Meet Jimmy Sandoval | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Sandoval and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Seeking out the people I wanted to learn from and work with in this industry. Specifically the artists I wanted to apprentice under, Matt Renner. Mentorship and building a creative community is vital for artists. I think artists can have a tendency to isolate but being surrounded by other creatives who are able to push and inspire you is imperative to growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I’ve always been an artist, I feel like I’m still finding my creative voice and what sets my work apart. I’m in the process of defining my style within the established style of traditional tattooing. Right now I’m most excited to do more traveling to tattoo in different places and connect with other artists there.

I entered the tattoo industry through a traditional apprenticeship. It was two years of training under my mentor who really took on the responsibility of not just teaching me how to apply a tattoo, but educating me on how to be a tattooer. I think my willingness to learn and the desire to make a change in my life made the apprenticeship seem not so hard, but I wouldn’t say it was easy.

I spent almost a year learning before I made money at the tattoo shop, so I worked a side gig and overnights a few days a week. It was a tight rotation between jobs, drawing and painting flash in almost all my down time. I was sleeping about four hours a night most of the week, but I loved it. I was learning every day and taking steps towards the life I wanted.

My biggest takeaway from the apprenticeship is that this is an industry where you get out what you put in. Art is a lifetime pursuit but the connections that are made through that journey are priceless. I’m lucky that I get to create art on people and make those connections with each tattoo.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I’m not in the shop I’m doing something outdoors. There’s so much to do out here year round! If a friend came out for a week spring-fall we’d have a week full of hiking, climbing, and hot springs. Winter means snowboarding, ice caves, and taking a drive to get some desert sun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shout out the person who brought me into tattooing, my mentor Matt Renner. And the people at the shop I currently work at, White Lodge Tattoo. Specifically our amazing owner Kira Knowlton who has worked so hard to create an amazing space, and been like a second mentor to me.

Instagram: @jimbeartattoos

Other: Email: jimbeartattoos@gmail.com
Info@whitelodgetattoo.com

Image Credits
Portrait photos by: Ivy (LAEX) DeMent