Ray
Durham

I've been living and working in the Triangle since 2018, but my tattoo journey began much earlier. Originally from Virginia, I did my first tattoo in August 2015. Less than a year later, by July 2016, I was tattooing full-time in New Jersey.

Art has always been a huge part of my life. As a kid, I spent more time drawing in class than paying attention—though I still managed to get good grades. My father, who raised me, played a big role in fostering my creativity. We used to play a drawing game together, and he was always supportive of my artistic interests—even planting the idea early on that tattooing could be a future path.

That idea became a serious goal in early 2015, following the tragic loss of my best friend. It was a wake-up call that life is short, and I needed to pursue something I was truly passionate about. That’s when I made the decision to fully commit to becoming a tattoo artist.

I’ve always been drawn to realism, so it was only natural that I gravitated toward black and grey realism in my tattoo work. While I’ve experimented with many styles, realism continues to be my foundation. Over the years, I’ve won awards for portrait work, but I also enjoy creating fine line, geometric, neo-traditional, and illustrative tattoos. I believe that if you truly care about your craft, you’ll take the time to understand how to do it well—regardless of the style.

What I love most about tattooing is the ability to serve people in such a unique and personal way. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients from all walks of life express themselves through body art, and that connection means everything to me. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a project come together and witnessing the happiness it brings to my clients.

For me, it’s all about the details—both in the tattoos I create and in the experience I provide. I believe that focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and care makes all the difference—not just in tattooing, but in life.