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After building a successful career as a tattoo artist and muralist in California, Dackery “Dack” Williams has returned to his Arkansas roots and is bringing his artistic talents to Monticello through his newly opened business, The Artist Element.
Williams was born in Lake Village and spent his early childhood in Eudora before moving to Riverside, California, at the age of 7. Although he spent most of his life on the West Coast, family ties eventually drew him back to southeast Arkansas.
A lifelong artist, Williams said his passion for drawing began when he was just 5 years old.
“I was writing on the walls and things I shouldn’t have,” he said with a laugh. “What started with crayons eventually became pencils, markers, paint brushes and spray paint.”
Growing up near Los Angeles exposed Williams to a thriving graffiti culture that further fueled his creativity. By age 12, he was displaying artwork throughout the city and gaining recognition for his talent.
His artistic career received an early boost when his church asked him to create a backdrop depicting Noah’s Ark for a church program. The project led to additional opportunities through word of mouth, and soon Williams was painting murals in day cares and children’s bedrooms throughout the area.
During high school, he enrolled in advanced placement art courses and continued developing his skills. In his early 20s, a neighbor who worked as a tattoo artist noticed Williams’ artistic ability and began using him to create tattoo stencils.
The experience sparked Williams’ interest in tattooing.
“My neighbor encouraged me to get into tattooing,” Williams said. “I completed an apprenticeship under him and learned how to tattoo the right way.”
Williams began his tattoo career at Inked for Life in Moreno Valley, California. After becoming licensed, he eventually opened his own tattoo shop in San Bernardino, where he operated until deciding to relocate to Arkansas last summer.
In addition to tattooing, Williams built a reputation as a mural artist, completing projects throughout the country, particularly in Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas. While considering opening a shop in one of those areas, conversations with family members ultimately led him to Monticello.
His cousin, a student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, spoke highly of the community and encouraged him to consider the city as a place to establish his business.
Williams and his wife, Gina, had already begun discussing a move closer to family in late 2024. After visiting the area, they decided Monticello was the right fit.
Williams rented a building on Gaines Street near the downtown square and began the process of obtaining an Arkansas tattoo license. State requirements included completing an additional 400 hours of tattooing before he could become licensed.
After meeting those requirements, Williams officially celebrated the grand opening of The Artist Element during Spring on the Square on May 15.
The Artist Element offers a variety of tattoo styles, including lettering, color work, black-and-gray tattoos and custom-designed pieces.
“I can do anything from lettering to color to black and gray and custom pieces,” Williams said.
He describes his signature style as having a California influence, particularly in script and cursive.
While he enjoys a wide range of tattoo work, Williams said his favorite projects are larger, meaningful pieces.
“I like large pieces that tell a story or a sentimental piece,” he said. “I like doing pieces that give me artistic freedom.”
Williams also has plans to expand the business beyond tattooing. He hopes to create a family-friendly environment that supports local artists and encourages creativity among young people.
Plans include converting the front portion of the shop into an art supply store that will carry paints, canvases, brushes, clay and other materials for artists of all skill levels. The store will also host art classes for children.
“As an artist, I know when I want something, I want it now,” Williams said. “If we don’t have it, we’ll be able to order it.”
Currently, Williams is the shop’s only tattoo artist, though he hopes to add additional artists in the future. He also plans to hire a professional piercer by the end of the year.
While walk-in appointments are accepted when available, Williams said demand has been strong since opening and appointments are recommended.
Looking ahead, Williams said he and his family are committed to becoming part of the Monticello community for years to come.
“We are not planning to go anywhere,” he said. “We like this community and plan to buy a house and be rooted here. We want to serve the community and be here for their tattoo and art supply needs.”
For Williams, The Artist Element represents more than a business venture. It is an opportunity to combine his love of art, family and community while helping foster creativity in the place he now calls home.
