"Am I challenging myself or am I torturing myself? Am I trying to be something I'm not, and that's why it's so hard? Should I be leaning into what already works?"

You know that feeling when you finish a tattoo and you're completely drained—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too? I had this eye-opening conversation with my friend Milo after she guest spotted at Bluebird Tattoo Studio, and it completely shifted how I think about artistic growth. We dove deep into why we feel guilty for creating art that comes naturally to us, and why we think we need to torture ourselves to be "real" artists. Here's the thing: there's a huge difference between challenging yourself and burning yourself out. Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is lean into what already works for you and refine it instead of constantly trying to reinvent the wheel. This episode is for every artist who's ever felt like they're not doing enough, even when they're creating beautiful work.

Here's what I need you to understand: growth doesn't always have to hurt. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop fighting against your natural artistic instincts and start working with them. Your art is an extension of your soul—treat it (and yourself) with the respect you deserve. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and remember that you get to make the rules for your own artistic journey.

• Why doing smaller, simpler tattoos doesn't make you less of an artist

• How to identify the difference between healthy artistic challenge and self-torture

• The mental and physical toll of constantly pushing beyond your natural flow

• Why embracing what comes naturally can actually accelerate your growth

• How repetition and small refinements lead to mastery faster than constant reinvention

• Why comparing your artistic journey to other artists is sabotaging your success

• Practical strategies for finding the right balance between growth and sustainability

• How to reframe "easy" work as smart business and self-care

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"The truth that no one really wants to hear is that it takes pushing through the hard days to be able to push through the hard days."

Let's have an honest conversation about something we all face but rarely discuss openly - those mornings when life punches you in the gut right before a full day of appointments. After 20 years in this industry and countless days of showing up when I didn't think I could, I'm sharing the framework that's helped me navigate these impossible decisions. This episode was born from my recent experience with my dog Baxter's cancer diagnosis, which happened just days before I was scheduled to tattoo a pet memorial. What I discovered in that moment changed how I view the intersection of personal pain and professional purpose. Whether you're dealing with grief, relationship struggles, or just feeling emotionally depleted, this episode will help you create your own decision-making framework for those inevitable hard days.

• The hidden cost of creative careers - Why no one prepares us for the emotional labor of performing creativity on demand, regardless of personal circumstances

• The decision framework - Key factors to consider when determining whether to push through or reschedule, including assessing your emotional state, work quality potential, and possible benefits for both you and your client

• The power of purposeful vulnerability - How sharing authentic moments with clients (when appropriate) can create deeper connections and more meaningful work

• Setting professional boundaries - The critical difference between relating to clients and making them your therapist, plus how to maintain professionalism during emotional times

• Emergency protocol strategies - How to handle true emergencies professionally, including deposit policies, rescheduling tactics, and maintaining client relationships

• The frequency factor - Why patterns matter more than isolated incidents, and how to identify if you're creating avoidable chaos versus experiencing genuine emergencies

• Building emotional resilience - How each decision to push through builds your capacity for future challenges, and why avoiding difficulty can reinforce limiting beliefs

• Finding purpose in pain - Real examples of how personal struggles can enhance your ability to serve clients, especially in emotionally charged work like memorial tattoos

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

This wasn't supposed to be a teaching episode, but sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the most honest moments. I've been questioning everything lately – why I keep pushing so hard when it feels like I'm constantly running uphill with no end in sight. Between tattooing full-time, running Bluebird Tattoo Studio, mentoring, podcasting, and creating content, I was drowning. But then I remembered exactly why I'm here, and it's not for me. If you've ever felt like the angry stray cat who needs help but won't let anyone close enough to give it, this one's for you. You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself anymore.

• Why burnout is often a sign you're meant for something bigger than just yourself

• How being hyper-independent can actually sabotage your success and growth

• The "angry cat syndrome" and why some of us push away the help we desperately need

• How sharing your struggles can transform both your pain and someone else's journey

• Why mentoring others might be the missing piece that gives your work real meaning

• The difference between working for yourself versus working for a greater purpose

• How to recognize when your walls are keeping out the very people trying to support you

• Why the most difficult path isn't always the most valuable one to take

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"Your worth and your value is not based on how much people like your art. At the end of the day, it's art. No one has or ever will agree on art, period." -Missi Blue

Here at Bluebird Tattoo Studio, I've learned that the difference between artists who plateau and those who continuously evolve comes down to one thing: how they handle feedback. After 21 years in this industry, I can tell you that the most painful critiques often deliver the most valuable lessons. This episode dives deep into the psychology of receiving feedback, why we take things so personally, and how to transform even the harshest criticism into actionable growth strategies. I'll share the portfolio review that made me cry but ultimately changed my entire career trajectory, plus practical frameworks you can use immediately to separate your ego from your art and accelerate your progress.

Ready to stop letting your ego hold you back? Start implementing these feedback strategies today and watch how quickly your work transforms. Remember, the artists who scare you the most often have the insights you need the most. Take that next step, ask for that critique, and commit to doing something powerful with what you learn.

• How to assess feedback sources effectively - Learn the key questions to ask about who's giving you critique, their qualifications, and their motivations before deciding how much weight to give their opinions.

• The crucial difference between constructive feedback and harmful criticism - Discover how to identify when someone is genuinely trying to help versus when they're just being mean, and why understanding intent changes everything.

• Why you can't see your own mistakes - Understand the psychological reasons you're "too close" to your own work and why outside perspective is essential for identifying blind spots and patterns you've been missing.

• The emotional detachment strategy that transforms careers - Learn specific techniques for separating your self-worth from your artwork, allowing you to receive feedback openly without taking it as a personal attack.

• How to create actionable improvement plans from critique - Get a step-by-step process for turning vague feedback into specific, measurable goals you can work on immediately, including the checklist method that revolutionized one artist's approach.

• The follow-up critique technique for maximum growth - Discover how to leverage initial feedback into ongoing mentorship opportunities and why asking for follow-up reviews accelerates your progress exponentially.

• When and how to ask the artists who intimidate you - Learn strategies for approaching high-level artists for portfolio critiques, including how to position yourself and what to do when you're scared of what they'll say.

• Building accountability systems that actually work - Understand how to create support networks and accountability partnerships that keep you progressing on your improvement goals long after the initial motivation fades.

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"People treat you exactly the way that you allow them to."

Here's the thing that took me way too long to learn: every time you let someone else's bad mood, rude comment, or unexpected situation completely derail your day, you're essentially handing over the keys to your life. I used to be the queen of letting one small thing spiral into a week-long emotional disaster, and honestly, it was exhausting. But I've learned that the difference between thriving and barely surviving in this industry often comes down to one simple question: who's really in control here? In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shifts and practical tools that helped me go from being a reactive mess to someone who can handle whatever curveballs life throws at me. Whether it's dealing with difficult clients, negative comments online, or just the general chaos of running a business, you'll walk away with a clear framework for taking your power back and keeping it.

• How to recognize when you're unconsciously giving your power away to people and situations that don't deserve it, and the simple mindset shift that changes everything

• The exact thought-control technique that stops negative spirals before they start: pause, name the thought, and ask yourself if it's actually true

• Why constantly seeking approval from others is secretly sabotaging your decision-making ability and keeping you stuck in endless cycles of self-doubt

• How to distinguish between helpful feedback and meaningless criticism so you can respond appropriately instead of taking everything personally

• The real reason boundaries don't work for most people (hint: it's not about what you say, it's about what you do when they're crossed)

• Why letting other people's opinions about your business success become your reality is the fastest way to fail, plus real examples from opening Bluebird Tattoo Studio

• The three categories of control that actually matter: your thoughts, your actions, and your boundaries, and how to master each one

• How to move from survival mode to intentional action so you can focus on creativity and growth instead of constantly putting out fires

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"Having ADHD does not mean we can't do hard things and we can't get shit done. We just have to lean into what works for us and away from the things that make everything worse."

I spent 38 years struggling through life thinking everyone else had some secret manual I never received. Constantly scattered, forgetting appointments, leaving projects half-finished, and procrastinating until deadlines became emergencies. It wasn't until my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD that I realized I might be dealing with the same thing. Getting my own diagnosis at 38 was both validating and overwhelming, but it led me to develop the exact systems I'm sharing today. Through trial and error (and a lot of research), I discovered nine strategies that transformed my business from chaotic to controlled. These aren't just theories - they're the practical tools that keep Bluebird Tattoo Studio running smoothly and help me show up as the leader my team deserves.

• How to create foolproof list systems that actually work for the ADHD brain, including which apps and tools make the biggest difference in staying organized

• The step-by-step process for building routines that become automatic, so you can get through tasks you hate without relying on motivation or willpower

• Why sleep is non-negotiable for ADHD entrepreneurs and how a consistent sleep schedule dramatically improves focus, decision-making, and work quality

• The chunking method for breaking down overwhelming projects into manageable pieces that prevent freeze-up and procrastination

• How to identify and minimize your specific distractions, from choosing the right background music to knowing when to put your phone in another room

• The importance of designated spaces for everything in your business and how organization directly impacts productivity and professional image

• Which digital tools to embrace and which paper systems to ditch for maximum efficiency and accessibility

• Why planning ahead for inevitable challenges and your brain's quirks can make the difference between a great day and a disaster

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"If you actually want the dream you say you're after, why wouldn't you take as much of it as you were able to now and find those in-between steps to start living the dream now? What are you waiting for?"

Here's something that's been weighing on my mind lately, and I think it's going to challenge everything you think you know about goal setting. What if we've become so laser-focused on our goals that we've completely lost sight of our actual dreams? I'm talking about that beautiful, colorful vision that made you pick up a tattoo machine in the first place. I've always been the queen of breaking down big dreams into actionable goals, but recently I had a wake-up call that changed everything. I've been obsessing over buying a building for Bluebird Tattoo Studio, thinking it would get me closer to home and give me more time with my kids. But here's the thing – by the time I'm financially ready to buy that building, my kids will have graduated and possibly moved out. I was so busy chasing the goal that I almost missed the entire point of the dream.

This episode is about pulling back, getting brutally honest with ourselves, and asking the hard question: Are we so caught up in the "how" that we're missing the "why"? Because I've realized that most of us are guilty of constantly moving the goalpost, making promises to ourselves that we never keep, and waiting for some magical moment when everything aligns perfectly. But what if that moment never comes? What if we're wasting our lives waiting when we could be living parts of our dreams right now?

Listen to episode #9 9 Ways to Get More Done in Your Day with Missi Blue

Listen to episode #27 What Finally Made My Business Work with Missi Blue

• Why the traditional goal-setting approach can actually sabotage your dreams and keep you in a constant state of "almost there"

• How to identify when you're chasing goals instead of living your actual dream, and the simple question that will change your perspective immediately

• The psychology behind why we keep moving the goalpost and making bigger promises to ourselves instead of celebrating wins

• Practical strategies for "nickel and diming" your dreams – how to find ways to experience parts of your vision while you're still building toward the bigger picture

• Real examples of how to get creative with time, money, and location constraints to start living your dream life now

• Why specificity in your dreams matters and how to break down vague desires like "more time with family" into actionable steps

• The mindset shift that helps you see opportunities that were always there but you weren't paying attention to before

• How to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start finding those "in-between steps" that bring you closer to your dream today

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"You're only going to attract the same that you're putting out there. So if you want better options, you have to bring that same energy to the table."

This episode is going to challenge you, and honestly, it might sting a little. But if you're listening to this podcast, it means you're ready to grow and figure out what's not working. I've been where you are - wondering why everyone else seems booked solid while you're struggling to fill your schedule. The truth? It's probably not the algorithm, your follower count, or bad luck. Sometimes we need to take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves some tough questions about how we're showing up online and in person. I'm sharing this because I believe in your potential, and I know that with some honest self-reflection and strategic changes, you can turn things around.

Checkout episode 7 Surviving the Slow Season

• How to conduct an honest social media audit - Assess your posts from the last 3-6 months and identify patterns that might be repelling potential clients

• The 6 key areas that make or break your online presence - From approachability and relatability to avoiding desperation and aggression

• Practical strategies to become more approachable - Even if you have resting bitch face (like me!), you can learn to be more inviting and friendly

• The psychology behind positive reinforcement with clients - Why celebrating good clients publicly works better than complaining about bad ones

• How to be authentically relatable without trying too hard - Share your interests and personality in ways that naturally attract your ideal clients

• Warning signs of desperation and how to avoid them - Recognize behaviors that signal you're not worth their time or money

• The power of attitude in attracting quality clients - Why being a constant downer pushes people away and how to shift your energy

• A framework for self-assessment - Ask yourself the hard question: "Am I someone I would want to spend the day with?"

Ready to stop making excuses and start making real changes? Take that honest look at your online presence, implement these strategies consistently, and watch how your energy shift attracts the right clients. Your success is in your hands - now go make it happen.

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"Systems only work to help you if you actually use them." -Missi Blue

Last week reminded me why I built systems in the first place – and what happens when you think you're too experienced to follow them. My booking day at Bluebird Tattoo Studio turned into a complete scramble because I decided to wing it instead of sticking to my proven process. From ignored checklists to computer crashes at the worst possible moment, everything that could go wrong did. But here's the thing: this disaster became my biggest learning opportunity yet. I'm sharing exactly what went sideways, why it happened, and most importantly, how I'm using this experience to build even stronger systems. If you've ever thought "I know better than this" while watching your carefully planned day fall apart, this episode is for you.

Listen to episode 31 No More DM Chaos: My One-Day Booking System with Missi Blue

Download my free guide to online booking

• Why following your own systems is crucial, even when you think you have them memorized

• The specific mistakes that turned a smooth booking process into a 45-minute delay and client confusion

• How to turn business frustrations into actionable improvements through systematic note-taking

• The importance of building accountability into your processes, especially when working with team members

• Smart automation strategies that can eliminate last-minute scrambling and reduce human error

• How to create backup plans for technology failures and other unexpected disruptions

• The value of testing your systems with fresh eyes and documenting changes for future reference

• Why investing time in system updates now saves exponentially more time and stress later

Ready to stop repeating the same frustrating mistakes? Start by identifying one system in your business that's causing you stress, document what's not working, and create an action plan to fix it this week. Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today.

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"I know it's hard to work for me. And that's on purpose. I'm trying to weed out those ones that aren't on the same path as the rest of us." -Missi Blue

Running a tattoo shop taught me one of the hardest lessons of my career: you can't be everyone's friend and still be an effective leader. For years, I desperately wanted to be the "cool boss" – the one everyone loved, the complete opposite of those shop owners I'd seen get demonized by their staff. I bent over backwards to be agreeable, let things slide, and made financial decisions based on emotions rather than business sense. The result? I nearly lost control of my own business and found myself in situations that compromised everything I'd worked to build. Today I'm sharing the raw truth about what it really takes to lead a creative team, why having high standards isn't mean, and how I learned to stop people-pleasing my way into business problems.

• Why trying to be the "cool boss" can actually harm your business and the people you're trying to protect

• How people-pleasing tendencies can lead to financial mistakes and blurred professional boundaries

• The importance of establishing clear non-negotiables and minimum requirements from day one

• Why you can't expect to be seen as both a friend and a boss, and how to navigate that dynamic

• How to recognize when you're letting others pull your business off track and what to do about it

• The difference between being flexible with your plans and compromising your core values

• Why having high expectations and pushing for growth actually creates better work environments

• How to use your values as a North Star for making difficult business decisions

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio