Building a family while maintaining a career can be a challenging endeavor, as discussed in the podcast episode featuring guest Ryan Ussher. Ryan resides in Australia, owns and his work is characterized by bold contrast and dynamic composition. Having started his career in tattooing in 2005, Ryan has worked in many places in Australia and abroad, from bustling street shops to small private studios, to hone his skills into a recognizable style that draws from traditional Japanese tattoo and print imagery as well as Western elements.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese tattooing, the ukiyo-e period, and the colorful Western world, Ryan sees himself somewhere within these boundaries. His tattooing is applied with heavy contrast, movement, and clarity that aims to be noticed from across the street.

He shared his love of craft beer, his tattoo journey, and the experience of meeting his wife, who became pregnant within three months of their relationship. This rapid transition into parenthood brought financial challenges and debt that they had to overcome together. Despite the difficulties, facing these obstacles as a team brought them closer and strengthened their bond.

Tune in for insights into Ryan's artistry and journey in the tattoo industry.

Chat Breakdown:

[00:03:35] Large scale tattooing routine.

[00:06:18] Tattooing and physical health.

[00:07:11] Balancing yoga and weightlifting.

[00:12:52] Laser tattoo removal experiences.

[00:16:04] Blackout tattoo trend analysis.

[00:19:22] The rebellious nature of tattooing.

[00:22:00] Tattoo culture in different neighborhoods.

[00:25:35] Beer review adventures.

[00:32:44] Family travel adventures.

[00:37:15] Date night frequency advice.

[00:39:45] The challenges of balancing life.

[00:44:49] Tattooing's past, present, future.

[00:51:29] The impact of AI in art.

[00:57:51] Evolution of tattoo industry.

[01:06:30] Gun violence and perceptions.

[01:09:07] Gun control and safety.

[01:16:48] Supporting the tattoo industry.

Quotes:

"Large scale tattooing is, uh, it's a grind, man."

"I'm into weird beer. That's my thing."

"Identifying with the vibration, I would call it, you know, of the art form, the rebellious nature."

"When you have kids, this other part of your DNA activates, and suddenly you are just focused and doing the things you need to be doing."

"I want to do whatever I think is good. And whatever I thought was good was whatever I saw in the magazines that were like, wow, this guy's doing insane realism. Imagine doing that. I'm going to have a crack at it."

"I really think AI can fuck off."

"Handmade crafts are gonna be like ten x in value where they are today like they'll be these."

"I'm going to the Mexican lager from Harlan Brewing. I'm a big fan of Mexican beer in general."

"Imagine walking in and you open your computer screen and there's a little beautiful human that isn't real, that has got all the books sorted out for everybody."

Stay Connected.

Connect with Ryan:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryanussher/

Lotus Needles: https://www.instagram.com/lotusneedles/

Website: https://www.usshertattoos.com/

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com