Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Stu.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Bronx, NY. I moved to Atlanta in the early 2000’s to attend Clark Atlanta University. After graduating with a degree in Art, I became a tattoo artist. I opened up a shop in 06/07 for a year. Around that same time, I started dropping music projects. My inspiration came from burying both parents within a three year span. I didn’t want to die with regrets, so I set out to accomplish all of my artistic goals. I ended up being published in a few magazines (Pain Magazine/Urban Ink) before I closed my shop Marked Tattoos.
I traveled and tattooed in the South East for a bit then ended up tattooing an assistant principal who recommended me for an Art Teacher position. In 2013, I became the Visual Arts teacher at Towers High School. Throughout this time I still released music. Most notably, with Grammy-nominated producer D.R.U.G.S. Beats (Dr. Dre Compton album) with “Wrong Turns In The Right Direction” 2013 and “Which Way Now?” 2016.
Currently, I teach visual arts at Kindezi Old Fourth Ward. I’m also a member of Soulfood Cypher which is a non-profit organization which utilizes the power of freestyle rhyme to transform lives through our cipher events, membership program, and community outreach. Currently, I released ‘Head in the Clouds’ with Sham tha Insomniac on Bandcamp.
Please tell us about your art.
My artwork is a traditional/digital illustration. I’m usually drawing by hand at first, then I run it through Photoshop or Illustrator. My aim with my art whether music or visual art is to detail the struggles and triumphs of life.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success is defined by the amount of public influence you have. If you can change someone’s mind or perspective with your art, you’ve achieved power. The money will come eventually
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow me @joestu94 Instagram and soundcloud.com/joestu.
Contact Info:
- Email: joestu88@gmail.com
- Instagram: joestu94
- Twitter: JOESTU
Image Credit:
Stephanie Hudson
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