We recently connected with Jon Sedor and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jon with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I think I get my work ethic from my parents. When I was a kid, my parents worked so hard to achieve success in their respective fields and to provide a good life for my brother and I. There were days when I could see that my mom and dad were tired, but they never made excuses or chose to take an easier way out – they persevered and pushed through to complete what they had to get done. I do my best to do the same thing in my own life and creative pursuits.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a handpoke tattoo artist based in Cleveland, OH. I tattoo without a machine using my hand to mimic the movements of how a tattoo machine would tattoo a person. I work out of a private studio in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood and I’ve had the pleasure of tattooing so many great people. I love tattooing, working with clients to create designs and drawing flash. Tattooing is special to me. It makes this feeling of joy swell up inside me even when talking about it with friends and family. I love getting to know my clients and I always make sure they feel safe and as comfortable as possible through the tattooing process. Getting a tattoo is never comfortable, however, in my opinion, handpoked tattoos do not cause as much discomfort and a tattoo machine!
I’m currently working on building my client base and I’m always working to improve and get better. It is a practice that is endless and can never really be mastered – that’s part of why I love it! I can always learn more. During the moth of October I’ll be releasing a Halloween themed flash sheet that will have special pricing during the month of October. If you have never received a tattoo done by hand, but are curious, these designs will be perfect for an introduction to this style of tattooing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three qualities that helped me get to where I am is perseverance, staying present, and keeping a beginner mindset.
First and foremost I am an artist. My medium is tattooing, but pursuing a creative career is never easy. I’ve had to push a lot through my own negative thoughts and fears to keep creating and focus on the present tasks at hand. Doing your best to stay present is huge. I’m still working on this myself, but I’ve learned all I have control over is now and how I respond to the current situation. I have no control over what is going to happen and it’s not healthy to stay stuck in the past. Lastly, I work on keeping a beginner mindset in my tattoo/design practice. A person can only learn more and knowledge is power. I am confident in my work and what I do, but I can always learn more from others.
For a person just starting out, my best advice is to never stop asking questions and soak up knowledge from your peers and advisors. Not everything learned will be applicable to your goals, however, by keeping an open mind you might be surprised what is helpful along your own journey. And never let the word “no” be the reason you quit. I’ve had many rejections and will continue to be rejected for the entirety of my career. It sucks and it’s ok to feel sad or frustrated, but never stop pursuing what you love. It’s cliche, but we only have one life so why not spend it doing something you enjoy.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
The current challenge that I face is learning how to market myself and my work. Social media is great, but it’s oversaturated and the algorithms do not even let your own friends see what you post at times. Instagram and Facebook are not enough anymore and I am looking for opportunities to connect with potential clients in other ways. I have been thinking of taking a continuing education class in marketing for entrepreneurs – if I can find one. And I tried a guerrilla marketing technique by printing stickers and slapping them up in random places or placing a few at select businesses for people to grab. I’m not sure if any stickers have led new clients to me, but I’ll keep trying!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jonsedor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedjon/?hl=en
Image Credits
Jennifer Wilkes – profile photo All other photos were taken by me.
