I’m really excited to bring you today’s Spotlight, featuring a multi-talented artist who seems to become accomplished at whatever medium he touches. Jamie Parker is not only an outstanding painter and graphic artist, but is also in the midst of a tattoo apprenticeship with world-renowned realism maestro, Mike DeVries.

Working at MD Tattoo Studio in Northridge, California, Jamie is coming into his own and beginning to shine his creative light for all to see. Always a talent when it came to expressing his artistic side, Jamie worked for many years as a graphic designer before delving into his love for ink. While he is currently learning the ropes at the instruction of DeVries, he has also had a very busy year as a layout and graphic designer - first for Mike’s book Tattoo Prodigies, and more recently for the forthcoming book Cranial Visions.

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Parker’s work is exemplary, with detail and care shown in every nook and cranny. Since I did the writing for the aforementioned books, I was lucky enough to work alongside Jamie on several phases of production and it was a pleasure and honor to collaborate with him, and watch his eye for design and hard work all come to fruition.

His ability to make the paint brush dance is magnificent, as his work incorporates many elements, often with dark and mysterious themes at the helm. With a very bright artistic future in front of him, Jamie is working hard and advancing steadily in so many arenas. It was fun to have the opportunity to ask him about his journey and learning more about his work. I hope you enjoy reading about this talented dynamo.

Were you creative as a child? Did you think you would grow up to become an artist?

I'd like to think that I was pretty creative growing up. I always knew I wanted to be an artist, I just never knew which art field I would end up in.

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What are your favorite mediums to work with at the present? How often do you find time to paint?

My favorite medium would definitely have to be oil painting. My second would be tattooing. I also just finished my second watercolor painting recently and I have to say, it was really fun!

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In addition to your artwork, you are also doing a tattoo apprenticeship with Mike DeVries right now. Can you tell us about how that is going and how you think this learning experience is preparing you as a tattooist?

It’s going great! Mike is one of the hardest working guys I've ever met. Watching him do what he does everyday along with all the projects he has going on is inspiring to say the least. He has taught me everything I know about tattooing, from what machines to use, tubes, ink, etc. And also how to apply the drawing skills I already had, onto skin.

I still have so much to learn about tattooing, but being around Mike and everyone else at the shop has pushed me forward at a pace I never would have been able to achieve being anywhere else.

I'd also like to give a shout out to Josh Duffy, Jeff Johnson, Katelyn Crane and London, whom I work with and learn from constantly. They are all amazing artists and friends.

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You are also an incredible graphic artist. Can you tell us about some of the work you have done and are presently doing. How do you think this creative endeavor helps you with your painting and tattooing?

I'm proud to say that I had a hand in creating Tattoo Prodigies. This was the first book I designed as a group project with Mike. There were a lot of all-nighters, but completely worth it!

We've also just recently finished Cranial Visions, a book specifically designed around skull-related artwork. I'm also very excited because this is the first book to have some of my paintings featured in it. Along with book designing, I use graphic design daily to mock up paintings, tattoos…just about everything I do starts on the computer first.

 
What are your goals for the coming year?

Tattoo a lot more! And maybe have enough new paintings to show at a gallery.

Where can a collector purchase your art and keep up with your newest pieces?

My website www.JamieLeeParker.com.

I also sell originals through www.ReflectedArt.com and prints through www.FatZombie.com

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What one word best describes you?

Short.
 
What one word best describes your art?

Dark.

Be sure to keep up with Jamie and his fantastic artwork at www.JamieParker.com and visit him for a tattoo at MD Tattoo Studio.

Last updated on January 3, 2011 by Jinxi Boo