Classy Trashy

In this week’s episode, Natalie sits down with America’s tattoo godmother, Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand (@shanghaikate). Among the topics discussed in this episode are: Shanghai Kate’s 50+ years of tattooing experience. Shanghai Kate’s ability to manifest in her life. The importance of knowing the history of Womanhood. Tattooing as a historically female role. Shanghai Kate working alongside Ed Hardy, Sailor Jerry, Jack Rudy, Freddy Negreti, and more. The evolution of Shanghai Kate’s tattoo style. Shanghai Kate coming up as one of the only female tattooers in the world, and the career that brought her around the globe. Shanghai Kate’s advice for climbing the mountain of life. 

In this week’s episode, Natalie and Jake sit down with tattoo artist and owner of Loose Screw Tattoo in Richmond, VA, Jesse Smith (@jessesmithtattoos). Among the topics discussed in this episode are: Jesse’s time on Ink Master, Jesse’s clothing brand, non-profit, tattoo modular company, tattoo shop, and tattoo conventions. The inspiration behind the unique characters Jesse creates and the world they are a part of. The public’s perception of your hard work, versus how much effort and energy goes into creation. The way the media manipulates all of our perspectives, and so much more!

In this week’s episode, Natalie and Jake sit down with tattoo artist Jimmy Snaz (@jimmy_snaz). Among the topics discussed are: Jimmy’s time on Ink Master. Jimmy’s incredible traditional tattoos. How Jimmy acquired his unique style. Jimmy’s early years practicing graffiti. The source of Snaz. The relationship to the inspiration and formation of the creative process. Jimmy’s growth as a tattoo artist and person, as well as his hopes for the future. And so much more!

In this week’s episode, Natalie and Jake sit down with UFC Fighter Andre Fili (@touchyfili). Among the topics discussed in this episode are: How Andre got into fighting. Andre’s intimate relationship with comic books and choppers. Inheriting his grandfather’s Ironhead. Growing up around his father getting tattooed. Andre’s preference for American Traditional tattoos. Andre’s Where The Wild Things Are and Kali Tattoo. Andre’s ability to participate in fighting professionally while maintaining a sensitive heart and sharp mind. Andre’s opinion on finding harmony in the calm and crazy, and always having a sense to make it home.

In this week’s episode, Natalie sits down with illustrative tattooer Gunnar (@artofgunnar). Among the topics they discuss are: Dealing with the ups and downs of being an artist. Gunnar’s 25 years of tattooing experience. Living out of a Jeep. The way the pandemic has informed Gunnar’s spiritual growth. The definition of New School tattooing and how it is evolving. Designing tattoos specifically for clients instead of directing them to a book of flash. Gunnar’s most meaningful tattoos. The way social media has affected tattooing. Avoiding being pigeon-holed as a specific type of artist. Being free, present, and living life to the fullest!

In this week's episode, Natalie and Jake sit down with their friend Oliver Peck (@oliverpecker). Oliver is the owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, TX, and True Tattoo in Hollywood, CA.

Among the topics discussed are: Oliver’s first toothpick. The process of Oliver getting his tattoo body suit. Oliver’s favorite choppers. Sparkling Burgundy Motorcycles. Growing up with motorcycles, and always having a motorcycle. The crossover between the motorcycle and tattoo world. Oliver's experience as a vegan. How you should listen to advice from your elders. The fantastic Friday the 13th tattoo events at Elm Street Tattoo. Oliver’s preference for traditional tattooing. Oliver’s plans for his future in tattooing.

In this week's episode, Natalie and Jake sit down and talk with MMA fighter, Henry Corrales (@henrycorralesmma). Among the topics covered in this episode are: •Henry drunkenly getting his first tattoo with his mom. •How the meanings of tattoos fade over time. •How Henry is reaching the end of his tattoo journey. •How fighting and good company turned Henry’s life around. •How being in the gym is harmonious and brings Henry personal solace. •How expectations are the killer of happiness. •How a health conscious lifestyle plays into Henry’s relationship. •What the end goals with Henry’s fighting career are. •The intimacy of knocking someone out. •Henry’s plans after his inevitable retiring from fighting.

In this week's episode, Natalie and Jake sit down and talk with their friend, Brian Kennedy of Painthuffer (@painthuffermetalflake). Among the topics covered in this episode are: •Brian’s love for motorcycles and his favorite way to ride. •The story of how Painthuffer blossomed into the successful business it is. •The tattoo scene in Tuscan, AZ. •How he has taken a break from tattooing. •How learning about tattooing is all about trial and error. •How tattooing helped Brian learn to airbrush with precision. •How people always assume him to be heavily into drugs because of Painthuffer but in reality he’s pretty chill. •How material possessions matter the least in your long term legacy. •Being punctual and maintaining commitments as the stem to anyone’s success. 

In this week's episode, Natalie and Jake sit down and talk with their friend, NYC based tattoo artist, e-sports competitor, and undergraduate robotics student Crystal (@snayke.tattoo). Among the topics covered in this episode are:

•How anime inspired her love for tattooing while growing up in Taiwan.

•How covid affected her style of tattooing and place of work, Fleur Noire Tattoo.

•Managing multiple careers while juggling undergrad.

•Being a professionally trained bassoon player and how the community from the music and tattoo industry differs.

•How Instagram’s algorithm limits influencers to a certain aesthetic and might inhibit creative growth.

•The cultural shock of integrating into American social culture.

In this week's episode, Natalie and Jake sit down and talk with their friend, NYC based tattoo artist and co-owner of Black Iris Tattoo Anka Lavriv (@anka.tattoo). Among the topics covered in this episode are: •How Anka entered the tattoo world when she first moved to The States. •How Anka’s father got her first job tattooing in Ukraine. •How tattoo art is an expression of Anka’s perspective and spirituality. •The exchange of energy and trust between clients and a tattoo artist. •How a tattoo artist’s mood influences a client’s experience and association with their tattoos. •Where Anka wants to travel, and if she’d live in New York forever. •Anka’s dream to be a tattoo granny. •Tattooing her mom at 60. •People who treat tattoo artists as their therapists. •The tribulations of tattooing a memorial on someone. •How creating free hand tattoos in the moment with clients reignited Anka’s love for tattooing.