The Tattoo Marketing Podcast

Kyle went from being turned down by over 100 shops for an apprenticeship, almost working at a shop that was selling guns and guns, and driving across the country for an apprenticeship that was then taken from him (from some of the biggest conventions) to owning an amazing shop in Boise and being a multi award winning artists!

In this raw and real episode, Jesse sits down with Riley, Maisie, Garrett, and Million from the B Team to talk about the side of tattooing no one posts about. They cover burnout, failure, mental health, imposter syndrome, and what it really means to succeed in the tattoo world—without chasing clout or follower counts. From running shops to surviving isolation to building real community, this episode is a must-listen for every artist who’s ever questioned if they’re doing enough, good enough, or even belong in the industry. Spoiler: you’re not alone.

What does it really take to be a successful tattoo artist, a present parent, and a productive creative? In this episode, we sit down with multi-award-winning tattoo artist and father of seven, Steven Hecker (aka WhatTheHecker88), to talk about time management, motivation, and how to build a life you’re proud of — without making excuses. We get real about: Why “I don’t have time” is usually a lieHow to stay productive without burning outThe biggest communication mistake tattoo artists makeWhy success isn’t sexy — it’s boring and consistentAnd how to build a schedule that works for your family and your art Whether you’re booked out or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your clients, and your priorities.

Most tattoo shop owners quit on their ads way too early—costing them time, money, and clients. In this episode, Jesse breaks down why rushing to judge your marketing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, how long it really takes to see results on Google and Meta ads, and what to track so you don’t waste your budget. If you’ve ever said, “I tried ads, and they didn’t work,” this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Silas (@800stabyou) to talk about how she went from a Craigslist apprenticeship in Brooklyn to becoming a booked-out color realism artist in Portland. She shares what helped her grow—not just as an artist, but as a communicator—and how one discounted tattoo turned into a full roster of large-scale work. We get into apprenticeship stories, the value of client connection, and what really keeps people coming back. If you’re a tattoo artist trying to grow your career, this one’s for you.

Veteran tattooer Joseph Swanson shares his 28-year journey through the tattoo industry, from his early days in Monterey, CA, to becoming a California Highway Patrol officer, to launching one of the first tattoo podcasts, and eventually helping lead Tattoo Pro—a CRM built specifically for tattoo shops. He reflects on the evolution of tattoo culture, the need for artists to embrace digital tools, and why shops must modernize to thrive in today’s ultra-competitive market. Topics include: The shift from flash to custom tattoosBuilding community and educating artistsStarting the first tattoo podcastLessons from business school and law enforcementChallenges running a tattoo shop without systemsThe power of CRMs like Tattoo Pro for lead management, client communication, bookings, waivers, reviews, and paymentsWhy old-school shops are getting left behindHow digital tools help artists stay focused on art—not admin Bottom line: If you’re a shop owner or artist not using tech to run your business, you’re leaving money and opportunities on the table. If you'd like to talk to us about your marketing go to www.ink-link.com If you're interested in learning more about TattooPro, you can check them out at tattoopro.io

From luxury fashion to black & gray realism, George Hristov shares how he tattooed over 1,000 people in just 4 months, built his style from scratch, and why raw hustle, humility, and smart marketing matter more than ever for tattoo artists today.

Special guest Adam manning is the owner of Nomadica Solutions, a company that helps tattoo shops and artists with their money! If you're a shop owner or artist, this episode is a must!

Your Career, Your Rules: Real Talk from a Tattoo Veteran In this no-filter conversation, we sit down with a seasoned tattoo artist who’s carved his name into the Bay Area ink scene — from the gritty streets of Vallejo to the artistic haven of Old Crow Tattoo in Berkeley. We talk real life: 🧠 Navigating burnout, balance, and family 🎯 Why location doesn’t define your success 🎙️ Raw stories from behind the needle 💡 How community and mindset are the real game changers Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a creative hustler chasing freedom, this episode is packed with truth bombs, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom. 👉 Tap in to hear what it really takes to thrive as an artist on your own terms.

In this episode, Michael Goetz — co-owner of Legacy Tattoo and founder of Force of Focus — breaks down the mindset shift every tattoo artist needs to thrive in 2025. From battling burnout to building systems that support freedom, he reveals how artists can go from chaotic to controlled, from stuck to scaling. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start leading like a tattoo CEO, this one’s for you.

Are you still boosting posts on Facebook or Instagram to promote your tattoo shop? 😬 In this episode of the Tattoo Marketing Podcast, Jesse from Ink-Link breaks down why that strategy is silently draining your ad budget—and what to do instead. Discover how to tap into Meta’s advanced analytics (that most tattoo shops don’t even know exist) to create laser-targeted ads that consistently bring in high-quality leads. Whether you’re running ads already or just getting started, this episode reveals how to: ✅ Find your best-performing placements (Reels vs. Feed vs. Stories) ✅ Analyze your leads by gender, age, and platform ✅ Optimize campaigns using data—not guesswork 💡 Stop guessing. Start scaling. 🚀 Links & Resources: 🔗 Free 15-min Consultation: ink-link.com 📲 DM us on Instagram for topic requests or questions

Ever wondered what it’s like to go from secretly getting your first tattoo as a teenager to becoming a master canvas on Ink Master? 🖤🎤 In this episode, Terr Lane—better known as Inked Vanity —shares her wild tattoo journey, from her very first ink (done by a guy named Roach!) to enduring 35 hours of tattooing under the bright lights of reality TV. She opens up about the best and worst tattoo experiences, the lessons learned along the way, and how she built Inked Vanity Clothing into an international brand. Get ready for tattoo horror stories, behind-the-scenes Ink Master insights, and advice for anyone thinking about their next piece! Don’t miss it. 🔥

🎨 Tattoo shop owners—are you missing out on clients because of missed calls and slow responses? Studies show 81% of calls to tattoo shops go unanswered, and by the time you respond, your potential client has already booked somewhere else. 💡 Meet ClothesBot—the AI-powered assistant that automates client booking, answers FAQs, and follows up instantly, helping tattoo shops book hundreds of consultations on autopilot. 🔹 In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why tattoo shops lose clients to slow responses (and how to fix it) ✔️ How AI instantly replies to missed calls & texts, increasing bookings ✔️ Real results: Shops using AI book 80% more clients than before ✔️ How to set up AI in your shop with zero tech skills ✔️ The future of AI for tattoo businesses 📅 Ready to book more tattoo clients effortlessly? Find out how AI can transform your shop. 💬 Tattoo artists & shop owners—have you struggled with no-shows & slow bookings? Comment below! #TattooShopMarketing #TattooBooking #TattooBusinessGrowth #AIforTattooShops #TattooShopAutomation #TattooShopSEO #TattooAppointmentBooking

In this episode, Laura shares her journey through the tattoo world—from her first piece at 19 to finding the right artist who truly connects with her. She dives into the importance of shop atmosphere, building relationships with artists, and even some unexpected (and uncomfortable) experiences along the way. Whether you’re heavily tattooed or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes a great tattoo experience.

🚀 How to Scale Your Tattoo Shop Ads Like a Pro! Running ads is one thing—scaling them is another. If you’re spending money on Facebook, Instagram, or Google ads but not seeing the explosive growth you expected, this episode is for you! In this episode of The Tattoo Marketing Podcast, we break down: ✔️ Why most shops fail at scaling their ads (and how to fix it) ✔️ The right way to increase your ad budget without wasting money ✔️ The secret behind high-performing tattoo shop ads ✔️ How successful shops use paid ads to stay booked—even in slow seasons Don’t let your ad spend go to waste! Learn how to scale smarter, get more clients, and grow your shop’s revenue like never before. 🎧 Tune in now & start scaling your tattoo shop’s success!

Chris Bailey shares his tattoo journey—from his first ink inspired by his bandmates to the lessons learned from great (and not-so-great) experiences in the chair. We dive into the importance of artist-client collaboration, the impact of shop atmosphere, and why social media plays a huge role in finding the perfect artist. Plus, a cautionary tale about getting tattooed while hungover! 🎙️ #TattooClientChronicles

Most tattoo shops focus on great art, but is that enough to stay competitive? In this episode, Alex Gonzalez, co-owner of Electric Expressions, shares how his background in Harley-Davidson sales and customer service transformed his shop’s success. We dive into why sales isn’t a dirty word, how client communication can make or break a shop, and the key strategies every tattoo artist should adopt to keep their books full. If you want to future-proof your shop, this is a must-listen!

Are you struggling to attract more tattoo clients? 🤔 This video is your ultimate guide to “getting more tattoo clients” by focusing on the power of client relationships! 💉✨ Discover practical tips to enhance your customer service, build trust, and create a loyal client base. Whether you’re new in the industry or looking to grow your tattoo business, these strategies will help you treat your clients right and keep them coming back for more! In this video, you’ll learn: ✔️ The do’s and don’ts of tattoo client care ✔️ Proven methods to improve client retention ✔️ Secrets to creating a memorable experience for your clients Don’t miss out on these key insights! Watch now and take your tattoo business to the next level. 💪

Are you wearing every hat in your tattoo shop—artist, manager, marketer, and janitor? In this episode, we uncover why trying to do it all is the biggest obstacle to your shop’s growth. Learn actionable strategies to delegate tasks, focus on high-leverage activities, and reclaim your time to do what you love most: tattooing!

Are you relying on just one way to bring clients into your tattoo shop? In this episode, we break down the dangers of single channel risk—whether it’s word of mouth, Facebook ads, or any other single source—and how it could be costing your business big. Learn actionable strategies to diversify your marketing, attract more clients, and protect your shop from future downturns. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—tune in now!