Armed with an unorthodox arsenal of knives, dry brushes and assorted unconventional implements, Tate Nation paints in multiple layers of acrylics on canvas-covered wood panels, creating vibrant paintings that are drenched in texture. Tate’s non-traditional paintings are a lively medley of bold compositions, festive themes, and a vivid color palette influenced by Caribbean art.  

His works have been commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service, Coca-Cola, Delta and United Airlines, Canon USA, Time-Life, and Radisson Hotels Worldwide, among many others. Tate’s paintings and prints are held in private and public collections worldwide and have appeared in numerous national publications.  A former freelance illustrator and featured artist for the 2000, 2010 and 2024 Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, Tate has also illustrated more than a dozen books, served as Illustrator-in-Residence for the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, and has been awarded many honors for his fine art paintings and illustrations. Two of his original works have been exhibited in the Society of Illustrators' Museum of American Illustration in New York City.

Raised in Kentucky and upstate New York, Tate received his BFA from Western Kentucky University, where he was a collegiate swimmer.

The father of two daughters, Tate lives and paints in Charleston, SC.