Pet Portrait Tattoos

Brian Parrillo is a North Carolina tattoo artist known for his black and grey realism, specializing in lifelike pet and animal portraits that reflect the love and connection you share. With over a decade of experience tattooing animal portraits and a lifelong background in drawing realism, Brian brings a trained fine art perspective to every piece. He began drawing animals as a child and later honed his skills in art school, where he focused on classical drawing, oil painting, and portraiture.

Chihuahua pet portrait tattoo
A realistic black and gray tattoo of a happy dog with pointed ears on a person's forearm.
Tattoo of a happy Husky dog's face inside a diamond-shaped frame on a person's thigh.
Tattoo of a realistic bulldog puppy head on a person's forearm.
Tattoo of a realistic puppies face on a person's skin, with detailed shading and fur texture.
Tattoo of a realistic bulldog's face on a person's arm.
Black and gray tattoo of a happy dog's face inside a circle on a person's arm.
Black and gray realistic tattoo of a dog's face on a person's arm.
Black and gray tattoo of a realistic cat face on a person's arm.
Tattoo of a realistic kitten in a 3D style, with geometric shapes in the background.
Tattoo of a puppy's face with realistic eyes and floppy ears on a person's arm.
Tattoo of a detailed, realistic puppy dog face on a person's arm.
Tattoo of two realistic dog portraits inside hexagon frames on a person's forearm.
Tattoo of a black and white dog’s face on a person’s forearm, with the words "All Because of You" written below.
Tattoo of a realistic bulldog puppy on a person's arm.
A woman with a tattoo of a French Bulldog on her arm, wearing a white top, touching her chest with her left hand, with her face partially visible and looking down.

CLICK BELOW TO GET A QUOTE for a pet portrait tattoo

Pet Portrait Tattoos by Brian Parrillo

Custom Animal Tattoos for Clients in Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Beyond

If you're looking for a realistic pet portrait tattoo in North Carolina, you're in the right place. Brian Parrillo creates highly detailed animal tattoos that honor the deep bond between people and their pets. From lifelike dog and cat portraits to meaningful memorial tattoos, Brian’s work blends technical precision with emotional depth.

Whether you’re local to Durham or coming from Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, or anywhere in the Triangle area, clients travel to Brian for his ability to capture not just the likeness, but the soul of your pet. Every tattoo is drawn with care and designed to reflect the personality, quirks, and spirit of the animal you love.

What Kind of Pet Tattoos Does Brian Do?

  • Realistic Dog Portrait Tattoos
    From tiny toy breeds to big loyal companions, Brian creates custom dog tattoos that look just like your pup.

  • Detailed Cat Portrait Tattoos
    Whether playful or stoic, your cat’s personality shines through in Brian’s lifelike black and grey work.

  • Animal Memorial Tattoos
    Honor your pet’s memory with a thoughtful and lasting tribute. Brian specializes in memorial tattoos that hold deep personal meaning.

  • Other Custom Animal Tattoos
    Have a different kind of animal tattoo in mind? Brian has tattooed everything from bunnies to birds to reptiles.

How to Get the Best Pet Portrait Tattoo

Great tattoos start with great reference photos.

For the most accurate and lifelike tattoo, the photo you provide matters. In fact, it’s one of the most important parts of the process.

To get the best results:

  • Choose a clear, high-resolution photo. Blurry or pixelated images don’t show the detail Brian needs to work from.

  • Make sure the lighting is good. Natural daylight is best—no harsh shadows or colored filters.

  • Focus on the face and expression. Close-up shots where you can clearly see your pet’s eyes, fur texture, and unique features are ideal.

  • Avoid heavy edits or filters. These can distort color and detail, which makes the image harder to translate into a realistic tattoo.

If you're not sure whether your photo will work, just reach out. We're happy to review images with you and help you choose the best option—or even guide you through how to take a new one. The goal is always to give you the most accurate and meaningful portrait possible.

Why Choose Brian for Your Pet Tattoo?

Brian Parrillo has been drawing realistic portraits of humans and animals since he was a child. With a lifelong passion for realism and a background in fine art, Brian brings a trained eye and steady hand to every tattoo. He attended art school where he focused on figure drawing, shading, and classical technique—skills that now set his tattoo work apart.

He’s been tattooing clients in North Carolina for over a decade, and is known for his calm, thoughtful approach and commitment to detail. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to a collection, clients choose Brian for his artistic talent, calm approach, and ability to translate love into lasting art.

If you’re looking for a pet tattoo artist who blends technical skill, artistic training, and genuine care for your story, Brian is the one to work with.

Take a look through the gallery above to see examples of Brian’s pet portrait tattoos.
If you’re ready to book a consultation or want help turning a photo of your pet into a one-of-a-kind tattoo, get in touch here.

Brian books appointments at Ethereal Tattoo Gallery in downtown Durham.