Meet Jim Anderson | Tattoo Artist and Shop Co-owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jim Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jim, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve had a drive to draw since I was little and it’s been always something that’s brought me happiness. So I figured the best career path for me was one steeped in art. Tattooing has allowed me to not only learn and hone my style as I progress, but it’s given me an opportunity to not only tattoo for a living, but explore other outlets such as painting and gallery shows.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s been a long, challenging road to get my art where it is today, but it’s always been rewarding. Earlier in my career I was mainly into cartoon and comic book style art. About midway through my tattooing career I went back to school for illustration in hopes of furthering and improving my skills and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Additionally I feel the knowledge I gained help me focus my style which is still influenced by the comic book art, but with a tinge of realism to give it its own flair. I like bold color and (when necessary for a specific project) heavy shading to create a high contrast effect with the color. I enjoy soft black and grey tattoo work as well, but color is my favorite. The themes that excite me the most are sci-fi characters, animal and human portraiture, pin-ups of any style, and silly or experimental mash ups like the tattoo I did of a dragon wearing samurai armor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were to be tour guide-Meow Wolf would be one of the first stops to take my friend…as well as the huge Mile high comics warehouse in west Denver. For food and I love D Bar, Texas de Brazil, and the melting pot. Unfortunately one of my favorite street food places, Little Beast, is closed down for the time being….but hopefully that changes. Colorados Renaissance Faire is probably another big event I’d take them to, as I love going there with my wife and all our friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people I can Thank for where I’m at these days….My wife and co-owner of Conspiracy Theory Tattoo, Molly Christopher has been a big source of strength and help in getting our new shop off the ground. Jon Alberico and Bex Shimoler for taking the risk of opening their business with ours. My crew of artists Kate Erso, Jared Rice and Gabby Van Harpen have also made our current venture possible. As for getting into the tattooing world, Sugar Bear Lovold was the man who gave me the opportunity to apprentice and learn. While great artists such as Julian Kates, and the late Scottie “DeVille” McNair helped shape me during my early years.

Instagram: @Mr_Anderson_tattoos @conspiracytheorytattoos

Facebook: Tattoos by Jim Anderson or Conspiracy Theory Tattoos