Are you in it for the love of tattooing—or for the likes? 💸🎨

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Chico Cortez and Gabe Jaksich sit down with two world-renowned tattoo legends—Jime Litwalk and Mat Ryan from Eternal Ink—to get real about the motives, mindsets, and future of the tattoo industry.

🔥 We’re diving into:

— Passion vs. Fame: Why did you start tattooing?

— Gatekeeping vs. Holding the Line: Where’s the line between protecting the craft and shutting others out?

— The evolution of tattooing: Where is it headed, and what should Tattoo Artists be thinking about now?

If you're a Tattoo Artist, aspiring apprentice, shop owner, or just someone who lives and breathes tattoos, this episode will hit home.

💬 Drop a comment with your take—Are you about the money or the craft?

👍 Like & Subscribe for more deep dives with the biggest names in tattooing.

HOST:

Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/

Chico Cortez - https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/

GUEST:

Jime Litwalk - https://www.instagram.com/jimelitwalk/

Mat Ryan Eternal - https://www.instagram.com/eternaltattooing/

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Studio Production: The Podcast Doctor

Post Production: ABBC Productions

Editor: Alexandra Voelmle

Producer and Editor: Benjamin Collins

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:

Ink Different Tattoos

Ink Different Tattoo School

Good Humans Aftercare brand

CHAPTERS:

Intro 00:00

Industry vs craft 02:00

gatekeeping 04:06

Holding the line, taking good students 11:23

Good artist doesn't mean good tattooer 14:11

Social media creating trends vs a lasting impact 22:05

Hustling for work 28:27

Tough love for longevity 34:04

How ink masters changed their lives 36:59

American Tattoo Society/tattooing on military bases 48:52

Is tattooing going to get better or worse 57:32

Corporations taking over the industry 01:00:35

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