Born in 1972, it only took me 9 years to decide that I would become a tattoo artist. At 17, I purchased my equipment and started my career in tattooing at Lizard’s Tattoo Studio in Richmond, VA. With no formal training, or teachings of any kind, I was let loose and hired to tattoo. So, Lizard, thank you for seeing something in me and giving, to me, my career. Watching Mike Ivey, who also worked at Lizard’s during that time, gave me a strong foundation. I worked for a few years, got into some trouble with the law, and had a bit of a forced vacation. By 2000 I was back in the game and working at USA Tattoo Studio in Petersburg, VA. I owned my own studio for a couple of years in Nottoway, VA then made the move in 2003 to Hampton Roads. I worked at Blue Horseshoe Tattoo in Hampton, VA until the opening of Ocean Mystique’s Ink Gallery in 2004. I have been there ever since. Working with some great artists over the years has help me sharpen my skills tremendously. A few who have impacted me are; Marco Hyder, Demon Dean, Chris Garcia, and Joey Nobody. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these wonderful artists.
Besides tattooing, art in general has played a tremendous role in my life. I worked at Old World Prints in Richmond, VA creating reproduction artwork. I owned my own business on the side doing airbrushing, paintings, and pinstriping. I, also, hand turn custom, exotic wood jewelry.
For an appointment and more info visit www.brianhopson.com.
