We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ray Corson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ray below.

Alright, Ray thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was very lucky to find my passion for tattooing at a young age. I was 12 years old when I decided I would become a tattoo artist.

At the time, my Mom was riding her motorcycle with a biker club called the Booze fighters. Tattoos are popular in the biker community so I had tons of exposure to skin art. I loved the uniqueness of their counter culture and knew I wanted a place in it.

This was also around the time that tattoo tv blossomed. My Mom and I would watch shows like Miami Ink, LA Ink, etc. together and it captivated my attention. The shows gave you a look into the stories behind tattoos and I fell in love. I even named my dog after the tattoo artist Ami James, who is now a judge on Ink Master.

I had been drawing and painting for as long as I could remember but I saw a future in tattooing that felt so powerful. Thankfully, I was right!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Howdy folks! My name is Ray Corson and I am a tattoo artist in the Design District of Dallas, TX.

I was lucky to find my passion for tattooing as a child. After earning my B.L.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, I started an apprenticeship under David Mushaney. I have been tattooing independently since 2018 and am happy to say it’s still my lifeblood.

I am a believer in tattooing as a form of fine art and I enjoy creating custom tattoo pieces for my clients. While I am a well rounded artist capable of many styles, I specialize in illustrative semi-realistic color tattoos. I have a unique approach to my work and an eye for dynamic contrasts in both line weight and color palette. Each project I take on receives the same degree of humility, respecting the privilege and trust involved.

While I place a lot of value in the quality of the tattoos I create, I also understand that part of what sets me apart from others is the experience I provide to my clients. Tattoos carry memories and I strive to create the best ones for my clients.

I’m also a trauma informed artist who practices a mindful approach to tattooing. It is incredibly important to me to create a safe space for my clients. Getting tattooed is one of the ultimate forms of surrendering control and I respect that power dynamic with all of my clients.

I encourage client input with open communication and pressure-free engagement. It’s important to me for clients to be a part of the process because they’re the ones who live with the tattoo the rest of their lives. Through tattoos, clients have the amazing power to customize their body and reclaim areas that they may not have loved or appreciated before. The agency tattoos give to a person is remarkable. I love being able to help people love their bodies in ways many would never expect.

Overall, I am proud to say that I tattoo with compassion. Clients leave their appointments with both a beautiful memory and piece of art that is completely customized for them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is being able to positively influence someone’s self image. Tattoos are incredibly impactful on one’s confidence. I remember vividly one of the first times I got a tattoo that completely changed how I viewed my body. I was lucky to get my stomach tattooed by my dear friend, Adam Mir, and it shot my confidence through the roof. I went from wearing one piece swim suits out of insecurity to proudly wearing 2 piece bikinis and crop tops. That tattoo made me respect and love my body in a way that was so unique and special.

I find so much fulfillment in giving my clients the same experience. Tattoos give people agency over their bodies and helping people exercise that ability is one of my greatest joys.

Most people want to change the world but rarely do we feel like we have. I may not be changing the world but I absolutely believe that in some capacity I am changing people’s lives. Being a positive influence on others is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal driving my creative journey is to gain the respect from both my peers and clients.

I believe that part of gaining that respect is having a distinct style. Every artist wants to be special and I definitely strive to find my own flavor of uniqueness within the industry. However, style is something that comes with time and self discovery, it’s not something you can force or expedite.

Another part of earning that respect is client experience. Providing my clients with a memorable, positive tattoo experience is so important to me.

Overall, I think the best way to earn respect is by living genuinely, compassionately, and authentically and that is what I strive to do each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raycorsontattoo.com
• Instagram: @raycorson

Image Credits
All images are credit to the lovely photographer, Ashley Highberger. Her Instagram handles are @wyldcosmia and @theparlorgrim.