Artist Spotlight: A Conversation With Lewis Holmes

Lewis Holmes is an artist, owner of tattoo studio HOLM*,and founder of KHO Aftercare. As a 27 year old creative in the industry, he pairs conceptual storytelling with precise attention to detail. The result is a combination of abstract visuals paired with realism and fine line details. His approach to tattooing has been to push boundaries, disrupt the norm, and challenge stereotypes in order to move the industry into new directions.

As the founder of KHO Aftercare, Lewis aimed to bring a new sense of beauty and self confidence into the industry. Infamously known for being stuck in its ways, the tattoo skincare industry has been stale for years, full of recycled products with altered branding that  is not tailored towards artists, first time tattooers, and veterans. KHO was a way to bring together creativity, beauty, and confidence to a market saturated with sub par offerings.

We sat down with lewis to interview him on his life, career, and the reason why he started KHO. 

Please introduce yourself?

My name is Lewis Holmes

 

Tell us about your upbringing, where you're from, and how you found yourself in the place you are today?

I am originally from the Highlands of Scotland, a very small parish you’ve probably never heard of. Like my birth, not much in my life has been “planned” as such. When I was 17 years old, I was lucky enough to fall into tattooing. A journey that has taken me all over the world, meeting amazing people along the way. 

 

Has there been any important moments in your life that have been the catalyst to bring you where you are today, and made you who you are?

Moving out at a young age definitely instilled the independence and get shit done attitude in me. I realised at a young age that it was the only way in order to achieve what you want in life. I like to work hard, work ethic is important to me. 

 

What inspired you to start tattooing?

As I said earlier, it was never something that I knew I wanted to do. I am a big believer of find a passion, work hard and everything will fall into place. 

 

Your art and tattoos always seem personal - drawing from your clients life, lessons, and sometimes even mistakes - why do you gravitate towards this style?

Early on in my career I only tattooed black and grey realism, mainly portraits of women and icons. As the years went by more and more artists were getting into tattooing portraits and everything was looking very similar to me. I started to really think, how am I going to do this differently? My idea was that no two stories are the same, ever… Each story can be open for interpretation which I knew would allow me so much creative freedom within a design. I wanted people to see my work and know I did it!

 

People often celebrate the atmosphere and experience of the HOLM studio. Why is it so important for you to make a session just as much about the experience as it about the final art piece?

⁠This has always been a huge part of my career, I adopted this from working in hospitality as a teenager. You could have a great meal at a restaurant, but if the waiter/waitress is a c*** well the evening is ruined and you don’t tip. I have always wanted to approach tattooing the same way, I want my clients to be excited to spend 8/10 hours with me. Not that I talk about much other than Mercedes benz and running, but thankfully when someone’s in pain they don’t listen anyway. 

 

Many creatives, especially though working in abstract or conceptual art, feel a sense of doubt - ‘imposter syndrome’ - How do you try to combat these feelings? And even use them as fuel to push you forward?

Imposter syndrome is just the small thoughts in the back of your mind trying to look after you and wrap you in a cosy wee blanket. At the end of the day, you’re not your thoughts. If you do struggle with importer syndrome, then sign up for an ultra marathon. When you’re on the start line, you’ll never feel imposter syndrome like it and day to day is simple haha. 

 

Is there anything in the industry you wish you could change? 

⁠Look, the industry is changing fast. People need to adapt with it, there’s a lot of negativity in this industry. I see people trying to think outside the box, try something new and artists will try and tear them down. We need trailblazers in this world, people need to innovate and create and that’s how we all improve and learn. Just be kind. 

 

Being the creator of KHO, what did you want to bring into the tattoo skincare industry that you felt was missing? 

 Simple. A product that welcomes everyone into their journey of getting tattoos. 

 

Why did you want to bring a tattoo product, that blurs the lines between beauty, fitness, lifestyle, and art, into the market? 

For as long as I can remember I have always been interested and attracted to aesthetic and packaging. It was only right to bring it into my world of tattooing. 

If KHO was a song, what would it be? 

 ⁠Cleo sol, why don’t you. Man I love this song, soothes the soul just like a KHO cream…

What’s next for you, your studio, and most importantly, KHO?

Truthfully. I am at a crossroads in my life. I’m 27 now approaching 50. I don’t have the same desires within business as I used to, my perspective has changed and I am not the money driven little s*** I once was ha. I want to focus on myself, push KHO to be the NO.1 aftercare for tattoos and train like a professional athlete. Its a shame there’s only 24 hours in the day...