Buyan Isle

Buyan Isle, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a creative space where an illustrative blackwork tattoo artist specializes in unique designs. With a focus on biodiversity, mythology, folklore, and animals, Buyan often incorporates plants and collaborates on projects, occasionally adding color to their pieces. The artist, tattooing since 2015, also travels for guest spots at various tattoo shows.

Practical Info

Booking a free consultation or tattoo with Buyan Isle is a straightforward process, and clients can also explore available flash designs. The artist is known for being efficient and quick, with many appreciating the smooth and professional process from initial ideas to the finished tattoo. Buyan also provides clear aftercare instructions to help tattoos heal beautifully.

The Studio Experience

Operating out of Patchwork Art Studio in Vancouver, visitors describe a gorgeous, open studio filled with natural light and art, creating a relaxed and super chill atmosphere. Buyan Isle is often described by clients as welcoming and attentive, fostering a comfortable and safe environment. Many clients, including those who may be socially anxious or first-timers, appreciate the gentle approach and friendly conversation. The studio maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization, and Buyan is noted for their attention to masking and safety protocols, which some clients, including disabled individuals, particularly value.

The Artists and Their Work

Buyan, who clients sometimes refer to as Zox, is celebrated as an incredibly talented artist with a unique and bold style. Their custom work and flash pieces are consistently praised for being clean, thoughtful, and solid. Clients highlight the striking designs that age gracefully, noting that the line-work and shading withstand time, often receiving compliments on tattoos that are multiple years old. Buyan Isle excels at bringing client ideas to life and has experience with cover-up and blast-over work.

Piercing & Other Services

Beyond tattooing, Buyan Isle also offers personal fitness training. As a certified personal trainer, Buyan helps tattoo artists, creatives, and marginalized individuals like trans, non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent people gain physical autonomy and move with confidence.

What Customers Say

Many clients praise the entire experience, with one visitor highlighting that the studio is “beautiful and everyone was super kind and professional.” This client was “so excited about my new tattoo as well, it’s exactly what I wanted.” Another individual shared that Buyan is “such a fantastic tattoo artist!” and made sure they “was happy with the size and placement of the tattoo before starting and made sure I was comfortable. They’re very friendly and chatty if that’s what you’re after and the time honestly flew by.” Several clients have noticed the longevity of their tattoos, noting that Buyan’s “line-work, shading technique and type of ink they use really withstand time,” with their pieces still looking fresh years later.