We had the good fortune of connecting with Artisan English and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Artisan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started tattooing after I got my second BAD tattoo! Luckily, I have them covered now. That second one I really was like, I can draw so if anybody is gonna mess me up it’s going to be me. A girl I was dating got me my first machine and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
To really know me overall is to just see me as an artist. My name is my literal definition. The meaning of Artisan is a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand. Yes, I am a tattoo artist but I have a clothing line currently in the rebranding stage, I make music under my brand name Art By Definition, and I’ve recently moved into styling and working with other creatives to find their unique style.

I am most proud of the fact that I’ve built my brand based off my image. I am a walking billboard for all things that I do. My image is my brand. My brand is my business. All of this is just me getting to love myself everyday and it comes out as art that other people want a piece of.

I am where I am today from following what I wanted to do. I have a very supportive mom. She always encouraged me to be me even when she disagreed. She disagreed alot for a while but she knows I’m going to do me. That freedom I think gave me the strength to struggle and endure through. I waited for the rainbow after the storm. That resilience was instilled and where I am today is the result.

Whether it’s tattooing, making music, making clothes, or just getting dressed for the day, I always say do it how you want to do it. Everything isn’t for everyone and you only have to like what you do to make yourself smile. Live in your truth and the happiness will find you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Dallas I be all over. I’ma big foodie so I got some spots. Food wise, I gotta go with Ida Claire, Manpuku, Zalat Pizza or Greenville Ave Pizza Co, Panevino Osteria, and I got a few taco spots but Im going to keep those for me.

When I’m out in Dallas I always pull up to any event AO is hosting. Definitely a vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be as far as I am without my friends and family. From the beginning everyone supported me. They saw my potential throughout my art and knew it was only a matter of time till I mastered it. Everyone has always spoken into me and really pushed me, even when they were critiquing. It’s always love.

Instagram: ArtXDefinition

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCe4jl2-SwmTDDmjLSx0w1Bw

Other: TikTok @ArtByDefinition

Image Credits
Shay Allen @jshariephotograghy Des Harden @desharden92

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