This installment of the Spotlight is geared to inspire and will be aimed at California based artist Brett Herman.
I actually stumbled upon Brett's work a while back while browsing the internet, one link led to another then BOOM there it was. The moments flew by as I found myself engaged by the cleanliness and solidity of the tattoos and art pieces on screen, one after another like a barrage of creativity! Just as I was about to shut down my laptop the word "Submissions" caught my eye... but for what?? So I took a second look and there it was! CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Submissions for an upcoming creation dubbed "The Coloring Book Project". As I continued to read I knew that I HAD to send some drawings in but more importantly I became inspired! Now I had a deadline, more work to do, a change of pace, all because of another artists ambition and willingness to do MORE. Personally I feel the daily challenges of tattooing and artwork keep me reaching farther in my craft; taking part in and making the cut for the "CBP" installments has further humbled me and helped in raising the bar for my own goal setting and artistic growth.
Thus far, Brett has put out two editions of "The Coloring Book Project", taken part in several art showings, and in many ways demonstrated what effort and drive can do. Through the interactions I have had with him I've found that he's a chill guy who's working hard, enjoying life, and putting out rad works of art! Someday soon I'll make my way down to his neck of the woods to get a fresh tattoo, but in the meantime lets all just keep our eyes peeled and continue to take part in whatever projects this dude puts forth; I'm sure that they'll be fun!
Q and A with Brett:
Q: Let's start by telling everyone who you are, what you do, and where you work.
A: Hi my name is Brett Herman I'm an illustrative tattoo artist and aspiring painter in Los Angeles California. I co-own Hidden Los Angeles in West Hills, California.
Q: How long have you been involved in tattooing and artistry? What was it that got you started with both?
A: I've been tattooing since 2008 and creating art as early as elementary school. The Herman side of my family is creative in many unique ways, so I've been doing hands on stuff for as long as I can remember.
Q: Tell us some of the things that keep you hungry and interested in what you do?
A: I'm a tattoo artist and painter, which means I'm learning everyday! I continue to be inspired on the daily, as a tattoo artist I feel my work is never done and that I will never really be 100% satisfied with my artistic career. Maybe one day, when I can view it as a whole, when I'm really old I'll be able to appreciate my growth as a artist. I love to tattoo and I love painting both with a undying passion. It's not even "hunger" it's really a lifestyle! I work my ass off but it's not work in my eyes! So even knocking things off of my to do list is inspiring, I'm inspired and honored to be asked to do this interview. To know that my art has affected others enough to appreciate this! Im really interested in every form of art, I get so many feelings from music, art, nature, others, life, being at home with my family watching movies etc etc...Literally everywhere... I see beauty in everything. I think Art is emotion.
Q: Elaborate a bit more on that last question by telling us why you feel it is important to remain active and interested?
A: As a tattoo artist and witnessing this firsthand, it is so important to not lose sight of how amazing it is to have a job that allows you to create for a living. If you tattoo and you are not inspired, I suggest you do your customers a solid and find your spark to ensure your trustful clients they get your best. Every artist has had a uninspired moment in their life or a creative block. My remedy is always just taking a deep breath, forgetting about all your responsibilities to your clients and getting back to the basics. What drives me artistically is the amount of artists pushing the limits and growing as a community. I'm so thankful that I know so many creative individuals. It's hard to not be inspired being around so much great art! Everyday is a new day for growth and experimentation, a day to start where you left off, to reflect on lessons, and mostly what makes your art "your art"!
For me, it's just browsing a few of my favorite artists websites, books, listening to mellow creative music, browsing IG and finding an idea without really looking at any one thing in particular, almost like I'm flipping thru a mental file cabinet of things I've learned and things i'd like to see created and just letting it all out.
Q: About Hidden L.A.: how did it all come together and when/why was it started?
A: I tattoo at and co-own Hidden Los Angeles with Chris Velasquez and Richard Carniglia, we set out to open in 2012 and did so, actually to get out of an uninspiring environment! Our main focus is having a drama free place where we can all create, devoid from the typical tattoo shop stereotypes of politics and the outside world. We host art shows every 3 months with different themes, group shows, solo exhibits and workshops! We have also had some guest tattoo artists coming through, the shop is an open floor plan which allows us to vibe and create together as well as mingle with everyone! It's a fun vibe with lots to look at, for sure!
Q: Would you say that your studio promotes artistic growth within yourself as well as the other artists you work with? How so?
A: Always!!! Most of all we vibe on each other, helping to precedent a new level of creativity. We are lucky to be growing as a shop just from word of mouth and by reaching out to other artists for all the fun projects we always have going on! We just had Randy Randerson and Gunnar guest spot the last month and my good buddy Chet Zar has a oil painting workshop this weekend. As for futures guests: Taylor Cort, Shawn Booth and Turk will be spotting soon. So lots of great artists coming through with styles all over the board. Having all the guys at the shop and all the guests it makes it especially easy to pick up some inspiration and growth as well as a few tricks along the way. We also do the art shows and the last few have been really successful, the fresh prints group show was such a success that we decided to make it a annual event since everyone buys lots of prints at our shows. Then the most recent was the Stephen King Show which was a fun themed show equipped with one hell of a Halloween costume party and opening reception. It's hard to sell original art so we're def still pegging a spot in the fine art world.
We are working hard but feeding off of all the positive feedback were receiving. We truly appreciate you helping us by spreading the word and welcome any artists interested in making a trip out or being involved with our art shows!
Q: Do you feel it is important to give back to this one of a kind industry? Tell us about some of the things that you and your studio have done to do so?
A: Giving back is a huge part of our responsibility as humans in my opinion, if every person in the world made one small change to better this world, this world would be a totally different place! As for us in the short 2 years, we have thus far donated a share of our proceeds from the print show to the "Free Art for Abused Children Foundation" and took on a monthly donation to help a small family on Africa through the "World Vision Organization". I believe strongly in giving back as well as doing good as a person. As for the industry I'm also trying to give back by spreading the word about great artists through the gallery and the book projects I've been doing.
Q: Have there been any projects in particular that stand out to you?
A: Well the coloring book project I started 2 years back on top of opening Hidden Los Angeles. Being in lots of art shows and getting married was the the first edition of the Coloring Book Project, so 2012 was busy to say the least and 2013 was even crazier! Hahah
The coloring book project stands out the most besides random art shows and stuff. The coloring book is a spin on the old traditional coloring books equipped with activities and packed with most awesome imagery! Been a honor to have my idea turned into such a fun project and to have it be a success, we are on the 2nd edition already and have been doing contests for the project to keep people involved. The project has really allowed me to connect with amazing artists worldwide and allotted me a chance to meet some very amazing and unique individuals. I am so thankful to have the support of memento publishing and all of my family and friends inside and out of the artist community.
Q: Though we haven't met, our interactions lead me to believe that your a pretty humble dude! Could you share some of the things that keep you this way?
A: Thanks! I really try to be approachable, I feel like we practice that everyday fulfilling peoples tattoo needs.
I just kinda adapted a positive vibe early on. I try to be respectful and not act like I'm better than anyone even though I have a cool job/lifestyle, I don't have tatt-itude as Aaron Della Vedova put it to me once!
I'm not better than the next guy because I know there is always someone out there that is better than me, I'm just trying to focus on my goals as an artist and be a nice guy! It's what keeps my clients coming back and makes me feel genuine towards others.
Q: Who are the artists or people in general that have inspired you along the way?
A: Danggg this list could be mega long ahahah I like so many styles so I'll try to name a few from a few diff styles! Obviously the artists I've already mentioned Chet Zar, Gunnar, Della Vedova, Steve Moore, Grime, Shige, Adam Miller, James Tex, Turk, Mike Devries, Jeremy Geddis, Nikko, Jonathon Montalvo, Johnny Domus Mesquita, Craola, Curtis Burgess, Timmy B, Mike Moses, the guys I work with, Seth Wood, Geordie Cole, Jeff Gogue, Paul Dobleman, Nick Baxter, the Kern brothers, all the people I know that are involved in what we do at the shop.
It's too many to list honestly I'm missin so many!!. I love organic, traditional, new school, oils, acrylic, mixed media, basically I like everything that you can use to create art haha!! If you really want to follow a lot of good artists, that's all I follow on Instagram, like 750 artists hahah.
Q: Finally, What are some of the exciting things your working on for 2014?!
A: This year I'm definitely focused on my own art, I've made it a personal goal to finish all the paintings I've started and do a design for myself every week to continue developing my style as a artist. The shop will have 4 shows, including a solo show, the fresh prints show, 100 and under show and a Star Wars themed show at the end of the year, I am also working with my brother on an App for the iPad and iPhone dropping mid 2014. As well as a few really interesting products to better the functionality of the tattoo process, it's a busy year with those projects but I'm really looking forward showing everyone the new stuff we've been working on!
I meant to start off this question by saying this will be a mellow year, I'm sure I'll be in even more shows with a even longer list of to do's! but I guess that's just a look into my life, wouldn't haven't any other way! Keep up with my website www.artofbrettherman.com or IG-brettherman for all the exciting upcoming news! I'm so thankful to be a part of the tattoo industry and art world and appreciate the chance to express a few of my views and all the things happening in my life!
Thanks and remember life's a garden... Dig it!!
For more one of a kind artwork or to get in touch with Brett just follow the info and links below:
IG-brettherman
Hidden Los Angeles
24372 Vanowen St. #203
West Hills CA. 91307
747.888.3539
