Creative Careers - Extra
We asked a range of creative professionals to tell us something about their education, background and career. Todays contribution is a little extra from Hope Brooks or 'Mother of Fools' a self professed maker of things. Hope's varied areas of interest include screen print, tattoo, illustration, painting and graphic design.
I see myself as a multifaceted artist—someone with many talents and passions. Now that I’m more than halfway through my postgraduate studies, I feel comfortable calling myself an artist. But what does that really mean?
I am a tattoo artist, a researcher, a screen printer, and a maker of things. I studied Graphic Design for Publishing at the University of the Arts in Norwich, which you might be curious about. Before pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Art in Glasgow, where I focus on painting and printmaking—especially screen print—I enjoyed a successful career as a tattooist and freelance artist.
Being a tattooist is incredibly rewarding, and I feel lucky to earn a living through creative practice. I get to set my own hours, but it’s also a full-time gig—24/7. Working for yourself has its blessings and challenges. It’s important to manage yourself well and know when to disconnect.
Right now, my work explores British culture, QUEERNESS, and tattooing. I have a love for British history, English language, and culture but I also have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the English. My projects often draw inspiration from medieval art, seaside pleasure beaches, and sideshows. I enjoy making comparisons between Britishness and QUEER culture—using religious imagery—and I aim to reflect on what it means to embody both. My art includes bold, tongue-in-cheek imagery and explores themes of extremism.
It might sound like a lot of art talk, and honestly, it is. Describing what I do can be tricky because I believe art and “art speak” can feel out of reach for everyday people. My goal is to open the door for more accessible, everyday art—like tattooing! Just as medieval art was used to teach the word of God to a largely illiterate population, for me, tattooing is a personal, everyday form of self-expression and enjoyment.
My advice to young people considering a future in the arts? Do what you love. I know—that’s a bit cliché, but it’s genuine. When your work is authentic to who you are, it will shine through. Keep pushing yourself too. Keep challenging and try new things. I believe in pushing back against hustle culture, but you still need to show up for yourself. Be prepared for lots of “no”s and closed doors, and develop a strong sense of who you are.
I often think about my younger self—what they would think of all this—and I believe they’d think it’s pretty cool! That thought keeps me going. Working in the arts can be tough—very competitive and deeply personal—but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
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