In this final episode with Kurt Jacobsen, we dive into pain management for clients during multi day sessions. Kurt shares his thoughts about how, when and where to use Bactine for maximum effectiveness as well as why clients might choose to use a regimen of ibuprofen during the tattoo process. Enjoy! Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’re back again for Part 2 of the 3 Part Series on Competition Tattooing! Check out the Deep Dive with notes on the website: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-art-of-competition-tattooing-part-2-kurt-jacobsen-ep-283~29262 In the first part of this series with Kurt, we dove into the challenges and rewards of competing in the tattoo industry. In this episode, Kurt delves into the crucial topic of pain and client management during tattoo sessions, highlighting the importance of combining client care with effective pain management strategies. He shares valuable techniques for fostering honest communication, ensuring client comfort, and maximizing efficiency—all key elements for success in both competitive and regular tattooing. This discussion is packed with practical advice for tattoo artists looking to refine their approach to client interactions and elevate their craft. Check out our tattoo courses here: Tattooer's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’ve got an exciting multi-part series for you with our good buddy, and previous guest Kurt Jacobsen! To us Kurt is known as ultra competitive and uniquely unflappable. He’s also EXTREMELY precise. In this part of conversation, Jake and Kurt discuss the challenges and benefits of competition in the tattoo industry. They explore the decision to compete, knowing your limits, and the need for full commitment and excitement. They highlight the value of networking, receiving critiques, and incentivizing clients to compete. Kurt shares his seven-year process for competing in tattoo of the day competitions, emphasizing the importance of passion, client interaction, peer review, and choosing the right shows. Overall, the conversation underscores the dedication and growth that come with competing in the tattoo industry. Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

For this interview Jake dives into an insightful conversation with Jesse Drach, owner of Ink-Link, about the intricacies of marketing in the tattoo industry. Jesse shares expert advice on leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, utilizing Google Ads, and the importance of targeting the right audience to promote tattoo shops and artists effectively. They also highlight the significance of Google reviews, geofencing in advertising, and creating engaging ads, providing invaluable tips for tattoo artists and shop owners aiming to enhance their marketing strategies. Enjoy! Also check out the page on the website: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/lifetime-value-of-a-client-jesse-drach-ep-281~29257 Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10 % off Guy Aitchison's Reinventing the Tattoo annual subscription at the link below https://reinventingthetattoo.com/fire... Get $50 discount on TSM Pro automation services at the link below https://tsmpro.co/a/Fireside_Automation Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Find all the links and details about this episode on our deep dive page: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/free-ticket-to-paradise-amy-nicholls-derek-youngberg-paradise-tattoo-gathering~29254 The Paradise Tattoo Gathering is one of the most unique tattoo events in the world. A place where artists can learn from some of the best in the craft. It's like summer camp for tattooers! And we would love to give you or someone you know the opportunity to experience this incredible event for FREE. In today's episode, we sit down with Amy Nichols of the Apprenticeship Diaries and Derek Youngberg of Coalition Tattoo Supply and Tattoo Career Builders to talk about what makes Paradise so special. We also introduce the new Scholarship fund that we are launching along with Tattoo Career Builders to help a few lucky attendees come to the Paradise Tattoo Gathering for FREE. I hope you enjoy the episode. You can find all the links we discuss on our deep dive page: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/free-ticket-to-paradise-amy-nicholls-derek-youngberg-paradise-tattoo-gathering~29254 Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Just getting started in tattooin? Let us help jumpstart your career with the Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We’ve got something exciting for you today! The Inside Fireside Tattoo Club hosted a panel discussion focusing on finance and money management tailored for tattoo artists. Originating from our popular Mindset Monday conversations, this particular session delves into topics such as passive income opportunities, strategies to supplement tattooing income, savings tactics, and beyond. We really tried to gear the conversation towards people who are just starting to think about their long term finances and aren’t sure where to start. So this is more of a conversation to get you on the right track and looking into resources that will help you get started making better financial decisions. Disclaimer: The information provided during this talk is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. We are not licensed financial advisors, and any financial discussions should not be construed as personalized financial advice or recommendations. We encourage you to consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from reliance on the information provided during financial conversations. Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10 % off Guy Aitchison's Reinventing the Tattoo annual subscription at the link below https://reinventingthetattoo.com/fire... Get $50 discount on TSM Pro automation services at the link below https://tsmpro.co/a/Fireside_Automation Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Check Out the Deep Dive On FiresideTattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/side-hustle-gone-wild-thom-bulman-ep-279~29247 After COVID and the world had shut down Thom, a 17 year tattooer, was struggling to figure out where he was in tattooing. Between making custom shoes and not not knowing when tattooing might freeze up again he felt like he had to make some real decisions. In this interview he shares his journey of transitioning from tatt slanger to full time sneaker smuggler, reflecting a trend of artists exploring new career paths. From hobby to business, Thom navigates challenges in scaling up, including outsourcing production to China and tackling legal issues like licensing and cease and desist orders. He also emphasizes the importance of delegating and hiring the right team to support business growth, envisioning a recognized brand in the custom shoe market. Thom also discusses the creative process, challenges faced by major brands like Nike, and his vision for the future of his company We hope you enjoy this exceptionally wide ranging conversation.

This is a sneak peak of what you can find in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club. We’ve curated this particular conversation because we think it exemplifies one of the pillars of what the group is trying to achieve as a whole. Creating conversations and provoking discussions that help tattooers get out of their own head and into their careers to make progress. Groups like ours have started to appear more regularly as tattooing has grown year after year. It’s clear that support, community, and education is much needed in order to keep tattooing moving forwards and evolving into a proper industry. We really hope that you enjoy this conversation and get as much out of it as the members who were a part of it. And if you’re interested in learning more check out the links below. We hope that you come join us in trying to make tattooing better than we found it! You can Find the Deep Dive for this video here: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/urgent-vs-important-the-tattooers-struggle-inside-fireside-ep-278~29243 Timestamps: [00:00] Opening Salvo [02:04] The Cost of Discounting YOURSELF [11:33] The Purpose of The Decision Determines The Effect [17:37] Your Creativity Is Not Just Art, It's the Whole Package [22:52] You Can Do Anything, But You Can't Do Everything [27:01] The Power of Thinking in Timelines [33:22] The Magic of Thinking Big [36:56] Tattoo Industry Education Needs an Upgrade [42:14] Theory Of Constraints & Setting Expectations [45:08] Finding Ways to Give Back to The Industry [48:09] Having Multiple Voices In Education Is Necessary [56:00] Having A Support Group Is Crucial, And The Idea of Letting Go [1:00:42] Projects Vs Pieces, and The 80/20 Principle [1:05:21] Catering To A Higher End Client Without Losing Creative Control [1:08:11] Everyone Feels That Way All the Time In Tattooing… It Sucks, Let’s GO! [1:12:03] If You Have "Priorities" Then You Have No "Priority" [1:14:41] Creating A Small Team To Support Your Weaknesses [1:19:34] Interested in Inside Fireside? Come Check us Out Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Join Tattoo Tips Tuesday for FREE! https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/tattoo-tips-tuesday~29102 Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Tattooers Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit The current landscape of tattooing is inundated with a surge of new and untrained tattooers, facilitated by the accessibility of resources like YouTube tutorials, Instagram, and online courses. The once formidable barriers to entry have crumbled, resulting in a heightened demand for mentors. But what does it mean to be a mentor? What does it look like to give someone a good apprenticeship? This brings us to a conversation with one of our esteemed mentors, Kurt Jacobsen, a cherished member of the Fireside Tattoo Network. In this article, we delve into Kurt's perspectives on the significance of apprenticeships, the qualities of a commendable mentor, and the nuanced disparity between knowledge and understanding in the realm of tattooing. Check out the Deep Dive Page at https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-mentors-role-for-apprentice-success-kurt-jacobsen-ep-277~29189 Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Check out the Deep Dive Page on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/ahoy-wealth-tattoo-pirates-hoisting-the-flag-of-financial-freedom-ryan-roi-ep-276~29185 In the dynamic world of tattooing and artistry, financial literacy is often overlooked. And while being a pirate is all well and good, hoarding your cash in a box under your bed isn’t exactly going to help you with retirement. However, Jake has brought on Ryan Roi to shed light on the transformative power of coaching and sound money management practices. This interview unveils crucial insights into why being financially savvy is a game-changer for tattoo artists and how coaching can be the catalyst for this transformation. Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10 % off Guy Aitchison's Reinventing the Tattoo annual subscription at the link below https://reinventingthetattoo.com/fire... Get $50 discount on TSM Pro automation services at the link below https://tsmpro.co/a/Fireside_Automation Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Apprenticeships are a hot topic in the tattoo industry, often emphasized for aspiring artists. While many have valuable insights into this process, there's a facet that tends to fly under the radar but holds significant weight – mentorship. Strangely, it's one of the least discussed subjects in the tattoo world, likely because it demands substantial time, effort, and comes with a hefty dose of responsibility. Consequently, many seasoned tattooers are hesitant to take on this vital role. This week, we sit down with Tim O'Connor of Ten Thousand Foxes in Queens, New York to take a deep dive into his apprenticeship process. Along the way, we detour into his affection for coil machines and a handful of other topics that you won't want to miss. Keep up with Tim at the links below: https://www.10kfoxesqueenstattoo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/10kfoxes_queens https://www.instagram.com/toc_tattoo Check out the Deep Dive Page on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/what-makes-a-great-tattoo-aprenticeship-tim-oconnor-ep-275~29184 Check out our Tattoo Courses for all skill levels Tattoo Apprentice's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Tattooer's Toolkit https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Check out the full Deep Dive page for this episode at: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/trials-of-a-tattoo-machine-builder-neuma-5-with-carson-hill-ep-274~29180 Carson Hill is a real pioneer in tattoo machine technology. Since he has turned his attention to pen style rotary tattoo machines, and we are all better because of it. In today's episode, we talk about his latest and best iteration, the Neuma 5. Unlike many large tattoo machine manufacturers, Carson works daily with his machines and communicates regularly with the artists who use them. Because of this, he is able to really pin down improvement points and make significant changes quickly. During our conversation, Carson and I talk about the issues that arose in previous versions of the machine and how he and his team went about correcting them. Enjoy! Also, you can get 10% off the Neuma 5 or any other machine with the code "Fireside" Here's the link: https://neumatattoo.com Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club: https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside You can also get discounts on the other supplies you are already buying and support Fireside at the same time at the links below: Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Check out the Deep Dive Page on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/from-bad-apple-to-tattoo-royalty-king-ruck-ep-274~29179 [09:57] “I would Just grab a marker, and start drawing on someone. Being a graffiti artist and a heavy visual illustrator, it just made it real easy for me to do that” — King Ruck Tattooing on skin demands a unique understanding of values, highlights, dramatic shadows, and other elements that set it apart from traditional art forms. The abstract shapes, structural elements, and compositional techniques of graffiti bring a distinctive flavor to tattoo design. This fusion of two art forms enriches the tattooing process, offering a unique perspective that traditional drawing backgrounds may not provide. The experience of working with diverse layouts, such as tall walls, narrow spaces, and different shapes, in graffiti art, can prove invaluable when designing large-scale tattoos. The compositional skills acquired in the world of graffiti might not seamlessly translate to the art of tattooing, but they can definitely give you an advantage early on. Even if you aren’t a Graffiti writer yourself, taking time to study these designs might be beneficial. Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprovement/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Can't get enough Fireside? Take it to the next level. Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside and Tattoo Tips Tuesday https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/tattoo-tips-tuesday Huge thanks to Tom Strom and Jackee Sandelands for taking the time to share their art brains with us. You can keep up with them at https://www.artoftomstrom.com/ https://sandelandspaintings.com/

Chris Dingwell has been tattooing a long time. Chris Dingwell has been painting a long time. In today's episode, we sit down with Chris to discuss his approach to tattooing and how painting and other fine art mediums have molded him into the tattooer he is today. Enjoy! Join Chris at the Paradise Tattoo Gathering October 12-15, 2023! https://tattoogathering.com/ Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Or simply sign up for Tattoo Tips Tuesday! It's free! https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/tattoo-tips-tuesday~29102 Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Tattooing has obviously been through an incredible period of growth over the last couple of decades. But at what cost? As large corporations and investment groups buy their way into our industry and gain influence, the tattooers, artists and innovators who contributed so much to this craft get swallowed up or drowned out. In today's episode, we sit down with a true innovator from the tattoo community, Carson Hill, to discuss this topic. Enjoy Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club! https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/FiresideTattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Jake Meeks' mostly weekly tattoo podcast answering viewer questions, interviewing artists and waxing philosophical to promote better tattooing and more informed collectors. He is often joined by fellow tattooers, artists of other mediums, professionals in other fields and collectors. We hope you enjoy! Also, we offer courses from artists on the show at firesidetattoo.com if you are interested! Thanks for supporting our show!

See You at the Paradise Tattoo Gathering. Sign up below https://tattoogathering.com/ Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside The rotary machine craze came fast. In fact, if you began tattooing in the last 10 years, there is a good chance you have never used a coil machine at all. In today's episode we talk with long-time coil machine builder and co-founder of the super popular "Workhorse Irons", BJ Johnson (Soba). BJ is best known for his Mini-Rusto liners and Pilot shaders which were (and are still) used by thousands of tattooers ( including me!) We discuss the rotary revolution, why and how it took place, pros and cons of both rotaries and coils, and try to answer the question "Is it worth the tradeoff?" Enjoy!

Join us in the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Join Cooper and Jake at the Paradise Tattoo Gathering this October 12-15th https://tattoogathering.com/ In this episode, Back for round 3, we have Cooper! This time Jake and Coop take a deep dive into the technology side of things. They discuss how tattoo equipment and gear has been changing over time and what the tattoo community could do to make some serious positive change. Cooper also talks more directly about cartridges, tattoo machines and different ideas about potential improvements. A ton of great little nuggets and ideas, this is definitely not one to be missed. Check out the Deep Dive Page on FiresideTattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo... Coop's notes on cartridge configurations by manufacturer: Bishop/DaVinci does not show needle configuration on website but a sales person at their store told me the shaders did not have center needles Kwadron website does not show configurations Prime website does not show configurations Tat Soul/Envy does show configurations in website and can confirm that the medium taper round shaders do in fact have center needles in their configurations and are straight tapered and not tight tapered at the top. This makes sense to me as I have had the best one pass lines with the needles (18rs textured) I have tried from them in particular. Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get $50 discount on TSM Pro automation services at the link below https://tsmpro.co/a/Fireside_Automation Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Fireside https://www.facebook.com/Tattooimprov... https://www.instagram.com/firesidetat... Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Today we continue the conversation with Patrick O'Neil. If you haven't listened to part 1 of this interview, make sure to do that first.