Inspiring Conversations with Suede Silver of Secret Sister Studio

I started off focusing on making art to make a living, trying to make it as a musician/producer, freelance artist, general creative person. Over the last few years, I’ve shifted into the opposite strategy, using business to make a living so when I make art it can be pure; unattached to any outcomes outside of its own existence.

I still make art for a living in various ways, especially as a tattoo artist, however I own and run an art studio and the end goal is to have flourishing businesses which allow me the flexibility to chase art for its own sake.

The road has been pretty smooth to be honest. Not always easy, but largely fluid. I’ve learned that success isn’t really something you achieve or arrive at, rather a better-version-of-yourself which you decide to keep chasing your whole life. That type of growth isn’t all smooth jazz, but if you set yourself on the right path, it happens naturally over time. And in that process, various wins and accomplishments naturally come to you. I know the majority of my potential is untapped, but I feel successful and I’m happy with how things are going.

Secret Sister Studio is a little creative playground in North Glendale, Los Angeles. It has a recording studio, photography backdrop, tattoo studio, conference table, and plenty of room events and whatever other creative activities people can dream up. The vision is for it to be a place where people feel creatively empowered and can commune with like-minded artists. It can be rented out to other creatives/small businesses that need a place to work, and it’s also great for events. We’ve donated the space for Sofar Sounds shows, and run our own networking events, craft nights, etc.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

The name Secret Sister was originally a placeholder name, but after trying out a bunch of other ideas like Snob Shop, Sour Sunday, and Sushi Sonic, it was clear that Secret Sister was meant to be. It’s got a cult-y vibe, and we consider ourselves a creative cult of sorts, so it works out.