This artist tattooed Usher, Kat Von D, and other celebrities — now he’s inking in SoCal
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — For one week this spring, San Diego will become a canvas for one of the most recognizable names in modern tattooing.
Southern California-born tattoo artist Dillon Forte is coming to San Diego from May 28 through June 4 for a special guest residency at the popular Guru Tattoo in Middletown, bringing his signature sacred geometry style — and a full circle moment — back to the Golden State, where his career first began.
Tattoos with intention
Forte is best known for tattoos that blend, art, mathematics and symbolism, creating intricate geometric designs inspired by patterns found in nature, architecture and the human body.
“There’s a balance and harmony to it that people connect with on a deeper level,” Forte told FOX 5/KUSI while describing his style. “For me, it’s not just about creating something visually striking, it’s about designing pieces that feel intentional and meaningful to the person wearing them.”
He also specializes in dotwork, blackwork and mandala tattoos.
Forte’s work has been featured in Men’s Health, Entertainment Tonight, Inked Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, and BuzzFeed — which comes as no surprise as his client list includes celebrities such as Usher, Chris Hemsworth, Kehlani, members of Imagine Dragons, and even iconic tattoo artist Kat Von D.
Dillon Forte tattooing Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Dillion Forte and singer Usher collaborating over a tattoo. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
A neck and head tattoo Dillon Forte created for Usher. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Kat Von D shows off a tattoo done by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
A Dillion Forte tattoo design on the hand of American R&B singer, Kehlani. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
But despite the star power, Forte says the heart of his work has always been about meaning.
“These patterns show up everywhere, from ancient architecture to the structure of plants and galaxies, so there is something familiar about them even if people cannot explain why,” Forte explained. “I think it resonates because it taps into a sense of harmony and balance that people naturally respond to.”
Unlike flash tattoos chosen on impulse, Forte’s process is rooted in conversation. He works closely with clients to design pieces that reflect personal stories, life transitions or deeper intentions.
“I ask clients about what they are going through in life, what symbols or ideas they connect with, and what they want the tattoo to represent over time,” he said. “From there I translate those things into geometric forms, patterns, or compositions that carry meaning for them.”
Chest and arm sleeve by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Tattooing by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Tattooing by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Tattooing by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Tattooing by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
Tattooing by Dillon Forte. (Courtesy of Dillon Forte)
That approach has resonated as tattoo culture continues to evolve. Forte says tattoos today are more accepted than ever — serving as self-expression, a fashion statement, spirituality, or all three at once.
California roots
Forte’s tattoo journey began as a teenager skating near a tattoo shop by his home in the San Francisco Bay Area — an encounter that eventually led to an apprenticeship and, at a young age, opening his own studio in Northern California.
While he’s now based in Austin, Texas, returning to California — especially in San Diego — holds special significance.
“I love California, and San Diego is one of my favorite places to visit and hang out,” said Forte. “I really dig the creative spirit of the SD community, and there’s an energy to the city and region that is infectious.”
That creative connection led him to Guru Tattoo, a well-know tattoo shop with two locations, which is owned by Aaron Della Vedova. Forte previously appeared on Della Vedova’s popular tattoo podcast “Chats and Tatts,” and the two quickly realized a guest residency was a natural fit.
“It’s pretty common for tattoo artists to do these types of guest spots so they can reach other clientele outside of their home area,” Forte explained. “And for San Diego, Guru Tattoo is the best place for me to be.”
During his residency, the tattoo artist will work on select clients at the local shop while collaborating in Guru Tattoo’s creative environment — something Forte says often influences his body art.
“A tattoo I create in San Diego might end up looking a little different from one I would do in Austin, simply because the environment itself inspires different ideas,” he explained.
Those interested in booking a tattoo session with Forte during his week-long San Diego residency can contact him directly through his website or Instagram, or book through Guru Tattoo.
For Southern California tattoo lovers — and anyone drawn to art with deeper meaning — Forte’s visit offers a rare chance to experience sacred geometry firsthand.
After his week in San Diego, Forte will return to Texas to work on more clients before heading to various tattoo conventions around the world, continuing to expand his work through tattooing.
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