Book Tattoo
Snarling panther head in solid black ink with bared fangs

Blackwork Panther Head Tattoo

Pure black silhouette on this panther head, with the whiskers, fangs and inner mouth detailed in negative-space whitework. No grey wash, no colour, just shape doing the work. I set the face mid-snarl so the eye gets pulled straight to the open jaw and the bared teeth.

I followed the natural muscle geometry rather than fighting it, with the ears and outer fur fanning outward and the open jaw dropping down the central axis. Bold blackwork at this density is built to age, the silhouette stays sharp even after the rendering softens over the years.

If you want something in this style in Wellington, message me at @pokestaytattoo or pokestaytattoo@gmail.com.

Book Similar PieceSee All Blackwork

By Rhys Thomas at Whitetail Tattoo, Level 3, 41–47 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

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Common Questions About Blackwork in Wellington

Does blackwork hold up better than colour?
Generally yes. Solid black ink stays denser and more legible over decades than colour, which can soften and shift. If you want something that still reads clearly in twenty years, blackwork is the safest long-term bet.
How long does a blackwork piece take?
Small blackwork pieces run one to two hours. A palm-sized graphic piece is usually a single sitting of two to three hours. Larger panels (forearm, calf, back placements) are typically booked across multiple sessions.
Can blackwork cover an old tattoo?
Often yes. Bold blackwork is one of the strongest cover-up languages going, especially over faded line work. Send me a clear photo of the existing piece in your DM and I can plan around it.