We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about the tough parts of tattooing—the toxic shops, the bad apprenticeships, the blood and tears shed... This episode is about the other side of the journey—the part that makes it all worth it, and the highlights from our careers. Nostalgia hits hard in this one.

We’ve got some great stories in this episode. It hasn't been an easy ride, but if it means being an artist while getting to meet inspiring people, travel, and immerse ourselves in different cultures—even getting to know all of you—honestly, we'd do it all over again.

If you’ve been following our podcast, we’d love to hear from you. Did these conversations help? What would you like us to discuss in the future? Let us know.

Tattooing Unlocked: https://learn.tattooing101.com/tattooing-unlocked-1

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#tattooing101 #tattoopodcast #tattoo

Ever wonder why tattoo artists are so often seen as rude or tough to work with? Trust us, we get it. We’ve been through brutal apprenticeships, and we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. The idea that you need to “pay your dues” through toxic, aggressive environments? It's a myth. You can be a healthy, well-rounded artist and still crush it. Don’t let the old-school mentality hold you back. Protect the new blood, support each other, and build the kind of community we all deserve.

Tune in to hear all our stories and find out—where did this bad rap even come from?

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In this podcast episode, we dive deep into one of the toughest struggles anyone on the tattoo path will face—the temptation to quit. Following up from our last episode on first apprenticeships, we now get real about those tough moments when everything feels like it’s too much.

Brandon, Jay, and Nathan share candid confessions about their own struggles, the pain, and the sacrifices they’ve made along the way—and why, despite all of it, tattooing is something they could never walk away from. It’s easy to find a million reasons to quit, but in this episode, they discuss the ONE reason that really matters—the drive to be an artist.

This podcast is a reminder that finding your reason to stay on the path is what will keep you going—even when quitting feels like the easiest option. Because the regret of not becoming a tattoo artist might hurt more than anything else.

Tune in for some raw, honest talk about passion, persistence, and the sacrifices tattoo artists make to pursue their craft.

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In this special podcast episode, Nathan, Brandon, and Jay dive deep into the world of tattoo apprenticeships. Whether you're just starting out or already thinking about your path in the tattoo industry, this conversation is packed with essential advice on what to expect during your apprenticeship, the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Nathan kicks things off by urging Brandon and Jay to explore the ins and outs of apprenticeship life: from the day-to-day realities of working in a tattoo studio to the lessons that go beyond just technique. They'll talk about what you should look for in a good apprenticeship, the importance of sanitation, shop management, and how apprenticeships can teach you more than just how to tattoo—they can shape you into a better artist, shop owner, and leader.

Previously, the crew held the stance that apprenticeships were fading as more online resources became available, and in the past, apprenticeships were often toxic or exploitative. But with times changing and more students seeking knowledge through digital platforms, they now encourage aspiring artists to seek out real-life experiences in a professionally run tattoo studio. The real-world exposure is invaluable for learning not just technique, but the essential skills to thrive in the industry.

The best part? This episode was recorded in Malaysia, where Brandon and Jay traveled all the way to meet Nathan for this rare in-person conversation! It’s a special moment as the three of them share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and the wisdom they've gained from their own apprenticeship journeys.

If you're a new tattoo artist or considering an apprenticeship, this podcast is for you.

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In this episode, we dive deep into how our special guest went from military service to becoming a tattoo artist. He shares his journey of building a successful tattoo career after leaving the military, including the challenges he faced, the skills he transferred from service, and how he found his passion for tattooing. Whether you're a veteran looking for career inspiration or someone interested in tattoo artistry, this podcast has valuable insights on how to build a thriving tattoo career after service. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with anyone looking to make their own transition from the military to the tattoo world!

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

✅ 10 DAY BEGINNERS TATTOOING SEMINAR: https://learn.tattooing101.com/10-day-seminar-salespage?el=Youtube_From_Military_to_Tattoo_Artist:_How_to_Build_a_Successful_Tattoo_Career_After_Service&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=From_Military_to_Tattoo_Artist:_How_to_Build_a_Successful_Tattoo_Career_After_Service

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How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/

Welcome to another Tattooing 101 Podcast episode! In today's video, we'll be talking about "Tech in Tattooing," featuring Maddox Max! We're discussing the role technology plays in today's tattoo industry.

Maddox shares his journey with digital drawing tool, Procreate, and talks about the pros and cons of being a digital artist. We also discuss how scheduling tools like Calendly can help manage your business better, and explore the importance of a strong website for tattoo artists, as a means to connect with clients and showcase your work.

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

✅ 10 DAY BEGINNERS TATTOOING SEMINAR: https://learn.tattooing101.com/10-day-seminar-salespage?el=Youtube_EP_10_Tech_in_tattooing&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=EP_10_Tech_in_tattooing

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How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/

Welcome back to our Tattooing 101 Podcast! This episode features a very special guest, Maddox Max, a talented and inspirational figure in the tattoo industry. Our conversation, "LGBT in Tattooing," dives deep into his journey as a trans tattoo artist, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated.

In this episode, Maddox openly shares his personal experience of becoming a tattoo artist and how our Tattooing 101 community supported his journey. He discusses the barriers he had to overcome, the support he found, and how he turned his passion into a successful career in tattoo artistry.

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

✅ 10 DAY BEGINNERS TATTOOING SEMINAR: https://learn.tattooing101.com/10-day-seminar-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_9_LGBT_In_Tattooing&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_9_LGBT_In_Tattooing

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Tattoo Equipment Guides: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-equipment/

How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/

Join us on the Tattooing 101 Podcast as we explore the fascinating stories of Brandon and Nathan, uncovering their past occupations before becoming skilled tattoo artists. In this episode, we delve deep into their personal and professional lives, revealing the challenges they faced, pivotal moments that inspired their transition, and the unique skills they acquired. Gain an inside look at their determination, perseverance, and artistic evolution that led them to find their true calling in the world of tattoos.

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

✅ 10 DAY BEGINNERS TATTOOING SEMINAR: https://learn.tattooing101.com/10-day-seminar-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_8_Past_Jobs&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_8_Past_Jobs

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Learn to tattoo with a structured, 9-step course: https://learn.tattooing101.com/artist-accelerator-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_8_Past_Jobs&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_8_Past_Jobs

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FREE RESOURCES:

How to Tattoo for Beginners (full guide): https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tips-advice/beginners/

Tattoo Equipment Guides: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-equipment/

How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/

Welcome back to the Tattooing 101 Podcast! In today's episode we're going to discuss Tattoo equipment and setups. We'll focus on what tattoo machines we'd recommend at 3 different price ranges, what're the best tattoo inks out there, which power supplies give you a better bang for your buck, Our tattoo setups & more!

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

Use the discount code 'TATTOOING101' for a 10% discount on your purchase when you shop at EZ Tattoo Supply: https://eztattoosupply.com/?bg_ref=MYqIkgfMye

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Learn to tattoo with a structured, 9-step course: https://learn.tattooing101.com/artist-accelerator-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_7_Tattoo_Equipment_and_Setup&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_7_Tattoo_Equipment_and_Setup

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Tattooing 101 Merch: https://shop.tattooing101.com/

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Facebook: Tattooing 101

Tiktok: @Tattooing101

FREE RESOURCES:

How to Tattoo for Beginners (full guide): https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tips-advice/beginners/

Tattoo Equipment Guides: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-equipment/

How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/

Welcome back to another Tattooing 101 Podcast episode! This episode is a little special because we have Nathan Molenaar in person! He flew out to the USA so we could film some podcasts together and it's his first time in the US. So for this episode we're going to be talking about why tattoo apprenticeships are dying out and if you do want to get one, how to avoid getting scammed by bad tattoo studios, the reality of an apprenticeship, and why online learning is the future.

If you like videos like these, don't forget to comment and subscribe to stay tuned for more content!

✅ 10 DAY BEGINNERS TATTOOING SEMINAR: https://learn.tattooing101.com/10-day-seminar-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships

✅ THE ARTIST ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Learn to tattoo with a structured, 9-step course: https://learn.tattooing101.com/artist-accelerator-salespage?el=Youtube_Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships

✅ TATTOOING 101 FLASH BOOK: https://learn.tattooing101.com/flash-book?el=Youtube_Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships

✅ Line Work Secrets: https://learn.tattooing101.com/linework-secrets-yt?el=Youtube_Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships&utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Organtic&utm_campaign=Ep_6_Tattoo_Apprenticeships

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🔥 PRODUCTS:

Get Practice Skins here!: https://learn.tattooing101.com/practice-skin-orderform

Tattooing 101 Merch: https://shop.tattooing101.com/

STAY CONNECTED:

Instagram: @tattooing101

Facebook: Tattooing 101

Tiktok: @Tattooing101

FREE RESOURCES:

How to Tattoo for Beginners (full guide): https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tips-advice/beginners/

Tattoo Equipment Guides: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/tattoo-equipment/

How to Design Tattoos: https://www.tattooing101.com/learn/guides/become-a-tattoo-artist/design-your-first-tattoo/