Durham Tattoos

Prior to the piece I commissioned from Ray I had never been tattooed before. I wasn’t sure of the process or what to expect. I’m terrible at making decisions (which is why I’ve never been tattooed before 🤔). For years I had been fretting over making the right decision on, A: what to get tattooed, and B: who would be the tattooist. I even considered traveling out of state to find the right person. I finally was able to gather a general idea of what I wanted but I still needed the help of a true artist to see it through to the end.

Ray was recommended to me when I walked into Sacred Mandala in Durham with a friend who was there consulting on his own tattoo (I did not expect to get matched with an artist, but now I’m so happy I decided to ask while I was there.)

I wanted a particular style of tattoo - Trash Polka. I knew I needed a tattooist who specialized in realism and who was a master of black and grey, but was also capable of the abstract style elements, brush strokes, and text required to bring the piece together. I needed an artist! The tattooist who recommend Ray to me did so without any hesitation when I mentioned my criteria.

At my first consultation with Ray we discussed my ideas. He took copious notes and together we collected reference images. At this point I told him I was interested in a full sleeve. (Go big or go home right!?) To me it made sense to commission the piece in it’s entirety in order to ensure everything fit together cohesively. Our first meeting went well so we scheduled the second consult to go over the design.

Between these two consults he reached out a couple of times to discuss ideas he had to make sure he was on the right path design wise. He also told me to feel free to send him any additonal reference images as I came across them. He stressed the importance of speaking up and reminded me that the design can be altered very easily while it still exists in a digital space (i.e. prior to it being tattooed onto my arm).

At my second consultation I was able to see his plans for the finished tattoo. I was pleased to see how excited he was for the opportunity to explore the trash polka style. I could tell he did his research and put a lot of work into the design. He was eager to play around with the freedoms the abstract portions of the tattoo allowed, and based off his portfolio I know he would kill the realistic detail required for the crow. I decided to go for it! I found the right artist!

For our first appointment he blocked off the whole day, and since it was my first time he said we could go for as long as I could muster. I ended up sitting for about 8 hours. There was a break for lunch which I wasn’t expecting and really appreciated! At the end of the session he wrapped the tattoo in second skin (which is a damn miracle!) and gave me some aftercare. It healed beautifully! And I couldn’t wait for the next session!

Since that first sitting I’ve had 6 or 7 appointments (give or take). As the tattoo grows there have been some elements added to the original design. Such as a blood splatter motif rather than simply an ink splatter design. It worked out awesomely and looks sooo realistic that it’s actually startled me a few times! It’s definitely one of my favorite parts of the tattoo.

Ray is an extremely talented artist. His attention to detail is incredible. My crow has toenails and a twinkle in his eye damnit! He’s very professional and considerate. It has felt like a very collaborative experience from the start. I can honestly say I trust him as an artist- which is essential with work this lasting. From day one I knew I made the right decision to have Ray tattoo my sleeve of indecision- and now that it is close to completion I have all these ideas for more! 😁

When I tell you this man Ray put everything he had into the first half of my tattoo. I mean I gave him
freedom and he really put thought into my ideas and made them come to life. I am really happy with my decision.

Ray did an amazing job on my first tattoo and I cannot wait to get more work done by him , he is professional and does quality work . His studio is clean and relaxing . The only bad thing is if he ever decides to move I don’t know how I will find another artist like him around town ( hopefully it doesn’t happen) I would highly recommend his work to anybody wanting to get a tattoo . I was scared of needles but he did such a great job I couldn’t feel most of the tattooing . If I could I would give him 10 stars ! Keep up the great work you are doing .

Ray did an excellent job on my tattoo, made me comfortable and confident in the outcome, and was highly professional and attentive. Everything was clean and fastidiously maintained, and his studio was a relaxing and comfortable environment. He is a tremendous artist with technical skills to match, and as a bonus, he's a nice guy.