Meet Sean Burtenshaw

Sean Burtenshaw

Some tattoo artists draw on skin. Others build something deeper, where every line, shade and movement tells a story you didn’t realise you needed until it was there. Sean Burtenshaw is firmly in the second category. With a talent for bringing images to life and an instinctive sense of balance, Sean is widely regarded as one of the best tattoo artists in London for bold realism, depth-rich black and grey, and clean, high-impact work that looks as good ten years on as it does fresh out of the studio.

At OSCO London, Sean brings both artistic precision and a strong sense of purpose to every tattoo. His portfolio is filled with powerful portraits, stylised faces, religious iconography and animal realism, often in monochrome but always in striking clarity. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fifteenth, working with Sean is a memorable, collaborative process designed to give you something meaningful, personal and beautifully executed.

Sean’s Tattoo Style and Specialisms

Sean Burtenshaw’s tattoo style is grounded in bold black and grey realism with a dynamic edge. His work is dramatic and finely detailed, often using high contrast and deep shadows to create tattoos that jump from the skin. From photorealistic portraits to sacred figures and surreal elements, Sean’s tattoos feel confident, deliberate and alive.

He is especially known for stylised faces, often with abstract overlays, ornamental framing or expressive textures that add dimension to the design. His shading technique is soft yet punchy, blending smooth gradients with high-definition highlights to create work that holds up incredibly well over time.

For those drawn to realism but wanting something more interpretive than literal, Sean’s approach hits the perfect balance, technical without being clinical, bold without losing emotional tone.

The Experience of Getting Tattooed by Sean

Booking in with Sean begins with a consultation where you can discuss your ideas, references and vision. Whether you already have a photo or just a vague concept, Sean is happy to guide the design process and offer creative input. He works closely with each client to refine the image, adapt it for tattooing and ensure the scale and placement match your body and the message behind the piece.

Sean’s sessions are focused and professional, with an energy that helps you stay calm and present throughout, even during long sittings. He works methodically, layer by layer, taking care to build up the piece without overworking the skin. His machine control is precise, and his attention to detail allows him to create smooth, high-impact designs with clean transitions and beautifully saturated blacks.

You’ll also get clear communication throughout the session so you know what’s happening at every stage, whether it’s stencil placement, initial linework, shading or final passes.

Pain and Healing Expectations

Sean’s technique is built on balance and control, which means many clients find his tattoos more bearable than expectedespecially for large realism pieces. While realism does often require longer sessions, the smooth shading technique used by Sean can be more forgiving on the skin than styles that rely on harsh lines or repeated packing.

Healing tends to be straightforward, particularly for black and grey pieces. Sean will provide full aftercare guidance during your appointment, including how to wash the tattoo, when to moisturise, and what to avoid in the first few weeks.

Redness and peeling are completely normal during the healing process, and Sean is always happy to answer questions after the session if anything feels unfamiliar. His tattoos are designed to settle evenly, and with the right care they will age gracefully with minimal fading or need for touch-ups.

Pricing and Booking Process

Sean’s prices reflect his high skill level and the time invested into each custom design. Smaller pieces typically start from around £150, though his work often leans toward medium to large-scale projects that require a full session or multiple sittings. For realism and portrait tattoos, rates usually fall between £600 and £1,200 depending on the subject and level of complexity.

Consultations are available via OSCO London’s website, where clients can send ideas, reference images and preferred dates to begin the booking process. Due to demand, it’s advised to book well in advanceespecially for larger pieces or weekend appointments.

If you’re unsure about where to start, Sean is always happy to explore the possibilities with you. His approach is grounded in collaboration, and every tattoo he creates is built around your story, your body and your intention.

Is Sean the Right Artist for You?

Sean’s tattoos are best suited to clients who want something bold, lasting and artistically striking. His work resonates with those who appreciate depth, realism and emotion, not just in subject matter but in how the design is constructed.

He is a strong choice for portraits, religious themes, stylised realism and highly detailed black and grey. His experience working on large-scale pieces also makes him ideal for sleeves, back pieces, and tattoos that need to integrate seamlessly into existing work.

Sean’s work speaks to those who want to invest in something meaningful, dramatic and expertly made. His tattoos are designed to be lived withto grow with you and still hold power decades down the line.

Studio Standards and Safety

At OSCO London, Sean operates in a fully licensed and health-regulated studio that prioritises client safety and hygiene. He uses single-use needles, medical-grade cleaning supplies and properly sterilised equipment for every appointment. All surfaces are cleaned between sessions, and your tattoo will be wrapped and protected before you leave.

Clients can also expect a comfortable, inclusive and professional environment that reflects the studio’s reputation for quality and care. Every detailfrom lighting to aftercareis considered to make sure you’re supported throughout your tattoo journey.

Common Client Questions and Misconceptions

One common myth Sean often addresses is that realism tattoos don’t age well. The truth is, poorly applied realism may fade or blur quicklybut Sean’s work is built on contrast, flow and smart spacing, which ensures your tattoo keeps its clarity and definition over time.

Another question clients often ask is whether they can bring their own photo for a portrait. The answer is yes, though the better the image quality, the more detail Sean can replicate. He’s also skilled at combining multiple references into a single cohesive design, so you’re not limited to one source.

Finally, many clients wonder whether realism has to be huge to be effective. While larger areas allow for more detail, Sean is perfectly capable of creating smaller-scale realism that still packs a visual punch, especially on areas like forearms, calves or upper arms.