Most people only see tattoo artists through finished photos.

What they don’t see is how an artist thinks — or how their life shapes the work they put on someone forever.

In this episode of Needle Me This, Colin sits down with Nick Bones, a Las Vegas–based tattoo artist with over 21 years of experience, to talk honestly about tattooing beyond the highlight reel. This conversation isn’t about trends or social media performance — it’s about trust, longevity, creative stagnation, and what tattoos are actually doing for people.

Nick shares his perspective on:

Finding your people as a tattoo artist

Getting stuck in a style and how to evolve without losing clients

Tattoo trends that won’t age honestly

Why not every tattoo needs deep meaning

Stability vs struggle in creativity

Being married while tattooing and traveling

Guest spots as inspiration, not money grabs

What clients should know before getting tattooed by a traveling artist

Why trust matters more than control in the tattoo chair

This episode is built for clients listening, not just artists — the kind of conversation people usually only hear after years in the chair.

Fresh ink. Fresh clarity. Mild trauma.

???? Follow & Connect

Colin Bussing Tattoos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinbussingtattoos

Website: https://www.colinbussing.com

Booking: https://www.colinbussing.punchey.com/book

Nick Bones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbonestattoos