Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Ballard.
Hi Sierra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for art and visuals started while I formed my first memories under the glitz and sometimes harsh glamour of Las Vegas. Some people see Vegas as a land of lost memories and forgotten responsibilities. But for me, the buzz of people from different walks of life, all dressed in their finest, as their sharp laughter cuts through the bedazzled heat of a summer night was the perfect setting to see the world for all that it could be. Spending my adolescent years in a town like that, meant there was no shortage of inspiration waiting at every hotel lobby or tourist attraction. It was a unique perspective, at an early age, to get the chance to see people at their absolute best and their unfortunate worst. It became obvious with that perspective that we all have a choice, a choice on how to perceive the world and the opportunities that exist in it. It’s easy to think of Las Vegas and have a negative view of the energy that flows through the neon lights and the pounding of that headache that becomes your last souvenir, but the choice to see that energy reflect in every sequin on a showgirls leotard or as it echoes in the voice of your favorite performer on their residency, is the one that I feel makes life worth living.
Since moving to San Diego it’s become second nature to see the art and beauty that lies in every corner of life and funneling those ideas into creating art has been a staple and saving grace of my life. I feel so honored and lucky to be able to pursue art as my career now. Starting in the aftermath of Covid the journey was anything but smooth as I embarked on starting my business while being primarily self taught, but the perseverance and willingness to see my career for everything it could be has gotten me to where I am today. I hope with the passion and pride I take in my work now, it’ll push me into the next chapter in my story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Beginning my art career on the webpages of Etsy gave me the practice I needed to make necessary career mistakes in the pursuit of improving my art. It was the early years of my small business that allowed me to experiment with what kind of artist I truly wanted to be. Tripped up by the common obstacles of inexperience and misguided drive, I hit my fair share of roadblocks and “learning experiences”. The months of making ends meet while still trying to follow a life of creation, made me brutally aware that you may not enter into the arts for the money. Despite all of that I was able to focus on how creating art made me feel, and how my art could possibly make others feel. Through that thought process I found tattooing. The thought of sharing my art so intimately and meaningfully with another person is, in my opinion, the epitome of impactful creativity. And what is art without impact?
Starting my tattoo career in an environment where support was not freely given, showed me the true depths of my dedication. Being in a workplace where my self-worth, drive, and intention were tested daily became the encouragement to take up the space I knew I was more than worthy of. I don’t believe the treatment I endured from some was warranted, but it inspired me to act as the change I wanted to see in the tattoo industry.
Showing me that leading by example, and acting with integrity are attributes I wanted to put at the forefront of my actions.
By working alongside others I truly admired, it became evident that as a young woman emerging in the tattoo industry, my experience was not a unique one. While specific instances of my career may have been personal to me, the pushback and struggle that I faced was something so many others had become all too familiar with as well. That also became the common reason we pushed through it, to come out the other side and change those experiences for the next artist. While, I do believe tattooing isn’t meant for everybody, I don’t believe it’s a craft where we slam the doors that others have held open for us after we have had the chance to walk through. Legacy isn’t reflected in our actions to be the only one standing in a spotlight, it’s reflected in the moments that we share with others in the chase for feeling community and common ground.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When it comes to my work, I typically specialize in fine-line tattooing, mostly working with black and gray tones. Stylistically, I have always been known to gravitate towards whimsical themes that can be found in storybooks and magical realms alike. Its easy to lose yourself in the love of honing your craft over the years. But, on the day to day, collaborating with my clients to bring their ideas to life is an aspect of my work that I perhaps put the most pride and effort in. I feel the thing that really sets you apart as a tattooer is your willingness to meet somebody where they’re at in that moment of life. An important side of our job is to never forget the gravity and privilege you are granted in being trusted to honor someone’s life or memories with a piece of art they will carry forever. Creating a tattoo for somebody and sharing that time during the application process becomes quite the exchange of energy. It’s those hours of conversation in the shop that make every contribution to its creation worth it. You become aware that for your clients, tattooing can be a form of therapy. To be welcomed to bear witness to some of the most meaningful moments and aspects of someone’s story, is something you truly never take for granted. You may see that piece of art walk away, only to be seen again on an occasional visit. But for your clients it’s a reminder everyday of a loved one, or maybe a moment of nostalgia from their childhood that became a small piece of the mosaic that is their life. So, I hope that sets me apart in the industry but I suppose it’s up to my clients to answer that. All I can do is show up as genuinely as I can and hope that my intentions are well placed. From the moments and feedback I’ve been lucky enough to share with my clients, I think I’m on the right track.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Since I do spend long hours, at work and otherwise, drawing or making art. I find myself seeking out thought-provoking background noise to keep my brain active during these stretches of time. I tend to gravitate to audiobooks and podcasts because they allow me to stay focused on my art, while also learning or listening to a new story or event. My audiobook interests and artistic style go hand-in-hand, as I tend to listen to the fantasy or mystery genre. When it comes to listening to podcasts however, I love listening to the series “Office ladies”, hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from the original show, “The Office”. This is probably my most frequent listen, as I was a huge fan of the original TV show. I really appreciate the insight they give into the film and TV industry as well as their behind-the-scenes stories. The thing that keeps the show on my constant rotation is the hosts thoughtfulness and their overall uplifting attitude. When looking for something different I also love to listen to stories about pop culture, scandals, or even sometimes scams stories. It sounds pretty all over the board because it is! Chances are, if it’s interesting enough, I’ll probably give it a listen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sierraspooks
