The Business of Tattooing

Kicking off our Spotlight Series live from Trapdoor Tattoos in Indianapolis! Rob sits down with owner Davion Ellis for a raw conversation on his unconventional journey into tattooing.

We cover his 5 years of "scratching" from home, the tough love from mentor Chris Karloff that changed everything, and the vision behind building his unique, anime-themed shop—complete with iconic manga-panel floors.

In this episode, Rob and Sean Brown officially launch TIMA (Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance) and Inktegrity— two game-changing initiatives designed to establish industry-led safety standards, ensure product transparency, and unify the profession.

This is a pivotal moment for the future of professional tattooing.

Learn how these organizations will empow...

In this episode, we are joined by tattoo artist Mikey Newblood of Studio 617 in Marysville, Tennessee. This was the second episode filmed and recorded live from the 2025 Macabre Arts Tattoo Festival.

Rob and Mikey dive into how his shop has kept the same core crew for years, a rare feat in the tattoo industry. Mikey opens up about building a loyal community, fostering a drama-free shop cu...

In this episode, we are joined by tattoo icon Pony Lawson for a deep dive into his incredible career. We discuss the real state of the tattoo industry post-COVID, including over-saturation and how to stand out. Pony shares stories from his start at 14 with a homemade machine, the behind-the-scenes truth of being on Ink Master, and the massive effort behind his educational YouTube channel. We also break down his techni...

In this episode, tattoo artist & coach Reese Hilburn gets radically honest about her journey from TV fame and public cancellation to rebuilding her life and business through spiritual growth. She shares how she now earns 10K+/month tattooing only 6 days, and the mindset shifts that made it possible. We dive into overcoming self-sabotage, turning your shadows into strengths, and why being polarizingly authentic is ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mick O'Herien, President of the APT and owner of the legendary Shotzi's Tattoo, for a crucial conversation about the state of the industry.

Mick shares his incredible journey from being Shotzi's last apprentice to leading the fight for tattooers' rights. We discuss the looming threat of federal regulation, the importance of organizations like the APT and T...

In this episode, we’re back on the LIVE stage! Recorded on August 31, 2025, at the Macabre Tattoo & Arts Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, this episode marks the return of our raw, convention-floor conversations, and it was worth the wait.

Join Rob as he sits down with Adam Stoner, artist, documentarian, and host of The Adam Stoner Show, for a wildly unpredictable chat.

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In this episode, shop owner, renowned artist, and real estate agent Kevin Becvar joins the podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation about the evolution of his career and the tattoo industry at large.

We kick things off by catching up on life, fatherhood, and the unique challenges of living and working in Temecula, California. Kevin opens up about the shifting landscape of tattooing, dis...

In this episode, Rob is joined by Selina Medina, tattoo artist, VP of the Alliance for Professional Tattooists (APT), and a leading expert on tattoo industry regulations.

This is a critical conversation about the existential threats facing the tattoo industry. They pull back the curtain on the dangers of cheap, imported products and the looming specter of government oversight. Selina brea...

In our landmark 20th episode, we sit down with James Gaither (Art Noir) for a crucial industry talk. We recap the inaugural Raven's Nest event at Sturgis before diving into the existential threats from Amazon and direct Chinese manufacturing. We break down the lessons from the fall of CTS and the urgent new mission of the Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance (TIMA) to create safety standards and protect the industry...

In this episode, we sit down with Hal Sawyer, the owner of Helheim Tattoo in Fayetteville, NC, for a raw, unfiltered conversation on tattooing’s evolving landscape, from pricing struggles and guest artist frustrations to AI’s looming threat. We also dive into wild tangents: handmade trophies, doomsday prepping, and why hugging trees might save your sanity. Whether you’re an artist or just love ink, this episode blends...

In this episode, we chat with Amy Ward, tattoo artist, shop owner, and industry advocate, about her 26-year journey in tattooing, from apprenticeship to championing safety standards. Amy dives into the importance of transparency in ink manufacturing, the differences between U.S. and EU regulations (REACH vs. MoCRA), and why collaboration between artists and manufacturers is key to the industry’s future. Whether you're...

In this episode, tattoo artist Lu Skywalker joins the show to chat about his 18-year journey, from chaotic convention days to prioritizing health and creativity. We dive into industry challenges (Pittsburgh’s lack of regulation, AI ethics), the power of community, and why tattooing needs better education. Plus, Lu’s passion for card games and his dream of merging nerd culture with tattoo shops!

In this episode, we talk with Kris Lachance of Splash of Color Tattoo about building a culture of safety, structure, and accountability. From shop management to safety standards, this episode offers critical insight into what it takes to run a successful and safe tattoo studio in 2025.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aFDGTQRV6Yo

APT WEBSITE ht...

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee’s own Cody Gower to discuss the impact of AI in tattooing, what it takes to be a successful traveling artist, and the challenges associated with sponsorship models. From staying loyal to your roots to navigating the noise of social media, Cody shares raw insight, stories from the grind, and why showing up matters more than showing off. And of course, we talk a little wrestling too!

Watch ...

This week on The Business of Tattooing, we sit down with the legendary Durb Morrison, tattooer, founder of Hell City Tattoo Festival, and lifelong creative. From his early roots in tattooing to building one of the industry’s most respected events, Durb shares powerful insights on longevity, mental health, pour painting, and what it means to grow both as an artist and an entrepreneur.

Watch the full video on YouTube!

https://youtu.b...

In this week's powerful episode, we dive into the sacred side of tattooing with Michelle and Eain Varga of Varga Medical Art and Stacie-Rae, pioneer of trauma-informed tattooing.

We explore tattooing as ancient medicine, how it can help clients heal emotional wounds, reclaim identity, and reconnect with their bodies.

This conversation reminds us that tattooing isn’t just art, it’s human, vulnerable, and deeply transformative.

Watch...

In this week's episode, we sit down with the incredible Mary Blake, hailing from Golden Yeti Tattoo in Franklin, Tennessee. Mary is a powerhouse in the tattoo industry, known for her stunning and versatile work, her commitment to excellence, and her leadership in cultivating a client-first studio environment.

We dive deep into her journey from aspiring artist to industry standout, exploring the lessons she’s learned, the philosophi...

In this episode of The Business of Tattooing, Rob sits down with Villain Arts founder Troy Timpel—apprentice to Philadelphia Eddie and mastermind behind one of the world’s largest tattoo convention circuits. They dive into Troy’s roots, his work ethic, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in the tattoo world.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to operate on a global scale while staying true to tattoo culture, this is the ...