Beads of sweat fall from a resolute figure covered in ink on a chilly October morning.
Weights drop to the floor of the nearly empty gym as the individual continues his workout and the sun rises through the mists of the morning.
Dim overhead lights accentuate each meaningful line of tattoo ink covering the man’s chest, arms and back, showing forms of dragons, flowers and an array of other figures.
Dexter Banks, a tattoo artist, bodybuilder and father of two, said every morning he drops his daughter, Hannah, off with his grandparents so he can go to the gym before starting work at his tattoo shop, Dark Wasp Studio, located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Originally from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Banks said he was raised by a single mother who tried her best to have food on the table..
“It felt like she was always working,” Banks said. “Which left me with a lot of time to myself.”
Banks said he spent this time to himself drawing and doodling, as he always had an affinity for anime and manga.
Because Banks’ parents were separated, his father lived in Tennessee and was not around as Banks was growing up.
“He (Banks’ dad) told me, ‘You have to find a father figure who is around,’” Banks said. “So he was at least aware.”
But Banks said he found that figure in his papaw, James Elery, who always supported Banks, along with his mamaw, Frances Elery.
James and Frances Elery said they believed in Banks from the start, saying they gave him a place to start his tattoo journey after graduating college.
“We let him work out of the backyard,” Frances said. “We always knew he was going to do something special.”
Even before starting his tattoo business and pursuing a fine art studio degree at Western Kentucky University, Banks said while he was growing up, Frances encouraged his creativity when making art in his free time.
“Whenever I would draw something, after I was done, I would always show it to her to see whether it was good or not, even though she never had any technical training,” Banks said. “She would just shake her head and tell me to do it again and again until I drew a picture that made her smile.”
Banks said Frances’ support in this way was thoughtful and helped him learn to accept criticism positively and move forward with discipline in life.
Having a role model like James in his life also helped to shape Banks’ discipline, a trait he said he exercises in his work and with his friends and family.
“He (James) was a farmer, and that work ethic he had was so inspiring for me,” Banks said. “He was never one to complain about anything.”
According to Banks’ personal manager and friend, Jordan Snipes, Banks’ discipline is what makes him so reliable as both a boss and friend.
“He tries to always do better, and he’s my rock, especially in stressful situations,” Snipes said. “I’m really grateful for him.”
Even in the tattoo business, Banks said he believes discipline makes all the difference.
During a 3-hour-long tattoo session with Dennie Martin, one of Banks’ regular customers, he spoke about tattooing and the mentality he implements while working.
“That’s the thing with tattoos,” Banks said to Martin during their session. “You’ve gotta do it right the first time, ain’t no starting over with tattoos.”
Tattooing serves as a challenge to become better every day for Banks, who said the process reminds him to keep moving forward.
“I never want to look back when I’m an old man and say, ‘Damn I should’ve done that,’ because everyone is running out of time,” Banks said. “For me, it’s a motivator.”
Banks said the same thing about anime, citing it as a daily reminder that he has the ability to take on hardships head first and continue improving upon himself.
At his core, besides dedication to his work and training, Banks said because of the role his grandparents and mother played throughout his childhood, being a good father and partner are his top priority.
“I want to be the type of person my mother didn’t have,” Banks said. “The goal is to be present and watch my family and kids grow up together.”
Banks said the connections he has built in Harrodsburg and Lawrenceburg are crucial to letting his work speak for itself.
“Without the love and support of the people closest to me, I wouldn’t be able to work as consistently as I do,” Banks said. “That’s why they are so important to me.”
