Honest Tattooer Podcast

Send a text
The hosts discuss a shift back to Instagram from TikTok for tattoo discovery,  debating new Instagram features like trial reels and follower-only early release posts. They critique content-first tattoo marketing, low engagement on strong tattoo work versus casual videos, and the use of shirtless “hooks.” Conversation turns to cultural and economic forces behind minimalist/fine-line trends, tattoo pricing inflation, and how reduced disposable income affects demand, with historical parallels to past tattoo cycles. They criticize poor fine-line technique tutorials and “expert” posturing, debate tattoo permanence and removal, and react to videos of tiny micro tattoos, street tattooing in India, and a veteran artist warning about health risks and longevity. Guest Missy (Bluebird Tattoo, Hanover, PA) shares shop ownership lessons, keeping teams manageable, an adjacent tattoo-themed Airbnb project, her Etsy merch sales, and plugs her podcast Bound by Art focused on business and mindset.
Support the show

Send a text
Joe Capobianco returns to discuss how business has been slow and how social media algorithms, influencer culture, and corporate consolidation are warping tattooing, client expectations, and pricing. The conversation critiques low-quality “content” tattoos, oversharing trade knowledge for likes, and companies using AI imagery for tattoo conventions and product ads, while noting AI can be a useful tool when used responsibly. They debate originality being punished, clients driving copycat demand and lower budgets, and how rising costs are colliding with downward pressure on tattoo prices. The hosts react to viral posts about extreme tattoo pricing and videos showing questionable technique, then pivot to promoting the free “Tattoo Hoedown,” a hands-on gathering focused on camaraderie, art-making, and education (coils, needles, sign painting) in Lenoir, North Carolina on March 29–30.
Support the show

Send a text
Support the show

Send a text
This was the first episode we every shot with Nikki Simpson aired in 2023. Enjoy
Support the show

Send a text
The Honest Tattoo Podcast recaps this year’s Philadelphia Tattoo Convention with returning guest Maggie, comparing it to last year’s poorly reviewed event. Maggie reports the convention was moved into a smaller, more manageable room with fewer booths, and despite a major snowstorm weekend the energy and turnout on Friday and Saturday were good, with Sunday largely emptied out though the show still ran. 
They then roast several bad tattoos found online, including an infected-looking tattoo image, a poorly executed idea incorporating a raised keloid scar into a butterfly and plenty more
Be sure not to miss this packed episode 
Support the show