AI-generated tattoo project concept presented as a realistic black-and-grey study, centered on a detailed grayscale skull perched on a pedestal with wax drips cascading down its face and ornate vine motifs wrapping the base. The piece relies on layered shading, crisp line work, and smooth transitions to achieve a photorealistic look that reads clearly as ink on skin. The skull’s hollow eye sockets and pronounced teeth are rendered with careful cross-hatching and gradient tones, while the wax drips inject a sense of movement and gravity. Surrounding elements—the pedestal, curling vines, a lit candle, its holder, a lone pencil, and a sheet of paper—frame the central figure and underscore the artwork’s studio origins. This design borrows from realistic tattoo conventions and pattern-oriented ornamentation, creating a versatile layout that can adapt to chest, back, or sleeve placements. The vines function as a decorative border, guiding the eye toward the skull’s focal point, and the wax details introduce a narrative of time melting away. Symbolically, the skull represents mortality and resilience, while wax can symbolize preservation or letting go, making the composition meaningful for meaningful tattoos and collectors of small tattoos alike. Although conceived as an AI-generated tattoo project, the technique mirrors traditional tattoo art: bold contrast, precise line work, and a disciplined integration of light and shadow. The result is a powerful black-and-grey realism that suits cover-ups on dark skin or existing work, yet remains legible and impactful at smaller sizes. As a modern tattoo design, it blends classical motifs with contemporary graphic sensibilities, offering a highly adaptable template for custom tattoo design, with potential for additional Japanese style influences or floral accents if requested, and a clear path to translate into a refined piece of body art and ink.