For Michal Hanzlicek, a dog portrait is about far more than getting the details right. The tattoo artist has turned his passion for realism into deeply personal portraits that capture the character, expression and emotion of a beloved dog. Many of his clients come to him after losing a dog, looking for a way to keep a piece of that relationship close. Here, Michal talks about the art of capturing a dog’s personality in ink, the technical challenges of hyper-realism and why the greatest compliment he can receive is simple: “I feel like my dog is looking back at me.”
How did you first get into tattooing, and what drew you specifically toward realistic animal portraits?
Michal Hanzlicek: "I’ve always loved drawing, and tattooing gave me a way to turn that into something really personal. I slowly found my way toward realism and animal portraits, and I realized how much emotion they can carry. That’s what really pulled me in."
When did you realize that dogs were something you wanted to specialize in?
Michal Hanzlicek: "The more dog portraits I did, the more I connected with them. I saw how much these tattoos meant to people, especially when they had lost their dogs. At some point, I realized this was what I really wanted to focus on."
I slowly found my way toward realism and animal portraits, and I realized how much emotion they can carry.
What is it about a dog’s face that makes it so fascinating to recreate as a tattoo?
Michal Hanzlicek: "I think it’s the emotion. You can see so much in a dog’s face, especially in their eyes. Every dog has a different look, and capturing that is really special to me."
Was there a particular dog portrait tattoo that made you realize, “This is what I want to be known for”?
Michal Hanzlicek: "There wasn’t one specific tattoo. It happened over time. Seeing people get emotional when they saw their dog in the tattoo made me realize how meaningful this work can be."
How much of your work is about artistic technique, and how much is about understanding the animal behind the portrait?
Michal Hanzlicek: "I think both are equally important. The technique helps me create the portrait, but understanding the dog and what they meant to their person is what gives the tattoo its emotion."
What makes a realistic dog portrait tattoo truly successful?
Michal Hanzlicek: "For me, it has to feel like that dog. Not just look realistic, but actually feel like them. When the owner looks at it and immediately sees their best friend, that’s when I know I did my job."
At some point, I realized this was what I really wanted to focus on.
How do you capture the personality of a dog rather than simply copying its appearance?
Michal Hanzlicek: "A lot comes from the eyes and expression. I’m not just trying to copy the photograph, I’m trying to understand what makes that dog feel like that dog."
What is the biggest technical challenge when creating a hyper-realistic dog portrait?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Technically, the biggest challenge is creating enough detail and realism while still making sure the tattoo will heal and age properly."
What details are the most important when you're trying to make a tattoo look like a specific dog?
Michal Hanzlicek: "The eyes, expression, shape of the face, ears, nose, and fur are all important. But sometimes it’s one tiny detail that makes you recognize them immediately."
Are there certain breeds, facial features, or types of dogs that are particularly challenging to tattoo realistically?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Yes, definitely. Very dark dogs can be difficult because there isn’t much room to create contrast. Very fluffy or curly dogs can also be challenging. But honestly, I enjoy that every dog brings a different challenge."
You start to understand that you’re not just tattooing a picture, you’re tattooing a memory.
How do you capture something as unique as a dog's eyes and expression in tattoo form?
Michal Hanzlicek: "I spend a lot of time looking at the eyes. They can completely change the feeling of the portrait. The little reflections and details around the eyes can make the dog suddenly feel alive."
A lot of people choose to tattoo their dogs because they want to carry a part of them forever. What does that mean to you as the artist?
Michal Hanzlicek: "It means a lot. I know these aren’t just tattoos for people. Their dogs are family, best friends, and sometimes the most important part of their lives. Being trusted with something that personal is a big responsibility."
How often do people come to you after losing their dog and ask you to create a memorial tattoo?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Very often. A lot of the people I work with have lost their dogs and want something that helps them keep a part of them close."
Have you ever worked on a dog portrait that was particularly emotional for you personally?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Many times. When someone tells me about their dog and I hear how much they meant to them, it’s hard not to feel that emotion too. You start to understand that you’re not just tattooing a picture, you’re tattooing a memory."
You start to understand that you’re not just tattooing a picture, you’re tattooing a memory.
Is there a moment during the process when you can tell that the tattoo means much more to the client than just a piece of art?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Yes, especially when they see it for the first time. Sometimes they get quiet, emotional, or just stare at it for a while. Those moments stay with me."
What do you think makes the bond between humans and dogs so powerful that people want to permanently carry that connection on their skin?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Dogs are with us through so much of our lives. They’re there every morning, when we come home, when we’re happy, when we’re having a bad day. They love us without asking for anything. When they’re gone, you feel that absence every day. I think a tattoo is one way people can keep that connection close."
What is the most memorable story a client has ever shared with you about the dog you were tattooing?
Michal Hanzlicek: "It’s hard to choose one. I’ve heard so many beautiful stories. What I remember most is how people talk about their dogs, with so much love. You can tell they were family, and that they were a huge part of their lives."
What are some common mistakes people make when choosing a reference photo for a dog portrait tattoo?
Michal Hanzlicek: "Sometimes people choose their favorite photo instead of the photo that will work best for a tattoo. I need to clearly see the face, eyes, and details. A good reference photo can make a huge difference in the final tattoo."
When the owner looks at it and immediately sees their best friend, that’s when I know I did my job.
When you look at one of your finished dog portraits, what do you hope the owner feels every time they look at it?
Michal Hanzlicek: "I hope they feel close to their dog again. I know a tattoo can never replace them, but hopefully it brings back the feeling of having them there. And honestly, the best thing someone can tell me is, ‘I feel like my dog is looking back at me.’ That’s what I’m trying to create."
