From writing Roswell scripts to tattooing mugs and teaching ceramics

At first glance, the place looked a bit shoddy, Stringer recalls. But it had good bones and a secret treasure sort of appeal. He told the landlord he would take it.

“But I’m calling it a backhouse,” he says.

After a month-long DIY renovation, Steve’s Backhouse opened its doors in May. Each month since, Stringer has hosted a slate of creative workshops – most of them sold out – at the studio, including his signature Tattoo a Mug class, during which participants decorate mugs hand-spun by Stringer in a patchwork tattoo style.

Stringer formerly took his workshops to vintage stores and coffee shops across LA. Back then, he lugged his supplies around the city and did his best to adapt to whatever seating arrangement his host venue had available.