Rusty Thornhill

From: Los Angeles, California

Background:

Rusty's professional tattoo career began in Los Angeles in 2017 after serving 5 years in the United States Army. He specializes in black and grey realism, colour realism, neotraditional and illustrative tattoos. He has a degree in Game and Entertainment Design from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. In 2023 he was featured on Vanderpump Rules, the most popular television show on Bravo. He owns Tattlogic, a tattoo studio and art education organization in Los Angeles CA. He is a professional oil painter, digital artist, and illustrator.

What's Rusty up to?:

At the heart of Rusty's career is Tattlogic, his tattoo studio in Los Angeles. More than just a place for ink, it is a creative hub where art, education, and community come together. His focus revolves around tattooing and art, but he is also passionate about teaching. He often hosts seminars, and is always there to answer art questions in an effort to help others grow their skills and confidence in their own artistic journey.

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Rusty Thornhill

Rusty's body of work boasts a wide array of media, from hyper realistic tattoos, to oil paintings reminiscent of a classical style. He draws inspiration from the people he meets and the world around him. One his favourite things to tattoo are animals. He says every time someone gets and animal tattooed on them it serves as a persistent reminder that the creatures we share this planet with are important and we must do everything to protect them and the environments they live in.

Rusty's Work

Rusty combines traditional tattoo techniques with his skills in digital art. He’s passionate about using digital tools to make the tattoo process smoother and more creative.

He finds inspiration in the unique stories and ideas each client brings to the table. Whether it’s a detailed brief or a loose idea, he enjoys the challenge of turning someone’s vision into a piece of art.

Rusty on Conservation & Sustainability:

A California native, Rusty's interested in the local efforts to protect the state's wild spaces from the growing threat of wildfires, recognising their devastating impact on both ecosystems and communities.

For Rusty, sustainability is about respecting the world we’re all part of. Whether it’s through mindful material choices, reducing waste in his studio, or supporting conservation efforts, he believes small, consistent actions make a big difference. His work reflects this mindset, blending creativity with a commitment to protecting the natural spaces that inspire him.

Rusty's favourite animals are sharks of any kind. Having grown up so close to the water, these powerful beasts have captivated him for years.

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Rusty’s favourite wild place is Joshua Tree, a desert in Southern California characterised by its striking Agave trees (which are not actually trees but succulents!). He says the rugged landscape, twisted trees, and endless desert skies are beautiful.

Rusty's Recommendation:

Rusty's favourite Rewild product is the ‘Primal Wolf Howl’ T-shirt. He says it is both dope and fly, two main qualities he looks for in a t-shirt.

Get Primal!

Why work with Rewild at Heart?

Rusty and Rewild at Heart go way back—sort of. He’s a high school friend of Ray’s fiancée, and he and Ray first met in 2021 shortly before they started working on Ray’s nature-themed tattoo sleeve. Bonding over a shared love of Pokémon, Nerds Gummy Clusters and the comedy stylings of Bob Mortimer, it was a match made in heaven.

When Ray asked if Rusty would design something for Rewild at Heart, the answer was an easy “yeah ok.”

Shop Ink, Art & Wild Hearts: the Rusty Thornhill Collection

Explore the Ink, Art & Wild Hearts collection and see Rusty’s bold designs come to life. Inspired by nature, technology, and a love for the wild, each piece carries his unique artistic touch.