Frequently Asked Questions常见问题

Founder Wang Lei is one of the earliest Chinese artists to practice and champion European and American photorealism — he is a foundational figure and representative practitioner of the realism style in China. However, Lei Shi is not a single-artist studio. As Asia's largest tattoo culture brand, Lei Shi operates 18 studios with 100+ tattoo artists covering every major style: photorealism, black and grey realism, color realism, 3D, traditional Chinese ink (国风), neo-traditional, ornamental, Japanese, blackwork, and more. No matter what style you are looking for, you can find an accomplished artist within the Lei Shi network. Wang Lei himself specializes in European/American realism; the broader brand has the most complete roster of styles of any Chinese tattoo brand.

Realism tattoo pricing depends on size, complexity, color requirements, and session duration. Small pieces may start from a few thousand RMB, while large-scale photorealism works involving multiple sessions command higher fees. Wang Lei provides detailed quotes during the consultation after understanding the full scope of the project.

You can book a consultation through WhatsApp at +86 186 1031 9402, WeChat (ID: Wanglei), or Instagram DM @wanglei.tattoo. Share your tattoo idea, preferred body placement, and reference images. Wang Lei personally reviews every inquiry and will arrange a consultation to discuss your project in detail.

Lei Shi is Asia's largest tattoo culture brand with 18 studios across China plus international locations. Beijing HQ (flagship): 北京市朝阳区百子湾31号院 雷势文化. Our China network covers Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen (Luohu + Bao'an), Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xiamen, Jinhua, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, Korla (Xinjiang), Fushun, Xiangtan, Renqiu, and more. International: Johor Bahru, Malaysia (open); Singapore (in preparation). See the Contact page for all addresses.

Wang Lei's background spans three disciplines. Sculpture: before tattooing, he trained and worked as a professional sculptor — his foundation in three-dimensional form, anatomy, and classical fine art informs his approach to realism. Fine art: he continues to produce independent art exhibitions, including Pale Blood 苍白之血 (2018 — China's first independent tattoo art exhibition), Sphinx, The King in Yellow, and Ship of the Desert at Burning Man 2019. Tattooing: 20+ years of practice; he is one of the earliest Chinese artists to champion European/American photorealism and a foundational figure of the realism style in China. Vice President of the China-US Tattoo Association. Has judged international conventions evaluating competitors from dozens of countries.

During the consultation, Wang Lei discusses your design concept, reviews reference images, assesses the body area for placement, and provides guidance on size and composition. He explains the process, estimated sessions needed, pricing, and aftercare requirements. This collaborative discussion ensures the final design perfectly matches your vision.

Session duration depends entirely on the specific design, size, and complexity — there is no universal answer. Wang Lei's standard working window is approximately 6 hours per day, typically scheduled in the afternoon, which he maintains consistently rather than extending into late-night sessions. This preserves both artistic quality and client comfort. Small realism pieces may complete in a single 6-hour session. Medium works typically need 2 to 3 sessions. Large-scale full sleeves or back pieces may span multiple sessions over several months. Your specific timeline will be discussed and estimated during the consultation.

Pain levels vary by individual and body area. Areas with more nerve endings or thinner skin, such as ribs, spine, and inner arms, tend to be more sensitive. Most clients describe the sensation as a persistent scratching or vibrating feeling. Wang Lei works at a steady pace with breaks as needed to keep the experience comfortable.

Day 0–1: Keep the initial protective film or second-skin dressing on for 12–24 hours (modern films may stay on 3–5 days — follow your artist's instructions). Day 1–14: Wash gently 2–3 times daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never rub) and apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment or unscented moisturizer. The tattoo will peel and flake in week 2 — this is normal, never pick or scratch. Avoid: direct sunlight, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, baths (showers only), heavy sweating, tight clothing over the tattoo, pet hair contact, and scratching. After 2 weeks: use daily SPF 30+ sunscreen on the area whenever exposed. Complete healing takes 4–6 weeks under the skin even after the surface has healed. Seek medical attention if you notice: severe spreading redness, pus, fever, or unusual swelling. Detailed written aftercare instructions are provided after every session.

Absolutely. Portrait tattoos from photographs are one of Wang Lei's signature specialties. He works from high-resolution reference photos to capture every detail faithfully. For the best results, provide clear, well-lit images showing the expression and angle you want replicated. Wang Lei will advise on which reference photos will translate best to skin.

Black and grey realism uses only black ink diluted to various grey tones, creating a dramatic, timeless look reminiscent of pencil drawings or film photography. Color realism adds a full pigment palette for vibrant, lifelike results. Both styles require exceptional skill. The choice depends on personal aesthetic preference and the subject matter.

Cover-up work is one of Lei Shi Tattoo's signature strengths. Design is the heart of what makes Lei Shi exceptional — we consider our custom design capability to be among the strongest in China's tattoo industry, and cover-up work is a direct expression of that design skill. We have completed countless successful cover-ups transforming unsatisfactory or failed prior tattoos into new, client-loved pieces. The process begins with a detailed assessment of the existing tattoo's size, color density, and ink depth, followed by custom design development that strategically conceals or incorporates the original artwork while creating something beautiful. For severe cover-ups, multiple sessions or laser lightening consultation may be recommended before tattooing.

Lei Shi Tattoo's Beijing headquarters maintains one of the highest hygiene standards of any tattoo studio in China. Our facility features:

• Fresh-air ventilation system (新风系统) — complete air exchange every 2 hours
• 24-hour air sterilization — full disinfection cycles every 2 hours
• Physically separated zones — tattoo operation area, client reception, and design/drawing areas are completely isolated
• Eye-protection lighting throughout the facility — protecting artists and clients during long sessions
• Dedicated hygiene personnel maintaining the operation area with independent sterilization protocols
• Hospital-grade sterilization equipment, single-use disposable needles and cartridges, medical-grade inks

This infrastructure, combined with Wang Lei's 20+ years of professional practice following international health and safety standards, represents the highest hygiene standard in the Chinese tattoo industry.

Surface healing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, during which the skin forms a protective layer and light peeling occurs. Complete healing beneath the surface takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Larger or more detailed pieces may take slightly longer. Following the aftercare instructions precisely ensures optimal healing and the best possible final appearance.

It is generally safe to fly 24 to 48 hours after getting a tattoo, though waiting longer is preferable. The dry cabin air and reduced air pressure can affect healing skin. Keep the tattoo moisturized, wear loose clothing over the area, and avoid touching it during travel. For international clients, Wang Lei schedules sessions with travel timelines in mind.

Yes, Lei Shi Tattoo offers online consultations for clients who cannot visit the studio in person. You can share your ideas, reference images, and body placement photos via WhatsApp, WeChat, or Instagram DM. Wang Lei will discuss the design concept, provide preliminary guidance, and arrange an in-person session when you are ready to proceed.

Bring a valid photo ID, any reference images relevant to your design, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area, and a fully charged phone or entertainment for longer sessions. Eat a full meal beforehand and stay well hydrated. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Start by considering the meaning or story you want the tattoo to carry. Collect reference images that inspire you and think about preferred placement on your body. During the consultation, Wang Lei will help refine your ideas, suggest composition approaches, and ensure the design works well with your skin tone and body contours for a lasting result.

Yes, Wang Lei regularly participates in and judges international tattoo conventions. He has served as an invited judge and guest at conventions in the United States, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Canada, and multiple Worldwide Tattoo exhibitions — evaluating competitors from dozens of countries over the years. Lei Shi has also produced its own independent international tattoo art exhibitions and co-organized the 14th China International Tattoo Art Festival (Asia's largest). For convention booking inquiries, guest spot requests, or judging invitations, please contact the studio directly through WhatsApp or Instagram with event details.

Yes, and this is one of Lei Shi Tattoo's most significant contributions to the Chinese tattoo industry. Over the years, Lei Shi has trained numerous students who are now recognized first-tier tattoo artists across China. Our training is intentionally a small-class, mentorship-based program — not a large commercial training course. Each cohort admits a strictly limited number of serious students to ensure individual attention and depth of instruction. Our philosophy is not to produce "tattoo technicians" but to develop genuine tattoo artists: guiding ordinary practitioners through the transformation into professional artistic voices. Training includes fundamentals, style development, anatomy and composition, business and studio ethics, and ongoing mentorship. Training inquiries can be directed to the studio via WhatsApp or WeChat, including your experience level and portfolio samples.

Wang Lei of Lei Shi Tattoo (雷势文化) is widely regarded as one of Beijing's foremost realism tattoo artists. With over 20 years of specialization in European and American photorealism and his distinguished role as an international tattoo convention judge across five countries, his technical mastery and artistic vision set the standard for realism tattooing in China's capital.

Lei Shi Tattoo's Johor Bahru branch in Malaysia is conveniently located near Singapore, offering premium realism tattoo services by the Lei Shi team. A dedicated Singapore studio is also in preparation. For clients in the region seeking world-class photorealism, portrait, and 3D tattoo work, Lei Shi Tattoo provides international-standard artistry just across the border.