Discovering a tattoo artist who works in Chiang Mai and mixes in his works multiple cultural influences such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Asian traditions and local folklore.
Hi Bryan, what should we call you in 2026? Just Bryan, or have you become “Eastside Dangers” in the meantime?
You can still call me Bryan. “Eastside Dangers” (IG: @eastsidedangers) is one of my concepts name. It represents my vision of Asian culture, which I express through my artwork and tattoos.
Tell me a little about yourself, your artistic journey, how many years you’ve been tattooing etc…
I was born in Thailand and raised in Lamphun province, near Chiang Mai, although my family originally comes from central Thailand. I started learning about tattooing around 2012. A friend introduced me to the basics and guided me at the beginning. After that, I began tattooing at a small workshop space at my university. Most of my first clients were my classmates and friends. At that time, many people were curious and excited to get tattooed because it was free, or sometimes they exchanged it for something else. For me, that period was very important.
It was not about money, it was about practice, building confidence, and understanding how tattooing connects people.
Then what happened?
In 2014, I opened my first tattoo shop with a partner, and we continued working until the COVID-19 pandemic began. In 2021, I received an offer to work in Luxembourg for a while, which opened my perspective internationally. After that, I had the opportunity to work in Australia. That was one of the best experiences in my tattoo career. I learned many things, met different artists, and grew both professionally and personally. After two years in Australia, my wife and I decided to return to Thailand to start a new chapter. That was the beginning of ‘Lanna Magic Tattoo’ (IG: @lannamagic.tattoo).
What do you think are the strengths and most salient features of your style and skill in creating tattoos inspired by Japanese NeoTraditional?
My work combines multiple cultural influences, especially from Buddhism, Hinduism, Asian traditions, and local folklore. One of my strengths is strong lines, dynamic movement, detail and balanced color choices to create tattoo designs. I truly enjoy the creative process, whether I am designing a tattoo or creating a painting. For me, every piece is an opportunity to express culture in a modern and personal way.
Do you have a favorite color scheme, a sort of palette you’re fond of, or can any color and shade be part of your art?
I mostly prefer warm tones, combined with a few cool colors to balance the composition in each piece. Warm colors create strong energy, and I use cool tones carefully to make the piece feel more alive. However, I’m open to using different palettes depending on the concept and story behind the design. For me, color is not just decoration, it supports the mood and movement of the artwork.
Have you had any particularly important and fundamental mentors in your life?
I believe everyone in my life has been a teacher in some way. My wife, my family, my friends, and even my clients have all helped me grow, both as an artist and as a person. Every experience and every conversation has shaped my perspective. When I started tattooing, I met some artists I truly admired. They were tattoo heroes to me at that time. Over the years, I was lucky enough to learn from them, and some of them eventually became my friends.
I’m very grateful for those moments, they were inspiring and unforgettable for my journey.
Can you describe the atmosphere at ‘Lanna Magic Tattoo’ in Chiang Mai?
Our shop (IG: @lannamagic.tattoo) is located in a very local area near Warorot Market, one of the most important and historic fresh markets in Chiang Mai. In the past, it was the heart of the city’s trading area, and even today it still has strong local energy and community spirit. The atmosphere at ‘Lanna Magic Tattoo’ reflects that feeling. It is warm, welcoming, and connected to local culture, while still open to international influences.
Why the name ‘Lanna’?
The name “Lanna” refers to the historical northern Thai kingdom, where Chiang Mai was the capital in the past. I think it’s a pretty name for our place.
Where would you primarily spend 2026? Staying mainly in Chiang Mai or traveling from guest spot to guest spot and attending a few tattoo conventions in between?
After ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ 2026 in Paris (IG: @mondialdutatouage), I plan to spend more time in Chiang Mai this year, My main focus will be continuing to develop projects for the shop and strengthening what we are building there. At the same time, I’m really looking forward to ‘Chiang Mai Tattoo Time’ (IG: @chiangmaitattootime). It’s a special event for me because it’s a chance to meet friends and artists from around the world once in a year. In the future, I’m open to joining more tattoo conventions and guest spots internationally whenever the right opportunity comes.
And your last famous words are… ?
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I truly appreciate every client, friend, and all the artists who have been part of my journey. And if you ever visit Chiang Mai, feel free to stop by ‘Lanna Magic Tattoo’ (IG: @lannamagic.tattoo), you are always welcome!
