Ōtautahi Tattoo Studio Auckland: Meet Bryan

We've been teaming up with our friends from Ōtautahi Tattoo Studio Auckland for a while now and thought it was about time to sit down with owner, Bryan, to learn more about his artist journey and how he came to own his own studio. 

Tell us about your background. How did this all start?
I grew up in the south in the US, where things like tattoos were pretty underground. I was a skater and always going to shows, so naturally, everyone I looked up to in those scenes had tattoos, and I just thought there was nothing cooler than having tattoos. I loved to draw as well, so I was always sketching roses and lettering from a young age.

Why tattoos, where does your passion come from?
I always thought tattoos looked generally cool, but I remember this one dude I knew had a full Japanese sleeve, and I had never really seen one before. Something about that mystified me and just opened this desire to have that. The thought of doing them was nothing more than a pipe dream as it was really hard to get into the industry. My passion for tattoos still mystifies me really, I’m not sure what it unlocks but its more or less the culmination of all my passions into one art form. 

How did you decide to open your own studio?
I actually never planned on it. Ōtautahi Tattoo was already a shop and I was given the opportunity to take the reigns a few years ago. It was certainly a drop in the deep end, but its been a fun and worthy venture and its helped me to grow as a person in many ways. I’m really just a tattooist more than anything, but owning a shop is a rad way to be a part of and give back to an industry I dearly love. 

What’s your favourite part about what you do?
Aside from drawing all kinds of cool stuff and the actual act of tattooing, its the people. I love hanging out with, talking to and working with people from all walks. Sharing stories, having laughs, all of that is huge for me. I guess I like to say I don’t take myself too seriously, but I take what I do seriously.

What keeps you inspired to create new designs?
It's always changing. A conversation I might have with someone, a certain song or music I’m listening to, or even just seeing a person walk by with a sick piece can open the portals!

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
As a shop, were becoming much more involved with the local community in a lot of ways thats been interesting and fun. Small pop up flash days at different venues has given us a chance to do what we love outside of the shop and keep the fire going even in the colder and slower winter months. As far as me, I’m just a broken record. I’ve got tattoos coming up that I can’t wait to do and I hope they inspire others to come get some sick stuff as well!

What burger do you think Ōtautahi would be if it were on the BurgerFuel menu and why?
Well I’m pretty biased toward the C N Cheese. Maybe thats Ōtautahi. A take on a classic but sprinkled with a little extra cheese and truffle oil if you will.

What would your ideal BurgerFuel burger contain?
C N Cheese but two patties instead of one cause we ain't playing round