Bulldog Custom Tattooing owner Bruce Riehl has changed careers several times throughout his life. Artistic from an early age, he enjoyed drawing but left it behind once he graduated college and supported his family as a mechanical engineer for 18 years. In 2005, he became a real estate investor, buying and selling residential homes. His career trajectory changed again when he purchased a house from a tattoo shop owner, who after seeing Bruce’s artwork, strongly encouraged him to start tattooing. After a 7-month apprenticeship, he had the opportunity to join the talented artists at Wyld Chyld in Pittsburgh, and work under Ink Master’s season 2 runner up, Sarah Miller. When the shop in East Palestine where he first apprenticed became available to buy, he bought the business and started Bulldog Custom Tattooing.
In 2016, he purchased the old Hilltop Market just down the street from the original shop, and completely renovated the building. The commercial space is now designed specifically for tattooing needs and holds eight stations currently staffed with seven full-time artists, and managed by his wife, Kay.
Bruce notes, “We really do have a good level of talent. Every artist is unique in their own way and has their own style. So if you come to one artist with an idea and that artist doesn’t feel comfortable with it, or if they think there’s another artist in the shop that will do a better job, they’re very quick to suggest that. I couldn’t be prouder of our crew and the responses our customers give, once they have visited us. We continue to grow and look forward to meeting new clients!
Contact Bulldog Custom Tattooing at their website, or social media channels.
