Nestled in the charming grime of downtown LA is a real gem. L.A. River Tattoo is a beautifully-crafted tattoo/surf shop hybrid. The Arts District location also includes a coffee shop and proper barber. A product of LA native, Stephen Carbollo, the shops are a brilliant showcase of LA’s creative ability and enthusiasm.
Madre poured a couple mezcals with Stephen and asked a few questions.
Read on, and check out more @TheLosAngelesRiver
Photos by Christopher Morley @morleyrobert
WHAT’S THE BEST TATTOO YOU’VE EVER SEEN?
I have a Tupac portrait on my arm that my buddy, Rob, did on me. It’s super lifelike. I’m hyped on it!
THE WORST?
Haha! I don’t know. I’m not a hater! It’s to each man’s own when it comes to tattoos.
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HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LOS ANGELES?
LA is the best. I lived overseas for 7 years, and worked all over the world, and LA has the most opportunity for creatives. So many resources and so many young people just crushing it at life. It’s pretty inspirational.
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHAPING SURFBOARDS?
I have been shaping boards for about 2 years now! It’s a labor of love for sure! So much fun!
HAS SURFING ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF YOUR LIFE?
GROWING UP IN THE VALLEY I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A QUICK HOP AWAY FROM THE BEACH, SO I HAVE SURFED MY WHOLE LIFE ON AND OFF. I DIDN’T REALLY GO ALL IN UNTIL I MOVED TO BALI. THAT’S WHERE I STARTED ENJOYING IT A LOT MORE AND STARTED SURFING EVERYDAY.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A GLASS OF MEZCAL WITH ANYBODY, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Definitely Benjamin Franklin. I am a creative, and like to delve into so many different fields. Benjamin Franklin is definitely America’s renaissance man, and was so influential in so many different ways. I’d love to share a glass with him and chop it up about business, science, and politics.
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WHAT’S UP WITH L.A. RIVER TATTOO?
L.A. River Tattoo is my brain child. It’s just a mix of all my favorite things. My downtown location has a surf shop / traditional tattoo shop vibe. The walls are plastered with flash-art, and we got custom surfboards hanging from the high ceilings. My arts district location is a bit more high-end, it is a private studio and we have an attached coffee shop and barber shop.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH TATTOOING?
I started by tattooing all my skater homies when I was 17. I bought an eBay kit for $50 bucks and the rest is history.