"People need to stop tearing each other down in order to get to an imaginary mountaintop that just doesn't exist. You can literally collaborate with people to get there." - Gia Rose

This conversation with Gia Rose goes deep into the realities of building a career in today's tattoo industry. We talk openly about the challenges of dealing with online negativity, the true value of mentorship, and why skill-sharing over gatekeeping creates a stronger community for everyone. Gia shares her personal journey through cancel culture, finding love across continents, and what it really takes to stay grounded when the internet tries to tear you apart. Whether you're just starting out or you've been tattooing for years, this episode will remind you why we do what we do, and how to keep moving forward with integrity and purpose.

Gia on IG: https://www.instagram.com/giarosetattoo/

Listen to episode 23-What Tattoo Shops Actually Look For Before Taking On Apprentices: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-tattoo-shops-actually-look-for-before-taking-on/id1777930586?i=1000700858498

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to mentally handle online negativity and cancel culture without letting it destroy your career or creative spirit, including practical strategies for protecting your peace while staying authentic

• The critical difference between gatekeeping and valuing your expertise as a tattoo artist, and why sharing skills strengthens the industry rather than dilutes it

• Why conflict resolution and direct communication matter more than avoiding uncomfortable conversations, especially in apprenticeships and shop dynamics

• The real commitment behind taking on an apprentice, what mentors are actually signing up for and what new artists should understand before seeking mentorship

• How social media has changed the tattoo industry for both better and worse, and strategies for using it as a tool rather than letting it control your self-worth

• Why creating art for other artists' approval is killing creativity, and how to reconnect with the pure joy of making art for art's sake

• The importance of understanding your "why" and how it naturally evolves throughout your career, from creating for yourself to teaching and uplifting others

• Permission to begin again: Why changing, growing, and transforming throughout your career isn't just acceptable, it's essential for longevity in this industry

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Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

 

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project