Thomas Randall is getting in the holiday spirit early by giving back to a local family in need.
For the third year in a row, the owner of Against All Odds tattoo art studio is selling raffle tickets for tattoo discounts.
"We are doing it to buy Christmas for a family through the Domestic Violence (Intervention) Center," Randall said. "I wanted to help the community out that supports us."
Randall said he is excited about giving to one family because it is more personal than just donating money to a fund.
"I want to directly influence a family's life," Randall said. "That way, I actually know where it is going to also.
"Tickets are $5 a piece, and you can buy as many as you want."
Tickets are available at the shop through Dec. 11, with the prize being $300 toward a tattoo.
Randall's business has been operating for three years on Opelika Road, and a party is held each year at the Independent to celebrate the end of the raffle.
Tickets will also be on sale the night of the party, where the prize will be awarded at midnight.
"We will let it fill up and see how many people show up because that is our last little push to sell tickets," Randall said.
Randall is not just an artist, but an entrepreneur.
He prides himself on custom tattoos, but also sells his artwork, known as "flash," to other parlors.
"We do a lot of custom work," Randall said.
People are welcome to come in with ideas of tattoos for Randall to work with after a consultation to discuss what the customer wants.
"When I have it drawn, I give you a call, and you can come by to check it out," Randall said. "If you like it, we tattoo it. If you don't, we change it till you like it."
Randall is originally from Memphis, Tenn., but traveled all over the United States in his 10 years as a professional tattoo artist.
"Probably like 20 states in the U.S. I have tattooed in," Randall said. "I used to do bike rallies and conventions--go to Sturgis and do the Sturgis Bike Rally."
For more information on Randall or his studio, visit his website at thomasrandall.com.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
