Get my Note Taking Guide

Dan Pemble on Instagram

Consuming knowledge without applying it is something we've all been guilty of. I'm embarrassed to admit I watched the same seminar seven times before I actually implemented what I learned! In today's episode, I'm sharing how I broke that cycle and created a system that helps me transform seminars and courses from passive consumption into real skill development. If you're tired of collecting information without seeing real results, this episode will give you the practical tools to change that pattern.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why most artists retain only 45% of information from lectures, compared to 85% when applying knowledge through hands-on practice

• How to organize your notes effectively to identify your most important takeaways

• A strategic method for prioritizing what to implement first based on impact and urgency

• My three-tier implementation strategy: what to do this month, this week, and right now

• How to create personal checklists that reinforce new skills until they become second nature

• The power of scheduled self-critique sessions to track your progress

• Why mastering one skill at a time leads to better results than trying to change everything at once

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

Today we're getting real about something that's been kicking my butt lately: post-convention recovery. After crashing hard following the Baltimore Convention and then pushing through a charity flash day before I was fully recovered, I finally recognized the pattern that's been draining my energy and affecting my work. In this episode, I'm breaking down what I've learned about planning for recovery time, listening to your body's signals, and creating sustainable work practices that won't leave you constantly running on empty.

• Why planning for recovery after events is just as important as planning for the events themselves

• How to identify your personal recovery needs and create space for them in your schedule

• The serious consequences of pushing through burnout instead of addressing it head-on

• Practical strategies for scheduling lighter workloads after high-intensity events

• Why rescheduling clients when necessary is actually good business practice

• How to stop catastrophizing minor setbacks and maintain perspective during stressful situations

• The importance of adjusting your schedule to match your energy levels, not your ego

• 75 Hard Challenge - The mental toughness program mentioned in the episode

• Baltimore Tattoo Convention - The convention referenced in the episode

• Meditation Apps for Beginners - Resources for those interested in exploring meditation

• Professional Burnout in Healthcare Workers - Research on burnout and recovery

• Bluebird Tattoo Studio's Charity Flash Event - Follow for updates on future charity events

Your artistic journey doesn't have to be a constant battle against burnout. By recognizing your limits and honoring your need for recovery, you're not only taking care of yourself but investing in the longevity of your career. This week, I challenge you to look at your upcoming schedule and block off intentional recovery time after your next big event. Your future self will thank you, and your work will reflect the difference. Remember, sustainable success isn't about how hard you can push—it's about how wisely you can pace yourself for the long haul.

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

The journey to becoming a tattoo artist isn't what most people imagine. After countless messages asking for apprenticeships, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it truly takes to break into this industry. This isn't about gatekeeping—it's about ensuring you're getting in for the right reasons and with the right mindset. An apprenticeship isn't just learning a skill; it's committing to a lifestyle where the lines between work and personal life blur. You need to be obsessed with tattooing, willing to put in endless hours developing your craft, and ready to overcome the challenges that come with creative on-demand work. For those truly passionate about this path, I'm sharing the strategies that actually work and the mindset shifts needed to make potential mentors invest in your future.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why having tattoos and understanding the industry is essential before seeking an apprenticeship

• The importance of developing traditional art skills on paper rather than relying on digital work

• How to build meaningful relationships with potential mentors through authentic connection

• Why being a "people person" (even if you're naturally introverted) is non-negotiable in tattooing

• The real commitment level required and why passion must exceed the desire for a "cool job"

• Practical ways to demonstrate your value to a shop before asking for apprenticeship

• How to create a portfolio that actually impresses established artists

• Why appreciation and gratitude for your mentor's investment is crucial to your success

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

Hiring an assistant transformed my business—and my life—but the process wasn't without its challenges. After experiencing first-hand how the right help can pull you from drowning to breathing again, I'm sharing the exact process I use to find assistants who complement my strengths rather than mirror them. From creating job descriptions that attract organized minds (and scare away the wrong candidates) to conducting interviews that reveal true character, I'll walk you through every step. And yes, I'll even share the embarrassing story of how getting help led to a three-day panic attack because I finally had room to breathe!

Ep. 17 Is It Time To Hire An Assistant?

Assistant Assessment Worksheet

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to create a job description that attracts the right candidates and weeds out those just looking to "hang out" in a tattoo shop

• Why you need to define your values and non-negotiables before starting the interview process

• Red flags to watch for in applications and interviews (like using "U" instead of "you" in professional communication)

• The importance of conducting two interviews to verify consistency in responses

• Why hiring someone who compliments your weaknesses rather than mirrors your strengths is crucial

• How to identify when you're making a "panic hire" and why these rarely work out

• The unexpected adjustment period that can happen when you finally get the help you need

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

Guest spotting can be rewarding but also intimidating if you're unprepared. I'm pulling back the curtain on both sides of the experience - what you need to know as a traveling artist and what shop owners should consider when hosting guests. From essential pre-trip questions to bringing your portfolio (seriously, why don't artists do this?), I share the communication strategies that make or break these opportunities. After hosting countless artists at Bluebird Tattoo and guest spotting around the country myself, I've seen it all - the good, the awkward, and the unprofessional. This episode gives you the honest advice you need to build meaningful connections that can transform your career in the tattoo industry.

Episode #1 The Perfect Client DOES Exist

Guest Spot Sign-up Form

What you will learn in this episode:

• Key questions to ask before accepting a guest spot (shop supplies, location details, shop reputation, and client preferences)

• How to effectively promote yourself in a new city through targeted ads, local social media groups, and hashtags

• Essential items to bring with you, including your portfolio, business cards, and merch to maximize opportunities

• Professional etiquette tips for creating great first impressions and building relationships with shop owners

• Communication strategies before, during, and after your guest spot to ensure success and future invitations

• Best practices for shop owners hosting guest artists, from proper preparation to creating a welcoming environment

• How to turn a work trip into a valuable learning experience by engaging with resident artists

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

In this episode, I explore the all-too-familiar terrain of creative blocks and artistic burnout. As tattoo artists and creators, we've all experienced that moment when inspiration seems to vanish completely—when our artistic well runs dry despite deadlines looming. I share my personal journey through these challenges and offer practical strategies that have helped me reconnect with my creative spirit time and again.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to recognize the telltale signs of an artistic slump before it leads to burnout

• Why reconnecting with your childhood creative habits can reignite your artistic passion

• Practical ways to step outside your comfort zone to find fresh inspiration

• The importance of disconnecting from social media and industry influences

• How changing your environment and daily routines can spark new creative energy

• Why embracing imperfection and creating without purpose can restore joy to your process

• Strategies for developing your own personalized inspiration toolkit

Remember, creative blocks are just part of the cycle—they always end. Instead of fighting against them, use these moments as signals to reset and refocus. What are your most reliable methods for breaking through creative blocks? Share them with us on Instagram @boundbyart or email us at [email protected]!

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

Let’s talk about boundaries. Join me as I explore the tricky balance between setting boundaries as a tattoo artist and knowing when to bend them. As business owners, we're taught to be crystal clear about what we do and don't do - but what happens when our schedule isn't full? I share my own recent experience with breaking one of my hard and fast rules and how I've been inconsistent with enforcing cancellation policies with certain clients. This honest conversation dives into why we sometimes compromise our boundaries, how to do it strategically, and when flexibility might actually create opportunities rather than problems.  

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why rigid specialization works when you're busy but might need flexibility during slow seasons

• How to turn "exception" appointments into opportunities for future work aligned with your style

• The importance of setting clear expectations with clients when you bend your own rules

• Strategies for dealing with chronic reschedulers (especially fellow business owners)

• How breaking boundaries occasionally doesn't mean abandoning them completely

• When to recognize your blind spots in enforcing policies with certain clients

• Ways to adapt your schedule to accommodate valuable clients with unpredictable availability

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

I'm beyond excited to bring you this conversation with my tattoo shop bestie and incredible black and gray artist, Gabe Burgos. What started as a guest spot at Bluebird Tattoo turned into an amazing friendship built on our shared sobriety, brutal honesty about shop ownership, and drive to constantly push ourselves outside our comfort zones.

Gabe went from working in factories to running his own successful shop, Burgos Inc., in just seven years. But this episode isn't just about his journey - it's about having the courage to bet on yourself, even when it feels terrifying. We dive deep into what it really takes to level up in this industry, from surrounding yourself with artists who are better than you to making the tough decisions that protect your shop's culture.

Burgos Ink Tattoo Shop

Burgos Ink shop on Instagram

Gabe on Instagram

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How Gabe left his full-time factory job to pursue tattooing while supporting three kids and a stay-at-home wife

• Why being the "weakest link" at his black and gray shop helped him level up his skills dramatically

• The importance of guest spots and getting outside your shop to avoid plateauing

• How to maintain shop culture by turning "maybe" hires into hard "no's" if they're not a "fuck yeah"

• Why having your "back against the wall" can be the motivation you need to succeed

• The reality of opening a shop with minimal savings and making it work anyway

• How to balance being the "cool boss" with maintaining clear expectations and boundaries

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"Sometimes your big ideas require a special skill that you don't currently possess and you'd have to learn this new skill. The thought of learning a new skill brings us right back to stress mode. And because when the fuck would you even have time to study and learn this?"

I've learned firsthand the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur. After years of doing everything myself and experiencing multiple burnouts, I discovered that asking for help isn't just okay – it's essential for both your business and your wellbeing. In this episode, I'm sharing my journey and the exact steps I took to recognize when I needed help, what kind of support to look for, and how to make it work financially.

Get my Booking Guide

Download my self-assessment tool

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to identify the clear warning signs that you're heading toward burnout and need support in your business

• The importance of conducting a time audit and how to use it to make strategic decisions about delegation

• Practical strategies for automating repetitive tasks and creating systems before hiring help

• How to calculate your true hourly rate and determine which tasks are worth delegating

• Why investing time in training someone now can lead to significant time savings in the future

• Simple ways to start delegating with small, one-time projects before committing to regular help

• The real cost of trying to do everything yourself and how it affects your creativity, relationships, and health

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

"The only thing that's stopping me is me. I am perpetually just getting in my own fucking way. Everything I'm currently struggling with, I brought on myself. I literally make my own schedule." - Missi Blue

A chance encounter with a free-spirited client at my shop, Bluebird Tattoo Studio, sparked something in me. Here was someone who had created the exact life I dreamed of when I first opened my shop - the freedom to run, to travel, to breathe. Walking through the crisp morning air for the first time in years, I realized how far I'd drifted from that vision. Five years after opening during COVID, I'm still operating in survival mode when I should be celebrating how far I've come. This conversation dives deep into what happens when we forget our 'why' and how to find our way back to it.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The unexpected way survival mode becomes your comfort zone, even when you're no longer surviving

• How a simple morning walk can become a powerful tool for mental clarity and strategic thinking

• Why reaching our goals often leads to moving the goalposts instead of celebrating our wins

• The surprising story of how a 14-year-old's anger management drawing predicted my future

• What happens when we start believing freedom is meant for everyone else but us

• The critical difference between building mode and survival mode in business

• How to recognize when you're the one standing in your own way

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project