Meet London Reese | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi London, why did you pursue a creative career?
I cannot even fathom an existence where creating art, of some kind, was not the focus of my life. Making art helps enrich all of the nuances and relationships in my life and I truly cannot imagine doing anything else for a living. I need to make art. It’s in my bones.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist. I feel like I was born to make art. My early interest in skateboarding and punk rock steered me toward an interest in tattoo art. I began tattooing right out of high school, while studying art in college, and playing in rock bands. The DIY nature of promoting my band and finding my style within songwriting and art making helped shaped the kind of artist that I am. No one was going to tell me “no”. No one could tell me I “couldn’t” do anything. I was here to make art and on my terms. I have always had a strong work ethic, when it comes to my passions, and have always been addicted to progression. My father’s work ethic was unparalleled and it set an amazing example for me in all of my quests to be the best possible artist. Tattooing is a very difficult technical art form to learn and it was a slow, arduous process of becoming proficient but my determination far outweighed the emotional and fiscal hardships that tried to deter me. I stuck with it and eventually found my stride in tattooing. I think I started to build a clientele around the fact that they knew I was in love with tattooing. I am an emotive conversationalist and quite passionate when I share my love for tattoos and tattoo culture. I really think my undying love for the art form is what brought me the success I worked for. My style of tattooing is unique, in that; I do a lot of different styles. I don’t have one specific niche that I stick with. I am always studying the craft, trying new techniques, researching different aesthetics, and keeping my passion for progress my priority. I always want to push myself to take whatever “style” of tattooing I’m attacking, and make it truly unique and exceptional. I work my ass off because the medium requires it. It’s as simple as that. Tattooing has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over the world and share my art with it. I landed on a reality tv competition show called Best Ink and took the crown. I’ve tattoo tons of celebrities, doctors, lawyers and pro athletes. I work every day and try to make every tattoo as if I had to retire, tomorrow. I am in love with this craft and am so grateful for it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely start the morning with an early yoga session or sunrise surf at Trestles. From there, we would pick up iced golden pecan cold brew at Zebra Coffee, in San Clemente. We would cruise over to Ramos House, in San Juan Capistrano, for an insane breakfast and maybe top off our coffees at Hidden House. I would take a trip to Norton Simon Museum for some art inspiration. We would have fish tacos and a beer at Shwack, in Dana Point, and cruise north for drinks and a view at the Montage, in Laguna Beach. We could check out some galleries, in town, or see a concert at House of Blues or comedy show in Irvine. Dinner would either be at South of Nick’s in San Clemente, Selanne’s in Laguna, or Roman Cucina in Laguna Hills. We’d probably take e bikes through the hills and beaches of San Clemente, take a stroll at Dana Point Harbor, cruise PCH up to South Coast Plaza, and grab some other great food and drinks in Costa Mesa.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my peer & friend, as well as one of my most cherished mentors, Franco Vescovi; for his endless shared wisdom, guidance, and inspiration. He is a fellow tattoo artist and entrepreneur, who’s contributions to the art form and industry seem to be nearly incalculable. He is a kind and thoughtful man, smart and cunning. I owe him a lot and I’m so grateful to know him.

Website: www.theartoflondon.com

Instagram: @londonreese

Twitter: @thelondonreese