In this episode, Rob is joined by Selina Medina, tattoo artist, VP of the Alliance for Professional Tattooists (APT), and a leading expert on tattoo industry regulations.

This is a critical conversation about the existential threats facing the tattoo industry. They pull back the curtain on the dangers of cheap, imported products and the looming specter of government oversight. Selina breaks down the high-stakes battle to change the term "injection" in regulatory language, a fight that could determine if tattooing remains an accessible craft or becomes a cost-prohibitive medical procedure.

They also analyze the damaging impact of Europe's REACH regulations and issue a powerful call to action for artists and manufacturers to get educated and unite. This episode serves as an essential guide to understanding the forces shaping your business and how to safeguard the future of tattooing.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7tQ3sHWqR18

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Selina Medina on IG @girlytattoos

girlytattoos.com

In our landmark 20th episode, we sit down with James Gaither (Art Noir) for a crucial industry talk. We recap the inaugural Raven's Nest event at Sturgis before diving into the existential threats from Amazon and direct Chinese manufacturing. We break down the lessons from the fall of CTS and the urgent new mission of the Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance (TIMA) to create safety standards and protect the industry's soul. Get ready for a raw conversation about legacy, responsibility, and the future of tattooing.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UAtFX9R4ucI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

INKTEGRITYPROJECT.ORG

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

James Gaither on IG @jimmi_jazz

Raven’s Nest @ravensnestproductions

Art Noir @artnoir_bodyart

In this episode, we sit down with Hal Sawyer, the owner of Helheim Tattoo in Fayetteville, NC, for a raw, unfiltered conversation on tattooing’s evolving landscape, from pricing struggles and guest artist frustrations to AI’s looming threat. We also dive into wild tangents: handmade trophies, doomsday prepping, and why hugging trees might save your sanity. Whether you’re an artist or just love ink, this episode blends industry insights with unexpected philosophy.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Cv9Aco9dGI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Hal Sawyer on IG @halsawyersart

https://helheimtattoo.com/

In this episode, we chat with Amy Ward, tattoo artist, shop owner, and industry advocate, about her 26-year journey in tattooing, from apprenticeship to championing safety standards. Amy dives into the importance of transparency in ink manufacturing, the differences between U.S. and EU regulations (REACH vs. MoCRA), and why collaboration between artists and manufacturers is key to the industry’s future. Whether you're an artist or ink enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on professionalism, safety, and elevating tattooing as a craft.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZMZl8S-fDHI

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Amy Ward on IG @aoktattoo

In this episode, tattoo artist Lu Skywalker joins the show to chat about his 18-year journey, from chaotic convention days to prioritizing health and creativity. We dive into industry challenges (Pittsburgh’s lack of regulation, AI ethics), the power of community, and why tattooing needs better education. Plus, Lu’s passion for card games and his dream of merging nerd culture with tattoo shops!

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2phzHr5iDn8

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Lu Skywalker on IG @lu_skywalker

Pittsburgh Gaming Expo https://pittsburghgamingexpo.com

In this episode, we talk with Kris Lachance of Splash of Color Tattoo about building a culture of safety, structure, and accountability. From shop management to safety standards, this episode offers critical insight into what it takes to run a successful and safe tattoo studio in 2025.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aFDGTQRV6Yo

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Kris Lachance on IG @splashtattoos

In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee’s own Cody Gower to discuss the impact of AI in tattooing, what it takes to be a successful traveling artist, and the challenges associated with sponsorship models. From staying loyal to your roots to navigating the noise of social media, Cody shares raw insight, stories from the grind, and why showing up matters more than showing off. And of course, we talk a little wrestling too!

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/yNygm3nneIU

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Cody Gower on IG @codygower88

This week on The Business of Tattooing, we sit down with the legendary Durb Morrison, tattooer, founder of Hell City Tattoo Festival, and lifelong creative. From his early roots in tattooing to building one of the industry’s most respected events, Durb shares powerful insights on longevity, mental health, pour painting, and what it means to grow both as an artist and an entrepreneur.

Watch the full video on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/x7YCVuGOzgg

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Durb Morrison on IG @durbmorrison

HELL CITY: https://hellcity.com

In this week's powerful episode, we dive into the sacred side of tattooing with Michelle and Eain Varga of Varga Medical Art and Stacie-Rae, pioneer of trauma-informed tattooing.

We explore tattooing as ancient medicine, how it can help clients heal emotional wounds, reclaim identity, and reconnect with their bodies.

This conversation reminds us that tattooing isn’t just art, it’s human, vulnerable, and deeply transformative.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/ncHZlKnHGQw

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com

JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net

The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Michelle Varga on IG @michellevargaink

Eain Varga on IG @eain_varga_tattoo

Varga Medical Art on IG @varga_medical_art_inc

Stacie Rae on IG @stacierae.art

Artschool Ink on IG @artschool.ink

In this week's episode, we sit down with the incredible Mary Blake, hailing from Golden Yeti Tattoo in Franklin, Tennessee. Mary is a powerhouse in the tattoo industry, known for her stunning and versatile work, her commitment to excellence, and her leadership in cultivating a client-first studio environment.

We dive deep into her journey from aspiring artist to industry standout, exploring the lessons she’s learned, the philosophies she lives by, and the creative boundaries she's constantly pushing. Mary talks candidly about artist burnout, the importance of self-care, and how to foster a healthy, growth-minded shop culture. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just breaking into the industry, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and real talk.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/k7aiobinkUc

APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/

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The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing

Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja

Mary Blake on IG @maryblake