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
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
Took The Business of Tattooing podcast back on the road this weekend…
For the first time since 2020 (thanks, Covid), I went mobile and recorded live at Hell City—which felt pretty damn full circle. Hell City is actually where I launched my very first podcast, Electrum Radio, back in 2018. So recording here again? Nostalgic as hell.
This time, I sat down for a bonus episode with someone who’s not just an industry powerhouse, but a close personal friend: Scott Versago, owner of Skin & Ink magazine.
I’ve known Scott way before he ever took the reins at Skin & Ink. We go way back. Not only is he one hell of a smart businessman, but he’s also an insanely talented artist with a real, raw passion for the craft. And now, he’s using the magazine to elevate tattooing and the artists who inspire him like never before.
I’ll be honest—it took a lot of convincing (and some wine) to finally get him to open up and agree to this interview.
But once he did?The stories he shared… you don’t want to miss this one.
Stay tuned—I’m hoping to drop the full episode by the end of the night.This one’s packed with a wild origin story and some incredible moments from Scott’s journey that even I hadn’t heard before.
He’s a real one.
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
BUY SKIN & INK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GDuF46
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Scott Versago on IG @versago
Skin & Ink on IG @skinandinkmag
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Episode 5 – Elevating the Industry: Art, Ethics & Innovation with Joseph Swanson
Joseph Swanson joins Rob Smead to talk shop, soul, and systems—from tattoo ethics and AI to client experience, education, and building a career that lasts. A real-deal conversation with one of the most thoughtful voices in the industry.
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
Tattoo Pro https://tattoopro.io/try
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Joseph Swanson on IG @officialjoeswanson_fof
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Episode 4 – Focus, Faith & the Future: A Deep Dive with Michael Getz
Michael Getz joins Rob Smead to talk discipline, mindset, and the mission behind Force of Focus. From addiction and burnout to leadership, clarity, and building a purpose-driven tattoo career, this episode is packed with candid insights and powerful perspectives.
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Michael Getz on IG @theforceoffocus
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Episode 3 – Old School, New Rules: A Raw Sit-Down with Joe Capobianco
Joe Capobianco joins Rob Smead for a raw, unfiltered convo on machines, mentorship, regulation, and the state of tattooing today. From coil vs. rotary to corporate takeover and old-school values, this is a masterclass in real talk from one of the industry's most iconic voices.
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Joe Capobianco on IG @joecapobiancotattoos
Joe’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@NotferNuthin-wntl
Joe’s Travel Schedule:
April 21 - Charlotte, NC @ Ace Custom Tattoo
April 23-24 – Snellville, GA @ Good Clean Fun Tattoo
May 2-4 Hell City Tattoo Convention, Columbus, OH
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Episode 2 – Blood, Ink, and Brotherhood: A Raw Conversation.
Brothers Robbie Ripoll and Jayvo Scott join Rob Smead for a raw, emotional conversation about brotherhood, healing, and their journey from rivalry to reconnection. From Ink Master drama to real-life growth, this is a powerful story of redemption, forgiveness, and finding purpose beyond the pain.
DRIVEN BY HEART - FIGHTING BREAST CANCER TOGETHER https://drivenbyheart.org/
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Robbie Ripoll on IG @robbieripoll
Jayvo Scott on IG @jayvoscott
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In the premiere episode of The Business of Tattooing podcast, Rob Smead sits down with industry leader Ben Shaw to discuss the current state of tattooing. They discuss hot topics like the 'Tattpocalypse,' AI's impact on the craft, the controversial Black Dot tattoo robot, and the future of tattoo regulation. Join them for an unscripted, thought-provoking conversation about the evolving tattoo landscape. Don't miss this insightful kickoff to the series!
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Ben Shaw on IG @benshawarchetype