"If you would do it for nothing in exchange, you're in the right place. That's my philosophy—if you would tattoo for nothing, you're doing it for the love of the craft." – Gia Rose

After 21 years behind the machine, Gia Rose has seen it all—from making her own needles and mixing pigments to navigating the brutal world of online attacks. In this raw and honest conversation, Gia breaks down what it really takes to build a lasting career in tattooing, why traditional apprenticeships are evolving (and getting harder to land), and how to protect yourself in an industry that's changing faster than ever. We talk about the emotional toll of cancel culture, the legal protections every artist needs, and why asking yourself "why do I tattoo?" might be the most important question of your career. This isn't about quick fixes or shortcuts—it's about understanding the real trade you're getting into and coming out stronger on the other side.

Gia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giarosetattoo/

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why traditional apprenticeships have fundamentally changed as technology has eliminated much of the hands-on shop work that used to be the foundation of learning the trade

• How to handle online negativity and cancel culture with strategic silence, legal protections like mutual NDAs, and focusing on the support systems that actually matter

• The hidden value exchange in apprenticeships that many newcomers miss—understanding that you're receiving decades of shortcuts and hard-earned lessons condensed into months or years

• Why being a female tattoo artist presents unique challenges at every career stage, from apprentice to shop owner, and how to navigate double standards with confidence

• The importance of asking "would I do this for free?" as your compass for staying authentic and grounded when the industry gets chaotic or overwhelming

• How teaching makes you a better tattooer by forcing you to break down your instinctive process into teachable systems and refining your own techniques in the process

• Legal protections every modern tattoo artist needs including mutual NDAs, proper contracts, and understanding your vulnerabilities in an increasingly corporate industry

• The primacy effect and why your first instinct to defend yourself publicly is usually wrong—learning when to stay silent and let the noise burn out on its own

 

Links:

boundbyart.com

bluebirdtattoos.com

instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue

instagram.com/boundbyartproject

instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio

 

Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project