Biography
Known as Kian Forreal (my name is pronounced like Ian with a K) I learned how to tattoo in Toronto, Canada. I began studying, researching, drawing, and Tattooing with homemade tools and getting tattooed in 1986, I have been tattooing professionally worldwide since 1993. Coming from a Canadian/Australian background and having lived in Europe for many years my inclination for travelling came very naturally and in doing so I have worked with and learned from some of the best tattoo artists living today at some of the finest tattoo shops around the globe .
In an informal and sometimes formal way I personally studied under and learned from such living legends as Crazy Ace Daniels, Trevor Mcstay, Greg Orie, John ‘The Dutchman’ van ‘t Hullenaar, Paul Braniff, and Henning Jorgensen. I also worked with and learned a lot from my esteemed contemporaries and friends, Marco Serio, Troy Denning, Regino Gonzales, Aaron Bell, Neil Ahern, Jeroen Franken, Sasha, Cliffe Clayton, Rhys Gordon, Ian Saunders, Megumu, Will Card and many more.
Somtimes it was just a little thing I learned from them, how to make a better needle or shade a dragon in a different way to show more volume, or a life changing drawing technique that would alter my whole approach to my art, whatever it was I would not be where I am today without these artists. If you get the chance, find them on the ‘google’ and check out their work and their stories. I am forever indebted for their guidance and kindness in helping me out.
I am also greatly indebted to all the great artists, living and deceased, whose shoulders I stand on and am continually inspired by on daily basis; Horitoshi (Family), Hokusai, Horiyoshi III, Kuniyoshi, Yoshitoshi, Kyosai! and many many more.
If anything, my work is a tribute to them.
