TIGER TATTOOS FOR CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE
We’re teaming up with Carolina Tiger Rescue for a charity tattoo event
In honor of International Tiger Day 2026 on July 29, Brian Parrillo is offering two big cat portrait tattoos (approx. 3-4 inches) at a discounted rate ($600). Instead of paying us, you’ll make a direct (tax-deductible!) donation to Carolina Tiger Rescue!
Details:
Tattoos will be done on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22.
Black & grey realism in Brian’s style (see his animal portrait portfolio here).
Pre-drawn designs (see below). 4 designs are available to choose from.
Size: approx. 3-4 inches.
Pricing: $600. Discounted compared to Brian’s normal rate (and your payment is a direct donation to Carolina Tiger Rescue, so it is tax-deductible). Nothing is payable to Brian or Ethereal on tattoo day; the tattoo is a “thank you” for your donation.
How It Works:
Apply using the form below.
The form will stay open for about 2 weeks before we close it and review all submissions.
Brian will select two participants based on preferred placements on the body (inner forearm preferred for these designs), scheduling/design flexibility, and, if we need to narrow further, by random draw. We’ll contact you by email.
If selected, you’ll make your donation directly to Carolina Tiger Rescue. We will confirm the donation with them, then we’ll book your appointment on either August 21 or August 22. Donations must be completed by July 30, 2026.
DESIGN 01
DESIGN 02
DESIGN 03
DESIGN 04
Why we chose Carolina Tiger Rescue
Brian Parrillo has been tattooing animal portraits for over a decade, and big cats have always been a subject he returns to. He has spent years refining his approach to animal portraiture in black and grey realism: the texture of fur, the weight of a gaze, the way light catches on whiskers.
In 2025, Brian launched a donation-based tattoo promotion for Hope Animal Rescue and the response was overwhelming. The event raised more than $3,200 for Hope Animal Rescue, and Brian got to create some really great portraits! So he wanted to do a similar promotion, but with the chance to tattoo some big cats, and Carolina Tiger Rescue was the obvious choice to partner.
Carolina Tiger Rescue is a nonprofit wildcat sanctuary in Pittsboro, NC, about 45 minutes from downtown Durham. Their animals come from private ownership, roadside zoos, and facilities shut down by authorities. Importantly, they are one of the only GFAS-accredited big cat sanctuaries in the United States. This means they're held to the highest standards in the industry for animal care and sanctuary operations. Every animal there gets a lifelong home that strives to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible, and there are no breeding programs, no cub petting, and no exploitation.
TIMELINE
Applications Open: July 8, 2026
Applications Close: July 24, 2026
Tattoo Days: August 21-22, 2026
Donation Must be Made + Appointment Must Be Booked By: July 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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Fill out the application form on this page. It stays open for about 2 weeks (July 8–24, 2026) before we close it and review submissions.
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Brian selects based on preferred placement (inner forearm is ideal for these designs), scheduling/design flexibility, and, if needed, a random draw among finalists. This is our first time trying this, so we are not sure how many entries we will receive/how competitive it will be!
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You'll be notified by email by July 28, 2026. If selected, be prepared to make your donation within a couple of days and send proof of donation to secure your appointment.
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No donation required if you're not chosen. The two designs not tattooed at this event will be available for anyone to purchase as a tattoo from Brian, outside this promotion.
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$600, made directly to Carolina Tiger Rescue. Since it's a donation, it's tax-deductible. Nothing is paid to Brian or Ethereal.
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We confirm your donation with Carolina Tiger Rescue, then book your appointment for either August 21 or August 22, 2026. Donations must be completed and confirmed by July 30, 2026.
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Your donation goes directly to Carolina Tiger Rescue, so any refund request would be handled with them.
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Four pre-drawn tiger designs, shown on this page. All are done in Brian's black & grey realism style, approx. 3–4 inches.
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No. If you're selected for a specific placement (e.g. inner forearm), that placement is locked in — we choose participants partly based on placement, so it can't change after selection.
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No, the four designs are pre-drawn and not customizable. Depending on which arm/side of the body you're tattooed on, your design may be flipped so the subject faces toward your body. This is standard tattoo practice, not a design change. Also, minor sizing adjustments within an inch or two are fine.
If you want a custom tiger design, though, let us know!