Geometrica Ad Absurdum

| Dillon Forte | EP 299

Hey, what's going on, everybody? In today's mind-bending interview with geometric master Dillon Forte we'll be diving deep into his meticulous approach to geometric tattoo designs. This guy has some serious ideas about sacred geometry that'll have you seeing triangles and circles in your sleep, trust me.

Dillon has developed a system that's all about precision applications of geometric designs, exploring why they're so damn challenging to apply and tattoo properly. Throughout our conversation, he explains how he layers his compositions like a Photoshop document, building complexity through methodical application of contrasting elements that guide the viewer's eye exactly where he wants it to go.

This episode was made possible thanks to:

Promo code FIRESIDE for 10% off

This episode was ALSO made possible thanks to:

Interview by By Jake Meeks —

Topics: sacred geometry, symmetry, line work, clean lines, solid fills, historical context, philosophical aspects, Fireside Yacht Club, delegation, tattoo industry, teamwork, public relations, Austin, population growth, tattoo destination, geographical alignment, Wimberly, Giza, Teotihuacan, artistic influences, traditional American, Japanese tattoo art, career growth, trial by fire, self-education, techniques, layered approaches, contrast in art, graphic design influences, Photoshop compositions, design inspiration, personalization, Hawaii, anthropology, Metatron's Cube, Flower of Life, Platonic solids, astrology, symbolism, geometric designs, body surfaces, composition rules, visual planes, tattoo technology, direct drives, dot work, stippling techniques, photography, healing process, camera preferences, natural lighting, golden hour, nostalgia, traditional photography, modern technology, authentic engagement, target audience, value creation, virality, tattoo culture, market dynamics, technological advancements, marketability, artistic integrity, tattoo styles, personal expression

"I like that juxtaposition of TikTok versus the classic photos of Sinatra."

— Dillon Forte

Dillon Forte (@dillonforte) is a Texas based tattoo artist specializing in sacred geometry, blackwork, dotwork and mandala's. Forte's studio is focused on a variety of fine art and high level crafts created in a boutique natural landscape. Dillon believes in a cohesion with nature and the tranquil quality of Texas hill country.

Dillon is based in Austin, TX and owns/tattoos at Forte Tattoos. 

Please enjoy!

INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

• Connect with Dillon Forte:

@dillonforte | https://www.dillonfortetattoo.com/ | Linktree

• Reinventing the Tattoo

• Neuma Tattoos

SHOW NOTES

• [00:00] Intro with yacht Club Announcement

• [03:40] Importance of Delegation

• [08:19] Growing Population and Tattoo Trends in Austin

• [10:19] Unique Geographic Alignment

• [13:13] Artistic Influences in Tattooing

• [17:01] Artistic Alignment and Career Growth

• [20:05] Transformative Learning Experiences

• [24:53] Artistic Techniques and Learning from Experience

• [25:45] Geometry and Contrast in Art

• [28:01] Graphic Design Influences and Layered Approach

• [30:21] Design Inspiration and Personalization

• [32:54] Hawaii and Knowledge of Anthropology

• [33:22] Sacred Geometry and Client Interests

• [34:02] Meaning and Interpretations

• [38:00] Exploration of Geometry and Creativity

• [41:15] Exploring the Concept of Shapes in Tattooing

• [44:37] Methods for Tattooing on the Body

• [47:04] Tattoo Technology and Equipment Preferences

• [49:36] The Influence of Innovative Idea

• [51:25] Techniques in Tattooing

• [53:36] The Interconnection of Photography and Tattooing

• [58:30] Aesthetic Preferences in Photography

• [01:02:55] Nostalgia for Traditional Photography

• [01:04:20] The Challenge of Modern Technology

• [01:06:05] Authentic Engagement with Your Target Audience

• [01:08:53] Value Creation Over Virality

• [01:14:10] The Shift in Tattoo Culture and Market Dynamics

• [01:15:51] Opening up Conversations in Tattooing

• [01:19:40] Embracing Technological Advancements in Art

• [01:22:41] Trends in Tattoo Styles and Personal Expression

MORE Dillon QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW

Artistic Techniques and Learning From Experience

[24:53] "If I would have just listened more to the old dudes out the gate, it would have made it way easier."

— Dillon Forte

Geometry and Contrast in Art

[25:45] "One thing that can happen with it… it gets very dense and heavy, and you don't know what to look at."

— Dillon Forte

Techniques in Tattooing

[51:25] "I do both [dot work and whipped stippling], and it's just completely two different techniques for two different causes."

— Dillon Forte

Aesthetic Preferences in Photography

[58:30] "I really like just outdoor overcast or golden light... the best time of day is like I never get done during that time of day."

— Dillon Forte

PEOPLE MENTIONED

• Nikko Hurtado

• Nathan Kostechko

• Jeff Gogue

• Carson Hill

Gallery Of Dillon Forte

This episode was made possible thanks to:

Promo code FIRESIDE for 10% off

This episode was ALSO made possible thanks to:

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The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!

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