We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryce Oprandi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryce, how do you think about risk?
Risk ‘makes’ everything happen for a reason, in my opinion. Don’t try anything; just do it. If I didn’t take a risk, drop out of college & athletics and forego a scholarship all just to learn how to tattoo…I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve been able to travel the world, meet the best people, try the best food, and really experience things I normally wouldn’t do without taking risks. I take risks everyday with my artwork. I draw, paint, and tattoo what I want to. Regardless of what people think, I take the risk to differentiate my work and style from others. That’s really what art is about. Taking the risk to make something not everybody is going to agree with so you can create a conversation. Good or bad, being able to rely on risks is definitely going to define how you are perceived. And if you stand by the risks you take, you will hopefully prosper and flourish. In th 13 years of my professional tattoo career, if risk has taught me anything, its that taking risks makes us all the most vulnerable, and from that you truly learn who you are as a person in one way or another. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make tattoos for people. I paint tattoo flash and related imagery. I like to focus on styles that capture my surroundings. Things that I grew up around that have had influence on me. I try to take the normal traditional tattoo style and diversely change the appearance. Powerful women of color don’t seem to get as much attention in not just different parts of history, but also in tattoo history. I try to flip that on its head and bring a different light to classic tattoo imagery changing the characteristics of the normal native or caucasian look, to a more African appreciated approach. My inspirations come from life lived. The takeaway is to change the narrative through art. My art speaks for itself. I feel I’m bridging a gap that isn’t being done this way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife really needs the most credit for letting me experience the best of this life. The most patience and understanding of anyone I know. Thank you for selflessly taking the risk on me.

Instagram: @BRYCEOPRANDI

Image Credits
@BRYCEOPRANDI BRYCE OPRANDI

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