About Adora – Tattoo Artist and Freelance Illustrator in Metro Detroit, Michigan

Adora is a tattoo artist and freelance illustrator based in Metro Detroit, Michigan, known for her detailed, story-rich designs that blend fantasy, nature, and emotion. She tattoos out of Rat King Tattoo, a queer-owned studio just outside Detroit in Romulus, Michigan, and runs her own independent art business under Adora Bao Studio.

Specializing in black and gray illustrative tattoos, Adora draws inspiration from folklore, forests, vintage storybooks, and manga. Her work often explores themes of inner strength, transformation, and personal myth, connecting deeply with clients who want more than just a tattoo, they want a visual story etched into their skin.

As a first-generation Hmong-American born in Detroit, Adora infuses her art with resilience and cultural pride. Her family’s history as refugees from the Vietnam War continues to shape her values, voice, and commitment to creating art that heals and empowers.

Outside the studio, you’ll find Adora creating in her home art space, wandering through Michigan nature trails, photographing quiet moments, playing cozy video games, catching live music, or bingeing the latest fantasy anime. Her life and work are rooted in creativity, self-expression, and building a safe, magical world, one piece of art at a time.

book.adorabao@gmail.com