Meet Suro Shinn | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suro Shinn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suro, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

My name is Suro, I’m a full time tattoo artist in Miami and Mommy to a beautiful toddler.

Balancing being a parent, tattooing and having a life has been demanding.

I started tattooing 12 years ago in Brooklyn. I recently moved to miami so it has been challenging to start back up again. On top of that having a toddler doesn’t make it any easy. I face serious mom guilt where I want to spend everyday with my child but then I also have to work to provide a life.

Talking about finding new clients, it leads to the final part where being social and living a life is just as important because one, parents need breaks, and two that’s one way of promoting my business and meeting future potential clients.

The way I think about balancing things is by taking it a day at a time. I also been enjoying going to the gym. This has been something new for me and I am finding such peace in doing so. Working out helps release these endorphins, you eat clean and start to really see things in a different perspective.

It’s important to remember you are a person and not just a parent cause that guilt will ruin you. The only way you can be a good parent is by honoring yourself first.

So stay true, stay diligent and most of all try and enjoy the moments. Cause time flies!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I was so drawn to the industry and I had the opportunity to learn with some fellow tattooers.

The most stressful thing was honestly my status in the states. I was an immigrant which made living and working so much harder here. I still needed to figure out how to make rent so I became a bartender so I can afford to purse my tattooing on the side.

Looking back the one thing I could say about me is that I always stay busy. It’s taken a while to get to this point but I was always head strong about where I wanted my career to be. I love and respect my clients. I share moments that have thought me to never give up. I’m always searching for opportunities to grow my brand and my clientele. If things get slow I do conventions and guest spots in other states.

Mostly I truly love what I do so that alone keeps me going everyday. I’m truly blessed to call this my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Miami is a wild city. I know this cause I work in wynwood which is pretty much a destination that people go to.

It has art everywhere, fun bars and restaurants. The shop I work in is called Rich in Flesh tattoos so make sure you come say hello when you are in the area!

However I do like more local spots. One of my favorites is Sergio’s on Coral Way. It’s a local Cuban spot and I highly recommend their beef empanadas and Chuletas (pork chop). And you already know a cafe con leche is a MUST!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Shout out to Regina , aka Ink by push. She’s a friend and fellow tattoo artist who owns her own studio in the Bay Area, named Gold Leaf Ink. She’s been someone I’ve completely admired since I first met her. So much knowledge on tattooing, art and balancing finances. As a woman it’s admirable to see a badass female killing the game!

Website: www.suroshinn.org

Instagram: suroshinn

Image Credits
Every picture taken by me Except the one of my daughter and I, Photographer: @akiogamma