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Hot Topic sat down with Thomas from Ministry Of Ink for this exclusive interview.
HT: Thomas, what made you wanna become a tattoo artist?
Thomas: I was getting heavily tattooed at a parlor in Long Beach, California. When the artist doing my work found out I could draw, he asked me to start drawing things for him. At that time I had a custom 1956 Lincoln Premier that my tattoo artist wanted and he offered me an apprenticeship in trade for the car. I guess the lifestyle and the money of a tattoo artist seemed perfect for a 21 year old punk.
HT: To you, what do tattoos mean and do you think everyone should have one?
Thomas: To me tattoos hold different meanings. Some visually mark a time in my life - and that's not always a good thing. If I still rocked the same haircut and clothes that I did in the past it wouldn't be an accurate representation of who I am today. Some tattoos hold deep meaning to me and represent the creative and spiritual growth in my life. Most of them just take up space. But to quote the good Father Daley, "These tattoos are a constant reminder of the a**hole who put 'em on me." Tattoos aren't for everyone, though. As an artist I would constantly talk people out of making a permanent mistake, like a boyfriend or girlfriend's name. I think it's important to find an artist that does it for the love of the art, not just for the money. You should be able to draw on the experience of your artist and trust his input.
HT: What's the most important aspect of your life right now?
Thomas: The single most important thing in my life now is my family. I spent most of my life doing whatever I wanted, answering to no one and riding my life hard with no hope for the future or respect for the past I was creating. Things are so clear for me now - my family comes first. My wife taught me that it doesn't matter if we're ballin' or livin' in a doublewide. As long as we're together, nothing else matters.
HT: What's the longest tattoo session you've done?
Thomas: I tattooed a very famous artist named Michael Godard. He does the paintings of all those olives that are drinking and partying in martinis. He wanted to be sleeved before one of his gallery openings, so we tattooed him everyday for a week. Each session was no less than 9 hours. Any longer and the body seems to start fighting back. It gets harder to put the ink in and it can affect the healing process.
HT: With Ministry Of Ink, what's your message?
Thomas: The message of Ministry Of Ink is simple - "Sanctity in creativity". My own spiritual growth has always been directly affected by my creative growth. As an artist you can be persecuted for your thoughts or ideas. Usually it's at the violent hand of an uncreative authority. Some how creatives can see through the lies and violence that's been handed down to their generation. Artists are generally less aggressive and more conscious of the life around them, seen and unseen. The crusade for the freedom of your mind and the freedom of your creativity is not an easy one. Ministry Of Ink is only here to help... Oh, and sell some T-shirts and art!
HT: Is Ministry Of Ink your first apparel line? What's making clothes like compared to being a tattoo artist?
Thomas: I've created a lot of art for other clothing lines. As a freelance artist I have used my talent to help companies and individuals realize their dreams while mine took a back seat. This is my first venture on my own. I found that it's hard to design for myself. I have so many ideas or I'll feel like I could do the art better, so I get locked up creatively. Then there is always the ugly face of self doubt. I have always focused on the art, and consequently sucked at business. Now I'm learning that aspect of a company and having fun doing it. The only parallel between this line and tattooing is the art. I guess I like the idea of T-shirts not being permanent and being able to change your body art everyday.
HT: Who is your favorite band at the present time?
Thomas: My favorite band is and always has been the Boo Yaa Tribe. I was 19 years old when New Funky Nation was released and they have been an inspiration to me. I have looked up to those guys and their art as role models for my life. One of the highlights of my tattoo career was the day Boo Yaa walked into my tattoo parlor and I was fortunate enough to start tattooing them. Now I'm honored they call me family. We have talked about Ministry Of Ink and Boo Yaa opening up a "Goth Thug" style tattoo parlor together. That's the only way I would return to the industry.
HT: Since Inked started, have you been noticed around town? Does fame treat you well?
Thomas: I have been noticed a lot, and for the most part the response has been really positive. Every now and then you get a hater. I don't understand that mentality, but I laugh at their creative yet ignorant opinions. The best is when kids trip out when they meet me. They look at me like I'm some kind of a celebrity. We were at Disneyland and some little dude had me sign his Disney autograph book next to Goofy. That should give you an indication on my celebrity status!
HT: Most people know you from tattoos. You also do some amazing airbrush and paintings (by hand?). When did you start painting?
Thomas: I have always painted, even before I started tattooing. I have been doing art my entire life. I just try every different medium. I sculpt, airbrush, paint, tattoo and use digital formats. I get bored with one medium and bounce to another. Right now I'm totally into computer art. I think I have ART ADD. I have an "Originals" section on the Ministry of Ink web site and that gives me a chance to get some of my more personal art out to the public.
HT: What can everybody look forward to in the future from Ministry Of Ink?
Thomas: I believe that it will have a life of its own. I can't even be sure where it will go. I'm just trying to get some life into it and then let it grow. I don't want to stand in the way of its own creativity, I'll just hold on for as long as I can. I'll keep it honest and fun and incorporate as many forms of art into the company as we can. The latest edition to the company is Father Daley. We set up a daily confessional for our customers to come clean and confess their sins. People have got some serious issues to work through, but so does Father Daley. Keep checking back to our site to see what's new in design and creativity.
HT: Thanks Thomas!
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