Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Swank. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Since I was very young I knew I loved art and that I wanted to pursue a career that involved art. Growing up I was told that you couldn’t make a living as an Artist. That most experienced Artists made about $30,o00 a year and had side jobs.
So growing up I was looking into becoming an architect as I knew that made better sense for me. But closer to graduating highschool and getting into college I came to a stopping point as I didn’t know what I really wanted to do because I still had a strong feeling of just wanting to create art as an independent artist. Not working under or for anyone.
So as I started getting into the tattoo industry more I knew that was the path for me.
My Senior year of highschool I dove deeper into my artistic side creating a portfolio so that I can get into a Tattoo Apprenticeship.
Once I got my apprenticeship I had a couple months of highschool left, worked a full time job and put in 40 hours a week min. into my apprenticeship.

After I finished my apprenticeship I quit my job and full dove into being a full time Artist.
I didn’t realize that now being a full time artist didnt mean working less.. it meant now I had to work even harder to grow myself and my brand. As I had so much to learn. I definitely make enough to live comfortably but the hours put into this craft isnt just tattooing but it’s drawing, painting, marketing, emails, consulting, and so much more that I dont get paid for. I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Most don’t realize that yes you can work a 9-5 but as for myself and many other independent Artists this lifestyle and business we have is more of a 24/7 than a 9-5 “job” and No we don’t get paid for everything that we do. But if you love what you do then the money follows. Its not always consistent but can be very rewarding in whatever way you take it as.
So finding balance is important to not overwork yourself but the more work you put in the more you will see results.

Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey! My names Sarah and I also go by Swanky. I grew up in Utah. In a hispanic household as the oldest of 4 sisters.
Ive been creating art since I was a couple years old so honestly forever.

I’ve been tattooing for about 4 years now as a black and grey illustrative artist. I loveeee to use multiple forms of art mediums.
Such as painting with oils, pencil, charcoal, spray paint, acrylic, and of course tattooing.
I’m inspired by NeoTrad, Modern Art and Body Mods.

My inspiration:
Im inspired by artists.
Im inspired by art.

Once a month I hold an art night in my studio space to bring those who are seeking an artist community, to learn new skills, to grow and build off their own skills and so forth.

I’ve taught a couple of art classes myself for other “brands//companies” for the community.
Which I strive to do more of and be apart of.
With my new studio space with my partner Reno, we will soon have more events involving the Artist community here in Midvale. Which were beyond excited for.

The most recent art class I taught was a charcoal class for FTR Creative this last February. (Fit to recover Creative)
I absolutely love what they stand by as in holding a safe space for those in recovery from SUD’s to come together as a community and connect through many forms of art as in Exercise, Nutrition, Service and Creative Arts.

I love learning and sharing what I know with those around me. To not only grow and build myself but to be here for those around me who are eager to learn.
A good friend of mine has always said this simple and short phrase that “everybody eats”
And I truly stand by it.
I think if we all have a similar mindset of growing as individuals and coming together to create, then theres nothing that can hold us back.
You can’t do it alone and you need to be around those who share similar frequencies to help you.

My main focus is to always create art. And with that I’ve come so far in so many aspects of my life. Art has given me so much. Im just so grateful to be able to gift others with my art as in not only paintings but tattoos.

Art is something we don’t just do for ourselves but it’s for everyone around us.

How did you build your audience on social media?

First off.. when it comes to social media forget posting what you think is your best work and instead post it all! Bad Art creates Good Art. Without any bad art theres no good art.
Any way that helps you understand the idea that not every piece is going to come out amazing but as long as you’re creating that all that matters. The more effort you put into your craft the more you’ll grow. Then when it comes to social media anyway that you put yourself out there is marketing and is MORE than nothing.
We all have our moments.. we all can improve BUT Art is Art.

This was something I really had to learn after I got more into the “Artist Realm” because Imposter Syndrome is something everyone deals with .. more than others I’m sure.. so yes I have my moments but a great reminder is Art is Art. Every person is different and therefore we all create differently.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

How lucky are we to have such accessible information now a days. I think we need to take advantage of whats out there on social media if you’re not able to learn and seek it in person.

Im constantly watching youtube videos to learn and understand how others create art and how they grow their brand.
I think its so important to study how another artist creates because through that you can grow yourself into what kind of artist you are and or want to be.

There’s just so much to learn.

I love a good book/audiobook!!
My favorites are:

The Practice by Seth Godin
7 Eternal Laws Of Success by Christian H Godefroy
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle
What Are You Looking For? by J. Krishnamurti

Contact Info:

• Website: Nomadicink.art
• Instagram: Swankytattoos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanky.tattoos