CUSTOM ║ FINE LINE ║ REALISM ║ILLUSTRATIVE
Welcome to
Ethereal Tattoo Gallery
North Carolina’s Premier Studio for Black and Grey + Fine Line Tattoos
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Fine Line, Realism & Black and Grey Tattoos Near Cary, NC
Custom tattoos a short drive from Cary, NC
Ethereal Tattoo Gallery is a custom tattoo studio in downtown Durham, open since 2018. Our artists specialize in black and grey realism, fine line tattoos, microrealism, and illustrative work, in a calm studio filled with green plants and original art. Designs are drawn custom for each client, and pre-drawn designs are also available.
Clients from Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina make the drive to Durham for soft, ethereal black and grey work, delicate fine line, and lifelike realism. The studio is about 30 minutes from Cary via I-40 and the Durham Freeway (NC-147).
Whatever your muse, our team is known for:
Fine line tattoos: delicate, precise line work with room to age well. See where the style began in a brief history of fine line tattooing.
Realism and microrealism: lifelike portraits, animals, and detailed subjects.
Black and grey tattoos: smooth shading, depth, and texture. Not sure which style fits your idea? Compare them in our realism vs. illustrative guide.
Realistic Portrait Tattoos Near Cary
For realistic portraits of people and pets, Cary clients book with Brian Parrillo. Brian is an academically trained fine artist and portrait oil painter who has been tattooing for more than twelve years. Clients travel to him from across North Carolina and the country for pet portraits, memorial portraits, lady face tattoos, and black and grey realism. See Brian's portfolio and booking information.
Meet the Team
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Brian
TATTOO ARTIST
Realism ║ Fine line ║ Portraits
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Yasmin
TATTOO ARTIST
Fine line ║ Florals ║ Illustrative
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Annika
SHOP MANAGER
Planning Your Visit from Cary
The drive: About 30 minutes from Cary to downtown Durham via I-40 and NC-147. Allow extra time at rush hour.
Hours: By appointment, typically Wednesday through Sunday.
After your appointment: Text the studio with any healing questions, see what to expect week by week, and follow our aftercare instructions.
Why Cary clients choose Ethereal Tattoo Gallery
Ethereal Tattoo Gallery has been in downtown Durham since 2018, a short drive up I-40 from Cary.
Custom fine line, realism, and black and grey tattoos
Realistic human and pet portraits by Brian Parrillo
Small tattoos, large multi-session projects, and group sessions
Flexible consultations by appointment
Also serving clients from Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Book your appointment.
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Ethereal Tattoo Gallery has one location, at 730 Rigsbee Ave in downtown Durham, about 30 minutes from Cary. Clients from Cary, Apex, and Morrisville visit us regularly for custom fine line, realism, and portrait tattoos.
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About 30 minutes by car, via I-40 and the Durham Freeway (NC-147). Allow extra time at rush hour.
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Brian Parrillo, Ethereal's founder, specializes in realistic human and pet portrait tattoos. He is an academically trained fine artist and portrait oil painter with more than twelve years of tattooing experience. Whether your muse is a loved one, a pet, or a classical figure, he renders it in soft, lifelike black and grey.
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Yes. Fine line is one of our core styles, from small, delicate pieces to fine line accents around larger realism work.
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Pricing depends on size, placement, and detail. Share your idea through booking for a quote. For Brian's portrait work, see his pricing page.
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Yes. We host groups by appointment. See group booking.