The Tattoo Artist
Ray Chan
Born in Cebu, Phillipines, Ray’s path into tattooing began in San Francisco, where he worked as a chef before apprenticing under Tango at InkVested Tattoo Studio.
With over five years of experience, his work centers on Neo-Japanese tattooing, Focused on movement, contrast, and composition. He created large-scale pieces designed to flow with the body and stand the test of time.
From the Kitchen to the Tattoo Studio
My Journey Into Neo-Japanese Tattooing
From the Kitchen to the Tattoo Studio
Before becoming a tattoo artist, Ray spent years working as a sous chef in different kitchens throughout the Bay Area. Although cooking was his career, burnout eventually led him to consider a different direction. Around this time, he began getting tattooed by Tango at Inkvested Tattoo Studio, where he developed a growing fascination with the art of tattooing.
Discovering the Art of Creating Something Lasting
Coming from a culinary background, Ray recognized similarities between cooking and tattooing. Both require creativity, patience, attention to detail, and thoughtful composition. But tattooing offered something different: the opportunity to create art that would become part of someone’s story and stay with them for a lifetime. That idea sparked his desire to pursue tattooing.
Learning the Craft Under Tango's Mentorship
Ray initially asked Tango to take him on as an apprentice but was turned down. Rather than giving up, he continued showing interest and offering help around the shop. While working as a private chef in Palo Alto, he spent his days off learning everything he could at Inkvested. From cleaning and organizing to managing inventory and supplies, he worked his way into the shop and eventually earned Tango’s trust. Within six months, he was tattooing on skin.
Four Years of Learning and a Foundation for the Future
Ray spent four years at Inkvested, developing his skills under Tango’s mentorship while balancing the demands of cooking and tattooing. Even with long commutes and exhausting schedules, he remained committed to learning the craft. When the studio eventually closed, he carried those lessons with him. The discipline, patience, and attention to detail he developed in the kitchen became the foundation of his approach to tattooing.
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