We recently connected with Jen Sussman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

It’s an interesting question because, in many ways, my life as a tattoo artist is a unique blend of work and leisure. Every trip doubles as both a work opportunity and a vacation.

Being a traveling tattoo artist means I’m often on the move, but it never feels like I need a vacation from my life. The freedom to choose where I go next and the ability to immerse myself in new places makes my job feel like a perpetual adventure. So, while I do work, my work itself is my vacation.

Imagine waking up in a new city, the morning sun streaming through the window of a quiet Airbnb, a cozy hotel room, a guest room at a good friend’s house. The first thing on my agenda is to get ready for the day. I’ll often visit a coffee shop or breakfast spot, taking the opportunity to take the suggestions of locals. And of course to answer some emails. I’ll sometimes get a workout in at the recreation center if the town has one.

Afterwards, I head to a nearby tattoo studio, a space I’ve collaborated with for my stay, or to set up for work at a convention event. Setting up my equipment, my station becomes the creative work place for the day. Tattooing itself is a meditative experience. The buzz of the machine, the focus on perfection and permanence, and the satisfaction of bringing someone’s vision to life – it’s work, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. Each piece I create is a part of my journey, a permanent mark left behind in a place that’s briefly home.

Balancing work and leisure is challenging. There are deadlines to meet, appointments to manage, and the ever-present need to market myself online, which in my 20+ year career is still a relatively new challenge. Yet, this lifestyle offers an unparalleled freedom. Unlike a traditional job, I’m not confined to one location or a fixed schedule. If I want to spend an extra day exploring thrift stores and relaxing at a new hot springs, I can.

Moreover, the people I meet along the way – fellow artists, locals, travelers – enrich my experience. They become part of my journey, offering inspiration, friendship, and sometimes, even a place to stay. These connections make my travels feel less like work and more like an ongoing cultural exchange. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
There are, of course, moments of solitude and fatigue. Constantly being on the move can be tiring, and there are days when I can’t wait to see my own bed again. But the beauty of this lifestyle is the flexibility to take breaks when needed. I can pause here in the Valley as long as I like in my private studio working with clients here, and recharge before hitting the road again.

So, do I take vacations? In a traditional sense, perhaps not. Being a traveling tattoo artist means my “office” could be a coffee shop in California or a yurt in Colorado, and my “vacations” are woven into my everyday life. It’s a challenging yet extremely satisfying way to live.

My advice would be to step away when you know things will be slow. No matter your business, everyone deserves a break!

Running a business solo can be challenging, but it’s all about balance and planning. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

**Plan Ahead**: Before I head out for a break, I make sure my schedule is well-organized. I inform my clients in advance about my vacation dates and try to accommodate as many appointments as possible before I leave.

**Inspiration and Creativity**: Traveling not only gives you a break but also sparks creativity. I often find new ideas for designs and techniques when I’m out exploring. This keeps my work fresh and exciting for both me and my clients.

**Self-Care**: Remember, you are the heart of your business. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial. A well-rested and inspired artist creates the best work.

So, to all the entrepreneurs out there feeling tied down by their businesses – remember that stepping away can actually help you come back stronger and more creative.

Jen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey everyone, I’m Jen, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey as a tattoo artist. I’ve been tattooing for over twenty years now, and my love for tattooing has taken me on many adventures and made me many friends. There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, meeting new people, and doing what I love.

My journey into the world of tattooing started with an obsession for drawing that I’ve had since I was a kid. I was always getting in trouble for drawing in class, but it seemed more important to me than school. I always knew I wanted to do something creative, but it wasn’t until I was exposed to tattooing as a teenager that I realized I wanted to be a tattoo artist.

It wasn’t easy for a 16-year-old girl in the nineties to start tattooing. So, I completed high school in my small home town of Vineland New Jersey and joined the Air Force. While I was in technical school in Biloxi Mississippi I got my first tattoo, and I was able to start my apprenticeship on weekends, finally going full time after my self-arranged early discharge in 2001. After some time learning the basics thanks to a steady influx of Airmen and other military, I made my home base here in the valley, and eventually opened my own private studio near downtown. I say eventually, as there were many stops along the way. I have tattooed in New Orleans, the Jersey Shore, Monterey Bay and so many other places in my 23 year long career. I often pause to think about the fact that I have officially been doing this over half my life.

In my work, I focus on creating technically sound tattoos that remain legible over time. My time in this craft ensures that I know what can happen over the long life of a tattoo. I love working in a wide range of styles, from fine line and stipple black and grey work, illustrative large-scale custom, to bold, colorful traditional. I specialize in offering a plethora of my own flash designs to choose from for the more adventurous. I also enjoy the challenge of a cover up or reworking an older tattoo with a fresh update.

What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to each project. Being a solo artist, I’m deeply involved in every step of the process—from the initial consultation to the final touches. I handle every aspect of my business, from consultations and design to the actual tattooing process and aftercare. I take the time to understand my clients’ ideas and turn them into a visual representation beyond their expectations. My goal is to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where clients feel at ease and excited about their experience. This hands-on approach allows me to build strong, trusting relationships with my clients, many of whom have become dear friends over the years.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Tattooing is such an intimate art form, and it’s an honor to be part of someone’s personal journey. Whether it’s a small piece or a full sleeve, I strive to bring my best to every tattoo I create. What I’m most proud of is the sense of community that has grown around my work. I’ve met so many incredible people on my travels and being able to connect with them through my art is something I cherish deeply. I’m not just here to tattoo; I’m here to help you tell your story in the most visually pleasing way possible. Or to give you a sick tattoo just for the sake of it.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss your next tattoo. You can catch me at various tattoo conventions or at my private studio in Phoenix. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is the deeply personal and emotional investment that goes into our work. As a tattoo artist, my art isn’t just on paper—it’s a permanent part of someone’s body. No one sees the long hours or research that are necessary to get to the final product. This isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle.

Traveling often for work, I get to meet so many different people and experience various cultures, which constantly influences and inspires my art. However, it also means a lot of time away from home and my private studio, balancing the nomadic lifestyle with running a business.

The creative process is also something that’s hard to quantify. It’s not a 9-to-5 schedule; ideas and inspiration can strike at any moment, and sometimes you have to chase that creativity, even at odd hours. There’s also the challenge of always pushing yourself to grow and evolve as an artist, which involves continuous learning and adapting.

I think the key insight here is that creativity is as much about resilience and persistence as it is about inspiration and talent. For anyone out there who feels like they’re struggling on their creative path, remember that every artist’s journey is unique. Embrace your experiences, learn from them, and let them shape your work. You never know who might be inspired by your story.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There’s something incredibly special about being invited to play a part in someone’s story, to help them express a piece of their identity through my art. Traveling for work also adds a special dimension to my craft. It’s also about the adventure and the sense of freedom, allowing me to draw inspiration from different landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Whether it’s the vibrant sunsets of Arizona or the rugged mountains of Colorado, each place leaves its mark on my art. Plus, setting up in different towns and cities means I get to build connections with a wide array of people, creating a wonderful network of friends and clients who feel like family.

When I meet new clients on the road, it’s like opening a new chapter. Every piece I create carries a unique narrative, whether it’s a memorial for a loved one, a celebration of a personal milestone, or simply an expression of someone’s individuality. These stories are shared with me in such a vulnerable and honest way, and I feel truly honored to be trusted with bringing them to life. Each encounter adds a unique layer to my journey. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about sitting down with someone, hearing their story, and then translating that into a permanent piece of art. The trust they place in me is humbling, and it drives me to continuously improve.

Being a solo artist, there’s also a great sense of freedom and self-reliance. It’s just me and my art, traveling from town to town, connecting with people on a very personal level. There’s no team or employees—just a direct, personal connection with every client. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see their reactions, to witness the emotions that surface when they see the finished piece for the first time. That moment of joy, of recognition, is what makes all the travel, the long hours, and the hard work worth it. I treasure the freedom and flexibility my career offers. It allows me to balance my work with exploring new places and drawing inspiration from nature and local art scenes. The joy of seeing someone light up with satisfaction after a session, knowing I’ve created something meaningful for them, is irreplaceable.

Contact Info:

• Website: jentletattoo.com
• Instagram: jentle.death
• Yelp: Jentle Tattoo