Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Strem.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My story begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where at an early age, it became clear that I was creative and passionate about making art. My folks were and always have been so supportive in getting me into art classes and creating with me at any time possible. I come from a split family and a very creative background, seeing and doing different styles of art since I was a child.
My father was a painting and decorating instructor and taxidermist. My mother and step father are photographers and artists alike. Now that I’m older, it’s great to still see them for dinner and have huge discussions and conversations about art. They still inspire me and make me think about how I can apply some of the topics to my own career.
Being an artist is a path I’ve always been on but never thought it could be a reality… Somehow, I’ve managed to make a living doing what seemed like an impossible dream, making art! I think about it every day, “I cannot believe this is my life!”
No matter where I go, I can pick up inspiration from so many things. It has pushed me to never settle on one idea or style but to enhance the techniques to make whatever idea in my head come to life.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a Tattooer and have been for almost 10 years. I absolutely love the craft and the history behind it. I specialize in American Traditional tattooing, tattoos that look like tattoos. Strong outline, smooth shading and designs simple enough to withstand the test of time. When time allows, I love to design and paint tattoo flash. It makes the work more interesting when it’s a design I’ve hand drawn and put my heart into.
Not only do I paint for tattoos, I dive into a little of everything. I love doing simple, minimalistic paintings, wood burning, Linocut relief printing, acrylic painting, and watercolor. There’s too much good stuff out there and so many ways to get ideas out of my head to pigeon hole myself to do just one thing or specific style.
I’m infatuated with hand painted signs and hand lettering. There’re so many styles of lettering that I’m drawn to and have been practicing the skill for the last few years. It’s something I wish I had more time for and hope to in the future.
I pick up inspiration from almost everything I see. I can’t go anywhere without seeing something that fills my artistic cup. I’m inspired by nature, I love animals and all walks of life. Old logos, vintage signs and branding. Textures, I love anything old, rusty, corroded or water damaged. These things have feeling, they’ve been hit by the elements and are so much more interesting to look at.
Native American imagery, the styles and patterns are so bold and simple, yet speak so loudly and are filled with so much meaning and energy. Art deco styles, the straight lines and geometric shapes really get my brain moving in a different way and I love it.
Over the past six years, a close friend and I have self-published a children’s book titled “The Headless Duckling”. He wrote the story and asked me to illustrate the book. Having no experience of ever illustrating for a children’s book, I said “Yes” and we began story boarding the project in 2013. Believe me, it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but I’ve pushed myself artistically to produce what I could do best and we’ve developed a style that is our own. I’ve learned It’s all about the process and trusting that it will look great when it’s all put together and finished. Everything I’ve learned in this process has really helped make me a better artist. Now that the book is finished and available for sale, it’s been great to get out to conventions and show the public what we’ve created.
My hopes are that people can get inspired by what I do and maybe they’ll try something new and outside of their comfort zone. Life’s more interesting when you shake it up a bit. Try something, be different, be afraid, but take the risk.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Follow your own path. In this digital day and age, we live in, it’s easy to get stuck doing the same old thing you’ve seen a million times. Be bold, be unique and don’t be afraid to try something or a new medium you’ve always wanted to work with. Be open minded, you never know where the next bit of inspiration may come from.
Take classes, enhance your skills. Meet people who are into the same things you are and chat about art. It’s only going to push you to be better than you think you are. Believe me, there’s always self-doubt and struggles along the way. But it’s all part of the process. DON’T OVER THINK IT!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I tattoo at Port City Tattoo in Long Beach, California. I frequently do guest spots in San Diego at Left Hand Black Tattoo and Gallery in South Park. I’m looking to travel more and do more guest spots in 2019. I have a tattooing Instagram account and a personal account where I only showcase my original art.
You can purchase artwork through me personally, or at my wife’s boutique in San Pedro, California. She owns a company called “Stay Adorned” and has a few of my original paintings, framed and for sale as well as some random artwork I’ve done and high-quality prints of my work.
Contact Info:
- Address: PORT CITY TATTOO
4290 E. Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90804 - Email: colestrem@gmail.com
- Instagram: @colestremtattooer @colestrem
Image Credit:
Travis Haight Photography
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