga, ES
A WONDER
María is a great artist and it is a pleasure to listen to the way she explains the entire process and the details that make a composition like hers stand out from the rest.
12/01/2025
PEDRO ANTONIO MOLTÓ BERNAL
Murcia, ES
Concept Art Tattoo: Composition with Microrealistic Pieces
12/11/2024
Madame.franka
Paris, FR
Very helpful!
I loved the course, although I haven't finished it yet, Maria is very educational and professional in her explanations, all the information she provides is very useful.
25/10/2024
Alba Torres
Great course!
I took both online tattoo courses with María, the Concept Art and the Microrealism courses, and I loved them. She's a genius at explaining things, and the courses are super well-organized. I learned a ton and have leveled up my tattooing style. Highly recommended!
18/08/2024
Manuel Lao Clares
Málaga, ES
A WONDER
María is a great artist and it is a pleasure to listen to the way she explains the entire process and the details that make a composition like hers stand out from the rest.
I'm María Álvarez. A tattoo artist specializing in microrealism and conceptual compositions.
I've served on juries at international conventions and trained more than 3,000 students in Spain, the US, and Asia. I've given numerous in-person seminars, spoken at global training events, and am the founder of Lumbre Tattoo and Art Academy.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, work with famous people, win multiple awards at international conventions such as Switzerland and Rome, meet incredible professionals, and learn everything possible about the world of tattoos.
This course outlines the actual process I follow to design tattoos that connect, not just impress, as well as my technical, step-by-step process for creating the tattoo.
After years of teaching, I've been able to identify key points that pose obstacles and prevent many tattoo artists from advancing. In this course, I've set out to address all of these issues so that you're not just another one being held back and can continue advancing in your career.
single payment or 3 installments of €65
includes:
Immediate and lifetime access
Certificate of Completion
Photography bonus to learn how to showcase your work and attract more clients.
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