BALBOA PARK

Hey everyone,

Welcome back to Balboa Park! I’m Nicoz Balboa, a tattooer, artist, trans man, and a mom living in France. If you've been following along, you know this podcast is a space where I reflect on my creative journey as a way of exploring self-reflection and personal growth.

In Episode 30, I’m getting back to my original podcast format—just audio. I talk about why recording on video didn’t quite work for me and dive into the recurring theme of self-doubt, which touches so many areas of my life. From sending out newsletters and losing subscribers to managing a constantly shifting routine as a parent and artist, there’s a lot to unpack about how doubt and balance play into my daily experience.

So grab a drink, take a pause, and join me as I reflect on the rhythms of life, creativity, and finding a balance between personal time and work.

—Nicoz

Show Notes:

Episode 30 - Birkenstock, Self-Doubt and Balance

In this episode of Balboa Park, I return to the classic audio format, reflecting on themes like:

* Why video recording didn't feel right for the podcast

* The challenges of self-doubt, from unsubscribers to parenting choices

* Balancing creativity with the unpredictability of life as a parent and artist

* How a shifting routine with shared custody of my daughter affects my mornings

* Thoughts on guilt, frustration, and the constant need for balance between personal time and family life

* How running Strangeland tattoo studio fits into this flexible schedule

Dive with me deep into the complexity of maintaining creative momentum, while navigating life’s shifting dynamics. Whether you’re a creative, a parent, or just someone trying to find balance, this episode will resonate.

Thanks for tuning in!

xxx

Nicoz

PS: and some promo for cool merch, if you’re looking for ways to bring creative queer energy into your everyday life, check out my T-shirts and drinkware collection on nicozbalboastudio.com/store. Wear your creativity, and express your journey through these pieces that feature my unique designs. Every purchase supports my work and helps me continue to offer these creative practices. Plus, they make for thoughtful gifts for anyone on their own journey of self-discovery and growth!

PPS: you may also like this episode:

and this episode:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

Hey friend,

In this weird week when news from the world are scaring and sad, I'm really put hard work into choosing joy in everyday life as a way of respect for those who are losing life, love & everything in wars and occupations. I want to actively practice gratitude for my family and my art practice.

I’m here in your inbox for this reason… to create a joyful connection with you by sending you the last episode of Balboa Park! This one felt special because I found myself getting deeper into the ideas of creative rest and the beautiful chaos of inspiration—something I’ve been reflecting a lot on lately.

In this episode, I talk about how I’ve learned to let go of the pressures of productivity and simply be—whether it’s a good day, a tough day, or something in between. I also get into the weird magic that happens when we stop trying so hard to “do,” and instead, just allow creativity to flow. It’s a lesson I’ve learned through journaling, podcasting, and well… just life. 🌱

I think this conversation could really resonate if you’ve ever felt like you needed to do all the things to feel productive, or if you’ve been craving a little more spaciousness in your creative process. I hope you’ll find some space to listen and maybe take something from it to apply to your own journey.

Take a breath, grab your favorite tea (or coffee, or wine, no judgment!) or put on your walking shoes and go for a 29 minute walk , anyway join me in this reflective chat. Let’s explore this together—just like in our Graphic Journal Club.

Listen on this page or on any podcast platform you prefer!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, as always!

Much love,Nicoz

ps: please notice that the Inktober is on! if you don’t know what I’m talking about check this instagram post. you can also decide to come and share your drawings in the Graphic Journal CLub FACEBOOK GROUP!

pps: one more thing!! I’ve always been obsessed with T-shirts as you know already, but enamel mugs and tumblers They give me just as much joy! Whether it’s my favorite band, artist, or museum, I love seeing those designs on my drinkware—and now, I’ve got my own for you to enjoy!

Check out my “All Bodies Are Cool” enamel mug and tumbler, perfect for coffee or tea lovers. Different designs on both sides (lefties and righties, I got you!), and a super cool trans guy with a gorgeous belly in the middle.

And for my fellow water bottle fans, I’ve got the “Remember to Shine” bottle featuring my iconic Nicoz Balboa mermaid.

It's ideal if you’re like me, trying to drink more water but doing it in style!

I know, it feels a bit early for Christmas shopping, but with print-on-demand, we’ve gotta plan ahead to avoid the holiday stress

. So take a tour through my store—you’ll find something fun for yourself, or as the perfect gift (and hey, why not grab a T-shirt to match your mug or water bottle?

AND Use code COZY10 for 10% off all orders over €50! Let’s make this holiday season both cool and cozy! www.nicozbalboastudio.com/store

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

Welcome to episode 28—we’re back after an unannounced summer break! I realized while living it that I needed a break. :)

And today, for the first time, I’m recording this podcast in video, not just audio, still from my little studio—which is my bed… I’m not sure if it’s a good idea or not, I felt so pressured by the video that I spoke so fast and the podcast is 4 minutes! is it better or worst? let me know!

Anyway, I’m here today because I want to share something that struck me from a book I’m currently reading listening to on Audible, The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. There’s a chapter about self-doubt that really gave me the fuel I needed to start recording again, and I want to share that with you to keep my inspiration going.

I’m not writing more than this because the podcast is only 4 minutes long, you can directly go listen for yourself! (if you can’t hear, there are captions^^)

go go go

I will come back soon, tell me here if you prefere Audio or Video episodes:

take care

XXX

Nicoz

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

Welcome to Episode 27 of Balboa Park!

here for you another episode of the podcast!

if you don’t like to listen to the podcast here for you all the content I talk about translated into a newsletter. And if you do like to listen to it, well scroll through the newsletter to see the images AND to have a surprise ;)

Content Recap:

* Introduction

* Updates on my recent activities and exhibitions

* My thoughts on maintaining creative momentum

* Reflections on dealing with artistic pressures

* Balancing various creative endeavors

* An announcement!

Balboa Park Newsletter

Hi, hello, welcome, welcome. I’m Nicoz Balboa, and this is Balboa Park. For those new to my podcast, I’m a trans man from Italy who’s been living in France for over 20 years. I’m a MOM to a teenage daughter and a passionate tattoo artist and graphic novelist.

Life Updates and Recent Projects

It’s been a while since the last episode, and I was worried that the podcast might end abruptly, much like the legends of the 27 Club. Thankfully, I’m back, and there’s so much to share.

The past month and a half has been incredibly busy. I’ve been preparing for an exhibition featuring my new Perimeter series paintings. You might have seen some of these in my newsletter or on Instagram. The show took place in La Rochelle alongside two talented artists, Henri Capron and Virginie Rouvière, as part of a collective exhibition themed "Be Water." It was fascinating to see how each of us brought our unique interpretations of water to the show, from underwater self-portraits to scenes of nature and beach life.

The Struggles of Creativity Under Pressure

Despite the joy and fulfillment that these projects bring, maintaining a consistent creative output can be challenging. I’ve realized that the pressure to produce can often stifle creativity. The key to overcoming this is finding joy in the process rather than succumbing to guilt or shame about productivity.

Balancing Multiple Creative Outlets

In addition to my painting and exhibitions, I’ve been busy with the second season of the Strangeland podcast, which required extensive editing, interviewing, and promotion. Coupled with my tattoo work and an upcoming guest spot in Rome, it felt overwhelming at times. However, I’ve learned that it’s important (YET NOT EASY) to slow down and reconnect with the simple pleasures, like reading and stepping back from the constant connectivity of social media.

Exploring New Ventures

I’m excited to announce a new project that combines my love for art and t-shirts. After a great conversation with fellow artist Reesabobeesa on Instagram, I decided to try Printful, a platform that allows for ethical and on-demand printing. You can now find my first two t-shirt designs on my website, NicozBalboaStudio.com/store One features two Mermtrans kissing, and the other is a self-portrait with the messages "All bodies are cool" on the front and "You are cool" on the back. These designs are meant to spread positivity and self-acceptance.

and since you read up ‘till here, I have a discount for you to use in my shop: copy/paste this word THANKYOUFORREADING at the checkout to have a discount. discount expires in one week (July 28)

Final Thoughts

Thank you for sticking with me through this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving an honest review or sharing it with a friend. And, please, check out my new t-shirts and let me know what you think. Your support AND feedback means the world to me.

Stay creative, find joy in the process, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Best, Nicoz Balboa

[Visit NicozBalboaStudio.com for the latest updates!]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

Hello, my friend.

Welcome to Episode 26 of Balboa Park podcast & newsletter. (content is the same, minus the images for the audio version, and you can choose if you want to read the mail/substack post or listen to my voice -CW strong italian accent!-)

Today, I’m shifting gears from telling you about painting, drawing, setting up the creative nest, and graphic journaling to talk about my approach to tattooing, especially the fascinating challenge of cover-up tattoos.

I felt inspired to discuss this topic because this morning, while posting on Instagram—a whole new chapter for me—I realized I have many feelings about the platform. Despite my efforts, I still haven’t managed to understand it fully. As I’ve mentioned in past episodes, I don’t want Instagram to become too much work. So, I have only one account for posting tattoos, illustrations, news, podcast, life, silliness (and I have one for my graphic journal club which is actually a lot of repost from the original account).

It's been a long time since I last posted. Partly because I have a lot going on: promoting the newsletter, this podcast, the Strangeland podcast (in French), and Strangeland Studio activities. Plus, I’m working on the series, The New Perimeter, which you already know about from the newsletter. I thought, “OK, I need to post a tattoo,” but I also want to engage in a conversation about my creative process. Sharing this here on the podcast seems like a fun way to do that because tattooing is very cool and challenging. It’s also a primal way for us to reclaim ownership of our bodies.

Tattooing (like practicing yoga, buying a new pair of shoes, or getting a haircut etcetera) connects us to our bodies. It’s euphoric to do something that makes us feel more human. I love doing and getting tattoos, but sometimes, things go wrong.

(but it can happens that) You might end up with a tattoo you don’t like, or it fades over the years, or you simply no longer want it on your skin. Laser removal is an option, but it’s expensive, painful, and less fun than getting a cover-up tattoo. A well-done cover-up leaves you with a cool tattoo that doesn’t look like a cover-up at all. For me, creating cover-ups is a fascinating challenge.

Cover-up tattoos are a unique art form requiring creativity, skill, and a deep understanding of both the old and new designs. Today, I want to share my process with you. Whether you’re a tattoo artist or considering a cover-up yourself, I hope this is insightful.

The Process of Creating a Cover-Up Tattoo

Firstly, I start with the initial sketching phase. I begin by cleaning the skin, shaving any hair, and then using a light yellow Sharpie to draw directly on the old tattoo. This step is crucial as it helps both me and the client visualize potential shapes and sizes for the new design. The cover-up needs to be at least two-thirds larger than the original tattoo to avoid looking too dark or obviously covered up.

Once the basic shape and size are sketched, I check in with my client. We look in the mirror to see the area of the skin that will be covered. Although we still don’t have a detailed design, this step ensures the client is happy with the general size and shape.

Communication is key in tattooing, especially with cover-ups. I want my clients to feel involved and satisfied with every step of the process. After getting the initial approval, I move on to detailed composition. Using darker colors like orange, pink, or light green, I refine the design. This phase, which I call the “pomme de terre” (potato phase), brings the new tattoo to life in rough forms.

I always have another check-in with the client during this phase. They often can’t see the design while I’m drawing, so it’s important to take breaks and review the progress in the mirror together. Clients sometimes suggest changes, and while not all ideas are feasible, I’m always open to discussion. Freehand tattooing is a collaborative process, and through dialogue, we always find a compromise.

Once the design is finalized, I retrace it with a darker marker—never black, as it can be confusing during the tattooing process. Then, the real transformation begins. Those messy colored lines turn into a beautiful, cohesive tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Covering up tattoos is an intricate process that requires skill, vision, and patience. It’s not just about technical ability; it’s a deeply collaborative effort between the artist and the client.

Trust is fundamental in this process. When clients choose an artist, they are placing their confidence in the artist's style, vision, and expertise. They are entrusting the artist with a part of their body and a piece of their story. This relationship is built on mutual respect and open communication.

The satisfaction of transforming an old tattoo into something new and beautiful is immensely rewarding for both the client and the artist.

It’s a journey of creative transformation that can breathe new life into a piece that was once a source of regret. If you ever find yourself in La Rochelle, Rome, or Paris with a tattoo you no longer love, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always excited about new cover-up projects and the opportunity to work together to create something you’ll cherish.

Thank you for joining me in this episode of Balboa Park. If you enjoyed what you read and heard, please share it on your social media or with a friend who might benefit from it—especially someone considering laser removal for a tattoo they’d be pleased to know that there’s always another option.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave feedback, and give a five-star rating if you liked this episode.

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to talk to you very soon.

Bye-bye.

PS: I leave you with more exemples of cover ups I did. I did a lot more but, I mean, you got the idea :)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

Hey my friend here’s another email for you with another episode of the podcast about "using creativity-observation as a way to self-knowledge” (at least I try!)

Because finding ways to stay in contact with our emotions way is very important those days, because

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

no, wait wait… it’s more:

When the going gets tough, the SOFT get going

but I can’t explain more, If you want to know why/how tune into this BALBOA PARK Episode!

and also learn what Taylor Swift thought me (whaaat?)

and please do’nt forget to:

and

have a nice day!

XXX

Nicoz

PS, Show notes:

My website: https://www.nicozbalboastudio.com/

Graphic Journal Club: https://www.patreon.com/graphicjournalclub

Podcast/Newsletter https://nicozbalboa.substack.com/

my studio in La Rochelle, Strangeland: https://www.strangeland.fr/

Strangeland non-profit : https://www.helloasso.com/associations/strangeland/

My tattoo page: https://encre.me/strangeland-x-nicoz-balboa

Strangeland podcast episodes (in French)): https://www.strangeland.fr/blog

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

to know more:

nicozbalboastudio.com

or subscribe to my newsletter to have all the episodes right in your inbox (+ bonus images): https://nicozbalboa.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

in last episode of the podcast we (I) talked about the difference between Creating AND Creating Content (are you an artist, do you have an artistic practice? and do you have/enjoy/struggle with social media? how to differentiate the 2 actions)

and today I talk about “creation” and I will tell you all those things, habits, practices that make creating easier for me. maybe some of those are well known maybe not. Anyway I hope you’ll find this episode precious to nurrish your creativity!

Enjoy this episode. and next week I will talk about creating content on social media when you are an artists and/or a freelancer.

XXX

Nicoz

ps: here, as a bonus, all those images I promise you in the episode aka the creative MESS

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

a new podcast episode in which I ask myself questions around creating content on social media. I’m not sure if I have the answers.

this episode may interest you if you feel sometimes (often?) overwhelmed by posting on instagram and by the algorithm.

it’s a short episode.

thanks for walking with me in the (Balboa) Park.

xxx

Nicoz

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com

hello my friend how are you today?

it’s been a long time since I didn’t send an update about the writing/sketching of my next book.

you didn’t receive any update because I didn’t manage to work on it and it’s quite frustrating.

the think is that those days are full of stress in making Strangeland surviving and my only artistic activity are tattooing and (luckily) my Graphic Journaling practice.

I’m dreaming of the days in which Strangeland will not need so much energy (and money) from me in order to survive… that day I will be able to be back on my book writing/sketching!

speaking of surviving, if you want to support Strangeland as an indipendent Queer Art space in La Rochelle you can Donate or even become a Member .

but let’s go back to the podcast! you have here the last episode: episode 21! (at least I take 2 hours a week to commit to the podcast!) I hope you enjoy it!

today’s Episode it’s a follow up of Episode #20* (last episode) and it’s about turning Jealousy into an useful feeling!

how? listen! :D

*if you didn’t listened to Episode 20 yet, down here you can find it:

Show notes:

My website: https://www.nicozbalboastudio.com/

Graphic Journal Club: https://www.patreon.com/graphicjournalclub

Strangeland

https://www.strangeland.fr/

Episode show notes:

Get Into The Groove: https://www.nicozbalboastudio.com/2020/04/05/get-into-the-groove/

Lynda Barry:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nicozbalboa.substack.com