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ben HUGHES
Independent Filmmaker Director, Cinematographer
T
he seven years that I’ve been in Minneapolis I met a lot of people musicians photographers radio personalities young and old but I don’t think I have never met a young man as outstanding at this young man right here Ben Hughes director film maker and producer and director is making a new wave and then Minneapolis scene he’s bringing a new look when it comes to filming movies videos we sat down what did Young director to get his intake on what it take to make it in the film industry in Minneapolis. He is bringing what Atlanta is to the South to the central Midwest Minneapolis has been waiting a long time for young and upcoming film producers that come out of this city and do some good we have one of those today Ben Hughes and Ben Hughes director has been putting out really good films and videos for a couple of years we just wanted to get a few questions answered something about how he got started and what it takes to become a great film director especially in Minneapolis.
AR: Thank you Ben for the opportunity to speak to you tonight how are you. Please tell out audience who Ben Hughes is? BEN: Hi Kevin, I’m doing very well tonight. I am currently 24 years old, and I am an independent filmmaker, specializing in directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, and visual effects. I currently work as a freelance music video director and have been doing so for over 7 years now. I have also made several films, and a few commercials. I’ve been making all kinds of videos since I was about 12 years old. AR: Now Ben you only 24 years old what made you want to start directing inviting films at a young age. And tell our audience what city you live in BEN: Well I when I first picked up the camera I had no idea I would want to be a director in the future. I originally just filmed family trips, and shot videos of me and my friends playing basketball then edited them together and added music. After doing that for a while, I thought it would be cool to start making short films for fun. Also I currently live in Minneapolis, and I have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. AR: When did you know that this is what you wanted to do as a career. BEN: I think I decided that I wanted to direct movies for a living when I was about 14 years old. After having made several short films I realized I really loved filmmaking, and decided that there was nothing else I’d rather do for a living. AR:) Who are some of your biggest influences when it comes to directing films movies and videos and who do you look up to and this industry BEN: I’m a huge fan of Christopher Nolan’s films, as well as the work of JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg. Michael Bay films are also a guilty pleasure of mine, mostly because of their visual aesthetic. All these directors have influenced my style, but I try to do my own thing as well. AR: What are some other films or movie you like to direct and why BEN: My favorite types of movies to make are Adventure or Sci-Fi movies, because I grew up watching those genres the most and I find them the most enjoyable to watch, and the most enjoyable to make. I’m also fan of psychological movies that really make you think, and want to start making more films of that nature as well. AR: Where do you see your film careergoing in the next 5 years BEN: In the next 5 years, I see myself getting closer to directing my first studio feature with a major theatrical release. I want to make as many films as possible in the next five years and submit them to film festivals, and I also want to make at least one independent feature film. On top of that, I hope to do more commercial work, as well as get to direct some TV shows. AR: Now I seen some of your work you got a really good eye for directing and cinematography did you learn that on your own or was taught to you BEN: Thank you. I learned most of what I know about directing and cinematography on my own through practice, and just studying films, but I also learned a lot of what I know online by watching tutorials, reading articles, and doing things like that. AR: what would you tell all these aspiring young film director who want to get into this business BEN: Well the first thing I would recommend any aspiring director to do is to just start filming. Start making films. They can be any kind of films. Just create something and keep creating so you can build up your reel. Post all your work online and share it with as many people as possible. Consistency is key when it comes to getting your work seen. Never stop learning and improving your work. Eventually you will start getting some recognition for it, especially if your work is good. From there, just keep networking and building connec-
tions. It’s not easy to succeed in the film industry, but its also far from impossible. You just have to take the right steps. Embrace the challenge. AR: Okay now I’m going have some fun with you you name me one big actor if you can have and one of your films who would it be and why BEN: That’s a tough one, but I would have to say Tom Cavanagh who is best known for playing Harrison Wells on The Flash TV show. I picked him because he has shown to be an extremely versatile actor, being able to nail all kinds of roles, from heroes to villains and everything in between. AR: Now what school are you attending the further your film career and why this particular School BEN: Right now I’m attending the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), with a major in Filmmaking of course. I picked this school because it seems to be one of the few schools with a good filmmaking program in Minnesota. I could have gone to other schools in other states, but I got a pretty big scholarship to MCAD, plus most of my music video clients are in Minnesota, so it seemed like the right decision.
AR: Well Ben it’s been a privilege talking with you and I hope your career goals as
far as the Moon please tell our audience where they can find your work and what are some of the upcoming projects you got going on BEN: You can find my work on my website: www.benhughesstudios.com, you also can follow me on Twitter @BHughesStudios to stay updated on upcoming projects. I always have several music videos in the works, and most of them will be continuously premiering on my YouTube Channel (youtube.com/user/BenHughesStudios). I’m also working on a few short films right now, and I’m currently running a crowdfunding campaign
on Indiegogo (similar to Kickstarter) to get a budget for my biggest film yet “The Protectors”, which starts filming this June. If you want to learn more about this film, or help get this film funded, visit https://igg.me/at/the-protectors. Thanks!
“Just keep networking and building connections. It’s not easy to succeed in the film industry”. Ben Hughes, Director
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Crisis Fresh
NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT FEATURE Crisis Fresh was born in Lakeland, GA and relocated to Minneapolis, MN when he was 9 years old. His passion for music is a direct result of growing up in a family known as the “Get Fresh” family. With music as a daily addition in his life, Crisis’s infatuation with it runs deep. Influenced by artist such as Andre 3000 and Ce- Lo Green, he is determined to introduce the world to his unique style. Crisis has utilized his originality and creativity to create what he calls “Hood Harmony,” a rap/singing harmonized over a hard hitting beat. Crisis’ goal is to make hot, timeless music that people everywhere can relate to. When you listen to him, you can expect to hear real music, with a relatable story behind each track. Creating his label “Phi Alpha Nu Records” has helped Crisis put his dreams into action. To date, he has had the opportunity to open up for major artist that include The Dream, Pretty Ricky 8Ball & MJG and many more. During his musical career, Crisis has won several competitions including the Coast 2 Coast Live event at SXSW (South by South west). Following the release and success of his mixtape, “Phi Alpha Nu: Hazing,” Crisis is currently working on his debuting album titled “Phi Alpha Nu: Da Probate.” Set on grooming his sound, Crisis is determined not to let the industry stick him in an RnB box. He is a one of a kind artist and he is working hard to make sure that people can recognize it.
AR:. What about your music makes you stand out from the rest? Crisis: I feel I have a original sound and voice, I call it “Hood Harmony”. I started out writing raps but didn’t like my rap voice so I just Harmonized the verses instead to create a smoother sound. Basically what everyone else uses auto tune to do I do with my natural voice.
AR: How did you get into music? Crisis: I always been a fan of music, mostly RnB and I always thought I could sing but wasn’t sure if it was just me or if I really could. Then in high school my bro Lyx (RIP) use to sing in talent shows and open mics and I use to help him rehearse and he heard me sing and was like “bro u can really sing you should be performing with me” but I was to stage fright. Then while attending Valdosta State University I got up the courage one day to perform in a talent show and won. After that I started doing choruses for ppl and once I got back to MN I decided to go all in and make a career of it. AR: What is your main objective? Crisis: To make a name for myself on the national music scene so I can provide for my family by doing something I love and to bring more entertainment/music opportunities to the city. It’s a lot of talent in MPLS just not enough opportunities to capitalize on the talent that’s here. AR: What inspires you to write your songs? Crisis: I draw from many different muses. It all depends on my mood and what I feel like talking about. Sometimes I write from personal experiences and sometimes I write about other experiences I have been told or heard about. Either way I like for my music to invoke thought and feelings while listening to it, cause the best music is the music you can relate to your own life. AR: What is the overall message you are hoping to deliver? Crisis: To be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you how to do you. To many artist get caught up and trying to compete with the national artist that’s already made it and end up sounding like them. You can’t be afraid to be original and do things outside of the norm. I try my best to make timeless music cause when you do there is no expiration on the sound cause it’s always gonna represent you as a artist instead of a time period in the different sounds of music.
Wes Smooth
Wes Smooth Station Manager and On=Air Personality for Twin Cities Radio Network. Wes is a native of Chicago and grew up listening to jazz with his Father, they only played jazz on Sundays then and Wes does a smooth jazz show every Sunday and does a “Jazz Reflections” segment as a tribute to his Father. Having made Minnesota his home for almost 30 years he would travel back and forth to Chicago where he worked with Nick Colionne whose manager Carol Raye introduced him around to everyone resulting in him landing a job as a stage manager for smoothchicago.com and he worked with Bernie Scott of “Smooth Jazz on South Shore and was his co-host of the 1st annual Smooth Jazz Awards Show. Wes started working in internet radio
AR: Hey Wes thank you for taking the time out your busy schedule to talk to us: Wes: It is indeed my pleasure AR: So before we get into this interview i here you are a native of Chi Town: Wes: Yes I am 1st one in my family born and raised, I have been in the twin cities since 1989. AR: What is it about Jazz that is different from any other Music out there: Wes: Always was under my Dad who listened to jazz on Sundays because they only played jazz on Sundays. He would sometimes listen with a transistor radio and I had to wait until after 3 or more songs before they identified the artist. In the 70s I would listen at night on Sundaysto a guy named Wali Muhammad who would play cats like Lonnie
Liston Smith, Ronnie and Hubert Laws etc. and I was blown away by the cats whose music he played and was a faithful listener every Sunday night and started doing my homework on other artist. AR: As we read in your bio you work with Nick Colionne who in turn landed you a job as a stage manager for smoothchicago.com what made you want to get into radio broadcasting and why. Wes: Everyone’s fingerprint is different.
AR: Coming to today, Twin cities Radio Network how did this come. about
AR: Now you been in Minneapolis for over 30 years, who are some of the people you interview and and did radio take a good turn for the better or worst
Wes: It is a sub category of a genre that does not necessarily describe certain music played by particular artist.
Wes: I wondered around the twin cities for a while doing bad and then turning my life around to good,I discovered Smooth Jazz. It was on that good path that I met a Man named Marvin Banks who introduced me to internet radio just as I was slowing down from working with Nick Colionne and was working more Mark Vrabel of Smooth Chicago and had started to travel a bit all in that time smooth jazz stations were shutting down everywhere. Now before all this I had tried to get trained at a local radio station but the guy who was responsible for training became more of a gatekeeper than a trainer and Marvin Banks was willing to sit dawn with me and show me all the ins and outs of internet broadcasting because he needed a Jazzman for his station. Now I thought that this was a good way to do something about putting smooth jazz back on the twin cities scene. AR: Define smooth jazz for us Wes. what is it to you.? Wes: WOW! We have been fortunate to have Paul Taylor,Gail Jhonson, Althea Rene, Brian Simpson on our show, we have also had World renown Author Don S. McClure, Producer Director Hawthorne James, and many other wonderful artist. We interviewed Daniel Chia from Singapore, James Colah from England and even Diogo Piniero from Brazil. Being able to interact with artist from all over the world is so cool. This make s radio 100% better.
AR: Do you think internet Radio is the way to go now and why? Wes: I wanted to bring smooth jazz back to the twin cities and I had worked on some other stations and was blessed by some people who used to listen to my shows who helped develop TCRN and then put me in the position to own and manage it. AR: Tell us Wes , first of all I think the people want to know where did the name Wes Smooth come from. And when and where can people tune in and catch your show online? Wes: The name came from working with some of the best musicians as a stage manager, and I always used to say “Keep it Smooth” AR: Well its been a pleasure sitting down with you Wes. Tell our reader where they can find you on social media and website. and keep up the great work ? Wes: Google us we are easy to find. “Smooth Jazz Sundays” 12 noon-4pm Tune in and I will tell you everything else. Twin Cities Radio Network
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ART AROUND MINNEAPOLIS
KENYA VERRETT AND MANISH GOGER HITTING THE ART SENCE
WITH PASSION AR: First off I know you are a woman of many talents from art the culinary to knitting but who is Kenya tell me a little bit about yourself KENYA: I’m a very passionate, patient, creative, sensitive woman, mother, wife, sister, daughter,niece, granddaughter. I am ambitious and willing to get my hands dirty. I love to help people and see people happy. AR: Out of all the creative aspects what do you like to do the most what is your passion. KENYA: What I like doing the most is Art. Painting is my passion. I really feel like I can see Art in everything. I love to take furniture that someone throws out that’s just plain and spruce it up with some color and a little TLC . The before and after transformation is what brings me joy. To know that it was once trash and now it’s got a new beautiful life. I put a lot of energy into my pieces in hopes that it will help someone. If my Art can change how someone feels for the better or inspire them to do their passion that will help someone else , then I have done my job. AR: Tell me a little bit about your art work and who or where did you get the inspiration to do this particular type of Art KENYA: I use to say I am an abstract artist but my abstract is not textbook abstract. I like to think of my self as an out of the box artist where I’m not stuck in a particular lane of art. I find inspiration in just about anything. The sky, a sound, a song, the way the water looks when I’m washing dishes, the way the road looks when I’m driving, the way my food looks on my plate, the way my children look at me, the look on my husband’s eyes, the design in a towel the way the soap trickles down the side of a bottle of soap, the way the water sprouts out of the sprinkler when I’m watering the plants...ect. I can go on and on about what inspires me to paint. Art is part of me. Like my limbs. It’s in my blood.
AR: how long have you been doing paintings and was the first time you picked up a brush KENYA: I Have been painting with acrylic since I was in my early 20’s. Before that I drew alot and painted with water colors. I have always painted. I use to get my sister in trouble by drawing what she was doing instead of verbally telling on her.lol AR:did you have any formal training when it came down to art or you just had that gift from eye to hand talent. KENYA: The only class I have ever taken that was pertaining to Art was when I was in high school. Other than that I have No training. Just God given talent. AR: How can and where can people view your artwork and or purchase it if they want one of your fantastic pieces KENYA: I have several pieces at Jeromeo Wellness center in North Loop, and I’m also a vendor in the Big Lake Farmers Market selling my Art. I will also be one of the vendors in the Golden Valley Art And Music Festival in September. I also post to my Facebook page and Market place. If you see a piece you like you can send me an email of IM . AR: Who inspires you when it come down to your creativity KENYA: I don’t really have a specific person that inspires my creativity. All of my siblings, my mother and father and pretty much every person that I come into contact with.
AR: Thank you Manish for sitting down with me this afternoon MANISH: Thank you Kevin . AR: Let’s jump right into this your artwork is incredible please tell our readers how you got started MANISH: Oh It’s an interesting story .. I started as a child.. all my text books are covered with pictures and drawings all over .. But really I did make an art work one time , and actually painted it , with some cheap kids water colors and it actually came out pretty well. My friend Kenya , who’s also an artist came over one time and saw that painting , somewhere hidden under the table and she really liked it. She is the one who inspired me to paint and here I am today .. AR:Manish please tell our readers where you from and tell us a little bit about yourselF MANISH: I was born and raised in Delhi , India I work in HealthCare IT and am also in the board for a few Non profits. Between my work and my Volunteering , art provides me a great outlet to be creative and be myself. AR: Your artwork is different from what I seen before my life where did the inspiration for these pieces come from and please explain with some of the pieces mean. MANISH: So you can see a lot of Indian and Persian influence in my art > most of my art work is portraits of famous historical figures from medieval era .All my work is derived from a an inspiration and has a story behind it. Mostly a real life figure . For Example – I am a huge fan of Meera Bai .. She was an 18th century mystic poet and went on to become a saint. I love her poems , which are now translated into Songs. They are filled with love. So was I when I was painting her, while listening to her music . Meera was born in an Royal family and went on to marry a King . She never accepted her husband and always belived she was the wife of the God, which was what she was told as a kid. Growing up she had deep love and passion for the God and always wanted to marry him. She ultimately denounced all riches and gave up her titles and lived like an ordinary person, in quest of true love. AR: When did you get started and watercolor and what is your Technique MANISH: I first did my serious painting in water color in 2007 I believe. Almost 12 years ago. That is the only medium I use. I usually come up with a sketch in my mind first , a visual .. translate it on paper and then go from there. AR:) A rough estimate how many pieces have you made since you been doing your artwork MANISH: I have made a total of 16-18 pieces till date. AR: Who inspired you and becoming an artist and why
MANISH: My friend Kenya was a great inspiration. My sister is a great artist .. she does amazing art work too. And I always enjoyed watching her as a kid.
AR: Tell us Manish where can our readers see more of your work and how can they purchase some of your pieces – MANISH: My art work is mostly private . But I am working with a few galleries for display . I have displayed my art at a galley before. They can contact me directly by email and I can send them various options. Manishkalra79@gmail.com AR: Do you have any future art showings going on in Minnesota in the future MANISH: Yes , I am planning on doing the Golden valley art and music festival. AR: What do you want to bring to the culture of your art two young people who want to follow in the same exact footsteps MANISH: If you feel like it , do it. Make something of your own , in whatever shape of form . Put it to life and see it grow and see it bring happiness in others’ lives. AR: Well manish it’s been a pleasure sitting down with you this afternoon we look forward to seeing more of your fine art work throughout the city good luck and you are an amazing artist. MANISH: Thank you again for this . I really appreciate it.
MILES WARREN Maestro P AR:Thank you for sitting down with us Miles out of your busy schedule? MW: Thank you for having me . AR: I want to jump right in and say you been a big part of the Minneapolis sound. Tell me where did you come in at in the bussiness and how long have you been in the industry. MW:MaestroP my stage name Comes from my recording studio where i recorded my first single Already Yesterday the studio was called Meastro productions. All my friends used to call me maestro so i decided to use MaestroP the P is for productions AR: Speaking of groups you are part of one right now please tell us the name of this group and why you chose this particular name for the group MW: The Name UNIVERSAL ARTIST MOVEMENT WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE EVERYONE I WORK WITH ARE ARTISTS IN THEIR OWN. RIGHT AND WE Represent THEM ALL UNIVERSALLY AS A MOVEMENT WHICH IS A BIGGER DEAL THAN JUST A BAND. AR: Beside playing and composing what are some other things you are into these days MW:Like our former president im also involved in community organizing connecting the generations through mentorship im also involved in radio broadcast where i host a weekly radio show named the History of the Twin Cities Sound its a talk show where musicians can share the behind the scenes story of how the TwinCities Sound was created and how it has grown you see there is a rich history of music here but you inly hear about Prince and The Time but it took a whole lot more than just them to create and nurture our sound but you never hear about it we are here to change that Dynamic on Twin Cities Radio Network mondays 7-10pm tune in it educational!
AR: Now you founded this group right. MW:Yes i founded Universal Artist Movement. AR:Who are some of Artist in the past you work with and how was that experience and if you had one artist you would like to work with who would that be. MW: Well little do alot of people know that if you submitted your music to flyght Tyme back in the day they brilliantly would dissect your songs and create a Song out of your music so as long as they could do that they didnt have to put you on payroll your ideas were free! They had the company they had the record deal thats how my music was introduced to Alexander Oneal some of my friends were in his band at the time so i was introduced to him early on in his career. And after Me and Alex compared notes found that he enjoyed my songwriting format and realized where Terry and Jimmy got that music from he then asked me to tour with him.Thats how i got in this Twin Cities Sound and ive been init ever since. AR: The minneapolis sound, what is your intake on it and do you thing that the minneapolis sound started with prince. you have a lot of artist out here who beg to differ. MW: the Twin Cities Sound as we like to call did not specifically derive from prince there were many before him but he is the artist who has made the biggest success here so his reputation as founder is accepted by us twincities musicians and artists. AR: Back to the radio What made you switch to hosting a radio show with i hear no other than The beautiful talented DeMonica Flye and produced by Wes smooth. How did you guys connect MW: I did not “switch� but added radio hosting duties to what i do the purpose is awareness, What i have learned is that alot of Artists and musicians in the twin cities area are underepresented for whatever reason and i believe one of my roles as Maestro P involves bringing them to the forefront of recognition so people will know that there is more than just those who are famous here that have been missed. AR: I hear that you are hosting a radio show tell us about that and what station. MW: Radio personality Wes Smooth and I go way Back from the early days of my Career when i began writing Songs for Alexander Oneal and he has been A Great Mentor and role model as well as a wonderful friend. also Ms DeMonica Flye and I have been penning runes together Since i joined her band Anutha Level 4yrs ago I Love Her spirit and talent She is a Leader in this music business whom i have uttmost respect for the Twin Cities Sound as we like to call did not specifically derive from prince there were many before him but he is the artist who has made the biggest success here so his reputation as founder is accepted by us twincities musicians and artists.
MARCUSTHOMPSON
TATTOS
THE NEXT AND UP AND COMING ARTIS TALK TO ARTIST WHO ROCK ON WHAT IT TAKE TO MAKE IT IN THE FIELD OF BODY ART AR: Thank you Marcus for taking your time out this afternoon to talk to my readers of all those who walk magazine how you doing.
R
ecently I was introduced two upcoming tattoo artist in the Minneapolis area by the name of Marcus Thompson I thought his work was extraordinary as a young upcoming tattoo artist I wanted to sit down and talk to this young artist and really get inside his head about what it takes to become a great tattoo artist as well as just an artist in general. We know tattoo artist comes a dime a dozen but when I witness some of his work I knew he was in a league of his own he only been and this industry a short time but it making up impact on theMinneapolis Saint Paul Area.
MARCUS: I am doing great, honored to be able to share a little about myself and craft I love with you and your readers thank you so much for your time. AR: Let’s go ahead and jump into the series of questions so you are a tattoo artist tell me how did you get started and doing tattoos. MARCUS: We I have always wanted to be a tattooer for as long as i can remember. when i was a child i would carry around a little marker box and a piece of note book paper with little scribbles and ask my family and school mates if I could draw on them for a quater Hahah. So i always say that I have been in love with art on skin before I even understood ink and needles were involved. As far as how I got started it is all thanks to my Uncle Troe. He was the one who got me in contact with the man who would later give me my apprenticeship. It seems like a sweet short story but in all honesty It was a really long time and many attempts and failures before I got started. Even being able to get to be an apprentice was a huge learning experience and thats only having one foot in the door. I have been working in and out of shops since i was 19. I have spent more time trying to become a tattooer then I have actually doing tattoos at this point in my life Haha.
AR: I peaked out some of your work brilliant absolutely great artwork what you taught this in school or did it come natural to you MARCUS: I have always had the drive to create. I have always been drawn towards all mediums incuding ,film, literature, and especially music. I am pretty musically inclined and probably the only asshole with the audacity to sit down at a piano and not know how to play it hahaha. That actually was a big decision in my life between tattooing at music producing. In all honestly im not an extermely gifted artist iv just always love to draw but It didnt come easy. Music honestly came eaiser but I think thats why I decided to not to pursue it because I wanted the challenge. Also It wasnt just about Art I know alot of people think about tattooing and its even how we identify ourselfs “TATTOO ARTIST” but my love comes from the values of the culture and the technical problem solving aspect of tattooing rather then the “Artistic”. Art is subjective and doesnt really have a standard. thats why i use the term Tattooer vs Tattoo Artist. Im not an Artist, best way is to describe it is like an architect, granted I have some creative control over the end product, there is a funtionality and foundation if I dont meet that standard i didnt do my job. AR: You’re such a craft and a skill when it comes to tattooing a human body part it takes patience MARCUS: It is really important yet patience is but one of the many aspects I would honeatly say the most valube trait for a tatttoer to have is adaptability. Every time i set up my machine the variables channge.Tattooing is a constant learning process. Especially for myself its about constant progression. I could spend all day talking to you just about the technically aspects not even mentioning placement and flow on the body its almost mind numbing how much I could tell you about what goes into creating a good tattoo but what is even crazier is compaired to my mentor who was been tattoing for 26 years I know dick hahaha AR: Here’s the question to everybody want to know I guess I’m a tattoo artist have you ever messed up a artwork to wear when you finish you said man that’s not good LOL MARCUS: Messing up is a intergal part of tattooing hahaha. I always mess up but thats where adaptability comes in. At the end of the day I am still human and no matter how much i strive for perfection I will never hit it. Being able to work with your mistakes and learn from them is key. I know its a crazy concept given tattoos are for-
ever but I think its because i have much higher standards then my clients so i never disappoint. Im constantly progressing so I feel different about my ealier work but my clients love the work so I have to take it in stride. AR: What was your most difficult piece of work you have ever done and what challenges came with it MARCUS: Tattooing is difficult hahaha... I am always trying to challenge myself and learn every aspect and style. Thats why i love realism because it incoperates so many elements and techniques of tattooing. I actually am planning to do a whole sleeve in a week. So i feel that is going to be the most difficult thing iv done this far. I actually plan on documenting the whole process. I have several sleevs in the works and they can take months to years depending on the work, so to do one in a week will be a challege for both myself and the client lots and lots of preperation goes into a sleeve even more so to do the work in that amount of time. AR: Is it true that every tattoo artist has a fingerprint when it comes to their work meaning anybody would know that that is your work MARCUS: I know Tattooers that have a fingerprint and I think that comes with time and it is also just your personal asthetic. I honestly dont believe i have one yet and im not sure if I want one because I tend to take the most pride in the tattoos that dont look like my previous work. I like to suprise myself hahah. when i do a tattoo that goes above and beyond what i have done before thats when i am the most satisfied. AR: How long have you been a tattoo artist. MARCUS: I have been tattooing for 3 years now and as far as Tattooing is concered thats not long at all. I have been told that I am
ahead of my years and I just want to continue pushing. My main goal is to become a world class tattooer and be considered to be a asset to this industry as a whole on a international level. I have a long way to go but again im constantly striving and trying to join those ranks AR: New to the tattoo artist world are you ever intimidated by other veteran tattoo artists out there in the game today MARCUS: I wouldnt say that I am intimated but I am greatful to learn. As a Tattooer you learn on a basic level to put on a clean passble shop tattoo but it is up to you to push yourself and learn as much as you can to advance. I learn so much from the Tattooers I look up too. Its a very hard thing to do to be sucsessful in this industry so I always give respect where it is due but I honestly judge tattooers based on their work. It may be over confident but Im never intimidated because i think if they can do it so can I. The only limitation is the lack of knowledge and persistance. AR: With that said tell us who Marcus Thompson is we know your tattoo artist but what else do you do besides tattoos. MARCUS: Who am I...Who are any of us?? right hahaha. I am a light in this dark world. Tattooing is my life but it is also a small piece of a very big puzzle. I am here to be true to myself and be in service if others. I am a philosoher in my own right. When im not playing video games and spending time with my wife and daughters at home , im learning about science, spirituality, all things that deal with the nature of existance. I love to read and watch youtube Its an amazing thing to be alive during the information age. I hope to change the world one day...
AR: On a scale of 1 to 10 in your opinion how great you think you are MARCUS: I dont think im great at all...I dont think greatness is a trait you should ascribe to yourself hahaha. I just want to do what i love and be the best I can be in all aspects. AR: Have you ever had any disappointed clients in the past if so how did that make you feel MARCUS: I honestly cant think of any disappointed clients, I would be arrogant to say that they arent out there you cant please everyone and I have done hundereds of tattoos but I will say that I know when i dont do by best even if my clients dont, it is soul crushing. I hate not living up to the expectations i set for myself and my clients. I am my own worst critic but thats what drives me. I can say that it weighs heavy on me sometimes but I guarntee all of my work and I will always be here to fix my mistakes If i was
ever confronted. It hasnt happen yet and hopefully it never does hahah
13 I heard from the Grapevine that you’re opening up your own shop how’s that feel to be and entrepreneur a young and upcoming bussiness man ...How old are you anyway Matcus.
MARCUS: I am sorry but I hate those terms, I know thats what i would be considered but honestly I just want to do what i love and take care of my family, business is such a dirty word. I dont do this for profit thats actually why decided to open my own studio I wanted a space where I can work with my clients and just be. Unfortunately money is a function of life so I have to provide for my family and take care of the shop but above that it is about the work and the passion. When I finish a tattoo im not thinking”oh boy I just made x amount of dollars” Its more “ Wow im so stoked i got the pleasure of doing this it was so fun and challenging then i think wow i get paid to do this thats so awesome! I think thats some thing that is missing in the world working for the sake of fufuliment. Thats why im always willing to work with my clients on price. Im not going to give anything way but if your reasonable and just want a badass tattoo im always willing to help. I just made 28 in March... really dont have to much to say about that hahaha... AR: Tell us where can I read it find your artwork ie any social media Outlets Facebook Instagram Twitter how could they get in contact with you if they want one of your fabulous tattoos
done
MARCUS: I Tattoo out of my personal studio Ides of Marchit is a private studio by appointment only I am on Facebook and Instagram @BEWAREOFTHEIDESOFMARCH Those recent pages are to promote my new studio...Facebook @Marcus Thompson I
tend to most of my work just to keep my clients updated, so there you will find all of my work and even my in progress pieces . So facebook is the best way to contact me and inquier about getting work.
15) my final question is as a young tattoo artist