Jimi May is a black and grey realism artist with about 10 years of experience. Born in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, he was playing in a few rock bands around the age of 16. He says “Where there is rock n roll there are usually tattoos.”. He did a few tattoos on band mates which eventually sparked his interest in learning how to tattoo professionally.

With a degree in Fine Arts (majoring in painting), he graduated from NAS ( National Art School) in Sydney. He also spent some time studying at the Florence Academy of Art learning various painting techniques. In 2011, he started an apprenticeship at Dee Why Tattoo and worked there for 4 years until he moved onto settling into Little Tokyo.

Specialising in Black and Grey realism, Jimi favours designs involving anything religious or portraiture, with preference for large scale pieces like full sleeves and back pieces. He draws inspiration from Renaissance and religious art. However, despite using colour for his paintings, he prefers to remain the tattoos in black and grey.

In his spare time, Jimi enjoys painting and fine art – just like when he used to before he pursued tattooing.

Even though it can be challenging at times to visualise someone’s concept or tattoo idea, Jimi has learnt that it teaches patience and builds confidence when his clients are happy with the final result.