Bryan Kienlen’s journey is one fueled by a lifelong need for creative expression, seamlessly blending the worlds of music and art for over three decades. His foray into the tattoo world began around 1988/89, coinciding with the inception of The Bouncing Souls. Initially driven by financial constraints after getting a couple of tattoos, Bryan and his friend Ugly Bill ingeniously constructed their first tattoo machine. They embarked on a self-taught tattooing journey, practicing on themselves and fellow band members. While acknowledging the impropriety and risks of such early methods by today’s standards, Bryan reflects that their resourcefulness was born out of necessity and a strong desire to be tattooed in their early years.
As The Bouncing Souls evolved into a full-time touring band, Bryan’s tattooing pursuits took a backseat. However, his artistic drive remained vibrant through designing the band’s visual elements and deepening his songwriting. After ten album covers, countless merchandise designs, and extensive tours, a period of relative downtime allowed Bryan to revisit his passion for tattooing. Around 2010, he committed to a formal apprenticeship under the guidance of Josh Kohn and Rich Cahill at Immortal Ink. This marked a turning point, as Bryan immersed himself in learning the professional and correct techniques of tattooing, embracing the life of a professional tattooer. His dedication to honing his craft led him to a significant five-year period at Neptune Tattoo, collaborating with talented artists like Patrick Dean and his team. This experience further enriched his skills and broadened his artistic perspective within a reputable tattoo shop environment.
Currently, Bryan Kienlen is enthusiastic about continuous learning and growth within the ever-evolving creative realm of tattooing. He remains inspired by new influences and is dedicated to expanding his expertise in this dynamic art form, solidifying his place as a respected artist within the tattoo shop community.
