Tattoo studios are evolving, and so is the technology that supports them. In todays episode of the podcast, Nate Laff, co-founder of Rev 23, discusses the journey of modernizing tattoo management software, transitioning from a Windows desktop platform to a streamlined cloud-based and mobile app solution. 

By focusing on essential features like client management, release forms, and supply tracking, Rev 23 aims to meet the changing needs of tattoo artists, especially those working in private studios or on the go, while adapting to industry trends and user feedback.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/modernizing-tattoo-client-management-nate-laff-ep-289~29274

Learn more about Nate and REV 23 at: https://www.rev23.com/ Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? We can help you grow your skillset! https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Something a little different this time around. We're not talking to another tattoo artist today - we're diving deep with Jenny Chambers, a serious tattoo collector who's got stories that'll make you see this whole world differently. In the current tattoo climate, it's not just about finding an artist who can slap some ink on you - it's about building relationships, understanding the craft, and respecting the process.

When Jenny talks about collecting work from legends like Jeff Gogue, Phil Garcia, and Ande Chambers, she's not just name-dropping - she's sharing a journey that most people never get to see. This isn't your typical "hey, I got a tattoo" story. This is about the real hustle, the behind-the-scenes grind that happens before that needle ever touches skin. So buckle up, because we're about to break down tattoo collecting in a way you've never heard before.

CLICK HERE, to read the deep dive into Jenny's conversation: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/-the-tattoo-collectors-perspective-jenny-chambers-ep-288~29272

Join Jenny, Ande and Jake at Fireside Yacht Club this June. Learn more here https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks  Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

In this episode, Edgar Marquez breaks down his unique freehand tattooing style, explaining how ditching stencils has allowed him to create more fluid, dynamic designs with intense focal points. He shares insights on balancing texture and value, harmonizing new tattoos with existing work, and the importance of observing tattoo masters to evolve as an artist. Edgar also opens up about managing client comfort, avoiding burnout, and finding fresh inspiration through personal art projects.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned vet, Edgar’s perspective on blending creativity, craftsmanship, and client care is packed with actionable takeaways. Tune in for a deep dive into what it really means to push boundaries while staying grounded in the fundamentals of tattooing.

Check out Edgars work and links to reach him in the Deep Dive: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/a-loose-approach-to-tattoo-design-edgar-marquez-ep-287~29271

Join us at Fireside Yacht Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks Keep up with Edgar at: https://www.instagram.com/ediablo https://www.instagram.com/3eyecircle

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The tattoo industry is undergoing significant transformation, facing challenges from medical scrutiny to economic shifts. Concerns about health risks and heavy metals in tattoo inks have long plagued the industry, prompting ongoing debates about safety and perception. Despite these challenges, tattoo artists continue to innovate and defend their craft.

Durb Morrison and Jake take some time at the Richmond Tattoo And Arts Fest to talk about how the medical industry seems to be pushing on tattooing. They also discuss how the current and next generation might perceive these ideas, and how tattooing might need to ramp up it's PR game to defend it's place in society.

We hope you enjoy this conversation, and thank you for supporting what we do!

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/are-scare-tactics-reshaping-the-future-of-tattoos-durb-morrison-episode-286~29269

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Sign up for Guy's Coverup Workshop: https://tattoos.social/reinventing-the-tattoo-coverup-webinar

Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside

Join Reinventing the Tattoo: https://www.reinventingthetattoo.com/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit

Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below!

Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com

Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/

Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more

https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’ve got an excellent conversation for you today with longtime friend of Fireside, Jesse Smith! As both Jesse and Jake promote different tattoo conventions they discuss some of the difficulties in thinking about the attendees vs the tattooers, the struggles between progress vs keeping it traditional, education, and many other topics.

There’s a ton of work and a ton of love that happens trying to get all the moving parts going in the same direction and connecting the dots. We really hope you enjoy this episode and gain a little more understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at the conventions you’re visiting. 

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/ink-masters-old-timers-tradition-vs-progress-in-tattoo-conventions-jesse-smith-ep-285~29266

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

In this final episode with Kurt Jacobsen, we dive into pain management for clients during multi day sessions. Kurt shares his thoughts about how, when and where to use Bactine for maximum effectiveness as well as why clients might choose to use a regimen of ibuprofen during the tattoo process. Enjoy!

And Go Here to see the extensive notes on the website: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-art-of-competition-tattooing-part-3-pain-management-ep-284~29265

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’re back again for Part 2 of the 3 Part Series on Competition Tattooing! 

Check out the Deep Dive with notes on the website:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-art-of-competition-tattooing-part-2-kurt-jacobsen-ep-283~29262

In the first part of this series with Kurt, we dove into the challenges and rewards of competing in the tattoo industry. In this episode, Kurt delves into the crucial topic of pain and client management during tattoo sessions, highlighting the importance of combining client care with effective pain management strategies. 

He shares valuable techniques for fostering honest communication, ensuring client comfort, and maximizing efficiency—all key elements for success in both competitive and regular tattooing. This discussion is packed with practical advice for tattoo artists looking to refine their approach to client interactions and elevate their craft.

Check out our tattoo courses here: Tattooer's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’ve got an exciting multi-part series for you with our good buddy, and previous guest Kurt Jacobsen! To us Kurt is known as ultra competitive and uniquely unflappable. He’s also EXTREMELY precise.

In this part of conversation, Jake and Kurt discuss the challenges and benefits of competition in the tattoo industry. They explore the decision to compete, knowing your limits, and the need for full commitment and excitement. 

They highlight the value of networking, receiving critiques, and incentivizing clients to compete. Kurt shares his seven-year process for competing in tattoo of the day competitions, emphasizing the importance of passion, client interaction, peer review, and choosing the right shows. Overall, the conversation underscores the dedication and growth that come with competing in the tattoo industry.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com:

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

For this interview Jake dives into an insightful conversation with Jesse Drach, owner of Ink-Link, about the intricacies of marketing in the tattoo industry. Jesse shares expert advice on leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, utilizing Google Ads, and the importance of targeting the right audience to promote tattoo shops and artists effectively. 

They also highlight the significance of Google reviews, geofencing in advertising, and creating engaging ads, providing invaluable tips for tattoo artists and shop owners aiming to enhance their marketing strategies.

Enjoy!

Also check out the page on the website:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/lifetime-value-of-a-client-jesse-drach-ep-281~29257

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10 % off Guy Aitchison's Reinventing the Tattoo annual subscription at the link below https://reinventingthetattoo.com/fire... Get $50 discount on TSM Pro automation services at the link below https://tsmpro.co/a/Fireside_Automation Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Find all the links and details about this episode on our deep dive page: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/free-ticket-to-paradise-amy-nicholls-derek-youngberg-paradise-tattoo-gathering~29254 The Paradise Tattoo Gathering is one of the most unique tattoo events in the world. A place where artists can learn from some of the best in the craft. It's like summer camp for tattooers! And we would love to give you or someone you know the opportunity to experience this incredible event for FREE.

In today's episode, we sit down with Amy Nichols of the Apprenticeship Diaries and Derek Youngberg of Coalition Tattoo Supply and Tattoo Career Builders to talk about what makes Paradise so special.

We also introduce the new Scholarship fund that we are launching along with Tattoo Career Builders to help a few lucky attendees come to the Paradise Tattoo Gathering for FREE.

I hope you enjoy the episode. You can find all the links we discuss on our deep dive page:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/free-ticket-to-paradise-amy-nicholls-derek-youngberg-paradise-tattoo-gathering~29254

Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside

Just getting started in tattooin? Let us help jumpstart your career with the Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below!

Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com

Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/

Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/