Meet Maury Decay: Vegan Tattoo Artist
For Veganuary, we interviewed London-based tattoo artist Maury Decay to talk about what vegan tattooing really means. From common misconceptions to studio practices, personal ethics, and industry realities, Maury shares his honest perspective on being a vegan tattoo artist.
Q: How would you introduce yourself and your tattooing style?
A: I’m a tattoo artist who cares about both the craft and the ethics behind it. I do watercolour, abstract, bold tattoos, and blackouts. I like making pieces that are expressive and meaningful, that can give the client a little self-esteem boost, while still keeping a nice flow and composition.
Q: How long have you been vegan, and how did that journey influence your work as an artist?
A: I have been vegan for 15 years, and this journey definitely influences my work because it reflects who I am. I am not vegan because of a diet I follow, but because of animal rights and environmental reasons. It would feel very fake for me to be a different person at work than I am in my daily life.
Q: What inspired you to start branding yourself as a vegan tattoo artist?
A: Years ago, I worked in what was then the second fully vegan tattoo studio in London. I was hesitant to brand myself as a vegan tattoo artist because it was not as common as it is now, and I have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with labels. It was a different time. But then my friend and ex-boss Alex encouraged me to go for it, and it made sense because I had already been using fully vegan supplies before joining that studio anyway. I just needed to be less shy and put myself out there and share more about who I am…I'm very much of an introvert but I don't like fading into the background, branding yourself or your business is important, leaving a mark and make a positive change. And here we are, 10 years later and I'm still keeping this vegan thing going, I'll never be done!
Q: What values or principles guide your work inside and outside the studio?
A: The values that guide my work in and out of the studio are honesty, respect, and a lot of patience while I try to keep everything balanced. I try to be the same person at home and at work, and I want my clients to feel that. I also really care about staying true to my own beliefs and ethics, and that shows in how I tattoo and run my studio.
Q: How has being vegan shaped your approach to art, clients, or the industry?
A: It has shaped me into the person and artist I am now, and how I present myself to everyone. Someone who cares about their own beliefs and work ethics, and someone who is the same person both at home and in the studio. I can’t imagine doing something that hides an aspect of who I am or doing something I don’t believe in. This applies to me, and if I can encourage even one person to be themselves 24/7 no matter what environment they’re in, that’s a big win!
Q: What do you love most about being a vegan tattoo artist?
A: Over the years I have built a solid clientele of mostly vegan and LGBTQIA+ people. That was what I was after. We should not just create a safe space for clients but also for ourselves. Knowing that the people who come to me for a tattoo do not judge who I am and what I stand for and do not question anything I use during a tattoo session is a very comforting feeling. At the same time, I also love that non vegans come to get tattooed because they like the idea of me using plant based and cruelty free products. It's the little things that matter.
10 Years as a Vegan Tattoo Artist: What I’ve Learned
Q: Looking back over the years, what has changed most in your practice?
A: I’m more confident for sure. I listen to a client’s wishes but I also give them my input and advice when it comes to what works as a tattoo. I might be strict and old school sometimes, but that’s what I’ve learned. I also changed a lot as a person over the past few years, opening my own studio made me grow so much and made me gain more confidence. I still provide the same high-quality service along with my 90's playlist in the background, a good laugh and a chat; unless I’m tattooing lines, then I’ll be holding my breath and keep quiet.
Q: What do you consider your biggest achievements as a vegan tattoo artist?
A: Other than still being at the top of the list when you Google "vegan tattoos London"? The biggest achievement is having clients who want to work with me because it is me, not because I am the cheapest option (I am not, but you know what I mean), and it's also interesting when we get to share our experiences with veganism. It's a special connection! I have had clients who have been vegan since the 80s! That is so cool.
Q: What do you hope the future of vegan tattooing looks like?
A: A vegan tattoo convention would be cool, finally one where there is no taxidermy around. Prices on vegan and eco friendly supplies can be lower, so I encourage all the vegan tattoo artists out there to put their vegan lifestyle into their tattooing.
