The Tattoo Marketing Podcast

In this episode, Chase Nolan—Florida tattoo artist and geometric blackwork specialist—breaks down how he went from doing walk-ins in a military town to building a career around a niche style he actually loves. We talk about the reality behind the so-called “tattoo apocalypse,” why oversaturation is forcing weak artists out of the industry, and what actually keeps great artists booked: client exper...

In this episode, Caroline Bellinger—wellbeing and leadership strategist, international speaker, and former Celebrity Ink franchisee—shares the story of how a promising business opportunity turned into a brutal lesson in leadership, control, and risk. We talk about why she would never buy into a franchise again, why giving a personal guarantee can become a massive mistake, and what happens when the...

What works for tattoo shops? What doesn't? Should you do it yourself or hire a company? Let's talk about it!

If you know how to use Meta analytics, it's a game changer. You can figure out what works, what's broken, where it's broken, and more! Unfortunately, Meta likes to make this info hard to find, so let's talk about how to use it!

With new regulations, the EU has become the start of a new kind of Meta without ads. The question is, when will this become the norm?

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 episo...

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 lie...

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 yo...

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 conne...

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,...

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 be...

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 h...

Running a tattoo shop is hard enough—don’t let outdated systems slow you down. In this episode, we sit down with Adam Facenda , owner of True Love Tattoo and founder of Keep The Fees , the all-in-one tattoo shop management software designed by tattooers, for tattooers . We dive into: • How Adam created KTF to solve real tattoo shop problems • Why most tattoo shop POS systems and CRMs fall short •...

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 ex...

🎨 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 cons...

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 insight...

🚀 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...

Discover the ultimate tattoo advertising secrets to take your business to the next level. In this video, we'll reveal the best strategies to scale your ads successfully and reach a wider audience. Learn how to create effective ad campaigns, increase your online presence, and drive more sales. Whether you're a tattoo artist, studio owner, or industry enthusiast, this video is packed with valuable i...

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! 🎙️ #TattooCli...

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...

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 cli...