Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Lai.
Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a first generation Vietnamese-American artist. At home, I was surrounded by the values of my family’s immigrant experience–hard work, resilience, sacrifice. In the world, I was discovering music, design, and visual language that broadened the way I understood the world. Pursuing a career with my artistic expression at the forefront became the place where all those influences could exist together.
I’ve always been drawn to creating things that people can experience and the way visual art shapes experiences of the world. Tattooing happened to the be the medium where I found the deepest connection–because it isn’t just viewed, it’s lived with. Every tattoo is permanent, which means every decision matters. That responsibility is what keeps me excited about the craft.
Over time, I realized I wasn’t just building a tattoo portfolio–I was building a creative identity. Machine Khroma has become the embodiment of that pursuit. It’s a reflection of how I think about art: strong composition, intentional design, visual communication, and work that feels timeless while still pushing creative boundaries.
Outside of tattooing, I am inspired by music, film, street art, fashion, and culture. These disciplines all have something to teach about composition, emotion, and communication. I believe every interaction someone has with art is an opportunity to better understand the human experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth is not the word I’d use to describe the journey so far. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to balance artistic growth with running a business. Tattooing isn’t just about making great tattoos–you also have to learn marketing, client communication, finances, scheduling, and content creation. Those skills don’t always come naturally to artists, but they’ve become an important part of building a sustainable career for me in Austin, Texas.
Another challenge has been developing my own artistic voice. Lately I’ve felt inspired in really curating the way people experience my art. It’s easy to chase trends or create work that performs well online, but I’ve tried to stay focused on creating tattoos and content that genuinely represent my vision and aesthetic. This approach takes longer, but I believe it leads to more meaningful work and stronger relationships.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I’m an artist focusing on tattooing, which is ultimately about trust. My clients are inviting me to create something they’ll carry for the rest of their lives, and I don’t take that lightly. Every project begins with understanding who they are before I ever put pencil to paper.
Stylistically, I’m drawn to bold graphic composition, blackwork, and illustrative design, but my goal isn’t to force every client into one aesthetic. It’s to create tattoos that feel intentional–pieces that fit the body naturally, communicate something meaningful or create something with lasting impact.
Machine Khroma has become the framework for that philosophy. It’s not just a portfolio of tattoos–it’s an ongoing exploration of design, storytelling, and how visual art can create lasting human connections. A client who collaborates with me will have a custom and curated experience. What sets me apart is my ability to work alongside my clients, while utilizing a design language that is specific to the way I like to create and communicate.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future, my focus is continuing to grow Machine Khroma while traveling and collaborating with the artists/friends who continue to inspire me.
I am increasingly interested in how art lives in public spaces. Murals and large-scale public art excite me because each piece has the ability to create shared experiences. I plan to collaborate on projects that allow my work to live not only on people, but also in the places that shape our communities.
Long term, I don’t know exactly what Machine Khroma will look like in ten years. I foresee it evolving into something larger than a tattoo studio. More than anything, I want to remain curious! The coolest thing about being an artist is that we’re constantly pushed to arrive at that next version of ourselves, and I have high hopes for my next destination.
The philosophy is more important to me than the format: stay curious, make things with intention, and create art that make people feel something.
Cheers! See ya’ll soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.machinekhroma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/machinekhroma
