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/

We’ve got something exciting for you today! The Inside Fireside Tattoo Club hosted a panel discussion focusing on finance and money management tailored for tattoo artists. Originating from our popular Mindset Monday conversations, this particular session delves into topics such as passive income opportunities, strategies to supplement tattooing income, savings tactics, and beyond. 

We really tried to gear the conversation towards people who are just starting to think about their long term finances and aren’t sure where to start. So this is more of a conversation to get you on the right track and looking into resources that will help you get started making better financial decisions.

Disclaimer: The information provided during this talk is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. We are not licensed financial advisors, and any financial discussions should not be construed as personalized financial advice or recommendations. We encourage you to consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from reliance on the information provided during financial conversations.

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/

Check Out the Deep Dive On FiresideTattoo.com:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/side-hustle-gone-wild-thom-bulman-ep-279~29247

After COVID and the world had shut down Thom, a 17 year tattooer, was struggling to figure out where he was in tattooing. Between making custom shoes and not not knowing when tattooing might freeze up again he felt like he had to make some real decisions. In this interview he shares his journey of transitioning from tatt slanger to full time sneaker smuggler, reflecting a trend of artists exploring new career paths. 

From hobby to business, Thom navigates challenges in scaling up, including outsourcing production to China and tackling legal issues like licensing and cease and desist orders. 

He also emphasizes the importance of delegating and hiring the right team to support business growth, envisioning a recognized brand in the custom shoe market. Thom also discusses the creative process, challenges faced by major brands like Nike, and his vision for the future of his company

We hope you enjoy this exceptionally wide ranging conversation.

This is a sneak peak of what you can find in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club. We’ve curated this particular conversation because we think it exemplifies one of the pillars of what the group is trying to achieve as a whole. Creating conversations and provoking discussions that help tattooers get out of their own head and into their careers to make progress.

Groups like ours have started to appear more regularly as tattooing has grown year after year. It’s clear that support, community, and education is much needed in order to keep tattooing moving forwards and evolving into a proper industry.

We really hope that you enjoy this conversation and get as much out of it as the members who were a part of it. And if you’re interested in learning more check out the links below. We hope that you come join us in trying to make tattooing better than we found it!

You can Find the Deep Dive for this video here: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/urgent-vs-important-the-tattooers-struggle-inside-fireside-ep-278~29243

Timestamps: [00:00] Opening Salvo [02:04] The Cost of Discounting YOURSELF [11:33] The Purpose of The Decision Determines The Effect [17:37] Your Creativity Is Not Just Art, It's the Whole Package [22:52] You Can Do Anything, But You Can't Do Everything [27:01] The Power of Thinking in Timelines [33:22] The Magic of Thinking Big [36:56] Tattoo Industry Education Needs an Upgrade [42:14] Theory Of Constraints & Setting Expectations [45:08] Finding Ways to Give Back to The Industry [48:09] Having Multiple Voices In Education Is Necessary [56:00] Having A Support Group Is Crucial, And The Idea of Letting Go [1:00:42] Projects Vs Pieces, and The 80/20 Principle [1:05:21] Catering To A Higher End Client Without Losing Creative Control [1:08:11] Everyone Feels That Way All the Time In Tattooing… It Sucks, Let’s GO! [1:12:03] If You Have "Priorities" Then You Have No "Priority" [1:14:41] Creating A Small Team To Support Your Weaknesses [1:19:34] Interested in Inside Fireside? Come Check us Out

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/