Microrealism Animal Tattoos in Durham, NC by Brian Parrillo
Tattoo Artist: Brian Parrillo — Ethereal Tattoo Gallery
Animal tattoos have always been a timeless way to showcase personality, symbolism, and style—but when they’re created with single needle precision and a microrealism tattoo approach, they become museum-quality miniatures. At Ethereal Tattoo Gallery in Durham, NC, artist Brian Parrillo transforms animals into highly detailed, lifelike art using only a 1RL (one round liner) needle.
In the examples above, you can see the incredible realism possible with this technique:
A fierce, noble lion’s portrait, rendered small enough to fit perfectly on the back of a hand
A roaring Tyrannosaurus rex with intricate texture work and shading
A striking triceratops built from delicate stippling and smooth gradients
Microrealism animal tattoos allow every fur strand, scale, or feather to be individually placed, giving unmatched texture and depth. The result? Tattoos that look more like illustrations than traditional ink.
Why Choose a Single Needle Microrealism Tattoo?
Ultra-Crisp Detail: Captures fine fur, scales, or realistic eyes with photographic precision.
Perfect for Small Pieces: Works beautifully for compact designs without sacrificing realism.
Unique Finish: Soft gradients and subtle shading give a timeless, sophisticated look.
Whether you want a portrait of your pet, a prehistoric dinosaur, or a symbolic animal totem, Brian Parrillo specializes in turning your vision into a precise, lasting microrealism tattoo.
📍 Ethereal Tattoo Gallery — Durham, NC Tattoo Shop
Submit an inquiry with Brian to get a quote and start your custom single needle animal tattoo today!