The Apollo Tattoo Studio
World-Class Tattoo Studio in LA

Meet Your Artist

Junior 

tattoo Artist

Brianna Chess

Brianna is an apprentice tattoo artist with a passion for illustrative black and grey tattoos. Her work reflects her deep connection to spirit, nature, and storytelling. With a background in animation and a lifelong love for art, Brianna brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to each tattoo, aiming to create pieces that help clients feel more embodied and connected.
Brianna’s journey into tattooing began after a decade of self-taught artistry and a creative pivot from animation. She draws inspiration from nature, mystical elements, and spiritual connections, crafting tattoos that tell stories and reflect her clients’ personal experiences. Specializing in illustrative black and grey work, she is also exploring the neotraditional style as she grows in her practice. Brianna values creating a safe, welcoming space for her clients, where their stories can unfold through the art they wear.

Brianna Chess

Creating Connections and Telling Stories Through Tattoos

Hi there! I’m Brianna, currently working as an apprentice at The Apollo Tattoo Studio. I’ve always been a self-taught artist, and my journey into tattooing feels like it has been leading me here for years. Art, to me, is the greatest form of connection. Through tattooing, I’ve found a way to help people feel witnessed and understood, as we collaborate to create art that stays with them forever. Tattooing is both a giving and receiving—an exchange of trust and creativity—and it’s such an honor to be part of that process.

I specialize in illustrative black and grey tattoos, often drawing on spiritual and nature-inspired themes. There’s something magical about combining flow and whimsy with storytelling in my designs. My goal is always to create something that not only looks beautiful but holds deep personal meaning for the person wearing it. Growing up in Colorado, I’ve always been inspired by nature, and my mom’s love for mystical fairy statues surrounded me with that sense of magic from a young age.

Music is also a huge part of my life, and sometimes I’ll even serenade clients during a session! My aim is to make the tattooing process as joyful and meaningful as possible, helping each person walk away feeling more connected to themselves and more confident in their own skin. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.

My Portfolio

See More of Brianna's Work

Testimonials

See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say About Their Apollo Experience

Joey
4 days ago
Love the vibes, beyond friendly service and overall an amazing experience
Cailyn Koontz
4 days ago
Blue is not only an incredibly skilled tattoo artist but also makes you feel so welcome and comfortable. The employees are all friendly and the studio itself is really clean. 10/10 experience and would definitely recommend!
Lyla Barr
2 weeks ago
so good! best place to go for sure! highly recommended!
Sean
2 weeks ago
Blue is real good
Alina Potemska
2 weeks ago
Everything was great! Hannah provided the best experience I can imagine and for my first ever tattoo. She created such a safe and trusting environment, that I left so happy and fulfilled I’ve chosen this place! My honour to became a part of a tree club!
Thank you so much for the memorable palm, Hannah! Best, Alina Xx
Matt Gordon
4 weeks ago
Me and my two friends showed up with a crazy idea for matching tattoos. And when I tell you that Bri not only jumped at the idea, she made the entire experience fun and comfortable! If you’re looking for a tattoo shop then this is it! Just make sure to ask for Bri!
zion kuwonu
4 weeks ago
Amazing experience 10/10 would recommend
cheyenne belmonti
2 months ago
Good vibes, staff super friendly and helpful, amazing jewelry selection
Juan Gomez
2 months ago
Great spot with awesome artists. Friendly and creative. Gave me an amazing tattoo for my first time. The best prices, thanks Chris and Sam for taking care of me. Professionals at their best.
Bennette Kate Ross
3 months ago
Blue was awesome! Super witty and comforting.
Esam Boktor
3 months ago
Great service, friendly and talented.
Leila Fathalian
3 months ago
Bri did a beautiful Capricorn symbol on my wrist! It came out exactly the way I wanted. She is amazing at what she does and lovely to talk to while getting Tatte’d
Peter Schafer
3 months ago
It was wonderful. Lee was wonderful and it is such a great place. My daughter really loved it. We all did.
Greg Turkiewicz
3 months ago
Great place to get a tattoo everybody is really nice the studio is very clean. David is a awesome artist! I am very happy with my tattoo ☺️
Avalon van der Mast
4 months ago
I had an emergency situation with one of my back dermals and Blue was wonderful! Was ready to help and got me in and out with no stress. Even with the removal process I hardly felt it🙏😩
Isabella Whatts
4 months ago
Katie S
4 months ago
Got a very small and simple tribute tattoo done by Bri. She was amazing: very kind, welcoming and very flexible and patient with my indecisiveness about the design, as well as my need to change the appointment at the last minute. As I only got a small piece, I cannot vouch for full pricing range, however, I believe that while the prices are on higher side, I don't think that for their location and their staff skill/facilities that it is unreasonable. Would recommend!
Jack Williams
4 months ago
I had a great experience with David when I came in to get a flash tattoo on Halloween. Impressed with the professionalism and quality of the work. Would highly recommend!
Jens Drustrup Thomsen
4 months ago
While traveling in US I had decided to get a tattoo and had the best experience The Apollo Tattoo. Nice tattoo studio and very friendly staff.
I had planned the design before enter the US and tattoo artist David made the tattoo even better that I could imagine.
I truely recommend to use Apollo Tattoo and tattoo artist David Davinci
Jaclyn Mitacek
4 months ago
David at Apollo tattoo was awesome! He took the time to make such a special tattoo for me come to life. They also had a rainy day special which was nice on the budget. Overall very pleased and love my tattoo!
Emma Farnham
4 months ago
Great place!! Bri was so thorough and so kind, highly recommend!
Chloe Doucette
4 months ago
This was my first tattoo and everyone was really nice throughout the whole process. There was great communication and the quality of the tattoo is amazing!
Madee Sabatier
5 months ago
Blue is the absolute best! He is the only person I will ever go to for my tattoos now. After he did an incredible cover up for me, another tattoo, and touch ups, it’s safe to say I trust him with anything I bring him! Could not recommend more.
Chelsea Cordonnier
5 months ago
Raa was my artist and let me tell you he was overall amazing! From his artwork to his personality! He has a way of making you feel comfortable!

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Located in downtown Santa Monica, Apollo Studio is the premier LA body art destination.