The Business of Tattooing
Welcome to The Business of Tattooing—the podcast that goes beyond the ink to dive deep into the industry, the hustle, and what it really takes to succeed in the world of tattooing. I’m Rob Smead, founder of Electrum Supply, and your guide through the business side of this ever-evolving art form. Each week, we’ll break down the latest trends, tackle the challenges artists face, and sit down with industry pros to talk shop—unfiltered and straight to the point. Whether you’re an artist, a shop owner, or just someone who loves the craft, this is the podcast built for you. So, sharpen your skills, level up your business, and let’s get to work. This is The Business of Tattooing!
Episodes
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:
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 ...
In this raw and real episode, tattoo artist and muralist Skizzy Scott returns to talk about what it really takes to last in the game. From authenticity vs. imitation to burnout, business, and mental health, this one’s all heart, hustle, and hard-earned truth. A must-listen for anyone trying to build something real in the tattoo world.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://...
This week, we sit down with the one and only Shaun Kama, a legendary tattoo artist, punk rock rebel, and the undisputed King of Halloween Tattoos. From apprenticing under Mark Mahoney to tattooing at the Punk Rock Museum and launching the mobile tattoo empire Ravens Nest Productions, Shaun shares his journey through horror, hustle, and artistic legacy.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
AP...
Chris Allen Taylor joins Rob Smead to discuss preserving tattoo history, building the Indy Tattoo Expo, and honoring the legacy of his mentor, Rabbit Sanders. From walk-in shop grit to big-picture vision, this episode is packed with stories and heart.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.c...
Sean Brown joins Rob Smead to talk leadership, regulation, and the future of tattooing, from his days at Eternal Ink to lobbying on Capitol Hill. MoCRA, REACH, artist safety, and corporate transparency, this is the episode every artist and brand needs to hear.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electru...
Ryan Roi joins Rob Smead to discuss money, marketing, and mindset... from tattooing to building a million-dollar coaching business helping artists grow wealth, create freedom, and take control of their careers. This is real talk, real strategy, real growth.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://e...
Took The Business of Tattooing podcast back on the road this weekend…
For the first time since 2020 (thanks, Covid), I went mobile and recorded live at Hell City—which felt pretty damn full circle. Hell City is actually where I launched my very first podcast, Electrum Radio, back in 2018. So recording here again? Nostalgic as hell.
This time, I sat down for a bonus episode with someone who’s not just an industry powerhouse, but a c...
Episode 5 – Elevating the Industry: Art, Ethics & Innovation with Joseph Swanson
Joseph Swanson joins Rob Smead to talk shop, soul, and systems—from tattoo ethics and AI to client experience, education, and building a career that lasts. A real-deal conversation with one of the most thoughtful voices in the industry.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
Episode 4 – Focus, Faith & the Future: A Deep Dive with Michael Getz
Michael Getz joins Rob Smead to talk discipline, mindset, and the mission behind Force of Focus. From addiction and burnout to leadership, clarity, and building a purpose-driven tattoo career, this episode is packed with candid insights and powerful perspectives.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.c...
Episode 3 – Old School, New Rules: A Raw Sit-Down with Joe Capobianco
Joe Capobianco joins Rob Smead for a raw, unfiltered convo on machines, mentorship, regulation, and the state of tattooing today. From coil vs. rotary to corporate takeover and old-school values, this is a masterclass in real talk from one of the industry's most iconic voices.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
APT WEBSITE https://saf...
Episode 2 – Blood, Ink, and Brotherhood: A Raw Conversation.
Brothers Robbie Ripoll and Jayvo Scott join Rob Smead for a raw, emotional conversation about brotherhood, healing, and their journey from rivalry to reconnection. From Ink Master drama to real-life growth, this is a powerful story of redemption, forgiveness, and finding purpose beyond the pain.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
In the premiere episode of The Business of Tattooing podcast, Rob Smead sits down with industry leader Ben Shaw to discuss the current state of tattooing. They discuss hot topics like the 'Tattpocalypse,' AI's impact on the craft, the controversial Black Dot tattoo robot, and the future of tattoo regulation. Join them for an unscripted, thought-provoking conversation about the evolving tattoo landscape. Don't miss this insightful k...
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