The former home of Broadway News is re-opened and, again, putting ink to good use. We featured his new awning earlier this week — probably time to find out direct from Bryan Griffith himself about his new Broadway tattoo shop, Social Skins:

Griffith and family (Image: Social Skins)

Sorry for the delay but things have been crazy getting the shop together but I really appreciate the response from the community.   My friends talk highly of the cap hill.com and I have eagerly been wanting to be apart of  it.

I am a native of the northwest and my wife Wendy  is from Mexico, we have lived on Capitol Hill  for  over 10 years where we own a home with our 19 month old son Bryan Balam.

Having been coming to Capitol Hill since I was a kid, I was always inspired by the energy this neighborhood emanates from the artists,  freaks and counterculture warriors living side by side  with families and elders who have been here for decades.

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  Born in San Francisco and raised in the northwest, art has been a part of my life since the time I can remember thanks to the support of my family and especially my Grandmother who was an artist herself.

At age 15 I saw a portrait of an Indian in a tattoo magazine, amazed by the possibility, I started on my quest to learn everything I could about this art form starting with the history of traditional tattooing techniques form the Americas to Polynesia, Asia and in Europe with the Neanderthals.  

I have been tattooing since 1999, beginning with a “traditional” tattoo apprenticeship at a busy street shop for 7 years.   Now I specialize in portraits, black & grey,  & colorful fantasy, however I am open to any idea that is sincere and serious.

   Being of Choctaw Indian decent, among other proud traditions my artwork is influenced by traditional peoples all over the world.  People who have left us clues and knowledge about the past, our present and possible future, perspectives desperately needed in these times

During my 12 years of tattooing I have lived here but worked  many other places, traveling extensivelyaround the U.S,  Mexico  and Europe.    When it came time to open my own shop I couldn’t think of any other place  that I would rather be than here.  I feel it is my turn to bring something to Broadway to  give back and strengthen the  funky artistic vibe that has given me so much fun and great times!    My family lives here, ,my son was born here and so has my business.

  As of now we are open Tue -Sat,  12:00 till 8:00  Sun and Mon by appointment only.  I am the only one working there for the moment but I am looking for artists who are talented, hard working,  and inspired to create something grand!

Most of all I wanted to create a space that is inviting and comfortable to all people.  Whether you are new to tattooing or  have many, I will strive to create something that you will  be proud to wear.