Custom Tattoos

Brian Parrillo – Black & Grey Realism, Fine Line & Microrealism Tattoo Artist in Durham, NC

Brian Parrillo is a black and grey realism specialist at Ethereal Tattoo Gallery in Durham, North Carolina. With more than 11 years of tattooing experience and a background in fine art, Brian bridges traditional tattoo fundamentals with a modern, elevated style. Known for his clean precision and subtle shading, Brian has earned a reputation as one of the best tattoo artists in Durham for black and grey realism, fine line tattoos, and highly detailed microrealism.

Before ever picking up a tattoo machine, Brian studied drawing and painting at a fine arts college. That classical training still guides his work today—whether he’s creating a hyper-realistic portrait, a delicate floral piece, or a tiny microrealism design. His understanding of light, proportion, and composition sets his work apart in both style and depth.

Brian is best known for:

• Black and Grey Realism Tattoos – High-contrast, photo-realistic work built on rich shading and soft transitions. Brian’s realism is grounded in strong fundamentals and technical refinement.

• Microrealism Tattoos – Small-scale, ultra-detailed tattoos with incredible realism. Often used for portraits, wildlife, architecture, and symbolic imagery.

• Portrait Tattoos – Custom portraits of people and pets, drawn by hand and tattooed with care. Lifelike and emotionally resonant, with no shortcuts or pre-made templates.

• Pet Portrait Tattoos – A specialty of Brian’s, combining fine line and microrealism to create soulful tributes that capture each animal’s unique spirit.

• Fine Line Floral Tattoos – Light, botanical tattoos with natural flow and elegant detail. Often drawn from scratch based on the client's favorite blooms or personal symbolism.

• Other Custom Fine Line Tattoos – From minimalist designs to intricate line-based realism, Brian’s steady hand and years of experience make him a trusted name in fine line work.

• Nature-Inspired & Conceptual Realism – Custom compositions that blend natural elements, skulls, animals, or abstract forms in black and grey realism.

Brian came up in the tattoo world through a more traditional path—learning through apprenticeship, putting in time on fundamentals, and always drawing by hand. He doesn’t use AI-generated designs or stock flash. Every tattoo he creates is fully original, sketched for the individual client, and built through collaboration. This commitment to craftsmanship, plus his adaptability and evolving technique, make Brian a go-to artist for clients seeking truly custom, timeless work.

Whether you’re looking for the best realism tattoo artist in Durham, a classic black and grey sleeve, or a fine line floral piece with subtle shading—Brian brings a painter’s eye, a craftsman’s mindset, and over a decade of experience to every tattoo.