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Joe Capobianco returns to discuss how business has been slow and how social media algorithms, influencer culture, and corporate consolidation are warping tattooing, client expectations, and pricing. The conversation critiques low-quality “content” tattoos, oversharing trade knowledge for likes, and companies using AI imagery for tattoo conventions and product ads, while noting AI can be a useful tool when used responsibly. They debate originality being punished, clients driving copycat demand and lower budgets, and how rising costs are colliding with downward pressure on tattoo prices. The hosts react to viral posts about extreme tattoo pricing and videos showing questionable technique, then pivot to promoting the free “Tattoo Hoedown,” a hands-on gathering focused on camaraderie, art-making, and education (coils, needles, sign painting) in Lenoir, North Carolina on March 29–30.

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