Name: Thom Downs

Occupation: Firefighter, Maker of Pictures, Painter of Things

Location: White Plains, NY

Dream Car: ’54 Buick Special

I was born in St. Louis, MO in 1974.  Raised mainly New York, I have lived up and down the Eastern Seaboard, including Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut as well as quite a few years in both Texas and Louisiana.  Presently, I’m in New York living in White Plains.  I started drawing as a kid by copying the comics in the paper. In 1995, with the help of friends, I learned the ins and outs of Photoshop and Illustrator.  From there I got a job with a small Midtown graphics/comp company. For 7 years I worked as graphic designer/production artist for companies including BMG Direct and JUNO Online.  After getting laid-off  after September 11th, 2001, I started DC Studio as a faux finishing and mural business. In 2006 DC Studio started to transform into what it is today, a custom paint and pinstriping studio. I now work as a full-time professional firefighter with the Eastchester Fire Department and continue to grow DC Studio and develope my art.

I work in many mediums but prefer 1Shot enamels, watercolours, liquid acrylics and colored pencils. I pull inspiration from everything; music, movies, comic & tattoo art, eastern philosophies and graffiti but most recently by the Kustom Kulture, Lowbrow and HotRod scenes.  Many of my past works include Bone Jewery and Wood Sculpture.  I am currently working a series of childrens books as Author and Illustrator.

I want to thank all the artists, friends and family that have supported me through the years and keep me working....My friends Grinch and Sphen for getting me started in graphics, the amazing Wayne “Braino” Bjerke (Pbbbpphhttt!...you’re GRUEL!) for bringing me back to my roots and getting me drawing and painting again. Both Charles Barrett and Braino for constantly raising the bar. The amazing stripers on PINHEADLOUNGE.COM whose encouraging words/critiques make me technically better and my EFD brothers for keeping me busy. To my unbelievable, brutally honest, beautiful wife and two incredible kids, I say a special “thank you and love you” for being my biggest fans, inspiring me and keeping me grounded.

When I’m not at the fire house or painting, I love spending time with my family and friends, snowboarding and enjoying a beer.