robsmead

The Business of Tattooing

Business EN ↓ 31 episodes

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,...

Author

robsmead

Episodes

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - SPECIAL LIVE FROM HELL CITY WITH SCOTT VERSAGO 04.05.2025 1:18:32

Took The Business of Tattooing podcast back on the road this weekend… For the first time since 2020 (thanks, Covid), I went mobile and recorded live at Hell City—which felt pretty damn full circle. Hell City is actually where I launched my very first podcast, Electrum Radio, back in 2018. So recording here again? Nostalgic as hell. This time, I sat down for a bonus episode with someone who’s not j...

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 05 - JOSEPH SWANSON 30.04.2025 1:58:42

Episode 5 – Elevating the Industry: Art, Ethics & Innovation with Joseph Swanson Joseph Swanson joins Rob Smead to talk shop, soul, and systems—from tattoo ethics and AI to client experience, education, and building a career that lasts. A real-deal conversation with one of the most thoughtful voices in the industry. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ntjUhcV5GBE APT WEBSITE ht...

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 04 - MICHAEL GETZ 23.04.2025 1:48:51

Episode 4 – Focus, Faith & the Future: A Deep Dive with Michael Getz Michael Getz joins Rob Smead to talk discipline, mindset, and the mission behind Force of Focus. From addiction and burnout to leadership, clarity, and building a purpose-driven tattoo career, this episode is packed with candid insights and powerful perspectives. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HqjzkmA_esY ...

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 03 - JOE CAPOBIANCO 16.04.2025 2:17:36

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. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oh...

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 02 - ROBBIE RIPOLL & JAYVO SCOTT 09.04.2025 1:57:56

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. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://y...

THE BUSINESS OF TATTOOING - EPISODE 01 - BEN SHAW 02.04.2025 1:55:40

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 land...