The Vision
The Vision
I wanted to build a gate. Not a literal one, but a threshold. A place where myth and muscle meet, where the guardians aren't just statues but living, breathing presences. That's where the Fu Dogs came in. They're not pets; they're protectors. The temple in the background isn't just scenery; it's the sacred space they're sworn to defend. This whole piece started with a question: what does protection look like when it's alive with color? The answer became this vibrant, almost electric scene. It's a world built on the idea that strength doesn't have to be stoic or gray. It can be pink, blue, and swirling with energy. This is the kind of custom tattoo vision I love to chase at Montana Tattoo Company.
The Technical Craft
This is where the "Wanna Do" approach kicks in. It's a mindset, really. It's about pushing color to do more. Those neon pinks and blues on the Fu Dogs? They aren't just flat fills. They're layered to create a sense of volume and hide, to make the muscle and fur feel tangible. The challenge is making something so intensely colorful still feel solid, still feel real. The swirling yellow lines aren't an afterthought; they're a compositional tool, a way to guide the eye through the chaos and create that sense of depth behind the three figures. It's a controlled riot. Every element, from the intricate scales on the temple roof to the texture in the trees, has to hold its own in this saturated world. It's a balancing act, and it's my favorite kind of problem to solve. This is the precision I bring to every realism and animal tattoo in Missoula.
The Collaboration
The client came in with a deep respect for the symbolism of the Fu Dogs and a fearless love for color. They didn't want a muted, traditional take; they wanted it to feel powerful and modern. That trust was everything. We talked about the guardians not as distant symbols, but as active forces. That conversation directly shaped the dynamic poses and the almost predatory focus in their eyes. They brought the meaning, and together, we found the form. This is what makes the process at our Missoula tattoo studio so special. It's a dialogue. Ready to start that conversation? Book Now and let's talk about what you want to bring to life.
Why Mickey Schlick
My work lives in that space where realism meets imagination. I'm not just replicating an image; I'm building a world with a needle. For over a decade, I've specialized in making the impossible feel tangible, whether it's the texture of fur on a wolf or the ethereal glow of neon on a mythical guardian. My approach to animal realism and vibrant surrealism is about creating pieces that feel alive, not just applied. If you want a tattoo with depth, movement, and a color palette that defies expectation, you're in the right place.
Mickey Schlick is available for consultations at Montana Tattoo Company. Ready to start your custom tattoo? Book a consultation with Mickey Schlick today. Explore Mickey Schlick's portfolio and see more work at their artist page. The studio offers world-class custom tattooing with aftercare, directions, and booking available 24/7 at 406-215-4321. Walk-ins welcome, appointments preferred. Let's create something extraordinary together.
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