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 episode is a must-listen for every artist who’s ever questioned if they’re doing enough, good enough, or even belong in the industry. Spoiler: you’re not alone.

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
• How to stay productive without burning out
• The biggest communication mistake tattoo artists make
• Why success isn’t sexy — it’s boring and consistent
• And how to build a schedule that works for your family and your art

Whether you’re booked out or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your clients, and your priorities.

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 you.

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 connection, and what really keeps people coming back. If you’re a tattoo artist trying to grow your career, this one’s for you.

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, and why shops must modernize to thrive in today’s ultra-competitive market.

Topics include:

• The shift from flash to custom tattoos
• Building community and educating artists
• Starting the first tattoo podcast
• Lessons from business school and law enforcement
• Challenges running a tattoo shop without systems
• The power of CRMs like Tattoo Pro for lead management, client communication, bookings, waivers, reviews, and payments
• Why old-school shops are getting left behind
• How digital tools help artists stay focused on art—not admin

Bottom line: If you’re a shop owner or artist not using tech to run your business, you’re leaving money and opportunities on the table.

If you'd like to talk to us about your marketing go to www.ink-link.com

If you're interested in learning more about TattooPro, you can check them out at tattoopro.io

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.

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 behind the needle

💡 How community and mindset are the real game changers

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a creative hustler chasing freedom, this episode is packed with truth bombs, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom.

👉 Tap in to hear what it really takes to thrive as an artist on your own terms.