The Art of Making Money

1. Criminal Lineage and Early Indoctrination Shape a Master Counterfeiter

“A counterfeiter should be possessed of the qualities found only in a Nietzschean hero.”

Early exposure. Art Williams Jr.'s journey into counterfeiting wasn't a sudden decision, but a gradual immersion into a world of crime. His father, Arthur Williams Sr., a small-time hustler and convict, provided an early glimpse into a life outside the law. This exposure, coupled with the harsh realities of poverty and instability, laid the foundation for Art's future path.

Bridgeport's influence. The tough Chicago neighborhood of Bridgeport, with its history of gangs and racial tensions, further shaped Art's worldview. The neighborhood's criminal culture normalized illegal activities, making them seem like viable options for survival and advancement.

The master's touch. Pete "da Vinci," a skilled counterfeiter and Art's mentor, provided the technical expertise and criminal code that transformed Art from a petty thief into a craftsman of deception. Da Vinci's teachings instilled in Art a sense of pride and purpose, albeit within the confines of a dangerous and illegal profession.

2. Poverty and Instability Breed Resourcefulness and a Descent into Crime

“Yo’ ole father doan’ know yit what he’s a-gwyne to do. Sometimes he spec he’ll go ’way, en den ag’in he spec he’ll stay."

Chaotic upbringing. Art's childhood was marked by constant moving, parental instability, and exposure to violence. His mother's mental illness and his father's criminal activities created an environment of uncertainty and fear, leaving Art feeling powerless and insecure.

Resourcefulness as survival. In the face of adversity, Art developed a remarkable resourcefulness. From stealing change from parking meters to breaking into cars, he learned to adapt and find ways to provide for himself and his family. This resourcefulness, however, often led him down a path of crime.

The allure of the gang. The Satan's Disciples offered Art a sense of belonging, protection, and financial security that he lacked at home. The gang's influence further eroded his moral compass, leading him to embrace violence and criminal activities as a means of survival and advancement.

3. A Mentor's Craftsmanship and Code Provide a Path, Albeit a Dangerous One

“This has been in my family for a long time,” da Vinci began. His tone was serious, but not threatening.

Da Vinci's influence. Pete "da Vinci" was more than just a counterfeiter; he was a craftsman, an artist, and a mentor. He provided Art with a skill, a code of conduct, and a sense of purpose that transcended the mere pursuit of money.

The art of counterfeiting. Da Vinci's teachings emphasized precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the printing process. He instilled in Art a respect for the craft and a commitment to producing high-quality counterfeit that could pass even the most rigorous scrutiny.

A moral compass in a criminal world. Da Vinci's code of conduct, which included rules against greed, violence, and betrayal, provided Art with a moral framework within the criminal underworld. This code, however, was often tested and ultimately proved insufficient to prevent Art's downfall.

4. The Allure of Counterfeiting Lies Beyond Money: Power, Control, and Validation

“When I saw him take the money and give me back the change, I felt a huge sense of power, more power than I had ever felt in my life."

More than just money. For Art, counterfeiting was never solely about the money. It was about the power to create something from nothing, the control to manipulate the system, and the validation of his skills and intelligence.

A rebellion against the system. Counterfeiting became a way for Art to rebel against the poverty, instability, and injustice that had plagued his life. It was a way to strike back at a system that he felt had unfairly denied him opportunity and success.

The addictive rush. The act of creating and passing counterfeit money provided Art with an intense, almost sexual rush. This rush, coupled with the validation he received from others, fueled his obsession and made it difficult for him to resist the temptation to continue.

5. Escaping the Cycle: The Struggle Between Redemption and Criminality

“After I got shot, I thought a lot about the things da Vinci had told me about getting out of the projects,” Art says. “I knew that I’d die if I stayed there."

A brush with death. Getting shot served as a wake-up call for Art, forcing him to confront the dead-end path he was on. He resolved to escape the violence and poverty of Bridgeport and find a better life for himself and his family.

The lure of legitimacy. Art attempted to go straight, taking a construction job and trying to provide for his girlfriend and child. However, the low wages and lack of opportunity made it difficult for him to escape the cycle of poverty and crime.

The irresistible pull. Despite his desire for redemption, Art found himself drawn back to counterfeiting. The allure of fast money, the thrill of the game, and the validation of his skills proved too strong to resist.

6. The New Note: A Technological Challenge and a Catalyst for Obsession

“They only have two jobs,” Pete explained. “Protect the president and protect the currency. And they protect the president pretty well, don’t they? Well, they do the same with the money.”

A new era of security. The introduction of the New Note, with its advanced security features, presented Art with a new challenge. He became obsessed with cracking the code and creating a counterfeit that could fool even the most discerning eye.

A blend of old and new. Art combined traditional printing techniques with digital technology to create a hybrid bill that surpassed the quality of anything he had produced before. This innovation marked a turning point in his criminal career.

The Secret Service as a worthy adversary. Art developed a deep respect for the Secret Service, recognizing their skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting the currency. This respect, however, did not deter him from his pursuit of counterfeiting perfection.

7. The Road to Perfection: A Blend of Artistry, Science, and Criminal Ingenuity

“The difference between a bill that passes and one that draws attention can sometimes come down to drops of ink,” he told Art. “Unless you constantly watch your colors, a whole print run can be ruined.”

A meticulous process. Creating a convincing counterfeit required a blend of artistry, scientific knowledge, and criminal ingenuity. Art meticulously studied every aspect of the New Note, from the paper and ink to the printing techniques and security features.

A constant quest for improvement. Art was never satisfied with mediocrity. He constantly experimented with new techniques, materials, and equipment, always striving to create a bill that was indistinguishable from the real thing.

The devil in the details. Art understood that the success of his counterfeit depended on the smallest details. He obsessed over color matching, line weight, and the precise placement of every element on the bill.

8. Success Breeds Complacency and the Inevitable Downfall

“Always find out where the money is going,” he explained, “because if too much winds up in one place, you’ll be in trouble."

The dangers of expansion. As Art's counterfeiting operation grew, he became increasingly reliant on others, increasing his risk of exposure. His desire for more money and recognition led him to take unnecessary risks and disregard the warnings of his mentor.

The allure of easy money. The success of his New Note led Art to become complacent and overconfident. He began to believe that he was untouchable, ignoring the ever-present threat of law enforcement.

The fatal flaw. Art's Achilles' heel was his inability to resist temptation. Whether it was the allure of a new woman, the thrill of a new score, or the validation of his skills, he consistently made decisions that jeopardized his freedom and safety.

9. Family Bonds and Betrayals Complicate the Criminal Landscape

“I never got caught because of money. I got caught because of love.”

Love and loyalty. Art's relationships with women, particularly Karen and Natalie, played a significant role in his life. These relationships, however, were often complicated by his criminal activities and his inability to commit fully.

The price of betrayal. The betrayals of those closest to him, including his father and Anice, ultimately led to his downfall. These betrayals highlighted the inherent instability and untrustworthiness of the criminal underworld.

The burden of responsibility. Art's desire to provide for his family often clashed with his criminal pursuits. He struggled to balance his responsibilities as a father and husband with his need for money and excitement.

10. The Cycle Continues: A Legacy of Crime and a Glimmer of Hope

“It is the same for all men. None of us can escape this shadow of the father, even if that shadow fills us with fear, even if it has no name or face."

The shadow of the father. Art's relationship with his father, both during his absence and after their reunion, had a profound impact on his life. He struggled to reconcile his love for his father with his resentment for his abandonment and his criminal influence.

A fleeting chance at redemption. Art's attempt to reconnect with his father and build a new life in Alaska offered a glimmer of hope for redemption. However, the lure of counterfeiting and the betrayals of those around him ultimately dashed those hopes.

An uncertain future. The book ends with Art facing an uncertain future, his criminal career in ruins and his family fractured. Whether he can escape the cycle of crime and find lasting redemption remains an open question.

Last updated: February 19, 2025