Meet Justin Banks-Walker | Artist, Tattooist, & Streetwear brand

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Banks-Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly I was scared.. I was worried if I would be good enough, I didn’t really know what I was doing or have any guidance. I asked myself daily how would I be able to generate enough income to survive when every dollar is solely dependent on me and what I choose to do that day. At the same time I was at the crossroad in my life where I was tired of working for people and having to always follow rules, couldn’t get days off, horrible schedules, I was over it. I’m a firm believer that change only comes once your truly tired and fed up sometimes, I had a serious conversation with myself. Win, lose, or draw you gotta give it everything you have and be willing to sacrifice it all for your dreams and what you believe. Regardless of who supported, who thought it was a good idea, I gotta trust myself, double down and bet it all on me.. and I did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is about expressionism, there’s no one particular style or theme that I stick too. One day I could be painting cartoons, on Wednesday I’m making mixed media art, Thursday I’m creating digital art on my iPad, and Friday I’m painting how I feel. I make art that any and everyone can relate too, I don’t like to be boxed in or placed in one particular group. When I make art I don’t do it in the hopes that it’s gone sell (I hope it does lol) I do from a place of love, passion, and being in my happiness. So when the buyer buys it they find a special connection to it, that’s what makes me most excited. I got where I am today because of the choices I’ve made. The sacrifices. Hard work, dedication, networking, long days and hours, hardly any work life balance, being kind, doing good business no matter the other party does, it’s a lot. Nothing is easy about building from s ratch and starting from the bottom but it’s worth it!

Justx4rt is a brand founded to create a space for people who don’t fit “the mold” giving the wearer a platform AND the freedom to be their truest self. Representing the Art & Streetwear world and those who aren’t afraid to think outside the box, push boundaries, live free, and be unapologetically them. People aren’t gonna believe in you, People aren’t going to always like your true most comfortable self, people don’t determine how you live your life, you do. Live Free.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from Ohio I currently reside in North Carolina so anytime someone visits I try to show them any and everything I know we didn’t have back home. If the weathers good we’re going hiking in the mountains, my hometown only has one mall, where I live now has 6 so we definitely gotta go shopping. We got major sports teams so hitting a game is must whether it be football, basketball, baseball, or soccer we getting good seats somewhere. The food spots here to crazy we going to brooks sandwich house, Noda deli, optimist hall, we gone eat good daily lol. I love walking around the city and exploring we have some really dope art areas and strips full of bars, restaurants, and shops. Just walking around you can find a lot to do.

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 hate to have any one feel left out because so many people have contributed in so many ways big and small. Honestly to any who believes in me, supports me, gives me advice, etc. this Is dedicated to you. I wouldn’t be able to chase my dreams and reach the levels I have without all of you.

Website: Www.Justx4rt.com

Instagram: @justx4rt

Twitter: @justx4rt

Facebook: Justx4rt

Youtube: Justx4rt

Image Credits
Nokyo, Jayla Vay, Clift One