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:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM

Episodes

3 days ago

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

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

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

Copyright 2025 Rob Smead All rights reserved.

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