Collage Artist
John Craig
Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to realize in the third grade that I wanted to be an artist. My enthusiasm for expression has not changed much since then and I have referred to myself as a ”see-it-all," with a need to continue to explore and experience art at all levels. I was an illustrator and graphic designer for over 40 years, and most of those while living in rural southwestern Wisconsin.
Most of my pieces are collage, and I have grown with that process technically from exacto cut and pasted pieces, to multiple-layer Photoshop creations. I do not like to preconceive an idea, and then “collage by number.” The surprise of laying images side by side and seeing those relationships develop in front of me is more immediate.
Mellon Collie
Artwork Package
The images for the cover and booklet of The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness double album were largely based on quick sketches and handwritten notes from Billy Corgan. The completed works are like disjointed illustrations without stories, torn from some lost children's books; the whole relationship of the different pieces is a collage in a way.
Available Pieces
May - July 2024
Limited Appointments Available
Star Nymph
Limited Time Release
One of the most iconic pieces of album cover art in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Adored by hundreds of millions of Smashing Pumpkins fans, now available in tattoo format without compromise.
Pink & Blue
Limited Time Release
The ‘Dawn to Dusk’ (Pink) and ‘Twilight to Starlight’ (Blue) album cover art. Bring someone special to Austin so you can get these designs as ‘related tattoos’ (thematically similar while unique).
Intended as a two person tattoo experience. The price covers both tattoos.
Glyphs
Limited Time Release
Make your selection based on the song that the glyph is associated with in the lyric book, or simply choose the design that resonates the most with you.
Sold as a 1 or 3-piece set. Each glyph is approximately 1 inch in size.
PLEASE NOTE: Art in this collection is not endorsed by, sponsored by, approved by, or otherwise affiliated with The Smashing Pumpkins. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, and copyrights related to The Smashing Pumpkins' music and brand remain the sole property of their respective rights holders.
The use of The Smashing Pumpkins name on this website is purely for informational purposes. Use of any other identifiable feature of The Smashing Pumpkins' music or album art does not indicate any endorsement, sponsorship, approval, or affiliation of Mr. Craig's collection for Blackdot by The Smashing Pumpkins or any member thereof. All opinions expressed on this page are Mr. Craig's own, and do not reflect any views held by The Smashing Pumpkins or any member thereof.
Blackdot’s Early Access Experience
Be one of the first people in history to experience A New Way to Tattoo™! Blackdot’s “Behind the Curtain” early access experience is a unique opportunity to receive a Blackdot tattoo at our Austin location before retail doors open to the public. Optionally, we’ll also provide you with a tour of our R&D facility offering a behind the scenes look at the tech, as well as time with the people that power the company.
It’s analogous to traveling to Porsche’s factory in Germany to meet the designers and to take possession of your 911. There’s a certain kind of privilege associated with being able to drive one of the first models off the production line, past the forklifts and machinery, onto the Autobahn.
If you’re an early adopter and would take pride in being one of the first people to get one of our tattoos, we encourage you to apply for the next available Blackdot x John Craig booking opportunity.
