Tattoo Artist Bryan Du Rand

We regard Bryan Du Rand to be one of the best Tattoo Artists in the country. Producing phenomenal Japanese and Realism work on the daily, and boasting over 10 years within the trade, we catch up with the witty tattooist and get to know more about his day-to-day life.
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Full name: Bryan Du Rand

Shop: Fallen Heroes

Years tattooing: 10

Tattoo style: Japanese and Realism

Hourly rate: R1300/HR

Having last featured back in 2016, how much do you feel you have changed as an artist since then?
Scrolling back on my Instagram to 2016, what I do notice is I look like I’m 16 years old. I can also see how my tattoo style was only starting to develop back then. What’s definitely changed the most is me as a person. I’ve learned some hard lessons in life and I’m way better off because of it.

And, how much has the industry changed?
Not much. Clients are way better informed because of how much information there is online. They have much more realistic expectations of the tattoo process and I don’t need to explain as much.

Tell us your story of how you became a full time tattoo artist?
I started it as a hobby teaching myself using the internet as my guide and then people just started paying me for it. I definitely don’t recommend this method if you’re considering tattooing as a career. Get an apprenticeship it’s much easier and faster.

What goes through your mind while you are busy tattooing?
Far too much if I’m sitting in silence. That’s why I’m always listening to music, podcasts or documentaries. Sometimes I just think about less profound things, like food.

What type of client do you enjoy working with the most, and why?
Ones that keep still. Oooh, and the ones that bring gifts.

When not working and tattooing, what do you like to do with your downtime?
My alter ego is male cheerleader. True story!

You have a passion for sports cars. Which have you owned, and which would you still like to own,?

I’ve owned a Mustang, Mini Cooper S and an Audi R8. I’ve thought about owning a Lambo but I’m not sure if it’s worth the douchbag tag that gets slapped on you as a supercar owner.

How do you like to make sure you keep progressing as an artist?
You have to care. When you stop caring, that’s when you stop progressing. I also make sure to take regular breaks from tattooing.

What’s your take on the new Fallen Heroes shop?
I have a private studio, which is fantastic, but I kind of miss Thys’ dad jokes, don’t you dare tell him I said that…

What style of tattoo would you say you specialise in, and why?
I’m fascinated with Japanese culture and Japanese tattoos. I also enjoy realism. It keeps me balanced, well rounded and challenged.

Given the opportunity to tattoo any person, who would to be and why?
Elon Musk or Donald Trump. I have a few burning questions for them. Like “why are you so ashamed of your South African heritage” or “were you just as surprised as me when you were elected”.

For anyone wanting to book and appointment with you, whats the next step?
Contact me on Instagram @tattoosbybryan if you like. But if I’m wearing gloves I will most likely just refer you to one of our booking managers.

Fallen Heroes
Contact: 011 028 0994 or info@fallenheroes.co.za
Address: 249 Barry Hertzog Avenue, Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
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