Bryan Kienlen has been driven by a need for self-expression across various mediums for as long as he can recall. This passion has fueled a thirty-year career that intertwines music and visual arts. Tattooing emerged as another powerful outlet for him around 1988, coinciding with the formation of the iconic band, The Bouncing Souls.
After acquiring his first tattoos, and facing the financial limitations of getting more, Bryan and his friend Ugly Bill ingeniously constructed their first tattoo machine. They embarked on a journey of self-tattooing and inking their bandmates, learning through hands-on experience. (While acknowledging the impropriety and risks of such practices today, it’s important to understand that resourcefulness was key in that era for those seeking tattoos). As The Bouncing Souls rapidly grew into a full-time touring band, tattooing took a backseat. Bryan channeled his artistic energy into designing the band’s visual identity, crafting album art and merchandise, and deepening his songwriting. Over ten album covers, countless shirt designs, and numerous tours later, a break in the band’s relentless schedule allowed Bryan to revisit his tattooing aspirations.
Around 2010, he pursued a formal tattoo apprenticeship under the guidance of Josh Kohn and Rich Cahill at Immortal Ink. This marked a turning point, as Bryan learned the professional and safe practices of tattooing, embracing the life of a professional tattooer within a reputable Tattoo Shop environment. Most recently, he spent five years collaborating with talented artists at Neptune Tattoo, further refining his skills under the mentorship of Patrick Dean and his team. Bryan is enthusiastic about continuing his artistic evolution in this dynamic creative space, constantly seeking new influences and inspiration within the ever-evolving world of tattoo art and tattoo shops.
