About Me

I’m Bear Ray, owner of Black Bear Tattoos & Piercings in Elkin, North Carolina. I’ve been tattooing professionally since 2005, and over the years, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for the history and tradition of tattooing, particularly the artwork and equipment that have been part of the trade for generations. I’ve spent a lot of time collecting, rebuilding, and tuning machines from various builders, and eventually began making my own.

Fast-Lines is my line of tattoo flash and handmade coil tattoo machines. Each machine is individually built and carefully tuned by me. I still tattoo full-time, and my goal is simple: to produce quality flash and reliable machines that I’d be happy to use every day in my own shop.