Art was my escape growing up in poverty. Now I own Marion’s first tattoo shop, turning struggle into purpose and giving back
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite art to create is tattooing, along with tattoo-inspired painting and drawing. Tattoo art is powerful because it’s permanent—it becomes part of someone’s story and identity. I enjoy taking ideas, emotions, and experiences and turning them into designs that people carry with them for life. Whether it’s bold traditional imagery, detailed linework, or custom pieces, every tattoo has meaning behind it. Beyond tattooing, I also love painting and drawing.
Where do you find inspiration?Inspiration for my art comes from a mix of real life, personal experiences, and the world around me. A lot of it starts with my clients—their stories, emotions, and ideas push me to create something meaningful and one of a kind. Every piece has a purpose, and turning someone’s vision into something permanent is a big part of what fuels my creativity. I also pull heavily from traditional tattoo imagery—classic designs, bold linework, and timeless symbolism.
What would you do with $25,000?If I won the $25,000, I’d invest it directly into opening my new tattoo studio and building it the right way from the ground up. My focus would be creating a clean, professional space that represents my brand and gives clients a top-tier experience the moment they walk in. A big portion would go toward securing the location and covering startup costs like rent, licensing, and permits. From there, I’d put money into high-quality equipment—chairs, machines, lighting, and sanitation setups etc…
Vote for Eric Bryant to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
