Today we’d like to introduce you to London Reese.
Hi London, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am merely a man; suffocated by art. I am a Southern California native who loves life and all of the art in it. I grew up with a pencil in hand and an unrelenting passion for illustration. I have always been an artist. I grew up listening to rock and roll & punk rock, skateboarding & snowboarding with friends, and making art. I fell in love with tattoo art and culture at a very young age and have immersed myself in it. I did my first few tattoos in 2006 while studying art in college. It wasn’t until 2008 that I began tattooing full-time. I am self-taught in that I never had an apprenticeship; but I credit all of the people I’ve worked with, over the years, for teaching me everything I know. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and befriending some of the best artists in the world and I am the artist I am today because of their influence and guidance. I am forever grateful for the friendships that this industry has provided.
In the summer of 2011, I competed in and won the title of the reality television show, “best ink”, a tattoo competition which aired worldwide. I am fortunate enough to do what I love and travel the world, permanently sharing my art with incredible clients. I am lucky enough to be an award-winning artist and to have had my art and tattoo work published in several magazines and books all over the world. I tattoo a lot of amazing people; including celebrities, rockstars, lawyers, professional athletes, firemen, pastors, musicians, doctors, and more. I constantly strive to progress, as an artist, as to strengthen my skillset and offer my clients with the very best possible work. The art of tattooing is sacred to me and I am honored to be able to create permanent artwork on skin. When I am not tattooing, I am usually working on new art or traveling the world with my beautiful wife and kids. I also enjoy surfing, traveling to far away worlds, getting lost, listening to music & going to live shows, and spending time with family & friends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was, certainly, a rough road for many years. Tattooing is one of the most unique and technically difficult mediums of art on earth. It is a very old practice but it has never been institutionally or academically recognized so it is pretty much the Wild West of art. There is no single correct way to get into it or become successful at it. You have to forge your own path and work really fucking hard and pray you find any level off success (fiscally, artistically, and spiritually). No one is naturally good at tattooing because it isn’t a natural practice. There are no prodigies in tattooing. There are no hidden secrets to being great. It merely requires your time, insane levels of passion and a lot of hard work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist and my preferred medium is the sacred art of tattoo. I am most proud of the fact that I was able to turn my life’s passion into a real career. It affords me a lifestyle I’ve always wanted; and that is: making art, traveling the world, and making my own schedule. I have studied this art form and its various styles quite extensively and have created my own unique style that showcases my true love for the craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Making art every day and having a loving family to come home to and simultaneously support is what makes me happiest.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.theartoflondon.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/londonreese
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLondonReese/
- Twitter: Twitter.com/thelondonreese
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/LondonReese
- Yelp: Yelp.com/theblacklantern
