Tattoo Artist Bryan Du Rand

Featured before, but now the proud owner of his very own shop – Levitation Tattoo Studio – we catch up with Bryan Du Rand in this week’s Tattoo Artist feature.
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Full name: Bryan Du Rand

Shop: Levitation Tattoo Studio

Years tattooing: 12 years

Tattoo style: Japanese Style and Realism

Hourly rate: R1300 per hour

Welcome back to the pages of LW Mag. What’s been going on in the life of Bryan since we last featured you in 2020?
The biggest change is that I have started working independently. During lockdown I think we all had a lot of time for introspection and I definitely got to reflect on who I want to be as a person and where I want to be as an artist.

How do you feel your passion for the industry has changed or evolved since then?
I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone with regards to style and layout of my tattoos by incorporating elements that I am inspired by.

What drives your passion?
My favourite moment of every day is that ‘wow’ moment when a client gets to see a finished piece on their skin.

Give us some insight into your new shop – Levitation Tattoo Studio – and its artists?
Levitation Tattoo kind of happened by accident. We stumbled across this amazing property, as soon as I walked in it became very apparent that this could be an amazing space for a tattoo shop. I then began the difficult process of finding the right artists and although I have space for 6 artists. I have only decided on 4 artists for now who have what I am looking for – reliability, good bed side manner and super high quality polished tattoos.

What was you initial vision compared to how it turned out in the end?
There was no initial vision. One moment I was tattooing in my lounge and the next moment I was a shop owner! It still feels surreal and I am still suffering from imposter syndrome.

What plans and goals do you have for the shop?
Trying to create a space where artists are respected and want to come to work at the shop, where clients want to get tattooed – trying to find that balance.

What can clients expect from their experience at Levitation Tattoo Studio?
From the moment that you walk in over the koi pond (coming soon) our manager seats you with a coffee and a view of the Northern suburbs, your artist will then prepare and execute the design in our luxury tranquil studio. We have multiple artists that specialise in different styles, so whatever it is you are looking for we will be able to accommodate your requests.

What style of tattoo do you enjoy creating the most, and why?
I enjoy Japanese and Realism. Japanese style is therapeutic to me.

If you could offer any advice for anyone wanting to get their first tattoo, what would it be?
Shop around! Enquire with multiple artists and find the right one for you that suits your style and budget. Luckily for clients we have options. In one phone call you are able to get quotes and advice from all the artists in studio.