Meet Miles Becken: Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miles Becken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miles, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
One of the main reasons I pursued tattooing as a career is because of how liberating and free it is. I feel it is one of the last forms of artistic expression that has few to little guidelines. It also is something you have to earn. You have to obtain an apprenticeship and only by hard work and dedication will you succeed. You receive only what you put in. It is also one of the most rewarding and humbling forms of art. I have many forms of artistic expressions that I rely on for my outlet of creativity and tattooing is one of my favorites. When I was a kid I read a quote that still to this day vibrates with my whole experience of life and art. “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture then society must set the artist free to follow his dream wherever it may take them” -JFK

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a tattoo artist I strive to improve every day even if it is only by one percent. I personally feel there is nothing new under the sun. We are in the age of rediscovery and we can combine ideas from the artists who were awesome at what they did. They left behind clues for us to learn, create and improve all that is art. We can only draw what we see or have seen so it is important to research all forms of art. One thing that struck me as being different or sets me apart from other artists happened at an early age. As a child I was told I was blessed with the skill of being present. When my clients talk I listen and I am present during the whole process of communication. I’m always in the moment and live second to second. Many challenges and road blocks always arise, the only way that I have maintained my course is by using it as fuel for my fire. The most important lesson I have learned is to trust your instincts and believe in yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In the vast land of DFW there is so much to do! I think our city excels in food culture and art. I’d definitely take them to my favorite food spots like Mr. Sushi and Pho Pasture II, The Bishop Arts district has much to offer in one location, food, art and culture. Anyone who has visited me, one of the first spots I take them to is downtown and head over to the Perot Museum, also the DMA which is awesome and filled with hidden gems. I also love Fort Worth though I don’t get to make it out that way much. Unless it was for a show with my band.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was lucky enough to have several people who directly helped me along my journey which really in hindsight has just begun. Zack Singer open this radical door several years ago and gave me my apprenticeship. Kevin Hicks, Nate Wilson, Billy Weigler, Tiffer Wright, Danny G and Sunny Lovan guided my path teaching me humility and creativity. Keith Wells for teaching me how to hustle, Jasin always reminding me to be yourself no matter what anyone thinks and to not even care what they think. Travis Chick and Kayden DiGiovanni for pushing my creativity in a direction that I didn’t know was possible. My brother for being my test dummy, my Dad and Mom for their support and most importantly my wife Courtney Becken who has stood by my side the whole time. Sorry if I forgot anyone but if I did they know I have nothing but love for them 🙂

Website: Dallastattoo.net
Instagram: miles_becken
Facebook: Craftsmenmiles
Other: Email. (preferred contact method) milesbecken@gmail.com