YEAR OF THE BLUE DRAGON. Artist and shop owner Jeffrey Yang, pictured, has woven his East Asian culture into the tattoo shop, which specializes in realism. Blue Dragon Tattoo expanded from its Menomonie location with a new Eau Claire shop last summer.

Eau Claire’s newest tattoo shop brings a different perspective to the arts scene. Jeffrey Yang, owner of Blue Dragon Tattoo, expanded the shop – its original space is still located in Menomonie – with a second location in Eau Claire (411 E. Clairemont Ave.) last summer. Blue Dragon Tattoo specializes in both color and black and gray realism, a skillset Yang honed while working as an art teacher in his native China.

The Eau Claire team consists of five artists — and while realism is a central focus — each artist has their own set of skills. Hannah Dugan specializes in American traditional; Michael Holland works in both illustrative color and black and gray; Mayly Vang includes fine line and minimal color in her repertoire; and Rikki Zais specializes in organic illustrative realism and blackwork.

"(clients) trust my art enough to collaborate with me and pick something that they’ll show people for the rest of their lives. It’s like a walking business card, and I’m very proud of that.”

Jeffrey Yang

owner of blue dragon tattoo

Before Yang and his wife moved to the United States five years ago, he was an art teacher in China. There, he was introduced to the world of tattooing by a student of his that specialized in traditional Chinese line tattoos.

Yang said his artistic direction changed — enthralled by the artistic opportunities the tattoo industry afforded. After settling in the Chippewa Valley, Yang eventually took ownership of and rebranded Menomonie's Blue Dragon Tattoo.

Some of Jeffrey Yang's work. (Submitted photo)

One of the shop's studio spaces. (Submitted photo)

Now heading the Eau Claire location, Yang said the team has created a very collaborative atmosphere. “I view my employees as coworkers and equals,” he said. “We learn faster and more efficiently together than we would if we were operating on our own and trying to keep our tips and tricks to ourselves."

The shop's name is derived from East Asian culture, where a blue dragon is a power symbol representing the East, spring, and renewal. The blue dragon is also often associated with strength, wisdom, and good fortune, Nitten Nair writes for MythLok. Yang said weaving his culture into his business is not only important personally, but gives gives him the opportunity to showcase a beloved style of art.

“Having an artistic skill that pays the bills is something I’m really appreciative of,” Yang said. “My tattoos are art that people choose to wear forever. I’m very thankful and honored by that because (clients) trust my art enough to collaborate with me and pick something that they’ll show people for the rest of their lives. It’s like a walking business card, and I’m very proud of that.”

Both Blue Dragon Tattoo locations are by appointment only unless stated otherwise on their respective Facebook pages and social medias.

Blue Dragon Tattoo is located at 411 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • The original Menomonie shop is located at 111 Main St. E., Menomonie • Learn more about Blue Dragon Tattoo at bluedragontattooshop.com.