New school tattoo by Thom Bulman

Tattooist of the new school direction - Thom Bulman, calls himself a “tattoonist”, a combination of cartoonist and tattoo artist.

He got into tattooing in high school when he wanted to become a cartoonist for the Disney studio. However, the idea that classical animation was becoming in decline - he switched to the music scene and toured with various groups around the world and started drawing tattoos.

More than 10 years ago, he left such a traveling nature of life, deciding to raise his tattoo artist's qualifications and make the calling of a tattoo - the main one.

After only a few years, after Thomas first picked up a tattoo machine - on the channel Spike began the premiere season of the show "Ink Master". Since that time, he follows every season, and in 2017 - he competed for the main prize, as a participant.

In Thomas Bulman's works dominate bright tattoos of cartoon characters and comic book heroes, embellished with his unique cartoonism! Lightness and plot ease, combined with juicy colors - this is what we all love so much in the new-school tattoo.

About New School Tattoo by Thom Bulman

Thom Bulman represents the evolution of modern tattoo artistry, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary pop culture aesthetics. His journey from aspiring Disney animator to renowned new school tattoo artist showcases the diverse paths that lead artists to the tattoo industry. The self-coined term "tattoonist" perfectly captures his dual identity as both a visual storyteller and skin artist, bridging the gap between illustration and permanent body art.

Bulman's background touring with musical groups provided him with exposure to diverse audiences and artistic communities across different cities and cultures. This nomadic lifestyle contributed to his understanding of how visual art can connect with people from all walks of life. His decision to settle down and focus entirely on tattooing represents a commitment to mastering the technical aspects of the craft while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice. The USA tattoo scene, known for its innovation and competitive spirit, has provided the perfect environment for his artistic growth and recognition.

Style and Technique

New school tattooing is characterized by its bold use of color, exaggerated proportions, and incorporation of modern pop culture elements, all of which are evident in Bulman's approach. This style emerged in the late 20th century as artists began pushing beyond traditional tattoo boundaries, incorporating influences from graffiti art, animation, and comic books. Cartoonish imagery forms the cornerstone of new school aesthetics, with artists like Bulman leading the charge in bringing beloved characters and original cartoon creations to life on skin.

The technical demands of new school tattooing require mastery of vibrant color saturation and precise line work to achieve the bold, graphic quality that defines the style. Bulman's background in cartoon illustration provides him with an intuitive understanding of character design, proportion manipulation, and color theory that translates seamlessly to tattoo application. The "juicy colors" mentioned in his work description reflect the new school emphasis on eye-catching palettes that maintain their vibrancy over time, requiring expertise in proper tattoo application and aftercare techniques.

Notable Works

The gallery showcased above demonstrates Bulman's mastery of colorful, cartoonish new school designs that have become his signature style. His portfolio spans from beloved animated characters to comic book heroes, each piece reflecting his unique interpretation and artistic flair. The works shown in the gallery above illustrate his ability to capture the essence of pop culture iconography while adding his personal artistic touch, creating pieces that are both recognizable and distinctly original.

Bulman's participation in Ink Master represents a significant milestone for any tattoo artist, as the show features some of the most skilled practitioners in the industry. This experience likely pushed his technical abilities and creative problem-solving skills to new heights, contributing to his recognition among both peers and collectors seeking top-tier tattoo artists. His continued following of the show demonstrates his commitment to staying connected with industry trends and maintaining his competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of professional tattooing.