Dillon Forte
Who is he?
Dillon Forte is a fellow creative who just opened up a new tattoo studio in Austin, Texas. Forte has inked several celebrities, including Chris Hemsworth, Usher, members of Imagine Dragons, and Kehlani! This internationally recognized tattoo artist is also a world traveler, and has performed some of his work in remote locations, such as 15,000 ft up on Mt. Everest. Known for his sacred geometry tattooing, we were more than happy to ask these pressing questions for the man of the hour and discover more about this talented artist and his career.
Have you always been into sacred geometry tattooing? What led up to you making this your specialty?
I’ve been into Sacred Geometry ever since I was a teenager. I grew up surrounded with books and artwork with that theme. The connotation “sacred” is used due to the specific mathematical ratios used in the construction of religious architecture globally, along with the mathematics found within nature.
Who has impacted you the most in your career?
That’s a challenging question – I think I’m impacted mostly by my clients; I try to have the entire process be a collaboration and I learn everyday how to be more efficient and a better listener so I can really tell a narrative with my work. I strive to be a storyteller weaving a visual interpretation of my clients imagination.
Why the change of scenery [to Austin]?
I live out in the country and I love the vibe and energy here, it probably has something to do with being at the same latitude as the Giza plateau in Egypt.
Tell us more about your Forte Tattoo Tech line.
Forte Tattoo Tech is a Biodegradable tattoo supply company, we are focusing on the development of renewable and compostable products for the tattoo industry and currently the majority of our development is with skincare.
I also like to travel – I was in Thailand all summer! It seems hard to top Mt. Everest, but do you have any upcoming travel plans?
I love Thailand! Yeah, probably more central and South America. I'd love to check out Iceland and Norway. I haven't spent enough time in that part of the world…
Your work is sought after by celebrities. Describe that experience – being a celebrity tattoo artist! Is the god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) just as awesome off screen?
Yes of course, super good guy, very humble and down to earth. Working with notable people is always awesome, but I treat the experience like I would with any other client. It should always be like hanging with a friend, good stories, conversation and making sure their tattoo is meeting their vision.
A-Line Magazine is run by college-students, all a part of the creative community. Do you have any advice for those of us just getting started in the world of arts and culture?
Be yourself and focus on what inspires you, there’s a market for everything; don’t try and chase trends, just follow your passion and personal interests.
Special thanks to Bob Bradley and Dillon Forte for this opportunity and insightful interview. If interested in getting inked by Forte at his new studio, contact him at dillonforte.com.
Don’t want anything permanent but want some of Forte’s work? Check out his artwork on canvas or his “for now” collection on Inkbox.
Written by Gretchen Evans, photos provided by Dillon Forte and his instagram, @dillonforte. Social Media: Sheyla Hidalgo