How did you get into tattooing?
It was the early/mid 90s and I was obsessed with the Power Rangers, Sailor Moon and the Spice Girls! They all had temporary tattoo merch, it felt so good to wear them (definitely not my personal tattoo style choice right now hah!) and it felt like a good self-esteem booster.
I’ve been drawing since I can remember and my curiosity/love for body modification culture, uniqueness and extreme non conforming looks got me into tattooing.
The history of tattoos always fascinated me, its evolution over the years, the way one can accept an area of the body more just by tattooing it, it’s what sealed the deal for me. The way tattoos make me feel is what I want other people to feel like when I tattoo them.
How did you develop your particular style?
When I started tattooing there were not as many styles around as there are now.
It took me years of tattooing a bit of everything to get to know myself more and what direction I wanted my tattooing to go.
Then I had a chance to work alongside a tattoo artist whose style was mostly watercolour/trash polka/brush strokes influenced and that gave me the confidence I was looking for to just let myself go and be more creative and embrace a style that (to me) gives me what I need in order to simply do more and more.
What was your process like in blending brutal blackwork and vivid watercolour?
I felt the need to express myself with colourful and dark (or happy and sad) tattoos. I myself am colourful and dark! I have a (“extreme”) look that to some might be intimidating but I’m like the sweetest person ever.
Seeing brutal blackwork mixed with bright watercolour is basically how I see myself. Self-expression is important, so I had to make this my trademark.
What is your secret to creating tattoos with bold, long-lasting colours?
I don’t usually tell secrets and this isn’t one but to make a colorful tattoo last I simply use bright shades: I use at least 3 shades per color and the blending has to be on point.
One of the tattoo artists who guided me when I started this journey back in 2009 once told me not to be afraid of using black ink and I never was, I like tattoos to look bold and to age bold too. I’m not really into pastels or shades or delicate shades of grey. But that’s just my taste.
How do you incorporate your passion for veganism, gay culture and animal rights into your work?
I don’t hide behind a mask or a screen, I don’t see the point in doing something that doesn’t reflect who you are. I believe in human rights, animal rights and respect in general.
My art is a reflection of who I am so it’s pretty easy to include a bit of me in what I do.
Do you have a favourite tattoo you’ve ever done?
I don’t think I do have a favourite one but let’s be honest here… whenever someone gives me freedom, listens to my advice and lets me do my thing then THAT makes it my favourite tattoo.
How did you get into doing genital tattoos?
Modified genitals just look awesome and fun!
I’ve done my first one years ago and I want(ed) to give people the chance of having a professional tattoo artist, who’s not squeamish about a body part, offering a service the best way possible. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed, and I don’t get shocked easily. I’d rather tattoo a penis then tattooing someone’s ribs hahaha!
How does the process of creating genital tattoos, from design through to application, differ from any other body part?
I feel like it’s pretty much the same, I don’t really have a different way of working when it comes to private areas. The only difference I can think of is probably the fact the design needs to be simpler and well placed on the area, unless we’re blacking it out, in that case… IT’S A PARTY!
How does creating art for display on the human body influence your design process?
Sometimes it makes me feel like a plastic surgeon! I can change the look of someone’s face, arm, leg etc with a tattoo! I like to follow the muscle lines, how the skin moves… it’s so fascinating!
How are you feeling about Tattoodo launching in the UK? What are your hopes for being on the platforms?
It’s nice to have a platform that helps people who aren’t necessarily familiar with the tattoo process or are too shy to walk into a tattoo studio. Everything they are looking for is there, easy and quick to use!
My hopes are: for me and my tattooing to be seen, appreciated, recognised and get booked!
Do you have any advice for people hoping to get into tattooing?
Look for an apprenticeship, don’t touch a tattoo machine or a tattoo needle just because you want. If you can and if you saw someone doing it online it doesn’t mean you should.
Get tattooed, support artists, go to tattoo conventions, read books about tattoos. Respecting us professionals and our work ethics is important as well as taking on the advice we might give and keeping in mind this is not an easy ride. It takes time, stress and money and if you don’t really really really want it, you’re not going to get it.
Maury Decay works out Hell To Pay Studio in London and regular works as a guest from other ethical tattoo studios around the work.
You can keep up with their work by checking out their Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. You can book them via their Tattoodo page.
Tattoodo is celebrating their launch in the UK with a ‘Tattoodo Flash Weekender’ from 21-23 April at 149 Shoreditch High Street, London. Book your free ticket here.
