We're diving deep into the world of Gifford Kasen! An artist who didn't just learn tattooing, but breathed it, challenged it, and transformed through relentless curiosity. From punk rock flyers to intricate large scale biomech designs, to incredible fine art, this is about breaking down artistic barriers and finding your own voice in a world that's constantly trying to box you in. 

Every technical skill, every experimental technique, every moment of creative friction becomes part of the toolkit of an artist committed to continuous development. This isn't some motivational poster - it's about understanding how artistic growth happens through deliberate challenge, strategic experimentation, and a willingness to completely demolish your comfort zone. If you're serious about leveling up your craft, get ready to look at your artistic development like a technical problem that needs solving - one barrier at a time.

Check out the Article on the website and see Gifford's work:

https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/post/cross-disciplines--gifford-kasen--ep-294

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The tattoo industry has always been about overcoming obstacles, but few challenges hit as hard as finding the right space to call home. When we caught up with Robyn and Ty Pallotta at the Star of Texas Tattoo Convention, their story of facing 20+ rejections from property managers struck a chord that many artists can relate to. 

Their journey from a private studio to fighting antiquated lease stipulations highlights the evolving landscape of our industry in growing cities like Austin. As veterans know, sometimes in tattooing, the biggest battle isn't creating the art—it's finding walls to hang it on.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-fight-for-tattoo-space-robyn-and-ty-pallotta-ep-293~29280

Check out the Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Join Gabe and Jake for their live joint seminar and critique below:

https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/fstxtn

Lately I've been hearing a lot of chatter about tattoo shops struggling with slower bookings and more cancellations than usual. It's got me thinking about how we can adapt and keep our shops thriving in these challenging times.

That's why I sat down with industry veteran Gabe Ripley to dig into some old-school marketing strategies that still pack a punch today. We're talking about getting back to basics with local community engagement, smart event planning, and building real relationships with neighboring businesses - all while balancing the digital game we have to play. Trust me, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll want to hear what Gabe has to say about keeping those books filled.

Check out the webpage for the conversation with Gabe HERE: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/gaining-tattoo-clients-the-analog-way-gabe-ripley-ep-292~29278

Learn more about Fireside Yacht Club below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The intersection of technology and tattooing has always fascinated me, which is why I was particularly excited to dive into a recent conversation with Russ Abbott about the evolution of Tattoo Smart. From its humble beginnings as a digital marketplace in 2016 to its current position at the forefront of tattoo design innovation, Russ's journey reflects the larger transformation happening in our industry. 

What started with simple brush sets and digital palettes has evolved into something far more revolutionary - especially with their latest venture into 3D modeling for tattoo design. But this story isn't just about new tools; it's about how the tattoo industry adapts and grows while staying true to its artistic roots.

Thanks for supporting what we do, and we hope you enjoy!

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-future-of-tattoo-tools-russ-abbott-ep-291~29276

Keep up with Russ at the links below: https://www.inkanddagger.com/ https://tattoosmart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/russabbott/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Tattoo studios are evolving, and so is the technology that supports them. In todays episode of the podcast, Nate Laff, co-founder of Rev 23, discusses the journey of modernizing tattoo management software, transitioning from a Windows desktop platform to a streamlined cloud-based and mobile app solution. 

By focusing on essential features like client management, release forms, and supply tracking, Rev 23 aims to meet the changing needs of tattoo artists, especially those working in private studios or on the go, while adapting to industry trends and user feedback.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/modernizing-tattoo-client-management-nate-laff-ep-289~29274

Learn more about Nate and REV 23 at: https://www.rev23.com/ Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? We can help you grow your skillset! https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Something a little different this time around. We're not talking to another tattoo artist today - we're diving deep with Jenny Chambers, a serious tattoo collector who's got stories that'll make you see this whole world differently. In the current tattoo climate, it's not just about finding an artist who can slap some ink on you - it's about building relationships, understanding the craft, and respecting the process.

When Jenny talks about collecting work from legends like Jeff Gogue, Phil Garcia, and Ande Chambers, she's not just name-dropping - she's sharing a journey that most people never get to see. This isn't your typical "hey, I got a tattoo" story. This is about the real hustle, the behind-the-scenes grind that happens before that needle ever touches skin. So buckle up, because we're about to break down tattoo collecting in a way you've never heard before.

CLICK HERE, to read the deep dive into Jenny's conversation: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/-the-tattoo-collectors-perspective-jenny-chambers-ep-288~29272

Join Jenny, Ande and Jake at Fireside Yacht Club this June. Learn more here https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks  Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

In this episode, Edgar Marquez breaks down his unique freehand tattooing style, explaining how ditching stencils has allowed him to create more fluid, dynamic designs with intense focal points. He shares insights on balancing texture and value, harmonizing new tattoos with existing work, and the importance of observing tattoo masters to evolve as an artist. Edgar also opens up about managing client comfort, avoiding burnout, and finding fresh inspiration through personal art projects.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned vet, Edgar’s perspective on blending creativity, craftsmanship, and client care is packed with actionable takeaways. Tune in for a deep dive into what it really means to push boundaries while staying grounded in the fundamentals of tattooing.

Check out Edgars work and links to reach him in the Deep Dive: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/a-loose-approach-to-tattoo-design-edgar-marquez-ep-287~29271

Join us at Fireside Yacht Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks Keep up with Edgar at: https://www.instagram.com/ediablo https://www.instagram.com/3eyecircle

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The tattoo industry is undergoing significant transformation, facing challenges from medical scrutiny to economic shifts. Concerns about health risks and heavy metals in tattoo inks have long plagued the industry, prompting ongoing debates about safety and perception. Despite these challenges, tattoo artists continue to innovate and defend their craft.

Durb Morrison and Jake take some time at the Richmond Tattoo And Arts Fest to talk about how the medical industry seems to be pushing on tattooing. They also discuss how the current and next generation might perceive these ideas, and how tattooing might need to ramp up it's PR game to defend it's place in society.

We hope you enjoy this conversation, and thank you for supporting what we do!

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com:

https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/are-scare-tactics-reshaping-the-future-of-tattoos-durb-morrison-episode-286~29269

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Sign up for Guy's Coverup Workshop: https://tattoos.social/reinventing-the-tattoo-coverup-webinar

Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside

Join Reinventing the Tattoo: https://www.reinventingthetattoo.com/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit

Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below!

Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com

Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/

Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more

https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’ve got an excellent conversation for you today with longtime friend of Fireside, Jesse Smith! As both Jesse and Jake promote different tattoo conventions they discuss some of the difficulties in thinking about the attendees vs the tattooers, the struggles between progress vs keeping it traditional, education, and many other topics.

There’s a ton of work and a ton of love that happens trying to get all the moving parts going in the same direction and connecting the dots. We really hope you enjoy this episode and gain a little more understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at the conventions you’re visiting. 

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/ink-masters-old-timers-tradition-vs-progress-in-tattoo-conventions-jesse-smith-ep-285~29266

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/