Sean Burtenshaw
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.
realism. fine line. black and grey.
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 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.
A PURE TALENT FOR BRINGING DESIGNS TO LIFE
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.
