Meet Thomas Unger

Hi Thomas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 

I remember drawing cars during my elementary school days, and my friends would always want to take them home. These were simple line drawings without any color or shading. Even at a young age, I recognized that my drawings weren’t exceptional, which often frustrated me. However, I did have a knack for understanding proportions, although I struggled to capture them accurately. Whenever I had the opportunity, I enrolled in art classes to improve my skills, working with various mediums like graphite, pencils, and paint pens. These mediums provided me with greater control, leading to rapid improvement. Interestingly, I found painting with a brush, especially watercolor, quite challenging. Ironically, coffee behaves similarly to watercolor when used as a painting medium. I primarily focused on realism, and my artistic themes would change depending on assignments or whatever caught my interest that month, ranging from portraits to surreal landscapes. Despite not adhering to a specific theme, I simply enjoyed creating art.

This continued until 2015, when I had an epiphany to paint with coffee and establish a distinct artistic style that would be associated with me. The idea struck me while attending a Cars & Coffee show in downtown Houston with my best friend. We discussed it, and as soon as I got home, I began experimenting with coffee painting using photos I had taken that day. The process was messy, challenging to work with, and incredibly frustrating, especially since I hadn’t yet honed my skills as a watercolor artist. It took me days to complete the painting, but I eventually finished it, felt satisfied with the result, and realized I had discovered my true passion. However, life events such as enlisting in the Coast Guard and relocating across the country put the idea on hold.

It wasn’t until 2018 that I finally started my venture called Cars in Coffee. I began painting cars from Instagram and sending the paintings to the owners free of charge. I believed that this kind gesture would generate free marketing and positive word-of-mouth. As expected, it worked, and I had the opportunity to paint for some incredible individuals whom I still follow today. A year or two later, a partner at Pennzoil approached me to experiment with painting using motor oil. Through trial and error, I successfully created two paintings for his clients using actual engine oil. I reserve this unique medium for specific clients seeking rare and personalized artwork, such as using the oil from their own vehicles.

My goal is to not only raise awareness about coffee as an art form and its therapeutic nature but also to introduce people to my passion for automobiles. In Key West, I taught two coffee painting classes at the local charter school, and I hope to start teaching in the Houston community as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I’ve faced several challenges along the way, including time management, running a business with an artist’s mindset, and dealing with constant relocation.

When I began painting with my chosen theme in 2018, I had all the time in the world as I didn’t have any children. However, 2019 quickly arrived, and my wife Mindy and I were blessed with our first child, Amelia, while we were living in North Carolina. Although I continued to paint, it was less frequent due to my new responsibilities as a parent. In 2021, our son Finn was born, which further shifted my focus away from my art. However, being a father of two turned out to be a positive and uplifting experience, and I wouldn’t trade the precious moments and joyous laughter for more success in my art career. That same year, we moved to Key West, where I faced the challenge of not having a dedicated space to paint due to small government housing. Despite this, I managed to make do by using the kitchen table from time to time. Fast forward to 2023, after spending four months at the Coast Guard Academy, and I find myself back in Houston with my family.

Throughout this journey, I encountered the typical struggles that every artist faces, particularly in business and sales. It took years of experimenting with websites, LLCs, payment platforms, and more to find my footing. Currently, I still don’t have a dedicated website; instead, I only have a .com domain that redirects to my Instagram page. My current challenge involves finding a company to produce my first set of prints and completing the setup for my booth to participate in outdoor market events and car shows.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Currently, I serve as a Coast Guard Officer undergoing training as an Apprentice Marine Inspector. In collaboration with various maritime professionals, we utilize both U.S. and international maritime laws, regulations, policies, and treaties to prioritize the safety of mariners and passengers on commercial vessels, including barges, towing vessels, ferries, and tank ships—both domestically and abroad.

Whenever the opportunity arises, I merge my artistic abilities with my role in the Coast Guard, as it adds a unique dimension to my contributions. For example, I’ve created personalized farewell gifts for fellow members who were transferring or retiring, incorporating action-packed photos from their careers into my paintings. Additionally, I annually submit a painting to the Coast Guard Art Program, aiming to raise awareness about our 11 statutory missions. I believe this integration of art sets me apart from others, and it fills me with immense pride to serve the people of the United States while simultaneously crafting meaningful artwork that will be cherished.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

Regarding my deep-rooted passion for cars, it all began when I was around five years old and met one of my closest friends, who happened to move onto my street. He introduced me to the vibrant car culture, igniting my instincts as a true gearhead. Hot wheels became our go-to toys, and my friend had an uncanny ability to identify the make, model, and engine of any passing car simply by its distinct exhaust note. Inspired by him, I developed a similar skill, eagerly spotting rare cars from the backseat of my parents’ SUV and excitedly calling them out. These memories of our childhood hold great significance as we continued to grow.

Another significant memory stands out vividly: my friend’s dad knew someone who owned a striking blue Dodge Viper GTS from the early 2000s. I was fortunate enough to experience a thrilling ride in it down Rex Road, a short straight stretch just a few blocks from my house. As we accelerated to 110 mph, it marked the first time I had ever traveled at such high speeds in a car. The screaming v10 and exhilaration of that moment still lingers within me.

During my high school years, my father fulfilled a dream of his by purchasing a 1981 C3 Corvette. Painted in a deep shade of red and featuring T-tops, it was a sight to behold. Many afternoons were spent working alongside my father, as we collaborated on various projects to restore the car. Together, we replaced the engine, transmission, and even revamped the entire interior. It was a classic case of “Hold the flashlight, son,” but also him teaching me valuable knowledge about the car’s intricate mechanical systems. At the age of 15, I learned to drive in that very Corvette, starting in an empty parking lot. Eventually, my best friend and I began attending car shows together, cruising alongside each other in our parent’s Corvettes—mine being the C3 and his a C6.