Ray Hawse Tattoos

Ray is a top rate artist and a really good guy, and is highly skilled in design, line work and exceptional at shading. I went to see Ray after a middling experience from a well-known DC artist for a full sleeve. Ray was able to completely transform my half-done sleeve to a true work of art that is seamless in flow. Prior, it was not well connected, line work was uneven and collapsing in some area and the shading was not cohesive.Ray pulled it together completely and I absolutely love what he did. I recommend him completely and without hesitation. And for those that think you’ve got to go DC for a top end tattoo you don’t. Hit Ray up. He is the best in the DMV.

Shout out to Ray for his masterful drawing of Chile’s national tree, the Araucaria… which is a tree that has a very peculiar and unique look. I was nervous since most of the tattoos I’ve seen online of this magnificent tree have made it look like a palm tree. Womp womp. Ray knocked it out the park! I’ve gotten a ton of compliments already and it’s only been a week. When I searched for “best tattoo artist in Maryland” and “best tattoo artist near me” Google finally got it right 🫨Also, Ray was on time, professional, and courteous. He explained everything clearly and I finally got to experience the DermShield recovery bandage and it was light years better than the saran wrap and tape thing from the past.Oh and this tattoo was a coverup. Bet you can’t tell.

I treated my husband to a tattoo and Ray did an exceptional job! He will bring your vision to life! Professional, very cool personality and has an extremely clean evenvironment!! As of today, my husband and I have already visited Ray several times within three months. We highly recommend!

Bryan did all three of my tattoos and they’ve all come out amazing! He’s a great guy, very professional and easy to work with. We collaborated on all of the designs and he was always willing to help give/take feedback. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the first, fourth or fifteenth tattoo.

Ray did a great job. He was incredibly pleasant to deal with, created and created a tattoo that was exactly like what I imagined. His place was very clean, he was perfectly on time, he charged exactly he said. He gave good advice and was very reassuring.

I searched all over for a new local tattoo artist, and luckily Google led me to one of the best in the business. Rays attention to detail is second to none. He did a fabulous job covering my old tattoo. I cant wait to get the next project started. I have already recommended him to all my family and friends.

Ray is a true artist! Clean, professional, and welcoming. He really made the experience as comfortable as possible - especially considering it was a sternum tattoo. He listened to what I wanted, made adjustments as needed and also provided his own feedback. I am so pleased with how it turned out. So many of my friends also see him for work. Highly recommend working with him for your next piece.

Love my tattoo! Ray is an artist and truly captured my vision. The shop is immaculate and has a relaxed vibe. I was a little nervous at first because I haven’t had a tattoo in close to 20 years and this would be much bigger than the one I had. But he put my worries at ease…plus it helped that he had the comedy “How High” playing which was the perfect distraction lol.

As my second tattoo experience, this was so far the best time Ive had. Super comfortable and the artist was very careful and kind. The overall cleanliness of the establishment seemed paramount, and there was no gear adrift. As I was being tatted I noted the sharps container on the wall, and though it might be normal, I felt that proper procedure was being highlighted even more. 10/10 experience and I felt happy throughout (though I am a bit wimpy when it comes to needles).

Ray has done 3 of my tattoos and I have been very pleased with all of them. He is a fantastic artist and very professional with what he does. One of my favorite aspects about his shop is that he puts on a movie during the tattoo that helps take your mind off the pain, while also being able to enjoy some cinema. Would, and have been recommending him to others!

Ray - A Master in his Craft!Im extremely impressed by his work. He tattooed an incredible Virgin of Guadalupe on my left arm, showcasing his talent. More than just skilled, Ray is friendly and personable, making my entire experience a joy. His parlor is spotless and welcoming. Five stars arent enough for Ray - highly recommend!

I found Ray Hawse Tattoos using a Yelp search and then happily saw all the positive Google reviews. My first two tattoos were done in NYC and I wanted to find a place just as top notch as the shop up there. I scheduled a consultation and was surprisingly able to get my tattoo done that same day! So happy with how it turned out. Ray was consistently nice and helpful, and the shop is clean, easy to get to, and parking is easy. Prices are also very reasonable. Overall great experience and would recommend. I will definitely come back when I’m ready for my next one!

Excellent, professional black and grey realism tattoo artist. These photos are from a month and a half after being tattooed. They healed beautifully, and the detail is still there. Highly recommend if youre in the DMV area.

Ray Hawse did my very first tattoo. I am so pleased and happy with the way it turned out. He was professional and handled me with care. He shared his opinions and ideas to enhance my tattoo to it’s fullest. I have been advertising my masterpiece for him as a thank you for the outstanding job he does. I recommend that you try him for yourself you will not be disappointed…Thank you my Ray. I’ll see you soon!Sheila A.

Im very happy with the professional services rendered here. The studio and tools are always kept clean. Space is comfortable with good lighting. My tattoo turned out so detailed, realistic, and beautiful...it turned out even better than I expected! Ray took his time to take my concept and create a custom design tailored to exactly what I wanted but even more enhanced with his creative touch...He provides very clear guidelines and after-care instructions (via in-person, email, and text) throughout the process, while also making sure that you are happy with the design before starting. Hes also very attentive to customer comfort during the sessions. Youre getting one of the best tattoo artists in the DMV area, including for photo-realistic animal tattoos. Be prepared to pay cash for the deposit and tattoo sessions. Theres also an ATM in the studio.

I got my first tattoo with Ray and we are very close to finishing my half sleeve (4 sessions so far). The shop is beyond clean and modern. Ray is easy to talk to and he brought my ideas to life on my skin. His black/grey realism skills are top notch. Highly recommend if you’re looking for an experienced tattoo artist in the DMV area.

Ray was pleasant, professional, and made some helpful suggestions about placement and details of my tattoo. Very happy with the finished product and the entire experience. Would highly recommend him.

Tattoo experience was amazing. I have several tattoos already and this one was by far the most gentle and most professional out of all of them. Raymond, his assistant and his staff were able to give me a consultation prior to the tattoo and make recommendations based on my choice and it turned out way better than I imagined. Was no where near painful as my others and I will definitely be back with my friends for more.

I just got a snake tattoo done. My first ever tattoo. Let me say the experience was amazing. The environment was clean and welcoming, Ray and his assistant were very helpful, and the tattoo itself is gorgeous! I am so pleased with his work, I suggested other people go there for their tattoos. I am so happy that this was how my first tattoo experience went. I will now be a regular customer!

By far the best tattoo youll get in the DMV!! Ray has done almost my whole arm and does incredible work every single time. People are always stopping me to ask where my tattoos are from. If youre going to pay for some ink that is on your body for the rest of your life, Ray is definitely the right person to do it. Hes very professional, creative, and helpful when brainstorming ideas. His tattoos are top-notch. The shop is also the cleanest tattoo shop Ive been in and he takes cleanliness very seriously. If youre looking for some ink, Ray Hawse Tattoos is the best place to go

Ray is a very good artist and person. The shop is very clean, neat and very professional. I went in to start my sleeve and was shocked on how perfect it is looking so far. He takes his time to make sure he is satisfying the needs of each client and will help you decide what will be best fit for your body and bring your ideas to life.

Ray’s been doing my tattoos for a little over a year now and I can say that he is easily the best artist I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His attention to detail is unmatched as is his knowledge of the technical skills and craftsmanship necessary to make great work that lasts for a lifetime. He did my left arm sleeve and I get complimented on it almost daily . Seriously, this is the person you want to do your tattoo!

I got my first portrait tattoo at Ray Hawse Tattoos on 06/09/2022. Ray did the job well. I asked if he can add more to the tattoo that I was getting but he gave his expert idea on why the additional pieces should not be added and he was right. He was fair on the amount of work hours he took. I definitely recommend others to use his business. I will definitely go back to get additional tattoos to be completed in the near future.

There is a reason Ray Hawse has so many 5-star reviews.Environment: The Kensington shop is super clean and has a modern, updated, open concept layout so there is plenty of space. Very professional, sanitary, and hygienic shop with a collection of great art and some of Ray’s awesome tattoos decorating some of the walls. I’ve been in many tattoo shops and his place is impressive and welcoming.Artist: Ray is the real deal! He came up with a fantastic Gene Simmons custom tattoo for me and was really cool about some small changes I wanted to make. He understood where I was coming from and had no issue working them in for me. He’s easy to talk with and has a good sense of humor. I was surprised how much progress he made in such a short time. He’s a truly talented artist and paid great attention to detail in my tattoo.Final Product: His custom Gene Simmons was off the hook. He finished everything he could for the first sitting and it is flawless. We are set up to put the final details on in a few weeks but even as it stands now (80% complete) it’s very solid and everyone I’ve shown it to is blown away!He’s got 5-start reviews because he can deliver. Highest recommendation for him. Do yourself a favor and set up a consultation with him and get an appointment booked!

Ray is an amazing tattoo artist who is a people person. Spending time in his shop will leave you relaxed and at peace while getting a tattoo. He’s honestly a hidden gem in comparison to others in the area. I’m glad I found him and can’t wait for him to do many more of my tattoos!

Ray is a lifesaver! I started a tattoo with someone else and they were moving slow on purpose to get more money. Several sessions later it still wasn’t done, so I found Ray. He not only finished the tattoo quickly, but also made it look much better. Thanks so much!

Let me start by saying…if you’re debating where to get a tattoo, THIS is the place to go! Ray is a phenomenal tattoo artist who is a true professional in a beautiful, clean shop. My girlfriend and I were so impressed with Ray’s work, as soon as he finished my tattoo we both booked another appointment with him immediately that day! Ray is not just a tattooer but a true artist. I highly recommend Ray and personally will not being going to any other tattoo artist. Ray is by far the best in the DMV. Do yourself a favor and check him out!

I met Ray for my first tattoo almost a year ago now. He walked me through the process, listened to what was important to me about my piece, gave his creative input and was very patient. Fast forward 10 months and what started as one piece on my arm had me returning for more. Now Ive got a sleeve and couldnt be happier!Ray is professional, easygoing, and extremely knowledgable, not to mention incredibly talented. Ive gotten to the point now where i simply give him an idea and let his creativity run with it. Do yourself a favor, if you want a great experience, from a seasoned professional, and one of a kind piece of art, go see Ray for your tattoo needs. You wont be sorry! 10 Stars!

Moving around is hard because you never know who you can go to for a good quality tattoo in a clean environment. Ray was recommended on an Instagram page I followed so I looked into his shop. I’m SUPER glad that got my tattoo done by Ray. It was one of the cleanest places that I have been for a tattoo. It was great that a movie was playing also because it took my mind off the sensitivity in my arm. The tattoo turned out amazing! I will be back again!!

It was my first tattoo and I had the best experience. The studio was very clean and they talked me through the whole process. I highly recommend this to anyone who’s looking for the best overall experience!

TL;DR very clean studio; very polite, chill, and professional artists; I absolutely recommendFirst impressions: the outside looks a little sketch and I was nervous walking in, but as soon as I was inside, the studio was beautiful. Very simple and clean, with nice artwork and a good vibe.I did a walk in but we called ahead and they had an availability. Ray was incredibly chill and polite, as was his co-artist whom I didnt catch the name of.Cleanliness: first of all, it smelled clean walking in. And its always important to watch your tattoo artist visibly disinfect his/her entire work station immediately prior to doing their work, which is exactly what Ray did. I have some practice in microbiology and sterile technique as Im a med lab tech, and I could tell Ray knew his stuff.I wanted something super simple, yet ray still managed to make it exceptional and double checked with me every step of the way for the art work.I 100% recommend him, hes well worth it.

Phenomenal tattoo artist. Ray fixed an absolute mess of a tattoo for me that I got from one of his competitors in late 2019. The end result -- a beautiful, realistic wolf cover-up -- was nothing short of a masterpiece. Put it this way, at least half a dozen DC area tattoo artists wanted no part of this cover-up job -- even after seven sessions of laser removal. Ray not only took on the challenge but also delivered the tattoo that I actually wanted. Nice guy, very professional, honest and an extremely talented artist. If you are researching tattoo artists in the DC area, Ray Hawse Tattoos should be your only consideration.

Rays Tattoo shop is nothing but professional. It has a laid back atmosphere and the folks who work there are kind and awesome. They provide the upmost excellent work and I in addition to my family have been going to Rays for about a decade now. Great place to get inked up and looking forward to my next visit!

My second time getting Ink from RayHawse, the first time a few years ago i was very nervous but he did an AMAZING JOB. I Trusted him and let him do his thing.This time i came in more confident knowing the excellent work he did back then and of course he delivered.He’s a professional and i will be coming back with some more ideas very soon! Can’t wait! Thank’s again Ray!

Ray’s talent is evident in his work. The tattoos are designed to look good on the skin and to age well. The lines are crisp and shades are not “dotty.” The shop itself is very professional, welcoming, well designed and clean. Highly recommend.

My tattoo experience with Ray couldn’t have been better. I’ve been wanting a tattoo for several years now but had a hard time finding an artist that appealed to me. Once I saw Ray’s work I felt confident that he would give me exactly what I was looking for. He is very personable and down to earth and I would recommend him to anyone in the DMV looking for new ink.

Simple and transparent booking and consultation, Ray will work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want. Extremely high levels of cleanliness. Photorealistic artwork, as painless as you can expect from a tattoo and he actually texted me to check up on my aftercare a few times. Best artist in Maryland. From your first tattoo to your hundredth, you’ll be well taken care of here.

I’ve been going to Ray for his artistry for years. No other artist compares. Not only does he understand what I want, he gives his advice and input based on his expert experience. I constantly need to have his business cards with me due to the endless compliments I get on my ( Ray’s) artwork. I have four sons and my eldest has beautiful work from Ray as well. My second son will be making his appoint soon. I wouldn’t send my children to Ray if I didn’t trust his mastery.

I love love Ray’s spot. This is my fourth Tat with him! He always take my tat visions to the next level. He is very knowledgeable especially with different skin tones and coloring. He has state-of-the-art equipment and his shop is immaculate. Also he is a cool down-to-earth person. I tell him I am done but he know I will be back.

Great spot to get a tattoo! Ray does solid work and you dont have to wait months for an appt!! Very satisfied with the tats. Have had 3 done with him so far.

A few months ago Ray brought a portrait of my late great grandmother to life. The detail and time he put into it really shows ... when you see it, it makes you say “Who did that?”. He did an amazing job on this piece and it is my favorite tattoo thus far. 10/10 I would definitely recommend!! Go see my boy for your next tattoo.

I am new to the area and had some family get their tattoos from Ray, I had a tattoo idea that i had wanted for a decent amount of time. Ray turned my idea into a real piece and I absolutely love it! 100% recommend getting your next tattoo from this man!

Ray is an extremely talented and professional tattoo artist. He did my first tattoo and I went to him for the entire sleeve on my left arm. I get nothing but compliments on his work and I will never go anywhere else!

Ray is a very talented artist. He was very helpful in designing my tattoos and really focused on ensuring client satisfaction. Highly recommend him.

Incredible tattoo artist. He did a portrait of my late dog and it came out looking beautiful. Attention to detail is incredible. Really professional and his shop is very clean and well kept. Highly recommend his services to anybody looking to get a great tattoo for a reasonable price.

Had an awesome experience at Rays shop. This was my third tattoo and by far the easiest, fastest and enjoyable session. Would recommend to anybody, 10/10. Will be going back for more in the near future.

I highly suggest, if you would like great TATTOO!! Book a appointment with Ray. I’ve been tattooed by Ray for over 20 years, the quality of his work is the BEST in the DMV!!! One of the main reasons I return is because of his honesty, and creativity to give you the best tattoo.

Extremely great service and very clean. Most definitely will come back in the future for more tattoos. Ray does a great job making sure the tattoo is precise and intricate to its design.

I got my first tattoo with him and the experience was beyond wonderful. The studio was clean, the staff was friendly, the environment was overall super welcoming. The tattoo itself is perfect, he really puts his all in his studio and work, definitely would go back!

I got both my first and second tattoo here and it was a really nice experience. Also the shop is very clean and I love the design! Now, both my mum and my brother have tattoos from Ray’s shop and we all love them. Would recommend

Amazing customer service and Amazing Work! Ray is very talented and can make your vision for a tattoo exceed expectations. Definitely coming back once I set an appointment!

Clean, professional, detail-oriented & exceptional artistry - what more could you ask for? My son asked for his 1st tattoo for his 18th bday present. After doing LOTS of research, I decided to couple the work with a soccer trip to MD. SO glad we did! Bryan made the experience amazing & my son is over the moon! Can’t say enough about Bryan as an artist, the vibe of the shop & the professionalism displayed. WE WILL BE BACK FOR MORE!

Ray is a master at his craft, specializing in black ink artwork & portraits but can pretty much do it all. I went in for a memorial portrait of my beloved French Bulldog and he captured his essence so perfectly - it literally brought me to tears. I’m already thinking of my next piece and will definitely be going back!

Bryan was very professional. This was my first time coming to this shop. He was very patient and awnsered all of my questions which made me feel comfortable. He does phenomenal work and I will be coming back in the future. I recommend if you ever stop at Raye Hawse Tattos make sure you reach out to Bryan!

Professional, friendly, has real integrity and respect for the art form. Had a particularly difficult tattoo I wanted with a lot of detail and was told by multiple artists that it couldn’t be done. Ray took the time to redraw the design and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Will definitely be coming back.

I got my first tattoo here today and it was an experience. The place is really clean and organized unlike other tattoo shops. He’s a really chill person and will make sure that everything is nice and clean before starting the tattoo. Will definitely be coming back in the future. 10/10

Was my first tattoo. Hip tattoo. Very easy, no pain. Absolutely love the tattoo. Love Ray’s work. Definitely recommend going to him.

I just got my tattoo, ray is an amazing artist and person! he was very passionate during the whole process, he took my idea designed and created perfect tattoo for me, thanks!

Very comfortable, no BS, clean... and, oh yes - the tattoo came out GREAT!!!I am 67 - was my first tattoo and it was a great experience. I will be back!(No pic .yet - want to wait until after completely healed.)

Ray is the best tattoo artist!!! Highly recommended- he’s very professional, talented and experienced! Hands down the best place to get a tattoo in the DMV are!!! I’m in love with my tattoo😍😍😍

I’ve been looking online for a Tattoo shop for a while and went to 3 other shops that were either unprofessional or not up to my Sanitation standards. I walked in to Ray Hawse Tattoo Shop and was in awe, It’s very clean and everybody is super friendly. I got a small tattoo done by Bryan and it’s perfect, I love it. I will definitely be stopping back as soon as I think of my next idea.

Had my tattoo done by Renzo (who works with Ray). The studio was lovely, modern, and clean. And Renzo was the consummate professional, who took his time to get everything just right. Highly recommended.

This was the second tattoo I got there & I wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else—and I’m sending my friends there. My tattoo is beautiful & I’ve gotten many compliments on it. He’s the best!

When I came for my appointment it was as if you didnt remember I was scheduled for that day and it took an hour for you to prepare my stuff so there i was waiting patiently only for you to give me the wrong design of the dragon I showed you I wanted. I blame myself for not realizing through the stencil that it wasnt the design I originally asked for but I dont know why you gave me a completely different looking dragon from the picture I showed you. Plus i wasted $600 for only the outline to he completed.

I went here for my first tattoo and it was a great experience! Ray was super professional and welcoming and I would definitely come back.

Got a new piece today and Im absolutely in love with it ! 😍 Me and my family have been coming to Ray for our tattoo needs for years now, wont go anywhere else!

Ray is a great guy who clearly communicates his expectations and abilities as an artist. I love the tattoo I got with him!

Super nice guy, shop is super clean… very chill environment. Ray is “The Truth” that’s all I’m gonna say. He brought my scorpion to life. I highly recommend. !Professional!

Ray is the best! He is very talented and professional. And the only artist I want doing my tattoos.

The environment/space was super clean and relaxing, which made my first-time tattoo experience great. Highly recommend to anyone in the area!

Ray was super professional, the quality in his work really shows, gives you exactly what you ask for and even better. Definitely would recommend, can’t wait to get my next one done.

Bryan is my guy. I come to him with an idea, fully formed or very basic and his creativity brings my ideas to life. Competitive pricing for quality work too. Love brainstorming ideas with him and then putting ink to skin!

I highly recommend Ray!! His work and expertise is extremely impressive, shop is clean and modern, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that your vision is carried out! 5 star all around!!

I paid $100 for a simple heart not even the size of a dime and he made it lopsided. Extremely disappointed.* And now you turn around and try to blame the customer, completely missing the point. The price tag would have been fine had it come out nice, but it did not. I will not be returning.

Bryan did an AMAZING sternum piece for me the other day. He’s patient, professional and above all - a super dope tattooist. Highly recommend this shop!

Ray was awesome! Super kind and down to earth, and the shop is clean and nice. Im excited to go back for my last session!

Got my first tattoo here, bryan did a great job and the shop was super clean and made for a really good first experience. definitely coming back for my next tattoo

Ray is one of the most talented tattoo artist Ive ever known. Can not go wrong with Ray Hawse Tattoos.

Brian did really nice fine line work on an ongoing annual project of mine. Made time on short notice. Clean and professional. Glad to have them in the Kensington/Rockville/Wheaton area.

I got my whole sleeve done with Ray. He’s the man very professional and does great work.

10000000% recommend this shop!! Ray is so nice, definitely getting my next tattoos here! ✨

Amazing service ! Absolutely in love with the work they did here, Ray and his team were awesome. Highly recommend!

Very talent artist.. I told him what I want and he brought my idea to skin!!! Shop is very clean & sanitary!! I highly recommend this place!!

Ray is one of the best in the area. Great location amazing and clean professional studio. Thank you

Youre going to love the end result! Trust His process !!!

I highly recommend Ray. I get tons of compliments on the first coverup he did and now I’m back for another.

Best artist in the DMV hands down. Award winning artist who is down to earth as if he was just getting started.

BEST tattoo I have! Right on my neck, didn’t hurt really, awesome artist

Clean and modern studio..Ray is professional and cool and a beast with the ink

Had to get a cover up and finish my tattoo when all hope was lost this place brought my tattoo to life I highly recommend this place I will def be going back to get more tattoos here

Great experience - clean, professional, efficient and perfectly matched the design requested.

Bryan’s simply the 🐐. You can’t find a cooler dude in DC.

Staff is very friendly and accommodating for their customers needs. Would totally recommend this place!!!

Great place with great people, definitely a place I will be going back to

Super clean shop all work is 10/10

Wonderful experience and tremendous artistic talent.

Clean, professional and talented.

Ram skull, Aries, ♈

Incredible Artist

Very professional, cozy establishment, and very clean, and the result of my tattoo was exactly how I wanted itThank you