We welcome the award-winning and legendary San Diego tattoo artist, Fip Buchanan. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Fip shares about his life growing up and how his interest in art took him to the world of tattooing at the age of 21. While attending the Art Institute of Pennsylvania, Fip reminisces on meeting Red Schuster and Duke Miller, who had been tattooing out of a 70’s boogie van, and his experiences learning the art of tattooing and creating some of his first tattoos out of there. Alongside Patty Kelley, together tattooing took them to Long Island, New York, Richmond, Virginia, and in 1987, made their way to San Diego, where they opened up the world-famous Avalon Tattoo in Pacific Beach on July 5th, 1989. Their dedication and ambition to the art of tattooing contributed to some of the most beautiful work done in San Diego and laid out the foundation for the future of tattooing. Fip’s humility, passion, and artistry are some of the many reasons he is a legendary figure in the tattoo world alongside some notable figures who have had a great influence on him such as, Don Ed Hardy, Jack Rudy, and Bob Roberts. Aside from his love for tattooing, Fip shares about his introduction to Kustoms and some of the rides he has driven the shit out of, and his most recent, a beautiful 1952 Chevy, painted and pinstriped by Manny Cisneros. You can find Fip tattooing at Avalon Tattoo 2, where he is still creating tattoos that look like tattoos. When he’s not tattooing, he is proudly cruising and representing his club, The Beatniks. Like all guests on Suede Memories, Fip Buchanan was meant to do something special: tattooing. Through hard work, dedication, and confidence, he has accomplished to be one of the most notable artists in the world. With that, let us celebrate the life, legacy, and person that is Fip Buchanan.