Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals

In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we sit down at the table to talk about the power of guidance, tools, and mentorship in shaping a tattooist’s craft. From reviewing needles and inks to breaking down proper techniques, this conversation explores how providing the right support can transform talent and skill in apprenticeship. Apprentice...

In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we sit down at the table to talk about the importance of mastering the fundamentals. From building needles to mixing ink and sterilizing equipment, this conversation explores why understanding every step of the tattoo process is essential—not just for technique, but for respect, safety, and craft integ...

Episode Show Notes: In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we sit down at the table to talk about first steps, courage, and the moments that change your path in tattooing. This episode reminds us that the first step toward apprenticeship is often the hardest—but it’s also where love for the craft begins, and where lineage starts to flow. Ta...

In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we sit down at the table to unpack the real lessons that come from mistakes, correction, and mentorship in the shop. Tattoo Rants Raves & Rituals, Season 1: A Seat at the Table Season One invites listeners into an intimate series of culture conversations where Black tattooists and cultural workers gath...

In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we explore how apprenticeship and mentorship can rebuild your relationship with the art. * Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture explores apprenticeship as lineage, not labor—naming the discipline, humility, and spiritual presence required to carry this ancestral craft forward. about: Black Tatt...

Episode Show Notes: In this episode of Tattoo Rants Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we explore how Black tattoo shops have always been more than businesses. * Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture explores apprenticeship as lineage, not labor—naming the discipline, humility, and spiritual presence required to carry this ancestral craft forward. | about: Black...

In this episode of Tattoo Rants, Raves & Rituals , Series A: Traditional Apprenticeship Culture, we sit down at the table to talk about self-accountability, reflection, and the small rituals that keep us grounded in the shop and in life. From revisiting life lessons like The Four Agreements to noticing the subtle shifts in ourselves over time, this conversation explores how personal growth is inte...

“We've only had two successful conventions within Black Tattoo Culture. Shout out Urban Tattoo Convention that used to be hosted in Brooklyn, New York, and BTAME - Black Tattoo Arts and Music Expo that used to be hosted in Detroit. So we want to be able to help fill that gap to help more Black tattoo artists not only communicate or connect with each other, but also to connect with their ideal audi...

“As a black woman tattoo artist, there are definitely challenges. Tattooing, at least in America, is very much historically a boys club and dominated by men, mostly white men. Although the culture is much better now, initially there was a little bit of static.” - Mecca about: Black Tattoo Anthology® An artist fellowship, living archive and digital campus dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and re...

“I really enjoyed this weekend. It gave the opportunity for Black artists to network and come together. Really enjoyed that Imani came up with this idea for Black Tattoo Con. And yeah, it just gave us another avenue in this city and in this area. Hopefully it can expand to give more artists an avenue to promote themselves.” - Moe Retro about: Black Tattoo Anthology® An artist fellowship, living ar...

“There's a lot of stuff, but I shut it all down. I think one of my biggest struggles was just trying to find a mentor or somebody that I could sit with and actually get the education and I guess just the the pinz-n-needlez of what tattooing is. - Keyonna “Kayenjay6” Jones about: Black Tattoo Anthology® A living archive and digital campus dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and reimagining Black t...

“it's been really nice to … meet new creatives of color, like, people that look like me. So I know, like, it's possible to be successful and be black and just kind of see how empowered other people feel in their space, in whatever they're creating.  - Asha Martin about: Black Tattoo Anthology® A living archive and digital campus dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and reimagining Black tattoo cul...

“it's been really nice to … meet new creatives of color, like, people that look like me. So I know, like, it's possible to be successful and be black and just kind of see how empowered other people feel in their space, in whatever they're creating.  - Asha Martin about: Black Tattoo Anthology® A living archive and digital campus dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and reimagining Black tattoo cul...

“For me personally, I guess now I'm into more generational tattoos. I've been tattooing so long that I'm tattooing sons, daughters, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers. So the trust factor is a lot greater.” - Chris Mensah ✨Black Tattoo Culture Con 2025 Returns To DC on Oct 24-26✨ * Join The Waitlist! * Meet the Culture Collective * Donate to Black Tattoo Anthology Get full access to Shoppe Gal...

Black Tattoo Culture Con comes about as an initiative from Black Tattoo Anthology to bring more visibility to black tattoo culture in general. Where people say that they can't find black tattoo artists, we are the culture keeping platform that actually features them. ✨Black Tattoo Culture Con 2025 Returns To DC on Oct 24-26✨ * Join The Waitlist! * Meet the Culture Collective * Donate to Black Ta...

We hope you enjoyed this live! about: Black Tattoo Anthology® A living archive and digital campus dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and reimagining Black tattoo culture across the diaspora. Founded and stewarded by Master Tattoo Artist and author Imani K. Brown®, the BTA documents our stories through scholarship, artistry, and community. At the heart of our work is a commitment to cultural stew...

Tap in to this update of where I’ve been and where I’m going cuz 2023 wrung me all the way out, chile! | imanikbrown.com by Master Tattoo Artist | Author | Philosopher | Cultural Steward IMANI K. BROWN ® ( Osunyoyin )—Osun priestess, spiritual practitioner, and brand alchemist—blends ritual, ancestry, and storytelling as one of the most prominent Black female tattoo artists in the U.S. Founder of...

Happy World Storytelling Day ^.^ This episode of #ShoppeGal Diaries podcast includes a story from the 'messy middle' about Imani's first apprentice quitting, out of the blue! | imanikbrown.com by Master Tattoo Artist | Author | Philosopher | Cultural Steward IMANI K. BROWN ® ( Osunyoyin )—Osun priestess, spiritual practitioner, and brand alchemist—blends ritual, ancestry, and storytelling as one o...