We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AJ THOMPSON THOMPSON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, AJ THOMPSON thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I lived in a rural area and internet was not establish so I had to teach my self with videos and trial and error. The videos helped a lot but I still had many set backs. Once I moved in to a place where I could have an area dedicated to my art I made time by getting up at 4 am to put in some practice every morning before work. I soon realized the “practice drills” that seemed boring and a waste of time are the most important part of learning, couple that with patients and the learning curve will be a lot more manageable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been an artist most of my life I was always drawing as a kid. As I got older I would put it down from time to time but always come back to art. Working in and auto parts store with a paint department I began learning the ins and outs of automotive paint. In my spart time I would go to a local slot cart track. As new cars would come out I noticed that they where only offered in 2 or 3 different liveries and I wanted mine to be different so I began using the airbrush to paint my cars differently. For graphics I primarily use water slide decals or basic masking. One day while waiting for paint to dry between coats I tried to “color” one of my drawing that was close by and it just felt right. Now I perform basic bike paint services as well working closely with the clients to create a full one off custom work of art that not only turn heads but will be an expressing of them selves. When not working on bikes I still make time for my fantasy art passion that has been with me my entire life by painting dragon. As well as doing the occasional pet portrait to keep the bills paid. I have had the honor of having my work showcased in many publications and won numerous contests but the achievement I am the most proud of is the step-by- step articles I have created and have been published in industry magazines. It is a great feeling to know I have been part of something that is helping others follow a path that could bring them the same joys I have found.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In High school I attempted to take air for both of my electives one years and I was told no it was a waste if time. This type of mentality need to stop. art is literally every where you look building signage park design the boxes of food tin the store the games you play and the movies you watch. Art is not a wastes of time but it does take work. We need to encourage children that want to follow it not tell them no and its not a career.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I find the most rewarding part is the expressions on the clients face when you show them the final work. When your client sees the work their eyes show it first but as they began to take it all in the emotions begin to show, some become speechless other seem to explode with energy as the spot details and depending on the subject mater some fall to tears of joy as they are teleported back to a time and place in their memories. Bring these kinds of emotions to other is extremely gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackicegraphics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackicegraphics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ak.blackicegraphics
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackicegraphics

Image Credits

All art is by A.J. Thompson