We recently had the chance to connect with London Reese and have shared our conversation below.
London, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Surfing
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I AM A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIVE, BORN WITH A PENCIL IN HAND AND AN ENDLESS PASSION FOR CREATING. I WAS RAISED ON ROCK & ROLL, SKATING, AND LATE NIGHTS DRAWING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE ARTISTS WHO INSPIRE ME.
I BEGAN TATTOOING IN 2005 AND COMMITTED TO IT FULL-TIME IN 2008, WHILE STUDYING ART IN COLLEGE. WITHOUT A FORMAL APPRENTICESHIP, MY EDUCATION CAME FROM WORKING ALONGSIDE SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED ARTISTS IN THE WORLD—MENTORS AND FRIENDS WHOSE INFLUENCE SHAPED MY CRAFT AND DEEPENED MY RESPECT FOR THIS ART FORM.
MY STYLE IS MULTIFORM—A UNIQUE BLEND OF TECHNIQUES DRAWN FROM MULTIPLE TATTOO GENRES AND FINE ART DISCIPLINES.
IN 2011, I WON THE INTERNATIONALLY TELEVISED TATTOO COMPETITION BEST INK, AN EXPERIENCE THAT OPENED DOORS TO TRAVEL THE GLOBE AND CREATE PERMANENT WORK FOR CLIENTS FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE—CELEBRITIES, ATHLETES, MUSICIANS, AND MORE. MY WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED INTERNATIONALLY, HONORED WITH AWARDS, AND IS WORN BY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
IN 2016, I OPENED THE BLACK LANTERN, MY TATTOO & FINE ART STUDIO WHERE TRUE ARTISTRY AND INTENTION MEET. IT HOUSES A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT WHICH FOSTERS TRUST, RESPECT, AND UNBRIDLED CREATIVITY. IT IS SACRED GROUND, LOCATED ON THE GORGEOUS COAST OF ORANGE COUNTY, CA IN A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BEACH TOWN KNOWN AS DANA POINT.
TATTOOING, TO ME, IS SACRED AND I’VE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO IT. I STRIVE FOR CONSTANT GROWTH—AS AN ARTIST AND AS A HUMAN— IN HOPES OF REFINING MY SKILLS WHILE EXPLORING NEW AESTHETICS AND TECHNIQUES; TO ENSURE MY CLIENTS RECEIVE MY VERY BEST.
BEYOND THE STUDIO, I AM A DEVOTED HUSBAND & FATHER, MEDIOCRE SURFER, WORLD TRAVELER, AND A DIEHARD MUSIC NERD. I’M ALSO THE CREATOR OF GHOSTLINE, A DIGITAL TOOL DESIGNED TO HELP TATTOO ARTISTS SAVE TIME, STREAMLINE THEIR PROCESS, AND HELP ELEVATE THE CRAFT. IT’S MY WAY OF GIVING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY THAT HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
You receive what you put in
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Integrity and respect
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Trying harder and learning more
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartoflondon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonreese?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/thelondonreese
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLondonReese/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@londonreese?si=vaRRrdSlNHZXJdPn
- Other: https://www.ghostline.app/
Image Credits
London Reese
