As a fellow Cass Technical High School alum, I have known Sydney James for more than 10 years. She is such an amazing artist that I had to get her on DI Behind the Business to tell her story.
Walking across the Eastern Market parking lot on the day of our interview, I spot Sydney in her car. She is ready to scoop me up and take me on a city art tour. In true artist fashion, her car was filled with art supplies and projects.
“Excuse the mess,” she said and smiled. We traveled to the first location, which happened to be an art project that Sydney created. The 350 square foot mural was her contribution to the Murals in the Market project. Amazed by the beauty of the piece, I took out my camera and began to snap photos. This would be Sydney’s first time taking a picture in front of her mural, which features Sydney's closes Industry friends.
Artists are often overlooked as the entrepreneurs that they truly are - anyone who sells their art is technically a small business owner, but the stakes can often feel even higher. The vulnerability of selling a piece of your creativity can be very personal. Sydney gave me a glimpse into life as an artist and the important element of being part of a community.
How were you able to create such a beautiful piece for the Murals in the Market?
I was contacted by one of the 1 X RUN team members, Roula David. I was asked to create a piece to be a part of the inaugural Murals in the Market festival.
So how did you decide on the concept for the mural?
I woke up out of my sleep and came up with the idea. Then I called each artist to explain what I wanted to do and here we are. I wanted to make sure that I chose all Detroit artists. We have very talented artists here in the city.
What challenges did you face while creating the mural? The texture of the wall and getting into the creases of the wall made it very difficult. Then you have to take into consideration the scale of the wall. Not to mention, I had an audience. The audience made it feel as if I were giving a performance. At times, there were activities around the mural. It was more than just painting at that point; I was a part of a community.
What type of paint did you use?
I used mural paint and household paint to create the mural.
How long did it take you to complete?
It took me 5 ½ days to complete the mural.
We continued the tour, visiting over 12 pieces in the area. Our last stop was a mural created by a famous Australian artist that goes by the name Rone who painted Sydney and her mom.
How did he happen to paint you and your mom?
Wherever the artist is, he likes to paint someone local – it doesn’t matter where he is and where he goes. So, Roula David said I would be perfect. Roula told the artist that I was Detroit. I am Detroit. Like, I am Super-Duper Detroit. When the artist met me, he was so nervous to ask if he could paint me. It was as if he was asking me to prom. It can be weird for an artist to paint another artist. It is weird to paint people period. Can you imagine walking up to someone and saying, “Hey can I draw/paint a picture of you?” It’s weird.
How did you get your start with art?
I started drawing as a kid. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I remember drawing a picture of Gargamel (the evil wizard from The Smurfs). My mom could not believe it, she made me re-draw it. So, when I was five, my art teacher went to my mom and told her I needed to take extended art classes. When I was seven (old enough to be enrolled), my mom put me in extension art classes at College for Creative Studies and the rest is history.
Do you have a degree in art?
Yes, I graduated, as you know, from Cass Technical High School. I then attended CCS (College for Creative Studies). CCS is one of the leading art schools in the world – most people are not aware of that. After earning my BFA in 2001, I began my career as an Art Director at Globalhue advertising agency. In 2004, I moved to Los Angeles. I lived in LA for seven years. While there, I created artwork for film and television. I was the ghost artist for ABC family's Lincoln Heights and ABC's No ordinary family and several films. I developed my fine art and moved back to Detroit in 2011. I knew Detroit was emerging and I wanted to be in the forefront.
How has doing the work that you love impacted your life?
Awesomely. Life is just a big ol’ train. I am not looking for a job. I’ve been broke, I’ve had money, and I still travel.
What makes you unique?
When someone views my work, they’re going to feel what I felt creating that piece. If I am not connected to a piece, I am not going to paint it. I always paint with a purpose.
How often do you create?
I create something every day.
Do you ever challenge yourself?
Yes, I remember painting on mirrors. I had to figure out how the paint would stick.
You have done some work on a few television shows. How did you get the opportunity? How have these opportunities impacted your career?
My mentor, Lyndon Barrois' (an animation director) wife, Janine Sherman-Barrois had a friend, Yolanda Lawrence who was a writer on Lincoln Heights. She made mention to them that the show was in need of an artist for its lead character, Cassie. They recommended me. I met with the writers and producers, showed them my portfolio and I got the gig. The tv shows and films that followed that essentially came from connections I made from that show. While creating work for the show, I simultaneously built my body of fine art work.
You have more than just your art pieces. You have another company?
Yes! GRIND (Girl Raised In Detroit). I began painting on my clothes when I resided in LA. When I moved back to Detroit, I developed my pieces and started a clothing line. Lamar Landers came up with the name years prior to our meeting and gifted me the name for my line. I am now in different boutiques in Michigan.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a business in art?
Just do it. Make sure you do it like you mean it. Be dope everyday. Know the difference between $$$$$$$ and the value of your art. Most importantly, don’t under-sell yourself.
What does the future hold for Sydney James?
The sky is the limit. I'll continue to create art and paint the town and build my legacy. I'll paint murals throughout the city, country and eventually the world.
Sydney got her wish and will be participating in the Murals in the Market again this year. Sydney's journey shows us that being a business owner isn't always about paperwork while wearing a business suit. Her creative energy makes life behind this business captivating and beautiful.
