Today we’d like to introduce you to Leki Manu
Hi Leki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an Artist based in West Valley City, Utah. I grew up under my older brother’s graffiti influence, and late 80’s Graffiti inspiration. Growing up in the Graffiti/Hip-Hop culture I not only attempted Graffiti but Turntablism (Djing) as well. From there I eventually led myself into the Tattoo industry where my wife and I opened a Tattoo and supply/Barber studio by the name of “Artsy By Nature” Through creating images I have found myself Tattooing minor celebrities, famous athletes, Olympic Gold medalist, and other artists that have inspired the direction of art. One of my biggest goals is to acquire as much technical skill while exploring art at a more social and conscious awareness endeavor.
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?
This has definitely not been a smooth road but not a stressful one either. These were simply consequences of wanting to be independent and in doing so you are now paving an untouched road which will come with challenges. You are creating a system of your own from scratch. This can be very challenging because you’re breaking a system that was meant to follow so you will create great resistance. In the beginning most the of the struggles came from the learning curve of learning the system. Zoning, regulations, inspections etc. After the intro state of challenges then comes the challenges of leadership, team development, learning patterns of behavior and how to utilize them towards growth to the businesses. The next phase of challenges that presented itself to us was consistency. Consistency in maintaining, consistency in growth, consistency in quality. All while you are juggling your personal life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been practicing the craft of “Body Art” (Tattoo) for 16 years. I would say I specialize more in Aerosol/Acrylic art being my background in Graffiti. This style has been incorporated into my style of tattooing. I am more known for being a Tattoo artist and I am most proud of being a part in the Tattoo Industry. What sets me apart from others is my consistency towards growth. My realization and understanding of how fragile/short life is has kept the fire under my feet. This state of mind has kept me uncomfortable and to never be stagnant in life.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future will be to develop more skill sets towards coaching. To help others in need that are experiencing similar paths and challenges. There will be substantial changes in the field that I am in. I will be leaning towards planting seeds of knowledge on platforms and utilizing portals for getting the resources out there for those who seek. This will be challenging for me due to the reason I haven’t been utilizing media in this manner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Leki Delk
- Youtube: Leki Delk
- Soundcloud: Leki Delk
