About Max
I’m Max, a fine-line handpoke tattoo artist based in Santa Monica. I started tattooing in 2017 and have worked full time since 2021, tattooing more than 2,000 clients along the way.
My work is mostly small, minimal, and detail-focused. I’m drawn to simple ideas that can be refined into something personal, with careful linework and enough restraint to let the design breathe.
Just as important to me is the experience of getting tattooed. I work from a private studio where appointments can feel relaxed and collaborative, with time to get the size, placement, and details right before we start.
A thoughtful approach to tattooing
I started tattooing in 2017 as a hobby and quickly became drawn to how personal the work felt. Over time, it went from something I did for fun to the work I wanted to build my career around.
My approach has stayed pretty simple: keep the design clean, find the right size and placement, and give the small details the attention they deserve. I’m most drawn to tattoos that feel personal without needing to be overly complicated.
Handpoke fits naturally with that way of working. Each tattoo is built slowly by hand, one point at a time, which gives me a lot of control over fine lines and small details. It also creates a quieter, more relaxed tattoo experience, which has become a big part of why I’ve stuck with the method.
The Studio
Appointments take place in my private studio in Santa Monica. It’s a clean, quiet, and comfortable space set up for one-on-one sessions and small groups.
I like having enough time to look at placement, sizing, and small design changes together without feeling rushed. It’s a more personal setup than a traditional tattoo shop, and a big part of the experience I try to create.
Outside the studio
Outside of tattooing, I’m currently studying design at UCLA, with a focus on graphic design, branding, and visual communication. It’s been a fun way to expand creatively and explore some of the same things I already care about in tattooing, like composition, typography, and detail.
At home, most of my time is spent with Sunny, my miniature dachshund, and Benny, my rabbit. Otherwise I’m usually seeing friends, trying a new restaurant, traveling when I can, playing chess, or working on whatever creative project has my attention at the moment.
Have something in mind?
Whether you have a specific idea, want to choose from existing flash, or just know the kind of tattoo you’re looking for, you can explore my current availability and book the session that fits best.