Meet Billy Thompson | Tattoo artist & Visual artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Billy Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Billy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been a creative person, it’s just part of who I am. When I was little, my parents would have to buy me canvases and paints just to stop me from drawing on the walls! It was something that came naturally to me, and I loved it. I went to an arts middle school, spent a lot of my free time at galleries, and even took part in extracurriculars at local art studios. Eventually, I had a few pieces up and sold in galleries in my hometown of Houston, Texas, and which really gave me the push to keep going. Honestly, choosing art as a career was the only option for me. It’s the one thing I’m truly passionate about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I really enjoy play when creating art. I try not to be afraid to experiment, to explore different approaches, and most importantly, to have fun and push myself. I’ve always loved abstract art, like the works of Cy Twombly and Christina Quarles, as well as something as simple and playful as doodling.

When I’m creating work for tattoos, I really focus on making pieces that make people feel adorned, happy, and beautified. Getting a tattoo is such an intimate experience, and I want it to give people a burst of confidence once it’s done. My favorite work to do are body pieces I call ‘ celestial armor.’ I want the people who get them to feel powerful and proud, like they just want to show them off.
Turning art into a career isn’t easy because it changes the way you create. You have to relearn how to be free in your process, without focusing on the fact that it’s also what pays the bills. I’m still learning how to strike that balance, but I always try to make sure that what I create feels true to myself.

I take my time with each piece because I usually do my best work when I’m in a flow state, and I want that energy to come through in what I create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting me in Los Angeles, I’d start by taking them to my favorite matcha spot, Damo, in Koreatown. They have pastries from Clark Street Bakery that we’d definitely have to grab. After grabbing some food, I usually love to go hang out with the ducks at Echo Park, and we could visit a bunch of small art galleries around the city. On Friday night, we’d go to LACMA for jazz, and possibly go sing karaoke and dance on the weekend.

I’d definitely take them to one of the beautiful beaches in Laguna, and we’d probably try antique shopping while we’re there. We’d also check out some fun clothing markets like Los Feliz Flea. I’d also love to take them to the Gentle Barn and maybe even a tulip garden if the season’s right!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate all of my success and drive to my community of loved ones. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the first artist I ever admired, my sister. She’s the one who gave me the confidence to believe that art could actually be my career. Beyond her, I’m surrounded by a loving partner, friends, and studio mates who truly believe in me. I honestly wouldn’t be anything without them.

Website: https://billybadass.cargo.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bi11ybadass