Gummy Johnston

The Umi Nori journal began as a way to chat to and highlight some of our close friends, special projects and unique clients who support and represent us through their dress habits and lifestyle. Together we organise a time to shoot and sit down to discuss their work, inspiration and anything else that has developed their ecosystem. 

Gummy Johnston, owner of Thanks Tattoo, generously gave us his time in between work and family man duties on a Sunday afternoon, the only day Thanks is closed, to shoot some of his favourite Umi Nori pieces from his wardrobe and to chat to us about his creative process, working in an iconic Sydney location, owning a Tattoo shop and how his style has developed after becoming a father.

  • Pictured above, Gummy wears a made to measure linen/cotton two tone shirt. Covered placket and tobacco brown wool finishing on collar and cuffs featuging personalised embroidery. Bottoms are custom taupe slacks, single pleated with cuffs.

  • Above, Gummy wears a made to measure plaid wool over-shirt, with square patch pockets a straight finish bottom, paired with made to measure corduroy trousers in charcoal with side adjusters, pleats and cuffed bottoms.

Speaking to Gummy it’s clear how much he loves his job, appreciating that he is able to make a successful living from his passion. A father of two and boss of one of Sydney’s most well known and well respected tattoo shops, the artistic fulfilment isn’t the only benefit of his work. Gummy talks about how the tattoo community, clients that become friends and the Thanks roster (Sanchez Goatlumps, Tom Payne, Phoebe Steel, Tommy D and Shal) are a source of pride and inspiration. 

Artistic inspiration comes in all forms Gummy as he cites advertisements, early illustration, surf & skate culture as well as artists such as Mark Mahoney, Freddy Corbin, Tim Hendricks, Stizzo, Rich Hardy and many many more. He also mentions that he’d happily only tattoo religious imagery for the rest of his career.

How would you describe your style of tattooing? 
I tattoo in an artistic early western traditional style

When did you start tattooing and what made you want to start?
The 8th of August 2008 is my official tattoo birthday. I’d made tattoos before that and started to shop for an apprenticeship years before but that date was the day I went legit. Tattooing appealed to me ‘cause I could make a living in a good environment, hanging out with cool crew and clients.

  • Above, Gummy wears a made to measure bamboo cotton shirt in navy with an 8cm point collar and double button fastening. Paired with custom grey plaid trousers in flannel wool, with cuffed bottoms and a single pleat.

How long have you owned Thanks?
In 2016 myself and Foureyes purchased what was Bill’s Custom Tattoo off Bill on Oxford St in Darlinghurst. We worked together for the next 12 months. After that Foureyes moved North to Ballina and I continued in the original space for the next 4.5 years before moving to the new space in the iconic basement on the corner of Crown and Oxford St still in Darlinghurst. So all up its 6 years now.

What inspires your fashion style?
I’m inspired by classic style, class and quality.

Gummy discusses what it’s like as a father who’s heavily covered in tattoos, saying that he doesn’t ever want others’ perception of his appearance to negatively affect his children in any way, making a conscious decision to present himself well. It’s not uncommon to see parents with hand and neck tattoos but Sydney can still be very conservative and quick to judge at times.

What would you consider your daily uniform? 
I like to look smart at work, so most days I’ll wear a tailored shirt and slacks, some leather shoes or loafers. On my days off I wear a t-shirt with khakis or basketball shorts when it’s warm. A tracksuit if it's cold. I enjoy dressing down when I’m not at work.

Why do you wear Umi Nori and how long have you been wearing tailored clothes? 
This has been a relatively new thing for me. I started to dress in off the rack slacks with tees and loafers after I fucked almost all my clothes building the shop when we relocated in November. Zi hit me up for a tattoo just after we opened and we started to talk about getting me into some tailored clothes. I’ve enjoyed the process of picking the fabrics and cuts, Umi Nori is what I’m about; passion for the craft, guidance and the delivery of a quality product. 

Before we leave we get Gummy’s personal picks for drinks and food in the area;

 Bar
As soon as 4pm hits in the afternoon, get to Shady Pines for happy hour. The place is filled with good tunes and people. My favourite bar easily and you can see the door from our kitchen at work. 

Cafe
We’re lucky enough to be across the road from Sandoitchi. One of Sydney’s finest. The food and coffee are first class.

Dining
For dinner you can’t go past 10 William St for the food and the wine list. It’s in Paddington not far up the road from the shop. 

Drink of choice
I’m currently drinking a bottle of Michel Couvreur - it’s a French whisky I was gifted for the birth of my new baby girl.

Giorgio Armani Vintage silk and wool blend blazer

You can visit Gummy on Monday through Saturday at Thanks Tattoo, located at 80 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.

https://www.thankstattoo.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/gummyjohnston/
https://www.instagram.com/thankstattoosydney/ 

- Written and photographed by Roman Jody