ADAM Portfolio
Adam Hillyer
is a seasoned tattoo artist with over 30 years of professional experience, whose lifelong passion for art began early. He received his first art award in first grade and was recognized as his senior class artist, setting the foundation for a dedicated and accomplished career.
Adam began his formal tattoo apprenticeship in 1994 and quickly established himself as both an artist and entrepreneur. He owned and operated Eagle’s Nest Tattoo in Norwich, Connecticut for 10 years, followed by five years as the owner of Iron Shamrock Tattoo Parlor. During his career, he also worked at 12 Tattoos in Groton, Connecticut, the studio of Ink Master Season 2 winner Steven Tefft, before eventually relocating to Florida. Since then, Adam has continued to expand his experience, working in multiple studios before finding his current home at Tip Top Tattoo.
Throughout his career, Adam’s work has been featured in several tattoo magazines, and he has earned multiple awards for both color and black and gray tattooing. Beyond his own artistry, he takes pride in mentorship, having trained three apprentices who have gone on to build successful careers of their own.
Adam’s connection to tattoo history runs deep. He studied machine building under legendary tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle and went on to build and sell machines alongside his apprentice. His craftsmanship earned him an invitation to Lyle Tuttle’s 50th year of tattooing celebration in San Francisco, where some of his machines were displayed as part of Tuttle’s personal collection exhibit.
His career highlights extend beyond the tattoo studio. Adam tattooed backstage at Ozzfest and consulted with actor Harvey Keitel on traditional tattoo designs for his Master Chief character in the film U-571. He also served as a presenter, alongside his father and second apprentice, at the Skin and Bones Maritime Tattoo Exhibit at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.
Committed to lifelong learning, Adam has further refined his craft through seminars with industry leaders, including pinup tattoo training with Joe Capobianco and black and gray techniques with Jack Rudy.
Adam draws artistic inspiration from masters such as Caravaggio, Bernie Wrightson, Derek Riggs, Alberto Vargas, and Alphonse Mucha. His tattoo influences include Lyle Tuttle, Jack Rudy, Guy Aitchison, Paul Booth, and Joe Capobianco.
He specializes in custom work and is especially passionate about projects that allow for creative freedom. His favorite subjects include pinups, wildlife and nature (including pet portraits), American traditional and neo-traditional designs, and transformative cover-ups.
When he’s not tattooing, Adam enjoys spending time with his family, reading books and tarot cards, and watching classic Hammer horror films.
