By: Taylor Graveline
Bushwick, Brooklyn is home to Devil May Cry Tattoo, a studio led by artist Devin Noir. Known for his use of bold black ink and a focus on the deeper meaning of tattoos, Devin has spent the last seven years refining a style that balances personal expression with each client’s individuality. His approach is shaped by daily rituals, meditation, and an openness to drawing inspiration from the spiritual and the occult, all with the goal of crafting designs that resonate on multiple levels.
Growing as an Artist Over Seven Years
Devin’s connection with tattooing started the moment he first picked up a machine and pressed on the pedal. “It was like a white light moment. My whole life clicked and finally made sense to me,” he shared. That experience motivated him to devote himself fully to learning the craft.
Over time, his style and mindset shifted as he focused more on authenticity and less on external comparisons. “I became more and more authentic and I stopped comparing myself to others. In my eyes, I’m my only true competition. The main constant I have is I absolutely love packing black and creating something that’s not only true to me, but true to my clients.” This direct approach to developing his skills and maintaining a clear sense of self remains a key element in his creative process.
Creativity Rooted in Intuition and Rituals
Devin Noir’s artistic process hinges on grounding techniques that help him connect with clients in a meaningful way. “I’m really big on meditation and using my subconscious mind to its maximum ability. When designing for a client, I’ll check their social media to pick up on their vibe or energy if possible. Afterwards, I may lay down for a nap or meditate while keeping the client in mind.” By blending mindfulness with research, Devin ensures each piece reflects both the client’s personality and his expertise.
A core part of Devin’s inspiration comes from spirituality, the occult, and ancient mythology. “Tattooing’s ancient roots were saturated with meaning and intentionality,” he said. “Same with spirituality and the occult. I strive to maintain those disciplines in my work.” This perspective is woven into daily habits that go beyond standard preparation. “To be fair, I practice rituals every day for my tattooing whether I’m tattooing or not. Tattooing isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle as well. Every day, I maintain my tattoo space, meditate, exercise, and maintain self care rituals as best as I can.”
The Influence of Bushwick and Lessons for New Artists
Since moving to Bushwick in 2012, Devin has found the neighborhood’s creative energy a constant source of motivation. “Bushwick is a truly wonderful place and I’ve lived here since 2012. Bushwick is a place of its own; each of its corners, nooks and crannies carries its own unique experience and those experiences have shaped who I am today.” The area’s variety of perspectives has attracted a diverse clientele, all seeking tattoos that align with Devin’s emphasis on meaning and intention.
For those hoping to build their own style in the tattoo world, Devin encourages them to focus on self-mastery and discipline in every area of their life. He added, “Study, study, study, you can never learn enough. Find a solid mentor or mentors that will give a solid apprenticeship, and never compare yourself to others. If you’re looking at a tattoo account and getting frustrated, be realistic about where you are in your career. Don’t look at an artist’s work who’s been tattooing for ten plus years and wonder why you’re not producing work of their caliber when you’ve been tattooing for a year.”
Each tattoo is a story, and stepping into Devil May Cry Tattoo is an invitation to explore body art as both personal expression and meaningful tradition. Here, Devin Noir’s dedication to authenticity, ritual, and careful study converges in designs that resonate on multiple levels. It’s a space where bold creativity and genuine connection flourish—reminding us that a tattoo can be far more than ink on skin.
Published by Joseph T.
