STUDIO SPACE: Jaimie Filer

Location: Norwood

Website: artofdoom.blogspot.com
On the Drawing Table: My newest painting for an upcoming solo show. Plus some loose sketches for an upcoming tattoo.
Coming out soon: The cover art for a wrestling zine. A soon to be announced solo art show, and hopefully tons of new and exciting tattoos.

How did you get your start as a professional artist?

I have no clue. I graduated art school and waited for someone to give me a job. When that didn’t happen I started creating projects for myself. Making my own comics and zines. Doing murals for nightclubs. Really, just anything to get me out there. Then I found myself in national  magazines, professional comic books, and on gallery walls as far as L.A and Philadelphia. I thought “ Wow, maybe I don’t suck as bad as I think I do.” My last test as an artist was to do what I had dreamt of since I was a teenager. I took a tattoo apprenticeship redesigning my whole approach on art. It was hard.. Very hard.. I sacrificed a lot for it. To this day I still deal with some of those sacrifices.  But I made it through. I proved to myself that it was possible, and no one can take that from me. To this day I just hustle my art anyway I can. I set impossible goals for it, so it always drives me. 

Describe your work.

It’s a mix of pop culture/ tattoo iconography that hopefully speaks to the viewer and creates a personal narrative for them. 

 Tell about your workspace. 

 At Nightshade Ink, the tattoo shop I work at. My booth walls are covered in my tattoo flash, to inspire ideas for my clients. At the house I surround myself with books, toys, and art to inspire ideas in myself. I’m known for my large collection of art and books. Most people love this until I ask for their help in a move...

 

What are your favorite materials digital and traditional? 

My tattoo machines are like a samurai swords. I seriously believe one particular machine I have, houses a small part of my soul.  As far as my paintings go. I use Dr. Martens water colors, cases of ink, and a couple old brushes. On the computer side I use some basic Photoshop. I’m like a caveman when it comes to modern technology.

What’s your typical workday/work session like?

Everyday is different due to all the different avenues that I create art in. Sometimes I work very early in the morning in complete silence while drinking coffee. But then sometimes I’m blasting Norwegian black metal while painting at three in the morning. My goal is to no matter what, create everyday. No matter how or when, I must create.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated as you work? 

Usually I’m excited for whatever project I’m working on. Once it’s done, I’m on to the next. But I try to remind myself that this is fun.  No matter how bad the rest of my day might suck. The art time is golden.

 

 

What is your dream job? 

Something that involves painting, tattooing, and traveling. My goal is to see the more of the world, so that’s a big part of my dream life.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

I always keep one in my bag. I feel it’s a must to quickly get the ideas down. I have sketches in my book for months till I can get back to it. But I know it’s there whenever I get into it.

What do you listen to while you work? 

Podcast wise I enjoy Two-headed nerd, Knife Edge Chop (I drew their logo.), and the Joe Rogan Podcast. Currently music wise I’m listening to Murder by Death, Madchild, Big Grams, Winterfylleth.

What are you reading? 

I read mountains of comic books. Space Riders, Hellboy, Archie, God Hates Astronauts are some of my favorites. I also really dig the pro-wrestling zine Atomic-Elbow. There are lots of great underground art in that one. Other then that I read a bunch of self-help books. I try to be a positive person, and I find feeding the mind positivity really helps with that.

 

Who are your artistic influences? 

Old traditional tattoo masters like Sailor Jerry, Cap Colman and Amund Dietzel are my favorites. Comic wise it’s Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and the tattoo/comic legend Greg Irons As far as modern artist I’m lucky to be surrounded by talent like Chris Sanders, Brett Hoersting, Anthony “Tank” Mansfield, Mike Maydak, Khis Reekers, Christina Wald, and Justin Stewart. That’s just a few of the amazingly talented people I have the pleasure to call friends.

What do you do that is not art related that inspires you? 

 I’ve trained in martial arts since I was a kid. I think the focus that martial arts give certainly helps with keeping myself focused on my art. Other then that I like to jog, hang out with the amazing people I know, and drink tons of coffee.

What was the best advice you got in your career so far? 

A wise man told me something another wise man told him.” A good artist has a good reference library.” Yes we have Google, yes we live in a massive information overloaded era. But my books, especially my hard to find amazing art books. Those are where I find magic. Also I like to remind people that this is their own race. Someone is always further up front then you. But someone else is looking at your art in amazement. Keep it humble, and run your race.

What is your favorite color? 

I’ve never met a color I didn’t like.

How can we get best follow your art online/on social media? 

 I’m on Instagram @jaimie_filer. Plus I’m on Facebook as well. But you can feel free to check out my blog artofdoom.blogspot.com.