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An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Nobody is perfect at their craft and this is why I’m always willing to take advice from others. When I began tattooing I knew nothing about the industry, so I would talk to many different artists, ask lots of questions, take feedback and use it to improve.

As a part of our series about women who are shaking things up in their industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sydney Smith.

Sydney Smith is a tattoo artist from New Jersey that loves to travel around the United States, guest spotting at various tattoo studios. She specializes in micro tattoos in black & gray only. Her work is displayed on her Instagram and TikTok.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I was in high school when I began my tattoo career. At 17, I was in Cosmetology school and I realized then that it was not something I wanted to do. Halfway through the school year I began working at a tattoo shop as an apprentice. For almost two years I worked under an artist and learned the basics of tattooing, practicing everyday until I was comfortable enough to do my very first tattoo! Once I did my first piece, I immediately realized what specific styles of tattoos I wanted to do: simple linework.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

It’s not technically a mistake, but there are lots of things I wish I knew sooner about tattooing!

We all need a little help along the journey. Who have been some of your mentors? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?

I wouldn’t say I necessarily have/had a mentor. I worked as an apprentice under an artist. I was young and didn’t know much about the industry, so I wouldn’t say that my mentor’s “style” was what I was looking to do. Although, I did learn to eventually find my style and what I love to do which is fineline work.

Some artists that I look up to are Tritoan Ly, Aston Reynolds, and Sasha Masiuk. All of their styles are so different but the consistent linework from each artist is what inspired me. I’ve looked up to each of these artists practically since I’ve started tattooing!

Can you share 3 of the best words of advice you’ve gotten along your journey? Please give a story or example for each.

The 3 best pieces of advice that I’ve gotten throughout my journey as a tattoo artist are staying persistent with my work, remaining consistent with posting content, and always be willing to take advice from others.

I started tattooing because of my family and they always told me to stay persistent if I wanted to reach a goal. Because of them pushing me and reminding me of that, I was able to build my name up as a tattoo artist and turn my career into what it is now.

Although this isn’t the most “typical” answer, consistently posting content on social media has really launched my career in a way that I never thought could be possible. Taking photos/videos and posting them has gotten me so much recognition on Instagram and Ti​​kTok and has immensely expanded my clientele.

Nobody is perfect at their craft and this is why I’m always willing to take advice from others. When I began tattooing I knew nothing about the industry, so I would talk to many different artists, ask lots of questions, take feedback and use it to improve.

How are you going to shake things up next?

I have some plans to travel around the US (possibly internationally as well) to tattoo and meet some new clientele. This is definitely a big change from what I normally do and I’m excited to try something different!

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by ‘women disruptors’ that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?

I would say the biggest challenges are being taken seriously. It’s very hard to feel superior in a male dominated industry.

If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

I would want, and hope, to inspire more women to find themselves through their art. I want to show these women that anything is possible once you put your mind to it. It took me six years to build my brand and a name for myself.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“In order for good things to come your way, you must believe you deserve them.” When I was younger I used to see this quote often and I actually ended up getting it tattooed on my arm. I constantly strive to better myself and since I first found my love for tattooing I would remind myself to believe in the process and the outcome will be better one day.

How can our readers follow you online?

TikTok: @sydsmithhhtattoo

Instagram: @sydsmithhh

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!


Sydney Smith of Blxck Rose Ink: “Nobody is perfect; Always be willing to take advice from others” was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.