Mike Giant is to body art what Kurt Vonnegut is to counter-cultural literature: an American icon who plays by his own rules. Over the years Giant has inked every surface imaginable; from back alley walls to exclusive track bikes, sunglasses to skin and everything in between. His black line style, along with his reputation on the street, is instantly recognized yet he remains humble and connected to his roots. For Mike Giant, life is filled with simple pleasures and nothing satisfies his artistic urges more than sitting quietly with a sketchpad and a felt-tipped pen…

“ Fuck, everything. At base I’m thankful that my autopilot system has worked every night for almost 40 years.

—Mike Giant ”

Why don’t you start off by telling us what you have on the go right now, we can only imagine you’re deep into something or another…

Well, right now, I’m taking a break from a tattoo I’m working on. About an hour ago I started lining a koi in water on my buddy’s leg. I’m trading the tattoo work for weed; it’s my usual trade. He just went to put money in the parking meter out front. He’s back…

So you’re back to tattooing, is this strictly for a select few friends / clients because I could get a massive bag of weed…

I just tattoo friends, about once a week, rarely for cash. I trade for haircuts, skateboard equipment, bikes, artwork, you name it.

What kind of rituals do you go through before starting your workday and is every day the same routine or do you like to switch it up from time-to-time?

Every day is pretty much the same, but I do have a lot of freedom and flexibility day-to-day. I don’t really have weekends. I start the day with a hot shower, usually around 8am; my ideas for the day’s drawings come to fruition during the morning shower. Then I get dressed and walk next door to the studio. I check my email, smoke a little weed then go for a long walk, get some tea and a bagel, feel the vibe of the city. I’ll work in the studio for a few hours, drawing mostly.

I like to go for a bike ride at lunchtime and I’ll usually run errands in the middle of the day, too. I usually draw more in the afternoon, until I get hungry around 7pm. Then dinner, chilling with friends, maybe a movie or a live show. When I get home I like to read and listen to super mellow music until I get sleepy. I’m rarely awake after midnight.

Who are your favorite bands or shows to check out these days?

High On Fire stills puts on a great show, as do Mastodon. That’s about it though. I’m pretty bummed on the lack of energy at live shows these days. I still miss the energy of a Descendents show from the late 80s.

You run with a pretty eclectic crew, from the Rebel8 family to all the street art and fixie guys, this must keep you on your toes…

For sure. I like to surround myself with people who are really doing shit, I don’t like people that just talk about doing stuff. I like the people that actually follow through. It’s an energy in people that I respond to. And I must say, of all the artists out there, I think those that work illegally on the street are on the fringe of mainstream art and I like that. I think street artists are special. The same goes for fixed gear cycling; riding a bike with no brakes in traffic is pretty special, too. That’s my people! I don’t care what you’re into, if you have that spirit, I’m feeling it.

All of that on top of having to manage client-based work responsibilities and the occasional good night’s rest…

Honestly, I have it pretty easy. I don’t have to deal with clients that much anymore. I just give drawings to Joshy at REBEL8 and he keeps me on the payroll. It’s simple and honest. And [it] allows me to rest easy every night.

So where do you get all this energy from?

I just stay active: body, mind and spirit. I keep the juices flowing. When I ride my bike, I go as fast as I can. When I skate, I gotta hit the lip. When I draw, I try to refine every line as much as possible. When I meditate, I try to go deep. When I fuck, well, you know, I try hard.

Healthy body–healthy mind–healthy heart.

I also don’t eat anything that walks, I occasionally eat fish, I avoid caffeine and high fructose corn syrup, I eat lots of raw foods, and I love cheese and yogurt. The one thing that gives me the most energy is marijuana. Straight up. When I get tired of drawing, I smoke some indica and I’m back in the game. Marijuana energizes my body.

The last thing I want to do when I’m high is sit in front of the TV or play fucking video games. I want to do something real, something physical. I know it doesn’t do that for everybody though. I’m just glad it works so well for me.