Based in Long Beach, New York, Bryan Lee has been tattooing for over a decade and co-owns a shop alongside fellow artist Matty. Known for his imaginative black and grey surrealism, Bryan blends realism with fantasy, anime, and storytelling elements to create tattoos that go beyond the skin. In this interview, Bryan shares how his lifelong fascination with tattoos turned into a career, how he developed his unique style, and the challenges and rewards of being a tattoo artist in today’s social media-driven world.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
I’m Bryan Lee! I have been tattooing for 10 years and own a shop with my friend Matty in Long Beach, NY.
How did you get involved with tattooing?
As far back as I could remember, I always wanted to be a tattoo artist. Since elementary school, I have been fascinated and intrigued by people with tattoos. It was like magic to me and I needed to learn more.
At what point in your life did you become a professional tattoo artist?
I started my apprenticeship in May 2014 and got my own chair and tattoo license 6 months later.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
It is forever evolving.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you develop it to what it is today?
I refer to my style as black and grey surrealism. When I first started in black and grey, I mostly focused on realism but the more work I did and the more I learned the foundation, I was able to incorporate my own personal style and ideas into my work. This led me to incorporate more imaginative ideas with inspiration from fantasy and anime.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
Through a consultation, I get information on what they want, where they want it, and reference photos. I study the anatomy, get a sense of the flow of the body and start to sketch with my interpretation of the client’s idea. I gather references, alter imagery, overlay, combine and draw over the images to create a cohesive idea that fits well on the body.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Social media! Not only do we have to stay on top of tattooing, improving our skills, and managing clients but we also have to present all of this work in a way that is appealing on social media. Also, continuing to create designs and put out content that helps me stand out in the industry.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
It is super rewarding to have the opportunity to constantly be able to improve my work. Having photos of past work, being able to evaluate and critique, and push myself to create a better tattoo every time is such a driving motivation for me. To have clients walk away with a tattoo they love and consistently follow up with me to let me know how many compliments they get and how happy they are with the tattoo, even years later, is so special.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I love conventions! Everyone is always way nicer than you can expect. It is such a great opportunity to talk with other artists, share knowledge and ideas.
Did you ever participate at any tattoo contest?
Yes! I’ve won for 1st Place for Large Black and Grey at Seven Cities Tattoo Convention, 1st Place for Medium Black and Grey, 2nd Place for Large Male Black and Grey at the Villian Arts Philadelphia Tattoo Festival and 1st Place Best in Show at Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Making connections and meeting artists! It is a great way to get your name out there in the industry, get out of your comfort zone and experience tattooing in a totally different atmosphere.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
A few extra feet of space for the artists would be great. For the public, keeping the venues to easily accessible locations.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Start conventions, guest spots and put yourself out there early in your career. You’d be surprised how much you can learn just by observing and being in a new environment.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Owning a shop, tattoo convention wins, and earning a living off of something I love to do.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I consistently prioritize my art and my work.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
While tattooing does take up most of my time—I do paint, draw with colored pencils, and create digital art.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To continue to push myself to create a better tattoo every day.
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