Professional tattoo by Mickey Schlick at Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula, MT.

Tribal Wolf Tattoo black and grey surrealism tattoo

January 03, 20261 min read

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Black and Grey Tribal Wolf Tattoo in Missoula

This custom piece blends several powerful styles into one cohesive sleeve. At its heart is a realistic wolf, rendered in precise black and grey. The animal's intense gaze and textured fur showcase a commitment to lifelike detail.

Around this central figure, the design evolves into something more abstract. Flowing tribal patterns and surrealistic elements create a dynamic background. This fusion makes the tattoo more than just a portrait; it becomes a unique piece of personal art.

James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company created this for a client seeking a bold, custom tattoo in Missoula. It stands as a great example of how different styles can work together.

The Work: Blending Realism and Surrealism

Executing this piece required mastery of two distinct styles. The wolf itself is pure black and grey realism. Achieving the correct fur texture and anatomical accuracy on the arm's contour was the first challenge.

The surrealism and tribal elements presented a different task. These sections needed to feel organic and fluid, contrasting with the wolf's realism without clashing. The use of negative space and soft grey washes was crucial here. It creates movement and connects all the components seamlessly.

Book With James Strickland

If you are looking for a custom black and grey tattoo in Missoula, James Strickland specializes in this style. He excels at blending realism with other elements to create truly unique work. To discuss your own custom tattoo project, contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to book a consultation with James.

Mickey Schlick

Mickey Schlick has been a tattoo artist for 22 years, owned Montana Tattoo Company for 10 and also runs Lowbrow Knowhow in his limited free time. Get in touch!!

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