The Business of Tattooing
Welcome to The Business of Tattooing—the podcast that goes beyond the ink to dive deep into the industry, the hustle, and what it really takes to succeed in the world of tattooing. I’m Rob Smead, founder of Electrum Supply, and your guide through the business side of this ever-evolving art form. Each week, we’ll break down the latest trends, tackle the challenges artists face, and sit down with industry pros to talk shop—unfiltered and straight to the point. Whether you’re an artist, a shop owner, or just someone who loves the craft, this is the podcast built for you. So, sharpen your skills, level up your business, and let’s get to work. This is The Business of Tattooing!
Listen on:
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
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
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Cody Gower on IG @codygower88
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
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
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
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
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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/
SHOW SPONSOR - USE CODE "PODCAST10" https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Mary Blake on IG @maryblake
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
In this episode of The Business of Tattooing, Rob sits down with Villain Arts founder Troy Timpel—apprentice to Philadelphia Eddie and mastermind behind one of the world’s largest tattoo convention circuits. They dive into Troy’s roots, his work ethic, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in the tattoo world.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to operate on a global scale while staying true to tattoo culture, this is the episode to catch.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4gQEjtfkJII
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
Troy Timpel on IG @troytimpel
Villain Arts on IG@villainarts
https://villainarts.com
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
In this raw and real episode, tattoo artist and muralist Skizzy Scott returns to talk about what it really takes to last in the game. From authenticity vs. imitation to burnout, business, and mental health, this one’s all heart, hustle, and hard-earned truth. A must-listen for anyone trying to build something real in the tattoo world.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/I2FV4w-88Vs
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
Skizzy Scott on IG @skizzyscott
For Tattoos or Art Collaborations:
skizzyscott@gmail.com
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
This week, we sit down with the one and only Shaun Kama, a legendary tattoo artist, punk rock rebel, and the undisputed King of Halloween Tattoos. From apprenticing under Mark Mahoney to tattooing at the Punk Rock Museum and launching the mobile tattoo empire Ravens Nest Productions, Shaun shares his journey through horror, hustle, and artistic legacy.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/5A754Er_8-0
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
Shaun Kama on IG @halloweentattoos
Ravens Nest Productions: https://www.ravensnestlive.com/
Ravens Nest IG @ravensnestproductions
Shaun’s AWESOME Coloring Books:
https://a.co/d/d2BwIbI
Tattoo Heritage Project: https://www.tattooheritageproject.org/
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Chris Allen Taylor joins Rob Smead to discuss preserving tattoo history, building the Indy Tattoo Expo, and honoring the legacy of his mentor, Rabbit Sanders. From walk-in shop grit to big-picture vision, this episode is packed with stories and heart.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/CHB04lHFPXY
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
Chris Taylor on IG @inktherapy
Indy Tattoo Expo: https://www.indytattooexpo.com/
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Sean Brown joins Rob Smead to talk leadership, regulation, and the future of tattooing, from his days at Eternal Ink to lobbying on Capitol Hill. MoCRA, REACH, artist safety, and corporate transparency, this is the episode every artist and brand needs to hear.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/KR-SmIa-7Ts
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
Sean Brown on IG @seanbrowntattoos
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Ryan Roi joins Rob Smead to discuss money, marketing, and mindset... from tattooing to building a million-dollar coaching business helping artists grow wealth, create freedom, and take control of their careers. This is real talk, real strategy, real growth.
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/p08SWmxXn_c
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
Ryan Roi on IG @ryanroitattoo