Welcome to a special interview with renowned tattoo artist Jim Sylvia. In this exclusive conversation, Jim shares his insights on balancing fatherhood with a successful career in the world of tattooing. Let's dive in and learn from his experiences!
Check out his work here: @jimsylviatattoo
Sandy Castaneda (SC): How do you balance the demands of being a parent with the demands of being a working artist?
Jim Sylvia (JS): I am always learning how to balance being a parent and a full-time artist. My tattoo schedule has changed a lot though. I used to work long days and late nights. Traveling to conventions, guests spots or touring somewhere around the world at least once a month. It’s been 5+ years since I have done a convention or a work trip. Been staying home and at the studio for my daughter. Luckily I have an amazing wife, who is the best Mom, she makes the balance possible.
SC: Do you have any tattoos inspired by your children or family life?
JS: People always ask me if I have any tattoos for my daughter. I know I will at least get her name. I’m thinking on the knuckles. She shows a lot of interest in being an artist and we make a lot of art together. For years I’ve been telling people once she’s like 5 or so, I would let her tattoo one of her drawings on me. She just turned 5, so I guess we should start figuring that out haha.
SC: How would you describe your tattooing style?
JS: I would described my tattoo style as a modern version of traditional. Sometimes it’s a bit more illustrative. I really just try to make tattoos that I would like to wear myself.
SC: How long have you been tattooing, and how did you get started?
JS: My tattoo career started 24 years ago back in Boston MA. Then I made the big move cross country to Los Angeles in 2007.
SC: What’s a “dad moment” you’ve had in the studio that still makes you laugh?
JS: I haven’t had many Dad moments in the studio. She has stopped by a few times to watch me tattoo and paint. I try to schedule my appointments for the hours she’s in preschool. Evenings and weekends have been for family time together. She’s only going to be a little kid once and it goes by so quick. I want to be there for as much of it as I can.
SC: What does your ideal day off with your kids look like?
JS: Oh man an ideal day off? The weekends always seem to get filled up with something. So many kids birthdays, swim class, gymnastics, and dance class. We also spend a lot of time outside. Riding bikes and running around the neighborhood with the other kids. Now that she is getting older we are going to start to take more adventures together.
SC: Do you think being a parent has made you a better artist?
JS: I really don’t know, that’s hard to say, but being a parent has changed my whole perspective on work and life. I hope it’s making me a better person, trying to lead by example because there are little eyes watching everything we do. She is already such a creative kid, loves making art and music. Lots of fun collaborating on artwork and music together.
I became a parent later in life, so I had decades where my only responsibility was to focus on my career and myself. The day we brought a baby home all the priorities changed.
View pictures of Jim and his family below!
 |
 |
 |
 |