Paul Black

TATTOO ARTIST · RALEIGH, NC

VIBRANT COLOR · REALISM · PORTRAITS · COVER-UPS & REWORKS

With more than 36 years behind the machine, Paul brings deep technical experience and a practical, collaborative approach to custom tattooing in Raleigh. He is especially well suited to projects that require careful planning, strong color judgment, and confident problem-solving.

Paul’s Tattoo Portfolio

Explore tattoo work by Paul, including vibrant color, detailed realism, portraits, animal pieces, custom designs, and before-and-after examples of cover-up and rework tattoos.

About Paul

EXPERIENCE · COLLABORATION · TECHNICAL RANGE

Paul’s career spans more than three decades of changes in tattoo equipment, pigments, and technique. That experience helps him evaluate how a design will read on the body, how color will settle over time, and how to build a piece around a client’s existing ink, anatomy, and long-term goals.

At Mad Ethel’s Tattoo in Downtown Raleigh, Paul is known for straightforward guidance, a calm presence, and a willingness to explain what is realistically possible before the first line is placed.

Cover-Up & Rework Tattoos in Raleigh

What Clients Say About Paul

Paul has always been responsive to emails and communicates well during the session... I completely trust his professional opinion; the suggestions he's made to the ideas I've thrown at him have been ones that have made my tattoos better.

Hillary · Google

It turned out so beautiful and he truly captured my dog in the portrait. He was very nice and made sure I was comfortable through the whole process.

Caroline Autry · Google

Paul is a thoughtful artist who has a lot of experience and knows what he is doing. He's also a very nice guy. 10/10

D Okes · Google

Cover-Up & Rework Tattoos in Raleigh

PIERCING

BEFORE & AFTER · COVER-UPS · REWORKS

Existing tattoos often require more planning than a new piece. Paul works with clients who want to transform, rework, or substantially cover older tattoos, including dark, heavily saturated, and large-scale work. He evaluates the existing ink, placement, color, and design goals to determine what may be covered directly, what may need a larger composition, and when laser lightening could create better options before tattooing.