Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.