Daily Inspiration: Meet Krsna Dasa Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krsna Dasa Perez.

Krsna Dasa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Inglewood, California, and grew up on the Westside of LA… Santa Monica and Palms to be exact. I started painting graffiti as a teenager under the name Sloter. What began as a fascination with letters, color, and public art eventually evolved into muralism, music, and a lifelong commitment to creativity. My path hasn’t been a straight line, though. I spent 12 years incarcerated from the ages of 18 to 30, which completely changed the trajectory of my life. During that time, art, fitness, music, and spirituality became tools that helped me transform who I was and who I wanted to become.

Since coming home in 2013, I’ve dedicated my life to creating things that inspire people. Today, I’m a muralist, hip hop emcee, multimedia producer, fitness coach, and practitioner of Bhakti Yoga. My work is heavily influenced by my experiences… traveling the world, my Salvadorn/Mexican heritage, hip-hop culture, spirituality, and the communities I’m fortunate enough to paint for.

What started as painting walls for friends and local businesses has grown into large-scale public art projects for brands, temples, and organizations throughout Southern California. Whether I’m painting a 2,000-square-foot mural, producing music, or helping someone improve their health, my goal is always the same: to create work that uplifts people and leaves something meaningful behind.

I’m still very much building the life I envisioned while sitting in a prison cell years ago. Every mural, every song, and every opportunity feels like another chapter in that story.

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?
t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced was spending 12 years incarcerated from the ages of 18 to 30. Coming home in 2013 meant essentially starting my life over while many of my peers had spent that time building careers, relationships, and financial stability.

Building a career as an artist has been another challenge. There isn’t really a roadmap for becoming a muralist or creative entrepreneur. I’ve had to learn everything through trial and error—pricing my work, pitching clients, creating proposals, marketing myself, and believing that my art has value. There have been plenty of projects that didn’t happen, clients that disappeared, and moments where I questioned whether pursuing a creative path was realistic.

At the same time, those obstacles have become some of my greatest gifts. Graffiti taught me how to paint. Prison taught me discipline and resilience. Fitness taught me consistency. Bhakti Yoga taught me purpose and gratitude. Today, I don’t look at my challenges as setbacks so much as experiences that shaped the artist and person I’ve become.

I’m still learning and growing every day, but I’ve learned that persistence matters more than having a perfect path.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and muralist based in Los Angeles. My work is heavily influenced by graffiti culture, hip-hop, spirituality, travel, and the communities I’m fortunate enough to create for. I specialize in large-scale murals that tell stories and transform spaces, whether that’s for businesses, temples, or community organizations.

What I’m probably most known for is my bold use of color and my ability to blend fine art, graffiti, typography, and cultural elements into immersive public art. Every project is different because I don’t believe in forcing my style onto a client or a community. I spend a lot of time understanding the story behind a space and creating something that feels authentic to it while still carrying my artistic voice.

More than anything, I’m proud of the life I’ve been able to build through creativity. After spending 12 years incarcerated, I never imagined I’d one day be traveling the world, painting large-scale murals, producing music, and making a living doing what I love. Every mural represents another opportunity that art has given me.

I think what sets me apart isn’t just the artwork itself, but the perspective I bring to it. My experiences with graffiti, incarceration, fitness, recovery, and Bhakti Yoga have taught me that art can be much more than something beautiful on a wall—it can inspire, educate, bring people together, and serve a greater purpose. That’s ultimately what I strive for in everything I create.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles is one of the most culturally diverse and creatively inspiring cities in the world. I love that on any given day I can be painting a mural in South Central, hiking in the mountains, surfing in Malibu, or experiencing food, music, and traditions from cultures across the globe. The city has played a huge role in shaping me as both an artist and a person. Growing up on the Westside and spending time throughout LA has exposed me to incredible people, ideas, and opportunities that continually influence my work.

If there’s one thing I like least, it’s that many of the communities that give Los Angeles its character are becoming increasingly difficult for artists and working-class people to afford. I’d love to see more support for public art, community spaces, and creative programs that make it possible for local artists to continue contributing to the culture that makes this city so special.

Pricing:

• Every mural is custom-designed and priced according to the client’s vision and the scope of the project.
• Commercial, residential, and public art commissions are available.
• Projects range from hand-painted signs and interior murals to large-scale exterior installations.
• Free discovery calls are available to discuss concepts, timelines, and budgets.
• Travel commissions are welcomed both nationally and internationally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://krsnadasa.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slot_one_the_servant
• Other: slotonetheservant@gmail.com