Rand Johnson, creator of Cherry Creek Flash, has earned his way (and paid his dues) through “art” for over 35 years -- working as a graphic designer/illustrator for ad agencies, design studios, marketing groups and publications. A keen interest in tattooing eventually led to an abrupt career change in 1993. Rand traded in his pens, brushes and paper for tattoo machines, ink and skin -- and opened the Cherry Creek Tattoo Studio in rural Minnesota. His reputation for fine artwork and attention to detail spread quickly, putting his remote studio on the map and keeping Rand very busy.

“I quickly found tattooing to be especially rewarding, and challenging too. In advertising, I often dealt with “design by committee” which really watered down the end product. In tattooing, the design process is very personal -- just me and my customer. I’ve never worked harder, or enjoyed work more.”

His natural talents in art opened many doors in the world of tattooing for Rand. Many of the industry’s top artists willingly answered his endless questions and candidly offered their experience, advice and critiques.

“Tattooing is a tight knit community. I feel very blessed and humbled to have been so openly accepted by the professionals who had spent their lives paving the way for a newcomer like me. I owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.”

Perhaps due to the limited amount of flash available back then, or simply due to his background in commercial art, Rand found himself custom drawing most of the tattoos he did. It didn’t take long for quite a pile of designs to accumulate. That’s when the career he thought he’d left behind -- graphics -- was married his new love -- tattooing -- and Cherry Creek Flash was born!

Today, Rand spends most of his time drawing flash and marketing the art of other aspiring artists. The marriage seems to be working out well and should be around for a long time...