Hello, my name is KOYO Corey Ray, and my story of tattooing begins in the mid 90's while I was living in Japan! I was working as a freelance comic book artist when I began studying Japanese calligraphy, known as "SHODOU", and it was through "SHODOU" that I was introduced to "IREZUMI" (tattooing), by chance. The process of collaborating together, working up the art, the respect given to the process, and the personal 1-on-1 nature of the appointments were all very different from the "open-shop" and rotating artist environments I had experienced here in the west. It very much impressed me, and so I have incorporated much of that into the essence of KOYO STUDIOS and the process by which I create your story and put it into your skin!

When I started Koyo Studios, I brought from Japan a more personal atmosphere, with the focus having fun while designing and Tattooing the highest quality art possible for each unique person, telling your personal story with uniquely original art!

Throwing away the idea that affordability justifies lower quality, I implemented payment plan options so that every person can get the quality of work that they desire on their body!

Learning different styles is an art of its own, and I am very good at it...so bring whatever idea you have!
     Tattooing in San Diego for over 12 years, I'm a fun, loving person who believes in a professional attitude and the best talent when forming the journey that will ILLUSTRATE your personal SAGA!

My style would be most defined somewhere in between Impressionism and Realism. 
I specialize in Portraits, Caricatures, Traditional and Modern Japanese, Comic Book styles, Anime, Cartooning, Painter styles, Japanese Calligraphy, and Western Calligraphy.

Cover-Ups and fixes
I thoroughly enjoy fixing Permanent Make-Up and Tattoos that are improperly done or that you no longer like. No Cover-Up is too hard so do not hesitate to ask me!   

Please scroll over the cards below and click to take a look at my galleries!