Tattoo shop owners juggling multiple locations will want to hear what Joey Hamilton learned running Revolt Tattoos across Las Vegas and Houston: you cannot be a full-time tattoo artist and a full-time business owner without something breaking.

Hamilton won Ink Master Season 3, opened his first shop for $12,000, and now faces $250,000 to $500,000 build-outs per location, yet still tattoos six days a week. That contradiction is exactly what he unpacks here, including how casino shop culture trained artists to rely on someone else to sell them, and why his bookings dropped from six months out to open slots in two weeks once the business demands piled up.

Hamilton's path to Revolt ran through two TV stops first: a guest spot on Hard Huntington Season 2 brought him to Las Vegas from Destin, Florida, and five years at Club Tattoo followed before he pitched Club's owner Sean a full business plan seeking a partnership. That didn't land, so Hamilton opened Revolt alone. Alongside it he ran a tattoo school: a college professor taught a month of tattoo history, students logged 400 hours on fake skin and 150 on real people, and two of the five enrolled failed outright. His current project is a swipe-based app, about a year in development, built to route tattoo searches directly back to the artist instead of dead-ending in Pinterest.

The thread connecting Hamilton's Air Force decade to his four-location operation is a specific kind of discipline: when it's time to work, everything else waits. That same gear kept him tattooing doubles when Hard Huntington had 30 to 50 people queued at open, and it's what he's trying to locate again now that ownership pulls in every direction. For artists building their own clientele, his example points toward something practical: identify the next opening, commit before the hesitation catches up, and stay steady when backlash arrives, because in his experience it follows anyone willing to try something the industry hasn't formally approved. Getting comfortable being the new person in the room, whether walking into a shop or pitching an app, turns out to be a repeatable skill.

Connect with Joey Hamilton:
LinkedIn
Facebook
X
Revolt Tattoos
Revolt Tattoos (Instagram)

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Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Blaze Ben Brooks designed more than 150 tattoo business cards, branded Maverick, and illustrated Tom Petty's final album. This one is for any artist figuring out how to stay original.

Austin sits down with illustrator, graphic designer, and painter Blaze Ben Brooks, the artist behind the Maverick Supply Co brand. They get into the business-card project that opened the entire tattoo world to Blaze, how designing for artists became a trade for most of his tattoo collection, and why he walks away from a project the moment he has it figured out.

The back half of the conversation goes somewhere neither of them expected. Blaze talks about losing his father, losing his ability to draw for a while, and then getting the call to illustrate more than 25 pieces for the re-release of Tom Petty's Wildflowers, a project built on Tom's dying wish and carried out by his daughter Adria. There is a jukebox, an unreleased record, and one piece of advice that got Blaze off the couch.

Along the way they cover tattoo-shop etiquette, the rule about never turning away a client, copying the artists you worship until you find your own hand, and naming a design studio that a bank refused to open an account for.

Connect with Blaze Ben Brooks:
Instagram (@blazebenbrooks)
Instagram (@greatsexstudios)
Website

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Tattoo shop owners who treat their business like a lifestyle are losing clients to whoever learns the next trend first. 

In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, host Austin Spencer sits down with Nixx and Sabina Kelley, husband and wife entrepreneurs, creatives, and co-owners of Smiles and Cries in Las Vegas, for an unfiltered conversation about financial discipline, identity branding, and surviving major industry shifts. 

Nixx, a 26-year veteran who built Australia's lowrider tattoo scene before starting from scratch in Vegas, shares the painful reality of watching his color clientele vanish overnight when the black and gray trend took over, and how versatility saved his career. Together with Sabina, whose 24-year modeling career includes defying industry blacklists and sitting as a permanent judge on TV's Best Ink, they break down what it really takes to run a successful modern studio.

They dive into the brutal 12-month real estate search to open their shop, the development of their locals-first brand City of Sin, why you must protect your pricing as brand integrity, and why passion alone is simply not a business. 

Connect with Nixx and Sabina:
Nixx's Instagram
Sabina's Instagram

Smiles N Cries Tattoo
Instagram
Website

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
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🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

What separates a talented tattoo artist from a sustainable tattoo business?

In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Brett Rosepiler, Las Vegas tattoo artist, muralist, and co-owner of One Block Tattoo, for a conversation about originality, business ownership, artistic growth, and building something that lasts.

After spending more than a decade tattooing at Heritage Tattoo, Brett took the leap into shop ownership and quickly discovered that talent alone is not enough. He shares how the success of One Block Tattoo has been built on strong partnerships, clear communication, organization, and a culture designed to help both artists and clients feel at home.

The conversation also explores Brett's mural projects inside Allegiant Stadium, Area15, and Atomic Golf, his approach to developing a recognizable artistic voice, and why younger tattooers should spend less time copying what's already working and more time creating something uniquely their own. Brett explains why consistency, small daily improvements, and showing up every day continue to matter more than trends, shortcuts, or chasing instant success.

Connect with Brett Rosepiler:
Facebook
Instagram
One Block Tattoo

Connect with Austin Spencer:
Instagram
Maverick Supply Co. — Use code SYLT for 10% off.

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

What does it really take to build a tattoo shop with soul in the middle of downtown Las Vegas? 

In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Buddy (Holiday) Orr of Downtown Tattoo Las Vegas, joined by Charlie Spencer, for a wild, funny, and honest conversation about tattoo culture, Fremont Street, American traditional tattooing, shop ownership, sobriety, flash, old Vegas tattoo history, and what it means to build something that lasts.

Buddy talks about opening Downtown Tattoo in 2008, growing one of the most character filled American traditional tattoo shops in the country, and the chaos that comes with tattooing in one of the strangest environments Las Vegas has ever seen. From wild walk in stories to shop owner lessons, guest artists, Yelp reviews, tattoo machines, merch, books, and the value of taking care of tattooing, this episode is packed with real tattoo shop talk from people who have lived it.

Follow Buddy
Follow Austin
Follow Charlie

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

What happens when tattoo culture, old Vegas stories, stand-up comedy, and real shop talk all collide in one conversation? 

In this episode of Support Your Local Tattooer, Austin Spencer sits down with Jason Paxman of Bad Apple Tattoo and welcomes back Phil Luck for a wild, funny, and honest conversation about tattooing, comedy, community, social media, and how the industry has changed over the years. From street shop chaos and unforgettable Vegas stories to the pressure of getting on stage and dealing with gatekeeping online, this episode is packed with the kind of real tattoo world perspective that artists and collectors come here for.

Jason opens up about building Laughter Day Saints Comedy, stepping into stand-up, and how tattooing and comedy both come with community, cliques, support, and pressure. The conversation also digs into old-school Vegas tattoo shop stories, the realities of today’s tattoo economy, social media toxicity, and the kinds of experiences younger tattooers rarely get to hear about firsthand.

Connect with the guests:
Phil Luck
Jason Paxman
Jason’s comedy page

Connect with the host: 

Austin Spencer

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Manny Fernandez (@mannysrevolution) as he takes us behind the scenes of high-stakes television, the precision of Japanese artistry, and the mental game required to stay at the top of the Vegas tattoo scene!

In this episode, Manny shares his unique creative process where he spends time creating multiple versions of a large-scale piece before he ever commits to the final piece. 🎨 Manny breaks down the intense mental and physical toll of competing on Ink Master, the reality of tattooing under the bright lights of national TV, and the surreal experience of having his own favorite artists tattoo him.

We also dive into his life in the desert, holding it down at Revolution Tattoo in Las Vegas. Manny discusses his mastery of Japanese, Traditional, and New School styles, and how he balances technical precision with the raw, custom soul of his work.

Hear more from Manny Fernandez and host Austin (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Listen now and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: @supportyourlocaltattooer.

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
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🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Phil Luck & J Swarm (@darthswarm / @philluckluckofficial) as they take a deep dive into the gritty history of the tattoo industry, the evolution of the "hustle," and why some things are better left off social media

Hear more from Phil, Swarm and host Austin Spencer (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join us this month for an incredible conversation with Bob Lackner (@bicycle_bobs_tat2) as he takes us on a journey through the open roads, high-stakes guest spots, and the sheer grit of a coast-to-coast tattoo adventure!

In this episode, Bob shares the mind-blowing story of his 40th birthday ride—a 3,940-mile trek from San Francisco to New York with nothing but his camping gear on his back. 🤯 Bob breaks down the mental and physical toll of averaging 100+ miles a day and the homesickness that almost broke him before reaching the California desert.

We also dive into the "pre-social media" era of tattooing, where getting a guest spot meant being invited into the inner circle. Bob recounts his first trip to Maui in 2003, working with legends in Lahaina, and how those early experiences shaped his perspective on the global tattoo community.

Hear more from Bob Lackner and host Austin Brain (@austinsbrain) on this month’s episode of "Support Your Local Tattooer."

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Listen now and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: @supportyourlocaltattooer.

#tattoostories #bicypletour #boblackner #tattooculture #crosscountry #oldschooltattoo #podcast #newepisode #supportyourlocaltattooer #mauitattoo #roadtrip

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
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Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
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🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek

Join host Austin Spencer (@austinsbrain) this month for an incredibly fun and insightful conversation with Megan Comfort (@meganthebanker/@nevadastatebank) and Matt Bontrager (@mattbontrager/ @truebookscpa) as they dive deep into the crucial financial and legal strategies every tattoo business owner needs to know.
This episode tackles the big questions around business structure, breaking down the benefits of setting up an LLC versus operating as a sole proprietor. Matt and Megan emphasize the very real dangers of commingling personal and business funds- a mistake that could cause you to lose the liability protection an LLC provides if you get sued.

The conversation gets candid as Austin (@austinsbrain) and Matt discuss the emotional and financial realities of a business partnership breakup They also cover the critical tax implications of the 1099-K form for those who are trying to "fly under the radar." Finally, Megan shares a powerful message about the "addiction" of watching your money grow through smart savings and investments like an IRA- a lesson that can help entrepreneurs build generational wealth by getting an early start.

This conversation is a must-listen for any tattoo artist, shop owner, or creative entrepreneur looking to protect their assets, minimize taxes, and build a financially secure future.

🔔 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on more tattoo artist stories and industry insights.

Sponsored by: Maverick Supply Co. 🐧 @mavericktattoomercantile Use Code: 'SYLT' for 10% off your Maverick order 🐧

Thank you for listening!



 #TattooBusiness #LLC #SCorporation #SmallBusinessFinance #TaxStrategy #FinancialLiteracy #EntrepreneurTips #MattBontragerCPA #MeganComfort #TattooArtistLife  #BusinessPartnership #SupportYourLocalTattooer #MaverickSupplyCo #FinancialFreedom

Maverick Tattoo Supplies - Use the code SYLT for 10% off.

Thanks for tuning in to Support Your Local Tattooer, the tattoo podcast for artists, collectors, and anyone who cares about tattoo culture. Hosted by Austin Spencer, each episode features honest conversations with tattooers, shop owners, and industry voices on tattoo history, apprenticeship, shop life, creative growth, tattoo business, and the real stories shaping tattoo culture today.

🌐 Learn more about Support Your Local Tattooer

🛒 Check out Maverick Tattoo Mercantile

📲 Follow Support Your Local Tattooer:
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

📲 Connect with Austin Spencer:
LinkedIn

🔥 Follow Maverick Tattoo Mercantile:
Instagram

🎙️ New episodes drop on the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 AM (GMT-8) on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Produced by APodcastGeek