Sometimes BMX can kind of cause you to pigeonhole your goals and it can sometimes make you forget there are a TON of different jobs that you can do where you can take your influence from BMX and apply it to that job. We have seen a lot of talented riders over the years take their passion and move into a different direction that allows them to do something they’re really into and still catch plenty of sessions on their bike. DIG have kicked off a new series that explores a few different people who have created their own career that still has influence from BMX. Take a peek at how Tom Hooper does his thing as a tattoo artist.

“Welcome to episode 1 of DIG Alumni ‘Inspired by BMX’. This series looks at four creatives whose lives were shaped by being involved at varying levels within the BMX community. BMX not only inspired them artistically, it provided them with a worldview that encouraged risk, made them open to opportunity, and gave them the tools to come up with creative solutions to the problems life threw at them. These episodes are proof that picking up that bike can not only change the direction of your life, but also have an impact well beyond the confines of the BMX world.

Thomas Hooper emerged from the South East England trail scene. He first came to attention riding to a Snuff song in the Seventies/Backyard video “The Last Resort,” had a stint riding for Hoffman Bikes, our DIG editor’s old clothing company HLP, and was part of the Metal Bikes family. For Tom, BMX, hardcore punk, and tattooing went hand in hand. Eventually, spending all his free time at a tattoo shop while in college for photography led to a deeper interest in tattooing and the realization of a special gift. Thomas is now one of the world’s most sought after and unique tattoo artists, best known for his technical style rooted in geometric shapes and nature.” – DIG