Guest spot · Rider Tattoo, Bend, OR · Nov 3–21 · Limited spotsBook now →
BADDY BODY ART

Tattoo styles

Black and grey tattoos

Custom black and grey tattoos by Maddy in Bend, Oregon: smooth shading, illustrative, botanical and western pieces.

Black and grey is the heart of everything I tattoo. No color, just black ink diluted into soft greys, built up with shading until a design has depth and dimension. It ages beautifully, works on every skin tone, and suits almost any subject, from a delicate floral to a full skeleton bull rider.

I love black and grey because it rewards good drawing. Light and shadow carry the whole piece, so I spend real time on the design before we ever get to the chair. We'll talk through your idea, your references, the size and the placement, and I'll draw something custom that flows with your body.

Some of the black and grey work I do most:

  • Illustrative pieces like animals, skulls and figures framed with flowers
  • Botanical sleeves and half-sleeves with lilies, roses and blossoms
  • Western scenes with longhorns, cowboys and saguaros
  • Ornamental and mandala work with dotwork shading

Bringing your own idea? That's my favorite. Black and grey is flexible enough to turn a rough concept or a meaningful symbol into something that feels like you.

I'm guest spotting at Rider Tattoo Studio in Bend from November 3 to 21, 2026, with limited spots. Clients from all over Central Oregon are welcome. Head to the booking page to send your idea.

Book your appointment ↗

Selected black and grey tattoos

  • Black and grey illustrative tattoo of a wolf head surrounded by daisies and leaves on the upper arm
  • Black and grey botanical sleeve tattoo with stargazer lilies, roses and small blossoms on the arm
  • Illustrative black and grey tattoo of a woman emerging from iris flowers on the lower leg
  • Illustrative skull wearing a leaf headdress, tattooed on the thigh
  • Blackwork western tattoo of a skeleton cowboy riding a skeleton bull beside a saguaro cactus in the desert, on the upper arm

FAQ

Do black and grey tattoos fade?

Every tattoo softens a little over time, but black and grey holds contrast well, especially with sunscreen and good aftercare.

Can you do black and grey on darker skin?

Yes. Black and grey works on every skin tone; I adjust contrast and shading to suit your skin.

Do you do color?

I focus on black and grey work so every piece gets my full attention and skill.

See the full portfolio · About Maddy · FAQ & aftercare

More styles: Fine line tattoos · Ornamental tattoos · Floral and botanical tattoos · Western tattoos