Custom Tattoos + Fine Art

Client Reviews

“Brian did an amazing job memorializing our puppy and made my first tattoo experience easy! After years of trying to decide what to get for my first tattoo, losing our 18 month old puppy made it easy. Brian and Annika were super helpful in designing, preparing and explaining what to expect. Brian is incredibly talented!”

-Brian

★★★★★

“For high quality tattoos, I highly recommend Brian Parrillo of Ethereal Tattoo. His artwork is phenomenal and his attention to detail is stellar. He completed a portrait of my soul dog on my arm that is absolutely stunning. Brian is professional, kind, and incredibly passionate about his work. The shop is very clean, beautiful, and tranquil.”

-Joelle

★★★★★


“Brian is amazing. Pictures don't do it justice.

Update: Thought id share an update since i know a lot of people are concerned about the longevity of micro portrait tattoos. It's been 2 years and my tattoo looks as beautiful and crisp as the day I got it. It's worth every penny 🩵”

-Abby

★★★★★


“***THE ONLY PLACE YOU’LL EVER GO AGAIN***

Brian did my very first tattoo a few days ago! It was an ambitious 6 hour tattoo but it went by so fast!

First, Brian is insanely talented. The tattoo turned out better than I could have even imagined. His realism style is UNMATCHED! His was the first portfolio I saw and thought “he could literally throw my design away and tattoo whatever he wanted and it would still be the coolest thing ever”. (He didn’t throw my design away! Lol). But this was the level of confidence that made me so comfortable getting my first tattoo with him. He was very considerate of my pain tolerance and bounced around the design to keep from focusing on any one spot for too long. We took breaks whenever needed and I felt heard the entire time.

Second, Annika (the manager) was so welcoming and cool. She checked in on me occasionally during the session and made me feel so comfortable. We chatted about her tattoo journey and she showed me some of her new pieces.

Third, as a gay man, I was worried about the “vibe” because tattoo places can have a reputation for being “macho” but it was sooo LGBTQ+ friendly! None of my over-the-top, gay humor fazed anyone. I have already submitted my next tattoo idea and can’t wait to schedule it!

Seriously… if you’re on the fence, just SCHEDULE IT! You’ll never go anywhere else again!

-Caleb

★★★★★

BROWSE PRE-DRAWN TATTOO DESIGNS

Pre-drawn designs are original, one-of-one tattoos created from Brian’s imagination and built around what he does best. Choosing one means you’re getting a piece he’s extra excited to tattoo, at a lower rate than his normal pricing.

These are not repeatable flash. Each design is tattooed only once.

If you know you want a tattoo and want to work with Brian but aren’t sure what you want yet, this is an ideal place to start. You can also use these designs as inspiration. If something stands out, Brian can create a variation based on it.

Brian is always open to custom work, but checking available pre-drawns first is encouraged; you may find exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for!

Custom Pet Portrait Tattoos

Brian Parrillo specializes in custom black and grey pet portrait tattoos that capture the heart and soul of your animal companion. Known across North Carolina for his detailed, lifelike realism, Brian brings years of experience and a personal touch to every piece.

Whether you're commemorating a beloved pet or celebrating the bond you share with one now, you're in good hands.

Click here to explore Brian’s pet portrait tattoo portfolio and learn more.

based in Durham, NC

Brian Parrillo is a tattoo artist specializing in human and animal portrait tattoos and fine line black and grey realism.

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery Durham NC

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery
Est. 2018 Durham, NC