Stardog23 is a tribute to resilience, transformation, and artistic mastery.

As a child, I witnessed a tragedy—the loss of my dog in an instant that I never fully reconciled. That moment stayed with me, shaping the way I see the world. When I came across the name Stardog, it became my way of turning pain into purpose—a symbol of turning loss into creation.

Stardog23 also represents the underdog mentality—relentless drive, resilience, and the will to rise against any challenge.

The number 23 embodies my two hands and the three artistic mediums I express myself through—tattooing, painting, and sculpture. It also represents my studio number and pays homage to Michael Jordan, a figure whose discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire my own craft.

This name is more than an alias—it’s a philosophy. A testament to the idea that no matter the obstacles, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

To put it simply—anonymity. I’m a private person, yet I understand the need for visibility as an artist. The mask allows me to exist between both worlds.

It helps me compartmentalize, switching into a performance mindset, much like a surgeon donning a lab coat or an athlete stepping onto the field. It sharpens my focus, transforming creation into ritual.

Philosophically, the mask represents the human condition. We all wear invisible masks—constructs of identity, ego, and self-preservation. We are all performers on this stage called life.

Lastly, recognition is a byproduct, not the goal. My drive is internal—I create not for fame, but to push boundaries, exceed expectations, and leave behind work that speaks louder than I ever could. The mask ensures that the art, not the artist, remains the focal point.

I don’t have a formal art education—art has always come naturally to me. Ironically, that ease once turned me away from pursuing it as a vocation, as I thrive on challenge.

Over time, I realized that true mastery isn’t about ease—it’s about pushing boundaries. I’ve found ways to make art challenging, whether through drawing from imagination or mastering multiple mediums.

That said, I don’t consider myself self-taught. I constantly seek guidance, study the greats, and learn from those ahead of me. Growth is a lifelong pursuit, and I approach it with the same relentless drive that fuels everything I do.