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

Vampire girl black and grey surrealism tattoo

January 03, 20261 min read

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A Black and Grey Surrealism Vampire Girl Tattoo

This custom piece by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company is a powerful example of dark surrealism. It features a vampire girl rendered in stark black and grey, blending hyper-realistic detail with unsettling, dreamlike elements. The lifelike texture of the skin and the sharp, menacing fangs create an immediate, visceral impact.

The surrealism comes through in the composition and expression. It's not just a portrait of a creature; it's an atmospheric piece that feels pulled from a gothic nightmare. This style of black and grey surrealism tattoo is a specialty for James, allowing for deep contrast and mood that color sometimes can't achieve.

The Technical Work Behind the Surrealism

Executing this piece required a firm grasp of two distinct styles: realism and surrealism. The challenge was making the vampire's features lifelike and precise while distorting the overall feel into something otherworldly. This is where technical skill meets creative vision.

Using only black and grey ink, James built volume and depth through meticulous shading. The focus was on creating smooth gradients and sharp contrasts to define the forms and enhance the eerie, dramatic atmosphere. It's a demanding style that relies entirely on value and composition to succeed.

Book a Custom Surrealism Tattoo with James Strickland

If you are looking for a custom black and grey surrealism tattoo in Missoula, James Strickland is the artist to see. He specializes in blending realistic detail with dark, imaginative concepts to create truly unique body art. To start discussing your own custom tattoo idea, contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to book your 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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