Hosted by robsmead · 🇺🇸 US · EN · 31 episodes
Established thought leaders with verified media credentials.
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!
robsmead hosts The Business of Tattooing, a business show with 31 episodes published.
In the second installment of our Spotlight Series, we sit down with Ryan Adams, owner of Hell or High Water Tattoo in Niles, Michigan, to discuss shop ownership, the actual impact of Michigan's new numbing cream regulati
Kicking off our Spotlight Series live from Trapdoor Tattoos in Indianapolis! Rob sits down with owner Davion Ellis for a raw conversation on his unconventional journey into tattooing. We cover his 5 years of "scratching"
In this episode, Rob and Sean Brown officially launch TIMA (Tattoo Industry Manufacturers Alliance) and Inktegrity— two game-changing initiatives designed to establish industry-led safety standards, ensure product transp
In this episode, we are joined by tattoo artist Mikey Newblood of Studio 617 in Marysville, Tennessee. This was the second episode filmed and recorded live from the 2025 Macabre Arts Tattoo Festival. Rob and Mikey dive i
In this episode, we are joined by tattoo icon Pony Lawson for a deep dive into his incredible career. We discuss the real state of the tattoo industry post-COVID, including over-saturation and how to stand out. Pony shar
In this episode, tattoo artist & coach Reese Hilburn gets radically honest about her journey from TV fame and public cancellation to rebuilding her life and business through spiritual growth. She shares how she now earns
In this episode, we’re joined by Mick O'Herien, President of the APT and owner of the legendary Shotzi's Tattoo, for a crucial conversation about the state of the industry. Mick shares his incredible journey from being S
In this episode, we’re back on the LIVE stage! Recorded on August 31, 2025, at the Macabre Tattoo & Arts Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, this episode marks the return of our raw, convention-floor conversations, and it
In this episode, shop owner, renowned artist, and real estate agent Kevin Becvar joins the podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation about the evolution of his career and the tattoo industry at large. We kick things off
In this episode, Rob is joined by Selina Medina, tattoo artist, VP of the Alliance for Professional Tattooists (APT), and a leading expert on tattoo industry regulations. This is a critical conversation about the existen
In our landmark 20th episode, we sit down with James Gaither (Art Noir) for a crucial industry talk. We recap the inaugural Raven's Nest event at Sturgis before diving into the existential threats from Amazon and direct
In this episode, we sit down with Hal Sawyer, the owner of Helheim Tattoo in Fayetteville, NC, for a raw, unfiltered conversation on tattooing’s evolving landscape, from pricing struggles and guest artist frustrations to
In this episode, we chat with Amy Ward, tattoo artist, shop owner, and industry advocate, about her 26-year journey in tattooing, from apprenticeship to championing safety standards. Amy dives into the importance of tran
In this episode, tattoo artist Lu Skywalker joins the show to chat about his 18-year journey, from chaotic convention days to prioritizing health and creativity. We dive into industry challenges (Pittsburgh’s lack of reg
In this episode, we talk with Kris Lachance of Splash of Color Tattoo about building a culture of safety, structure, and accountability. From shop management to safety standards, this episode offers critical insight into
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 stayin
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 indust
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,
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 comm
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 in
Professor Ryan Adams
owner of Hell or High Water Tattoo · Against the Grain Custom Carpentry
1 appearance on this show
Reese Hilburn
1 appearance on this show
Amy Ward
tattoo artist, shop owner, industry advocate · Senior Community Connections
1 appearance on this show
Michelle
the Analyst · Stillbirth Foundation Australia
1 appearance on this show
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The Business of Tattooing is hosted by robsmead. The show is categorised under business and has published 31 episodes.
The Business of Tattooing has published 31 episodes.
The Business of Tattooing regularly covers business. It sits in the business category.
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Episodes of The Business of Tattooing average 107 minutes, giving guests a long-form format with plenty of time to expand on their expertise.
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