About

Ryan’s BIO

  40 years ago a ten year old boy spotted a shirtless biker walking around a flea market, his whole back tattooed with dragons, castles and wizards. The epitome of 80’s biker tattoo culture and the coolest thing he had ever seen like his D&D games come to life. He followed him around all day. And an obsession and passion was born.

That boy was me and I knew then I was going  to learn about this tattooing thing, at the very least I was going to be getting some, but I was drawn in in a deeper way.

  Tattooing was illegal in Massachusetts until 2000 ,so there weren’t any shops for me to hang out in and be a nuisance. I got my first one at 15 at my friend’s apartment and was immediately hooked.

   Fast forward to 1997,I had he opportunity to move to Maine. After some failed attempts to learn tattooing in Massachusetts, I was determined to make a go at it.Portland was a perfect place, filled with artists and musicians all tryin to live a creative life. So I sold my van(which I loved), bought a tattoo kit and started teaching myself with the help of some willing friends. I was given the opportunity to work at legitimate shops and I was off.

  27 years later I’m still in Portland and that little boy’s dream has become a reality.I’m grateful every day I get to create art with people, to help bring their visions to life.I truly appreciate the trust given to me by all my wonderful clients and I do not take this responsibility lightly.

  For me tattooing is about my client, making their ideas come to life the best way I can. In the three decades of doing this I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t and I try and guide my clients to the best possible outcome, whatever the project.

   I came up in a time where you tattoo what comes in the door,  you learn to be versatile stylistically. Over the years I’ve developed an illustrative style rooted in American traditional with a strong Japanese influence. I love tattooing the classic images but always strive to work with what the client brings in. I work in black and gray and color ,both traditionally and more painterly styles.

  One place I do specialize in is cover ups. The first tattoo I ever did was a cover up…a portend of my future. I love the challenge of turning something that makes people unhappy  into something they proudly wear.

  I enjoy working on larger projects but I also like working on tattoos of any scale.I believe all tattoos carry meaning and importance no matter the size and I am grateful for everyone who has or will sit in my chair.

 Seeing people happy at the completion of a cover up project is infinitely rewarding. At the end of the day, tattooing is about people. I truly relish my experiences with my clients. Their stories make every day truly unique and special.