Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Foster.
Brian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been Tattooing professional for 19 years. After my time spent in the United States Marine Corps I chose to follow my artistic talents. I’ve been around tattooing since I was in my teens back in the 90s working as a shop helper at an old biker tattoo shop, answering phones and cleaning up cocaine in the bathroom, those were different times.
From a rookie tattooer to owning a shop, my goal has always been to provide a safe place for people to get tattooed and tattooers to have the freedom to be artistic. I’ve always wanted the best for my fellow tattooers and clients. I wasn’t making enough money to push the studio to the level it is now so in 2007 I went back to work for the military in Iraq and Afghanistan and made the money to open what is now Elizabeth St tattoo. A beautiful two-story studio with 10 artists in Riverside, Ca. Somewhere in the blink of time I’ve had 22 professional MMA fights while training with Team Quest and Dan Henderson, married my beautiful wife and have a 4yr old son.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t consider any of my life to be a struggle. I’ve had plenty of bumps, bruises, and broken bones. Learned how to play by the rules with small business. Made bad investments but in the long run, good old hard work and a love for art has always paid off. Tattooing is a beautiful thing, it gives back the effort you put into it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elizabeth St Tattoo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a group of Tattooers working together to make epic art on people. We (and by we, I mean the Elizabeth St family) are a family that is always helping each other to raise the level of our art and our studio. The diversity of our studio and friendly environment sets us apart with 10 very different and unique styles to choose from.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I feel like all the “big changes” have occurred and now we are in the stages of refining everything about ourselves our art and our relationship with southern California. We are figuring out how to handle the growing popularity we have been experiencing. Never did I think that our problem would be too many people trying to get work done at the studio.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum is $150
- Artsist charge $125 – $200 an hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 3730 Elizabeth St., Riverside, Ca 92506
- Website: elizabethstreettattoo.com
- Phone: 951.369.6969
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @elizabethsttattoo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
