Local artist finds a vehicle for his designs with Flophouse Skateboards

It's not easy for artists to find a way to make a living through their art, but Ben Thompson has found a way to combine two of his passions into one business. The fine artist and graphic designer recently launched Flophouse Skateboards where he designs custom art for skateboards by hand. 

 

"My designs are very eastern inspired. I spend a lot of time in tattoo parlors, that is an influence in my work," Thompson says. "I have also people come to me with their own idea, and I come up with something and show them a design." 

 

After studying fine art at Eastern Michigan University, Thompson started working as a graphic designer for a local sign company. When he had the idea to apply his art to skateboards, his boos helped him come up with a process for making it work. When a warehouse in the same building as the sign shop became available, Thompson decided to give his skateboard art a go as a business. 

 

"I'm an artist, first and foremost," he says. "This is a bridge for me to make a living between my art and something I like doing." 

 

Thompson renovated the space and opened Flophouse Skateboards in January. Though most of their sales take place online, Thompson says he welcomes people into his shop if they wish to visit. He and two employees create their designs and apply them to skateboards by hand. Eventually, he hopes to purchase equipment that will mechanize the process so he and his workers can create their custom skateboards more efficiently.