Inkcredible Tattoo · Virginia Beach
Burke Long.Award-winning black-and-grey tattoo artist in Virginia Beach
Best of Show winner, portrait artist, and fantastical realism specialist
Burke Long is a Virginia Beach tattoo artist specializing in black-and-grey realism, detailed portraits, fantastical realism, memorial pieces, military-inspired tattoos, and large-scale custom work. His tattoos combine smooth tonal transitions, dramatic composition, and imaginative storytelling with artwork developed specifically for each client.
- Best of Show
- Richmond, 2023
- Portraits
- Human and animal subjects
- Multi-award
- Recognition 2022–2026
- Custom
- Original tattoo designs
Free walk-in consultations are available Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 PM. Bring reference images and be ready to discuss placement and approximate size. Same-day tattoo availability is not guaranteed.
Original artwork
Custom tattoos by Burke Long.
Burke approaches each tattoo as a custom composition built around the client’s subject, story, placement, approximate size, references, and desired mood.
His work centers on black-and-grey realism, human and animal portraits, fantastical imagery, memorial tattoos, military-inspired pieces, surreal subjects, sleeves, chest pieces, back pieces, and other detailed custom projects. Each design is planned for contrast, depth, readability, anatomy, and flow with the body.
Burke works at Inkcredible Tattoo, located at 1630 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. The studio serves clients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, as well as clients traveling for custom tattoo work.
Signature work
Tattoo styles and specialties.
Burke’s portfolio combines smooth black-and-grey technique, dramatic contrast, expressive portraits, and imaginative storytelling.
- 01Black-and-grey realismDetailed custom tattoos developed through smooth shading, strong value structure, texture, and depth.
- 02Portrait tattoosHuman portraits designed from clear reference images with attention to likeness, expression, and placement.
- 03Fantastical realismImaginative creatures, characters, and scenes rendered with realistic detail and dramatic atmosphere.
- 04Memorial and tribute tattoosPersonal portrait and symbolic designs created to honor a loved one, memory, or meaningful story.
- 05Military-inspired tattoosCustom historical, patriotic, military, and service-related compositions developed around the client’s concept.
- 06Sleeves and large-scale tattoosSleeves, chest pieces, back pieces, and multi-session tattoos planned as cohesive compositions.
- 07Animal portraitsRealistic wildlife and companion-animal tattoos focused on expression, anatomy, texture, and character.
- 08Surreal black-and-grey artworkPortraits and realistic subjects combined with symbolic, fantasy, or unexpected visual elements.
Convention recognition
Burke Long tattoo awards.
Burke’s artist-provided award history includes Best of Show, Tattoo of the Day, portrait, military-inspired, chest piece, back piece, small black-and-grey, and large black-and-grey recognition at events in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and St. Louis.
Portrait and Tattoo of the Day awards
- Tattoo of the Day
- Best Black-and-Grey Portrait
Best of Show and black-and-grey recognition
- Best of Show, Richmond Tattoo Convention
- Black-and-Grey Portrait, Virginia Beach
- Black-and-Grey Realism, St. Louis
Black-and-grey awards
- Best Black-and-Grey Back Piece, Virginia Beach
- Best Black-and-Grey Portrait, Hampton Expo
- Black-and-Grey Tattoo of the Day, Hampton Roads Expo
- Best Small Black-and-Grey (event not supplied)
Military and large-scale awards
- Military Inspired, Virginia Beach
- Black-and-Grey Back Piece, Virginia Beach
- Black-and-Grey Chest (event not supplied)
- Large Black-and-Grey (event not supplied)
Additional convention recognition
- Black-and-Grey Portrait, Hampton Roads Convention
- Black-and-Grey Portrait, Virginia Beach
- Best Military Inspired, Virginia Beach
- Large Black-and-Grey, Hampton Roads Expo
Award years, categories, and locations were supplied by Burke and Inkcredible Tattoo. Entries supplied without a year or event name are labeled accordingly. Official convention names will be added once confirmed.
Selected work
Burke Long tattoo portfolio.
Twenty custom tattoos by Burke Long. Every photograph is included directly on the page and can be opened for a larger view.
Include clear reference images, placement, approximate size, the visual mood you want, and any meaningful elements Burke should consider during the consultation.
Planning your tattoo
Working with Burke.
Every tattoo begins with a conversation about the client’s idea, subject, placement, approximate size, references, and desired visual direction.
Share your idea
Submit your subject, placement, approximate size, preferred timeframe, and clear reference images. Select Burke Long as your preferred artist.
Discuss the project
Review the concept, composition, placement, level of detail, mood, and whether the tattoo may require multiple sessions.
Develop the design
Burke creates original artwork suited to the client’s body, preferred scale, subject, and long-term tattoo goals.
Schedule the tattoo
Once the direction is approved, the studio explains scheduling, deposits, preparation, and any expected follow-up sessions.
Artist information
Questions about Burke Long.
What tattoo styles does Burke specialize in?
Burke specializes in black-and-grey realism, human and animal portraits, fantastical realism, memorial tattoos, military-inspired work, surreal imagery, and large-scale custom tattoos.
What tattoo awards has Burke won?
Burke’s artist-provided record includes Best of Show at the 2023 Richmond Tattoo Convention, Tattoo of the Day, multiple black-and-grey portrait awards, military-inspired recognition, and awards for chest pieces, back pieces, small black-and-grey, and large black-and-grey tattoos. Some entries were supplied without an exact event name or year.
Are Burke’s books currently open?
Yes. Burke is currently considering new custom projects. Contact Inkcredible Tattoo for current consultation and scheduling information.
Does Burke create completely custom tattoos?
Yes. Burke develops original artwork around each client’s subject, references, placement, approximate size, and preferred visual direction.
Does Burke accept sleeves and large-scale projects?
Yes. Burke considers sleeves, chest pieces, back pieces, and other multi-session projects when the concept fits his style and current schedule.
Does Burke create memorial and portrait tattoos?
Yes. Portraits, memorial pieces, and tribute tattoos are central to Burke’s black-and-grey realism work. Clear, high-quality reference images are important.
What should I include with my tattoo request?
Include the subject, placement, approximate size, clear reference images, preferred timeframe, and any meaningful details or visual themes you want represented.
Where does Burke tattoo?
Burke works at Inkcredible Tattoo, located at 1630 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Start your project
Plan a custom tattoo with Burke.
Share your concept, placement, approximate size, reference images, preferred timeframe, and the mood or story you want the tattoo to communicate. Submitting a request starts the consultation process and does not guarantee an appointment date.