The Jayder - Interview

“I want to add positivity to the world before I am finished here.”

Behind the lens, the brush, and the beats: The Jayder on redefining modern art through collaboration and culture.

Interview: Shahad Haddad

The Jayder was born in Los Angeles and is now based in Japan, where his work bridges the worlds of art, energy, and transformation. Known for his bold yet minimal tattoo style, he has carved out a unique space in the creative landscape—one where each design carries deep emotional and spiritual weight. What began as a personal exploration of movement, energy, and self-expression has grown into a practice that touches people across cultures and disciplines.

In this exclusive interview, The Jayder shares the story of his evolution - from dancer and designer to sought-after tattoo artist. He reflects on how intuition, stillness, and flow have shaped his creative philosophy and personal journey. We also explore how his multicultural background and spiritual awareness inform every line he inks.

The Jayder opens up about art as a healing force, the importance of inner balance, and the quiet strength of choosing your own path. Whether through skin, sound, or silence, his work invites us to feel more deeply - and to remember who we are beneath the noise.

If you had to describe what you created in just three words, what would they be?

Conversation, Lifestyle, History

And what drove you to create this?

At a young age, I was impressed and incredibly moved by cartoons and art. It affected me in a positive way as a person and filled me with joy. In life I have experienced hard and challenging times as have many people, so I want to add positivity to the world before I am finished here.

You've built an impressive career, including Emmy-winning work. Was there a defining moment that pushed you to fully commit to your creative vision? What kept you moving forward? How did you transition from award-winning video artistry into body art and other forms of creative expression?

A. In April, 2001, I was selected for an exclusive group to travel from Los Angeles to Paris, France. I saw artworks xfrom the Louvre for the first time. I had been enthralled with the study of Art History at Otis College of Art and Design and once I had seen the Egyptian collection at the Louvre, I was sold on the idea that Art is a serious and important thing for humanity. I felt chosen and decided I would dedicate my life to art.

B. Finishing my hard earned Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and getting my first professional job opened my eyes to the professional design world. I was surrounded by artists and designers who were at such a high level that I realized I had a lot to learned and I have been hungry find it exhilarating to improve my skill and explore different aspects and mediums of art.

C. During my 2 decade professional career, I spent time doing photoshoots and paintings all throughout. These projects were not paid and usually involved collaborations with models, dancers, and performers. After about 12 years working I decided to focus on combining all of the techniques I have learned and use it for an art form called “Jayderism” which I had come up with before attending my undergrad Fine Arts Studies. Jayderism is derived from my previous passion which was performing as a Jazz Saxophonist. Jayderism essentially is visual music comprising of curvy lines. Since I have always been obsessed with fashion and beauty, I decided to combine photography and performance art. The result is multidisciplinary eco system where expression of the body, painting, digital media, story, fashion, and sounds can all be combined for an everlasting experience.

What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?

A. The first adversity was finding time to produce artwork. Working at a production studio takes up a lot of time, so for a while my time was completely taken by producing commercials and other forms of digital media.

B. In 2016, I decided to add in a budget and a monthly schedule dedicated to the production of Jayder work. Implementation of this mindset was key for me to produce work over the years. Since a lot of the work requires collaboration with performers, models, dancers, photographers, and film makers, it was important to treat these works just as I would treat a commercial client job. The results were great after I got my rhythm.

You’ve made your mark in highly competitive industries. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in today’s landscape?

In an industry where there are social pressures everywhere, being able to think and act authentically and naturally can be a challenge.

How are you both adapting to keep moving forward?

Technology gives us the tools to keep creating and getting work out there to the public. Being able to create art in multiple mediums allows me to continue to adapt and explore in today’s environment.

Staying ahead in your fields isn’t only just about talent, it’s about mindset. What daily habits or rituals keep you sharp, creative, and always pushing forward?

I have a morning routine that involves: reading, classical music, crystal singing bowls, working out at the gym, and a very balance breakfast. Enjoying these things keeps my mind playful, positive, and sharp.

How has music shaped your creative journey? What kind of music fuels your energy while working, and what do you listen to when you need to unwind?

Physical activity plays a big role in keeping my mental and physical state balanced. Being outdoors, whether it’s gliding across the water in a kayak or speeding through the snow on skis, is like a reset button for my mind. It’s my way of staying grounded and energized.

I am heavily influenced by cinematic, hip hop, cyberpunk, and electronic music.

Here are some songs from past and present that have influenced me over the years.

You host a show called The Social Presents: The Jayder, right? Can you tell us a bit more about it?

Jayderism III Contours is a show about the bright side and the dark side of beauty. The show features photography selections along with living art pieces wearing Jayderwear along with music inspired by futuristic sci-fi and sound from the present and past. Jayder artwork is often comprises of body-painted models that are able to be viewed in 360 by the guests that are present during the painting session, or captured by photography and video. To step up the process Jayderwear was created so that the everyday person who wants to look sexy while chilling can wear something that makes them into an instant masterpiece~

For those reading this in Japan who are forging their own paths, what’s the biggest lesson from your journeys that you’d want them to take away?

We need to take care of our responsibilities, but if you follow your true desires and work towards it day by day, it will take care of you.