Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Huestis.
Tom, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had a passion for art as long as I can remember. I was infatuated with learning how to draw Disney characters at a young age. While other kids wanted to grow up to be a doctor or lawyer, I wanted to be an animator for Disney. As time went on, I became comfortable using a few mediums, mostly using micron pens, prismacolor pencils and charcoal. I began commissioning my work and started my first small art business at 15. Besides creating art in my sketchbook, I took my love for art on stage as a singer for numerous rock bands.
Later on while touring, I created artwork for each song I wrote to sell while we were playing shows. I began getting tattooed at the age of 18. I couldn’t wait till the day I could legally get one since there was no way my parents would sign for me to get one earlier than that. As the years went by I became more in love and intrigued by the process of tattooing. I looked for an apprenticeship for years without any luck. I pretty much found it impossible for me to get into the industry and gave up. Fast forward to my early thirties, I was now getting more tattooed on a consistent basis. Over time I became friends with my tattoo artist and he offered me an apprenticeship. At this point, I wasn’t thinking much about the possibility of being a tattoo artist but I was also completely miserable working construction. It didn’t take much time for me to accept the offer and I dove in headfirst. I’ve heard a lot about tattoo apprenticeships and how you have to put up with a lot of crap but I didn’t care. I quit my entire life, including my job, took a bartending job to make ends meet and I was at the shop every day busting my butt.
Since I was there a lot, my apprenticeship wasn’t too long. I just tried to be a sponge and learn everything I could. The main thing that I took from that time and I will always believe, is that you can never ever stop learning. Art is forever evolving and you constantly need to learn to hone in on your skills. So even now and for the rest of my career, I will always be trying to learn new things to strive for perfection. I worked for two different shops after I graduated from my apprenticeship to a full-fledged artist in the span of three years. At this point, the world decided to get a little weird and Covid hit. As we all know, the US, along with the rest of the world, shut down and everyone was home. For a solid week or two I didn’t mind this stay vacation, but I’m not someone who can sit still for too long. I thought maybe this was a sign for me to move on to the next level. I know I’m extremely young in this industry, however, I had a full clientele book and a solid business knowledge, so I decided while the world was shut down, it was a good time to begin building my own private tattoo shop, and so I did. I worked day and night to get everything done and as soon as the government opened Orlando back up, I was ready to open the doors to my shop. As of now, I’ve been open for almost a year and it’s been nothing but spectacular. It’s been extremely busy and the best part is everyone who walks in loves it and feels very welcome.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, it’s been a much smoother road than most would think. I figured getting set up with licenses and permits would be the toughest obstacle but the county was extremely nice and helpful throughout the entire process. Orlando is such an amazing town in general, where I feel everyone truly likes to help one another. You’re always going to have some small bumps in the road but that’s just part of the fun and adventure of owning a business. Covid is definitely a hiccup for small businesses but I do believe it helped the community come together to support one another.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I really try not to pigeonhole myself into one style of artwork. When you do that you limit yourself on your potential knowledge and clientele. The more you know the more you grow. I don’t think I specialize in any particular style but I love to blend styles together. I like to take black and grey realism and blend it with color surrealism, neo traditional or sacred geometry. There’s so many super talented artists in Orlando so having fun and creative with concepts and designs are what will set people apart.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I’m Irish so it’s weird I know. Hahaha Honestly I believe in the power of the universe. You get back what you give out. Basically, if you have goals, work hard for them and have a positive attitude you will always accomplish your dream. Same goes the other way. If you have that “woe is me” attitude, don’t have any goals and your lazy, then you’re never going to accomplish anything but tell everyone you have “bad luck.” Positivity goes a long way and so does helping others and the community around you.
Pricing:
- All artists at the shop are $150 an hour
Contact Info:
- Email: Tom@thevintagetattoos.com
- Instagram: Thevintagetattooshoppe
- Facebook: The vintage tattoo Shoppe
Image Credits
Photo credit: Kara Robinson
