Jon LaFlore — Black & Grey Realism Tattoo Artist in Dallas, TX

Jon LaFlore is a Dallas, Texas tattoo artist specialising in large-scale custom black and grey realism. His work centres on portraits, classical statues, and figurative compositions designed around each client’s anatomy, using 3RL single-needle shading for depth and longevity, with occasional liquid amber colour accents.

The studio is private and appointment-only. Every project begins with a free consultation, where Jon reviews your concept, references, placement, and scale before any appointment is booked. The specific investment is discussed during that consultation, with large-scale sleeves and back pieces typically completed across multiple sessions.

Services

Serving Dallas and the wider Dallas–Fort Worth area in Texas. To begin, request a consultation or email [email protected]. Follow Jon’s work on Instagram.

Selected Works

Browse the Work

Drag the photo or use the arrows — there's more on each side. Tap any piece to view it larger. Every piece is Jon's own hand, black & grey realism built to flow with the body.

Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — Rose with molten gold dripping
Golden Rose
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — Zeus classical sculpture shoulder sleeve with dramatic chiaroscuro shading
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — large-scale archangel warrior full sleeve with fine-line figurative detail
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — fantasy warrior statue full sleeve flowing with the arm
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — Castle
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — Cat portrait
  • Black and grey realism tattoo by Jon LaFlore, Dallas TX — pet portrait of a border collie in a cowboy hat

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Questions Collectors Ask Before Committing

That's exactly what the consultation is for. You don't need a finished design, a finalized reference set, or even a clear picture of the final piece. Bring the concept, the story, and any images that inspire your aesthetic. Jon will tell you honestly what works, what needs adjustment, and what's possible at the scale and placement you have in mind.

You decide the subject, the meaning, the placement, and the references. Jon decides the composition, the anatomical flow, the scale relationships, and the contrast decisions. Think of it as a collaboration where you set the direction and Jon executes the artistic vision. Clients who trust that dynamic consistently report they're happier with the result than anything they could have directed themselves.

That depends entirely on the complexity, placement, and scope — which is why the consultation happens first. Jon will give you a realistic session estimate during that conversation. Large-scale sleeves and back pieces are typically multi-session projects.

Black and grey realism, executed with precision, is among the most durable styles long-term. Jon's 3RL single-needle shading technique is specifically chosen for its longevity — the fine texture and contrast hold their integrity as the skin matures. (Note: Specific longevity claims are not guaranteed. Jon has not had to perform a touch-up in approximately six years — this is a personal observation, not a warranty.)

Yes. Many collectors travel for Jon's work. Mention it in your form and Jon will plan sessions around your trip.

Miami is a secondary market for Jon. Availability varies — mention your location in the form and Jon will reach out with current scheduling.

Life happens. Give Jon as much notice as you can — ideally a few weeks — and he'll work with you to find a new date that fits both schedules.

Yes. The consultation happens before any appointment is booked. No payment is required at the consultation stage — only after both sides are aligned and the appointment is confirmed. and Jon will quote your piece.

The investment depends on the scale, placement, and number of sessions your piece needs — Jon walks you through it during your free consultation. There's no payment at the consultation stage. and Jon will quote your piece.

The Artist

About Jon

Jon LaFlore is a Dallas, Texas tattoo artist who works exclusively in large-scale black and grey realism. His focus is portraits, classical statues and figurative compositions, designed as single pieces that move with the body rather than as isolated images placed on the skin.

His approach starts with the client’s idea, story and references, then builds the composition around the anatomy of the placement: scale, flow and contrast are planned before the first session. Jon uses 3RL single-needle shading for fine texture and depth, with occasional liquid amber colour accents as a signature detail.

He works from a private, appointment-only studio in Dallas and serves clients across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, as well as collectors who travel for his work. Every project begins with a free consultation.

Healing

Aftercare

General healing instructions for a new black and grey realism tattoo:

  1. Leave the initial covering on for as long as Jon advises at the end of your session, then remove it with clean hands.
  2. Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel — do not rub.
  3. Apply a very thin layer of an unscented aftercare ointment or moisturiser a few times a day. The skin should breathe; it should never look greasy.
  4. Expect light peeling, flaking and itching during the first couple of weeks. Do not pick, scratch or peel the skin.
  5. Avoid soaking the tattoo — no baths, pools, hot tubs or open water — until it has fully healed, usually two to three weeks.
  6. Keep the tattoo out of direct sun while healing, and wear loose, clean clothing over it. Once healed, use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the black and grey detail long-term.
  7. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, heat or discharge, contact a medical professional. Always follow any specific instructions Jon gives you for your piece.