Mae is a proudly anti-AI, neurodivergent, queer trans man who specializes in bold tattoo design with an illustrative edge. Mae loves to push the boundaries of creative tattooing using color or black and grey to bring clients’ visions to life. From fun graphic cartoon styles to intricate illustrative watercolor, there is no one category that can truly describe Mae’s work.
Mae has been tattooing for 5 years and originally got his start apprenticing under Amanda Hughes and Kensley Ryan at Rock N Roll Tattoo off Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh. During his apprenticeship, Mae learned a variety of different tattoo styles and found a passion for walk-ins. As long as your idea is palm-sized or smaller, Mae can usually create something custom for you within the hour and tattoo you the same day.
Before starting his tattoo career, Mae dabbled as a hobbyist before pivoting and formally pursuing a traditional fine arts education with the hopes of becoming a children’s book illustrator. Mae graduated with an associate’s degree in fine art from Wake Tech in 2018. Mae was trained in 2D design, digital raster art and design, drawing, painting, 3D design, ceramics, and art history.
Mae loves to use his imagination, love of children’s picture books, child-like whimsy, and passion for fine art to create fun, unique tattoo designs and flash for clients.
Mae aims to create a comfortable and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community. He is a trauma-aware and neurodivergent-friendly tattoo artist who is comfortable working on all skin tones and body types. Finding community, love, and power through body modification, Mae’s goal with every tattoo appointment is to curate a space where clients can feel accepted for who they are and comfortable in their bodies. Mae hopes that his love and passion for tattooing shine through when working with every client so they can experience the same magic and love of body art he fell in love with.
Mae enjoys spending time with his polycule, dog, three cats, and friends/found family. He enjoys winning at trivia, engaging in a variety of arts, fiber arts, and crafts. Listening to music, attempting to produce music, playing video games (so much so that he completed a knife-only run of the Resident Evil 1 remake), and talking about all sorts of nerdy things.
While Mae is dedicated to making his space as accessible as possible, he is always open to comments, critiques, and requests to help clients feel their best at his shop. Some of the amenities in his tattoo room include a door that can be closed, face masks or earplugs upon request, a tattoo bed that can accommodate 800 lbs of working force, space that can accommodate various mobility aids, fidget toys, snacks, water, and extra chairs if a client wishes to bring a friend or partner. While Mae cannot completely eliminate the smells associated with tattooing (cleaning supplies, soap, alcohol), there are no extra smells or perfumes. Mae will occasionally wear vanilla-scented body perfume but is happy to abstain if clients are particularly sensitive to smells.
