Artist Spotlight
In this month’s artist spotlight we bring to you artist John Trombley
Jen Kendra: Hello, Big John, it is great to speak with you today, and we’re so happy to be interviewing you for Black Noise! First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
John Trombley: I’m originally from Michigan. After years in the Army, I settled down in Syracuse, New York. I've been happily married for the past 18 years to Erin, my wife. I have an older son, Flynn, and 2 more children, Fallon, 16, and John III, 15. I am a diehard motor head always looking for classic cars, hot rods, and customs.
Jen Kendra: You state that you are an artist of many subjects including portraits, murals, lettering, cartoons, pinstriping, and tattoo designs. What is your favorite work to do, and why?
John Trombley: My favorite style is pinstriping and lettering. The reason is because it is a quick way to change the look of a vehicle. It can make a plain vehicle look custom.
Jen Kendra: When did you first realize that you were an artist?
John Trombley: My earliest memories would probably be 7 or 8. I’d spend extra time in my coloring books making sure to get the colors just right. That’s also around the time I got into comic books.
Jen Kendra: Are you self-taught or did you go to school to become an artist?
John Trombley: I am mostly self/mentor taught. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college. I did get a degree in graphic design, but I am more of a traditional artist, not a computer artist.
Jen Kendra: What are you most influenced by for your art?
John Trombley: I get most of my inspiration from my peers, although I tend to use my own style. Recently I’ve liked incorporating art deco styling into my designs.
Jen Kendra: You have said that you had early aspirations to become a comic book artist. Do you still do comic book art?
John Trombley: I might doodle something from time-to-time comic book wise if someone is commissioning me for it but not very often. Things in the comic book world have taken a different direction than I’m working in. Seeing that I am into classic cars, pinstriping and sign painting are all too natural.
Jen Kendra: Do you have a studio and what art supplies are the most important ones for your art?
John Trombley: I have a small home base studio set up in my basement. My favorite tools have to be my pinstriping and lettering brushes. I’ve spent many years trying out many different brushes.
Jen Kendra: You have been an active participant in panel jams and brushfests. Can you tell us about what those are?
John Trombley: Panel jams and brushfests are events generally during a large car show that a bunch of artists gather to raise money for local charity. I have been to several over the last 15 years, but my favorite is the one held during the Syracuse Nationals and we’ve raised over $90,000 the past two years for Ronald McDonald House. There are also smaller panel jams around the country where artists just get together and paint and learn and trade artwork.
Jen Kendra: Do you do any art shows?
John Trombley: I’ve done a few art shows over the years but pinstriping doesn’t really fit the art show crowd although I’ve noticed it starting to creep in here and there. There have been a few pinstriping and custom culture only art shows in the recent past.
Jen Kendra: Who do you generally make your art for and how do you sell it?
John Trombley: Most of my clients are guys that have custom cars or a really nice man cave. I have done a handful of pieces for women. Most of my art would be categorized as garage art or man cave art. I will from time-to-time custom decorate a purse or a pair of high heel shoes for a lady.
Jen Kendra: Do you sell other merchandise besides your art?
John Trombley: I have t-shirts with my design and content information but for the most part a lot of items that I sell are completely random. Toolboxes, skateboards, toilet seats, laptops, tumblers, etc. I have done quite a few signature boards for wedding receptions, birthdays, and retirements.
Jen Kendra: Do you have other creative endeavors?
John Trombley: My main source of income right now is as a welder and fabricator. I have made small metal pieces of art in the past. I also have a full airbrush setup, but time has not allowed me to reincorporate that into my work.
Jen Kendra: What is your advice for an up-and-coming artist?
John Trombley: I would tell new artists to try all different styles of art. See what you enjoy doing the most and then focus on that. Don’t think that you have to fit into a very specific box when it comes to being an artist. As an artist we should always think outside the box. I would also suggest that you find a mentor in the field that you’re interested in.
Jen Kendra: What is next for Big John in both art and life?
John Trombley: For the 2026 car show season I have my first big show on Father’s Day in Auburn. I will be selling art and artistically enhancing vehicles. July 18th to the 20th is the Syracuse Nationals brushfest benefiting Ronald McDonald House. October 4th through the 11th I’ll be making a road trip to Mississippi for cruising the coast. It is the largest car show in the world. I will be there for the whole week pinstriping, lettering, and selling art. Besides all the shows that I do, I will be raising teenagers and celebrating my anniversary in May by going to California for a short trip. I’m always finding new things to paint to try to sell.
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