Spotlight on Success
Featured Interview
Dillon Forte
“Spotlight on Success” is an interview series created by David Levine of I Am Your Virtual Professional. Its purpose is to amplify the voices of today’s business leaders. Each interview provides actionable insights that readers can implement immediately. No fluff, just practical wisdom that enables individuals to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Dillon Forte
| Business | Dillon Forte Tattoo |
|---|---|
| Founder & Artist | Dillon Forte |
| LinkedIn Profile | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillon-forte-03873653 |
| Website | https://www.dillonfortetattoo.com/ |
| @dillonforte |
Dillon Forte 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. While only a short distance from downtown Austin (on the exact latitude of Giza and the longitude of Teotihuacan). This studio is at a precise geomantic ley line to maximize energy and potency.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
Interview Questions
1. What’s one strategy your business used recently that created meaningful growth?
One strategy that has helped a ton is investing more into high-quality photography and video that documents the work in a real way. I use incredible cameras and work with talented photographers to create Content that feels authentic and personal, focusing not just on the tattoo, but also on the client, the process, my personality, and my travels. I see it as documenting my life and business in a way that feels natural, instead of just constantly trying to “make Content.” Video has also been incredible for awareness and growth, especially docu-style interviews with outlets like The Artist Connection, where people get to see the story behind the work and connect with it on a deeper level.
2. How has AI or technology changed the way you operate or serve clients?
AI and tech are everywhere right now, and I do think they can be helpful in certain industries and parts of business. But when it comes to tattooing, graphic design, and true artistry, I still believe the best work comes from using tools that allow for 100% authentic, real art. Technology can help with communication, organization, references, scheduling, and giving clients a better sense of what is possible, but it should support the creative process, not replace it. Tattooing still needs the human hand, especially when you are designing something original that has to live on someone’s body for a long, long time.
3. What’s one thing you stopped doing that actually helped your business grow?
I got to the bottom of this early on in my career, thankfully. I learned early on to stay true to myself and focus on the art that means the most to me. Instead of trying to chase every style or every type of client, I put my energy into the work I felt most connected to, especially sacred geometry, large-scale body art, and designs with deeper meaning. Over time, that naturally attracted clients who fully respect and admire what I’m about as an artist. That kind of alignment makes the work better, the experience stronger, and the business more sustainable.
4. What’s a customer insight you discovered that changed the way you do business?
I realized that many clients are not just looking for a tattoo; they are looking for a meaningful experience and want to work with people they respect and enjoy being around. A lot of people come in during major life transitions, whether it is a new chapter, healing, spiritual growth, or wanting to mark something important. That changed the way I approach consultations and design. I try to listen closely and create something that feels aligned with where they are in their life.
5. If a business had to improve ONE area to grow faster in the next 90 days, what should it be?
I think most businesses could grow faster by improving how clearly they communicate what makes them different. It is not always about doing more; sometimes it is about being more focused and easier to understand. If people instantly understand who you are, what you offer, and why it matters, they are more likely to connect with it. Clarity and being authentic without trying to please everyone is a huge priority.
6. What’s one thing you do consistently that keeps your pipeline healthy?
A big part of keeping my pipeline healthy is staying connected with clients through social media, email, newsletters, and just making sure my current clients are happy with the work and the experience. A lot of my business comes from word of mouth, so taking care of the people who already trust me has always been one of the most important things. Google has also been helpful for people discovering the studio, and PR features over the years have continued to build credibility and awareness. For me, it is really about staying visible, staying connected, and making sure the work and client experience speak for themselves.
7. What’s a decision you made in the last year that had a bigger impact than you expected, and what led you to make it?:
Leaning more into Wimberley and Texas as my home base has been really good for me. I’ve been lucky to travel all over the world and tattoo in some pretty wild places, but there’s something special about having a place that feels grounded and intentional. It gives clients a different kind of experience when they come here, instead of just walking into a typical tattoo appointment. It feels more personal, more relaxed, and more connected to the way I want to create.
8. What’s one process you streamlined that made a noticeable difference in efficiency or results?
Getting clearer with clients before they come in has made everything run a lot smoother. I try to make sure they understand my style, availability, and process up front, so by the time we get to the appointment, we’re already on the same page creatively. It helps avoid confusion and makes the whole experience better for both sides. In the end, that usually leads to better work.
9. What book, podcast, or resource has influenced your thinking or business decisions lately and why?
I am usually influenced by a mix of art, travel, architecture, nature, and conversations more than one specific business resource. Sacred geometry, ancient structures, and different cultures have always shaped the way I think about design and meaning. I also pay attention to how other artists and entrepreneurs build a strong identity around their work. The biggest influence for me is anything that reminds me to keep evolving while staying true to the core of the art.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
I am Your Virtual Professional's
3 Key Takeaways
# 1
Growth comes from showing the real story, not just the finished product.
Dillon’s investment in high-quality photography, video, and interviews has helped people connect with the work on a deeper level. By documenting the process, the client experience, and his personal journey, he creates stronger awareness and attracts clients who align with his vision.
# 2
Technology works best when it supports human connection.
While he sees value in AI and technology for communication, scheduling, and organization, Dillon believes creative work still requires a human touch. His approach highlights an important business lesson: use technology to improve systems and efficiency, but keep the core customer experience authentic and personal.
# 3
Clarity, alignment, and relationships drive sustainable growth.
Rather than trying to serve everyone, Dillon focused on the type of work that mattered most to him. That clarity attracted the right clients, improved the customer experience, strengthened referrals, and created a healthier pipeline built on trust, visibility, and long-term relationships.
Who Should You Nominate?
- Leaders doing meaningful work
- People with insights others can learn from
- Voices worth elevating
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