Once you meet Craig Foster, you‘ll never forget his humble attitude or the sincerity he radiates as he honors the sanctity of tattooing. Craig began his tattoo career in 1995, working at two of Georgia’s well-known tattoo shops, Psycho Tattoo and Timeless Tattoo. In 2000, Craig opened up his own studio, Skinwerks Tattoo and Design, in Carrolton, Georgia with artist, Scott Padgett. The studio has a magnificent, Zen-like environment that reflects Craig’s personality and artistic skills.
Craig Foster has sustained perseverance throughout his tattoo career, consistently challenging himself to be the best artist he can be. The dedication he holds for his profession and to his clients is prominent in his tattoo work. From eye-popping colors to smooth black-and-grays, Craig Foster is a master at the art of tattooing.
URBAN INK: What was your creative outlet prior to tattooing?
Craig Foster: I will have to say that the only creative outlet I had before tattooing was dancing. I had a small group of buddies that would go out and get into dance contests. Dancing was the only thing I did well besides art.
How did you get into the industry?
My story is an old one. I used to get into trouble, go to jail and get back in contact with my artistic abilities. Art seemed to be my companion during solitude. It was during my last and longest stay [in jail] that I began tattooing. After returning home, I landed an apprenticeship within three weeks.
You’ve traveled overseas to guest artist at Coko's Tattoo Studio in Okinawa, Japan. What was that experience like?
Going there was one of the most important trips in my life. I had never traveled into a foreign country before. I could honestly write a whole book about my outlook on [Japanese] culture. I came home with a different outlook on a lot of things. I have been there twice and plan on going back in the near future.
How would you compare tattooing in the states to your overseas experience?
The biggest difference was tattooing the Japanese. Even with my lack of communication skills, I was able to receive the most gratitude, ever! It seemed that the clients over there expressed a gratitude that I had never felt before. Don't get me wrong; every once in a while, you have those clients [in the US] that get all teary-eyed at the completion of a tattoo. But over there, the tattoo seemed to still hold a sacred meaning to the person’s heart. Those clients seemed to make my outlet as an artist seem more like a gift than a job.
Your portfolio reflects how versatile you are as a tattooist. Do you prefer a particular style?
That really depends on "when" you ask me that question. It seems that I can't find one thing to stick to. Years ago, I was the heart and birds guy. Today I will get excited at the mention of a pinup tattoo. Well, as long as they are not wearing a grass skirt! Have you ever had to tattoo a grass skirt? It will make you wish that all pinups only wore bikinis. So, my answer for today is new school pinups.
Skinwerks reflects the artistic quality of the tattoos you produce, along with being modern, fun and professional. How do you think you accomplished that vibe?
I think this comes from the people that I have worked with throughout my career. Skinwerks is a combination of great ideas from former employments and wishes I had during those times. I feel these practices can only work in a very small environment. Having a young business, I learn new things every year. I am very thankful of the ten years of service to other studios. Those ten years provided a good foundation for Skinwerks.
What is your vision for Skinwerks?
I would like the name Skinwerks to be associated with getting a great tattoo within our city, even outside the city. I enjoy this small town of Carrollton. I have heard people say, "There's a cool place to go, but it's way out in Carrollton." I like that. It gets rid of the people who are not that serious about a tattoo. It seems that they will have to put some thought into it before making the drive. I enjoy tattooing more when people respect the tattoo and the person putting it there.
Skinwerks Tattoo & Design
310 Bankhead Highway
Carrollton, GA 30117
www.skinwerks.com
Article by Sage Adderley
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