Tattoo Snob recently sat down with LA based artist Jim Sylvia to talk about art school, travel, tattoos and his 54 Chevy Bel Air.
Tattoo Snob: For those readers out there that aren't already familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Jim Sylvia: Oh man, I am terrible at writing about myself. OK, Ill give it a try. I started my tattoo career as an apprentice in Boston in 2001, while also going to school at MassArt. I worked at Skin Art Studios until 2007, when I decided to make the cross-country road trip to Los Angeles. Im now a tattoo artist at Union Electric Tattoo in Wilmington, CA, and call LA my home.
TS: Artists often refer to a time period when it all came together, could you tell us a bit about when that was for you?
JS: There wasnt a specific time when it all came together. Tattooing just didnt fall into my lap. I worked hard and was motivated from the start. I really didnt want to have some boring office job or get stuck in the daily grind. Its just not for me. I knew before I started college though, that tattooing was going to be what I would end up doing. Once I was done with school I was really able to focus on tattooing.
Another huge motivation was the death of a close friend. We grew up together and even went to college together. We took the same art classes all through High school and college. He was an amazing and successful artist and the most positive person Ive ever known. His death has become a constant reminder to do the best I can.
TS: It's rare to find a tattoo artist that has a diploma from a well-known art school on the wall behind them. How has your education changed the way you approach tattooing?
JS: The whole college route just seemed natural after high school. I had been taking classes at MassArt for a few years before enrolling. I knew that I wanted to be a tattoo artist, but an education would really help my career and artwork. I dont think it changed my tattooing approach too much, but it has helped me with my drawing skills and taught me to draw as much as I can. I have filled tons of sketchbooks with doodles and crap.
TS: You call yourself a traditional, American traditional, and neo-traditional tattoo artist. Have you always stuck to that? A couple years ago that market seemed pretty dry with all of the realistic portrait work everyone was doing...
JS: I hate all the labels. There are so many subcategories that just come and go like fashion. The best tattoos are the ones that stand the test of time. I like art that reads well in the skin. That happens to be traditional. I dont always stick to just one style. I do all kinds of different stuff. I just take pictures of the tattoos that I enjoy doing. Most of my friends and artists around me do the realism and portraits real well. I take what I have learned from them and apply it into my own stuff. I am constantly learning and progressing to make my art better.
TS: What's the best way for a potential client to get in touch with you?How long can the average person expect to wait before being able to get an appointment with you?
JS: Its easy for people to get a hold of me. Whether it be through my website JimSylvia.com or my current shop, Union Electric Tattoo. This is my job, but its also something I love to do. So if someone wants a tattoo, Ill make the time. Contact me!
TS: Every time we've posted a tattoo of yours, we get a barrage of comments and e-mails about your work. Your fan base is extremely loyal, and vocal about it. What do you attribute that to?
JS: I dont know what to say. I have awesome customers. I just try to give them cool tattoos.
TS: Is there one tattoo you've done that you'd consider a personal favorite?
JS: Come on, you know I cant answer that. I dont have favorites but here are a few that I am proud of. (see the various pictures)
TS: Let's talk aboutthe last time you were tattooed - who did it, and what was it?Are there any artists out there you'd like to be tattooed by, space and time permitting of course?
JS: Hmmm, the last time I was tattooed It was by Big5. He was finishing a couple of things on my arm and my leg.
I look forward to getting more work from many artists that inspire me. If I have to name a few, I would love to get tattooed by Russ Abbott, Lus Lips, Seth Wood, Jim Miner, and Adam Barton. Im a collector; I have been lucky enough to get tattoos from rad artists from all over the world.
TS: You don't do a ton of conventions, why is that? I have no doubt you wouldn't have a problem booking open spots in just about any city.
JS: I have done a few conventions. I am not exactly sure why I dont do more of them. When I travel, its usually for a guest spot. I feel its a better way to see the world as well as being able to tattoo more people. Working a few days in any city, you are able to get a better understanding of the area, the people and different cultures. You dont get that at conventions.
TS: I know you're in a touring band - how do you feel about balancing your time between that and tattooing? Any other cool non-tattoo related stuff you're involved with?
JS: I am a musician, but currently Im not playing in a band. I have tried balancing both in the past but felt like neither one was getting my full attention. I focus almost all my time on tattooing now. I am lucky to have many friends / clients who are in successful bands. Recently, I have been out on tour with a few bands while tattooing along the way. Last month I got to do guest vocals in the UK for huge sold-out venues. It was crazy.
There is some non-tattoo stuff that I am working on. I am collaborating with a couple rad clothing
companies. Later this year there will be a bunch of new shirts available. Also, sometimes a bunch of friends and fellow artists get together after work and have late night painting sessions. I dont paint as much as Id like to. I also need to find more time to wrench on my 54 Chevy Bel Air. Hopefully Ill be cruising around LA soon.
TS: Any last minute plugs?
JS: I dont have anything to plug other than some websites.
JimSylvia.com
Twitter.com/JimSylviaTattoo
UnionElectricTattoo.com
JimSylvia.com
TattooSnob.com
Tattoo Snob: For those readers out there that aren't already familiar with you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Jim Sylvia: Oh man, I am terrible at writing about myself. OK, Ill give it a try. I started my tattoo career as an apprentice in Boston in 2001, while also going to school at MassArt. I worked at Skin Art Studios until 2007, when I decided to make the cross-country road trip to Los Angeles. Im now a tattoo artist at Union Electric Tattoo in Wilmington, CA, and call LA my home.
TS: Artists often refer to a time period when it all came together, could you tell us a bit about when that was for you?
JS: There wasnt a specific time when it all came together. Tattooing just didnt fall into my lap. I worked hard and was motivated from the start. I really didnt want to have some boring office job or get stuck in the daily grind. Its just not for me. I knew before I started college though, that tattooing was going to be what I would end up doing. Once I was done with school I was really able to focus on tattooing.
Another huge motivation was the death of a close friend. We grew up together and even went to college together. We took the same art classes all through High school and college. He was an amazing and successful artist and the most positive person Ive ever known. His death has become a constant reminder to do the best I can.
TS: It's rare to find a tattoo artist that has a diploma from a well-known art school on the wall behind them. How has your education changed the way you approach tattooing?
JS: The whole college route just seemed natural after high school. I had been taking classes at MassArt for a few years before enrolling. I knew that I wanted to be a tattoo artist, but an education would really help my career and artwork. I dont think it changed my tattooing approach too much, but it has helped me with my drawing skills and taught me to draw as much as I can. I have filled tons of sketchbooks with doodles and crap.
TS: You call yourself a traditional, American traditional, and neo-traditional tattoo artist. Have you always stuck to that? A couple years ago that market seemed pretty dry with all of the realistic portrait work everyone was doing...
JS: I hate all the labels. There are so many subcategories that just come and go like fashion. The best tattoos are the ones that stand the test of time. I like art that reads well in the skin. That happens to be traditional. I dont always stick to just one style. I do all kinds of different stuff. I just take pictures of the tattoos that I enjoy doing. Most of my friends and artists around me do the realism and portraits real well. I take what I have learned from them and apply it into my own stuff. I am constantly learning and progressing to make my art better.
TS: What's the best way for a potential client to get in touch with you?How long can the average person expect to wait before being able to get an appointment with you?
JS: Its easy for people to get a hold of me. Whether it be through my website JimSylvia.com or my current shop, Union Electric Tattoo. This is my job, but its also something I love to do. So if someone wants a tattoo, Ill make the time. Contact me!
TS: Every time we've posted a tattoo of yours, we get a barrage of comments and e-mails about your work. Your fan base is extremely loyal, and vocal about it. What do you attribute that to?
JS: I dont know what to say. I have awesome customers. I just try to give them cool tattoos.
TS: Is there one tattoo you've done that you'd consider a personal favorite?
JS: Come on, you know I cant answer that. I dont have favorites but here are a few that I am proud of. (see the various pictures)
TS: Let's talk aboutthe last time you were tattooed - who did it, and what was it?Are there any artists out there you'd like to be tattooed by, space and time permitting of course?
JS: Hmmm, the last time I was tattooed It was by Big5. He was finishing a couple of things on my arm and my leg.
I look forward to getting more work from many artists that inspire me. If I have to name a few, I would love to get tattooed by Russ Abbott, Lus Lips, Seth Wood, Jim Miner, and Adam Barton. Im a collector; I have been lucky enough to get tattoos from rad artists from all over the world.
TS: You don't do a ton of conventions, why is that? I have no doubt you wouldn't have a problem booking open spots in just about any city.
JS: I have done a few conventions. I am not exactly sure why I dont do more of them. When I travel, its usually for a guest spot. I feel its a better way to see the world as well as being able to tattoo more people. Working a few days in any city, you are able to get a better understanding of the area, the people and different cultures. You dont get that at conventions.
TS: I know you're in a touring band - how do you feel about balancing your time between that and tattooing? Any other cool non-tattoo related stuff you're involved with?
JS: I am a musician, but currently Im not playing in a band. I have tried balancing both in the past but felt like neither one was getting my full attention. I focus almost all my time on tattooing now. I am lucky to have many friends / clients who are in successful bands. Recently, I have been out on tour with a few bands while tattooing along the way. Last month I got to do guest vocals in the UK for huge sold-out venues. It was crazy.
There is some non-tattoo stuff that I am working on. I am collaborating with a couple rad clothing
companies. Later this year there will be a bunch of new shirts available. Also, sometimes a bunch of friends and fellow artists get together after work and have late night painting sessions. I dont paint as much as Id like to. I also need to find more time to wrench on my 54 Chevy Bel Air. Hopefully Ill be cruising around LA soon.
TS: Any last minute plugs?
JS: I dont have anything to plug other than some websites.
JimSylvia.com
Twitter.com/JimSylviaTattoo
UnionElectricTattoo.com
JimSylvia.com
TattooSnob.com