In this episode, David Santiago pulls back the curtain on SMP and PMU artist sponsorships and breaks down what a real sponsorship actually looks like.

He explains the difference between true brand partnerships and the “sponsorships” most artists are being offered today…discount codes, bulk pricing, and the right to say they’re sponsored for a little extra clout. David shares real conversations he’s had with artists who reached out to him for advice after realizing their so-called sponsorships were really just affiliate programs or wholesale accounts in disguise.

This episode isn’t about calling out brands or shaming artists. It’s about clarity. Understanding your value. And knowing when a partnership is actually investing in you versus simply using your platform.

Whether you’re an SMP or PMU artist chasing brand deals, or a company looking to work with artists the right way, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in, take notes, and remember…respect your craft enough to respect your value.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny 

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode, David Santiago keeps it real about a topic most SMP and PMU artists rush into without truly understanding. Marketing agencies.

Too many artists believe ads and lead generation will save their business, when in reality, marketing only amplifies what’s already there. And if the foundation is weak, the results will be too.

David breaks down the real groundwork artists need to put in before hiring a marketing company, from branding and content to systems, numbers, and mindset. He explains why organic content matters more than paid ads, why most artists hire agencies too early, and how to know when you’re actually ready to scale.

You’ll learn what marketing companies can and cannot do for your business, the common mistakes that cause artists to waste thousands of dollars, and the critical pieces that must be in place before you depend on ads for growth. David also shares insights from his own experience working with marketing teams and watching artists succeed or fail based on preparation.

Whether you’re an SMP artist, PMU artist, or tattooer thinking about running ads or working with an agency, this episode is a must-listen if you want to protect your money, build a real foundation, and scale the right way.

Tune in, take notes, and remember… marketing doesn’t build your business. It reveals it.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny 

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode, David Santiago keeps it real about a topic most artists either don’t understand or choose to ignore. Scalp Micropigmentation is a tattoo. Not “kind of,” not “cosmetic,” not “medical.” A tattoo.

David breaks down why the language you use when describing what you do matters more than you think, especially when dealing with your local health department and government. The wrong wording can cost you thousands in permits and licensing fees or even get your business shut down.

You’ll learn how to use the right terminology when speaking to officials while still using creative, strategic language in your marketing to attract clients and stand out. David also shares a personal story from his early days in SMP that proves how one simple word choice can change everything.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran artist, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay compliant, protect your business, and still brand yourself like a pro.

Tune in, take notes, and remember… creativity builds your brand, clarity keeps it alive.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny 

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, host David Santiago sits down with Victor Villarreal, one of the most talked-about and innovative SMP artists in the game. Known for his viral TikToks, bold marketing, and unapologetic confidence, Victor has mastered the art of attention—and turned it into serious business.

We dive deep into how he’s leveraged social media to dominate the SMP space, built massive visibility through clickbait-style content, and why he confidently charges $20,000 for his work. Victor breaks down his content strategy, how he handles hate from other artists, and shares game-changing insights on how SMP artists can use platforms like TikTok to grow their business and attract clients worldwide.

If you’re an SMP artist struggling to get eyes on your work or afraid to market yourself authentically—this episode is your wake-up call.

Connect with Victor:

IG: @realtimeresultsllc

Web: realtimeresultsllc.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode, David Santiago sits down once again with James Viola, the Facebook Ads guru and founder of Seven Figure SMP, to break down how AI is rewriting the playbook for SMP and PMU artists.

From generating viral creative ideas and visual hooks, to writing ad copy that actually converts, to re-engaging cold leads and closing more sales, James shares exactly how artists can start using AI right now to simplify their marketing, boost revenue, and save hours of manual work.

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine your artistry with automation, or how AI can help you scale like the pros without losing the human touch, this is your roadmap.

Tune in, take notes, and get ready to work smarter, not harder.

Don’t miss this one, especially if you’re serious about taking your SMP or PMU business to the next level.

Connect with James:

IG: @sevenfiguresmp

Web: https://www.sevenfiguresmp.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, host David Santiago takes SMP artists on a step-by-step roadmap to go From Stuck to Unstoppable. If you’ve been certified but still feel lost, this is the episode that gives you the blueprint. David breaks down why most artists stall out, how to build real confidence through reps, and the exact marketing strategies that get clients in your chair, from social media content and paid ads to word-of-mouth and bootstrap marketing. He also shares branding hacks, the power of your elevator pitch, and the mindset shifts you need to thrive in this industry. If you’re ready to move past “student mode” and build a thriving SMP career, this episode is your wake-up call.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny 

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Highlead, grow your SMP clinic without spending money on ads! Ready to grow? Our sales and marketing system is guaranteed to generate more bookings for your SMP clinic. For more information click: https://gohighlead.com - Mention David/Scalp Solutions and get a FREE Chat Widget Pro Upgrade!

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, host David Santiago delivers a no-fluff, real-talk message to SMP artists who feel lost after completing their training. If you’ve got the certificate, maybe even set up your social media, but still lack confidence—this one’s for you. David breaks down why taking another fundamentals class won’t solve your problem, why confidence comes from reps (not certificates), and how to escape “student mode” to actually build momentum in your SMP career. With practical challenges, motivational truths, and a reminder that every great artist once stood where you are now, this episode is designed to push you from stuck…to unstoppable.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny @scalpsolutionspodcast

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Highlead, grow your SMP clinic without spending money on ads! Ready to grow? Our sales and marketing system is guaranteed to generate more bookings for your SMP clinic. For more information click: https://gohighlead.com - Mention David/Scalp Solutions and get a FREE Chat Widget Pro Upgrade!

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

This week on the Scalp Solutions Podcast, host David Santiago dives into one of the most controversial topics in the SMP industry — inks.

From affordable to luxury pigments, David breaks down the truth behind price points, brand positioning, and what every artist needs to know about choosing the right ink for their business. He also shares his transparency on the issue of re-bottled pigments, explains why not all carbon black inks are made the same, and gives real-world advice on how to handle client questions during consultations without losing the sale.

Whether you’re running with the “Honda” of inks or the “Mercedes,” this episode will help you understand the business behind pigment choice — and why, at the end of the day, the best ink is the one you use confidently and honestly.

Tune in for a conversation that’s guaranteed to spark debate but leave you with clarity.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny @scalpsolutionspodcast

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Highlead, grow your SMP clinic without spending money on ads! Ready to grow? Our sales and marketing system is guaranteed to generate more bookings for your SMP clinic. For more information click: https://gohighlead.com - Mention David/Scalp Solutions and get a FREE Chat Widget Pro Upgrade!

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Killer Beauty PMU – Your one-stop shop for all things SMP and PMU! Whether you need pigments, needles, machines, or aftercare, Killer Beauty has you covered with top-tier products trusted by professionals around the world. Fast shipping, reliable service, and everything you need to level up your work.

Ready to stock up? Head over to killerbeautypmu.com and use code davidsantiago10 at checkout to save 10% on your order!

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, I’m joined by James Viola, the founder of Seven Figure SMP—one of the top growth agencies dedicated to helping SMP artists and clinics get fully booked without relying on word-of-mouth or social media hustle. With over 180 SMP clinics under his belt across the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia, James has built a reputation for crafting ad strategies that actually convert.

We’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to win with Facebook Ads in the SMP space. From what works for my brand to what flopped, we dig into how James built my ad strategy—and why some artists thrive while others waste their ad spend. He breaks down how to make your ads stand out, the #1 mistake most SMP artists make, and why showing your face on camera can make all the difference.

If you’ve been stuck trying to get leads, unsure about what to post, or just want a simple way to start generating real business—this episode is packed with tactical, no-BS advice you can use today.

Whether you’re a new artist or a seasoned pro, tune in and learn how to stop guessing and start scaling.

Let’s get into it!

Connect with James:

IG: @sevenfiguresmp

Web: https://www.sevenfiguresmp.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Highlead, grow your SMP clinic without spending money on ads! Ready to grow? Our sales and marketing system is guaranteed to generate more bookings for your SMP clinic. For more information click: https://gohighlead.com - Mention David/Scalp Solutions and get a FREE Chat Widget Pro Upgrade!

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Killer Beauty PMU – Your one-stop shop for all things SMP and PMU! Whether you need pigments, needles, machines, or aftercare, Killer Beauty has you covered with top-tier products trusted by professionals around the world. Fast shipping, reliable service, and everything you need to level up your work.

Ready to stock up? Head over to killerbeautypmu.com and use code davidsantiago10 at checkout to save 10% on your order!

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork. 

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.

In this episode of the Scalp Solutions Podcast, your host David Santiago pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest misconceptions in the SMP industry: the idea that a 2 or 3 day training is enough to fully prepare you to take clients.

This is not a callout. This is a reality check.

David shares his own journey after training, the doubts he faced, and the hard truth that no certificate alone will give you the confidence or skill you need to succeed. He breaks down why it is completely normal to feel lost after your fundamentals course and why that does not mean you are not cut out for this craft.

Whether you are a newly certified artist wondering why things still don’t click or you are on the edge of taking your first client but feel unsure, this episode is for you.

You will also hear about David’s new advanced SMP training for artists who already completed their fundamentals and are ready to level up their technique, sharpen their confidence, and do the real work that separates pros from pretenders.

This episode is raw, honest, and packed with encouragement for the artists putting in the work behind the scenes.

Tap in. You are not falling behind. You are just getting started.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny @scalpsolutionspodcast

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Highlead, grow your SMP clinic without spending money on ads! Ready to grow? Our sales and marketing system is guaranteed to generate more bookings for your SMP clinic. For more information click: https://gohighlead.com - Mention David/Scalp Solutions and get a FREE Chat Widget Pro Upgrade!

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

Ready to elevate your client experience? Visit hustlebutter.com and stock up today!

Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Killer Beauty PMU – Your one-stop shop for all things SMP and PMU! Whether you need pigments, needles, machines, or aftercare, Killer Beauty has you covered with top-tier products trusted by professionals around the world. Fast shipping, reliable service, and everything you need to level up your work.

Ready to stock up? Head over to killerbeautypmu.com and use code davidsantiago10 at checkout to save 10% on your order!