RAY CORSON
(she/her)
Born and raised in Grapevine, TX, Ray was lucky to find her passion at age 12 and has since had a single-minded focus on becoming a professional tattoo artist. After earning a B.L.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, she started her apprenticeship, working under David Mushaney. Ray has been tattooing independently since 2018 and has quickly established herself as an artist with a keen eye, steady hand, and the ability to capture the client’s vision and meaning in their custom designs. Ray’s passionate informal and formal art training has set her at a higher caliber of tattooing.
Ray is a believer in tattooing as a form of fine art and enjoys creating custom pieces. While Ray has established herself as a well rounded artist capable of many styles, she specializes in illustrative color pieces. Ray’s unique approach to her work and eye for dynamic contrasts in both line weight and color palette set her pieces apart. Each project receives the same degree of humility, respecting the privilege and trust involved. Ray dreams to make a lasting impact both on the tattooing industry and in people’s lives. She’s well on her way!
Ray is a resident artist at Valkyrie Tattoo Gallery in Dallas. Her travel plans for guest spots and conventions are listed here. Please book via the booking form here.
TRAUMA INFORMED TATTOOING
A MINDFUL APPROACH TO TATTOOING
Trauma Aware / Trauma Informed Care seeks to:
Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients
Anticipate clients’ needs and signals
Understand how to encounter and support clients if past trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD surfaces
Integrate knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices
Encourage open and honest communication
Eliminate assumption and implied consent
Being gentle both verbally and physically
Answering any and all questions truthfully
Maintaining trustworthiness and transparency
Actively avoid re-traumatization
The nature of tattooing places clients in a vulnerable position where we are working directly with the body. Whether we are aware of our traumas or if they sit in our subconscious, getting tattooed can re-activate them. Ray understands her responsibility as a tattoo artist and strives to handle instances of trauma resurfacing with empathy, patience, and safety. Getting a tattoo can be a nerve-wracking experience and it can feel difficult to speak up in the moment. Ray encourages client input with open communication and pressure-free engagement. Ray approaches each client with the goal of creating stunning tattoos with positive experiences.
Some factors like abuse, self-harm, marks and scars of all natures can be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about. It may be necessary for Ray to discuss scars when assessing things like age of the scar/mark, whether they are flat or raised, the sensitivity of the tissue, the texture of the tissue. These are details are important in order to create a beautiful tattoo with integrity. However, Ray leaves the personal details of the scar(s)/mark(s) for clients to talk about when and if they choose to.
CREATING A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE
Ray offers the following to make your session as comfortable as possible:
Pillows (with single-use coverings)
Chiropractic wedges
Around the neck phone holder for hands free phone use
Chargers
Sunglasses (the lights can be quite bright)
Single-use eye drops, tissues, snacks, and water
Mask adjusters like stick on nose strips and ear loop cinchers
Regular in-session check-ins
Bactine Max and optional tattoo numbing cream
Providing clear information ahead of time about what to expect before, during, and after your appointment
A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERYONE
EMPATHY · EQUALITY · EMPOWERMENT
Ray believes in creating an environment that fosters kindness, courage, and respect. Clients are guaranteed a personalized experience free of judgement and prejudice. Inclusivity and diversity are paramount. Ray respects the power balance between client and artist and approaches each client with care. All bodies and skin types are welcome. Ray strives to encourage open, honest communication and maintain a stress-free, no-rush environment. Ray cares about people and believes in the power of tattooing to genuinely impact peoples’ lives.
Ray is dedicated to continued growth and education. If ever you have critiques, concerns, or feedback about your experience, please let us know.
FAQ • CONTACT • TRAVEL + EVENTS • PREPARATION • AFTERCARE • PORTFOLIO
