Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Mcnutt
Hi Dustin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve dabbled in art for as long as I can remember, but tattoos always had my heart. I got my first one at 14 and knew right then—I wanted to be covered. Fast forward to 2013, 19-year-old me picks up a tattoo machine for the first time, fully convinced I was about to be the next Ink Master. Spoiler alert: I was not. Like every scratcher, I started out tattooing myself and anyone bold (or reckless) enough to let me practice.
Growing up in a small town with only a handful of shops—none offering apprenticeships—I had to find my own way. No formal training, just sheer determination and a whole lot of trial and error. In 2016, I finally got my first real shop experience, and that’s when everything clicked. I knew tattooing wasn’t just something I wanted to do—it was something I had to do.
While I never had a traditional apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to have some incredible mentors who gave me the push I needed. I’ve learned from some amazing artists, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that there’s always more to learn.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey into tattooing wasn’t exactly a smooth ride—it had its fair share of bumps. In the beginning, building confidence and learning patience was a struggle. I wanted to be great yesterday, but tattooing had other plans. There were frustrating moments, trial-and-error sessions, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way. But once I started seeing real progress in my work, everything changed. The more I improved, the more things clicked, and that’s when the real fun began.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m Known For
If I had to sum it up, I’d say fine-line black and gray, realistic black and gray, pet portraits, and illustrative neo-traditionalism. But truthfully, I enjoy all styles of tattooing and love experimenting with different art mediums. I’m always down to try something new—keeps things interesting.
What I’m Most Proud Of
There’s something powerful about giving someone a memorial or meaningful tattoo. Watching a client’s face light up when they see their tattoo for the first time? That never gets old. I’ve seen firsthand how tattoos can help people heal, honor memories, and express who they are. Knowing that my work can change someone’s life, even in a small way—that’s what makes this all worth it.
Beyond Tattooing
I don’t just stop at tattoos—I like to mix it up with other art forms too. I paint with acrylics, dabble in graffiti and street art, and get lost in Prismacolor pencil drawings. If it involves creating, I’m in.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Nothing but love for Houston except for the traffic
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tattoosbymcnutt
