If your familiarity with the modern tattoo world goes beyond reality television and the ever-present-over-saturated Ed Hardy gear, you may have heard of New York Adorned’s resident Englishman, Thomas Hooper. Hooper’s tattoos are renown for his beautifully stippled ornamental mandalas, an illustrative style that echos both eastern and western traditions, inspiration from masonic and alchemist symbology and a respect for geometry that would make M.C. Escher smile. Most surprising is his painting blog featuring daily abstract mixed media paintings whose color and chaos stand in contrast to his meticulous tattoo work.

If you aren’t ready for permanent body art, he put some great designs on tee-shirts over at Shirts & Destroy and customizable phone cases for Case Mate. Also make sure to check out his store for original paintings and giclee prints.