The Fight for Tattoo Space | Robyn and Ty Pallotta | EP 293
The Fight for Tattoo Space | Robyn and Ty Pallotta | EP 293
The tattoo industry has always been about overcoming obstacles, but few challenges hit as hard as finding the right space to call home. When we caught up with Robyn and Ty Pallotta at the Star of Texas Tattoo Convention, their story of facing 20+ rejections from property managers struck a chord that many artists can relate to.
Their journey from a private studio to fighting antiquated lease stipulations highlights the evolving landscape of our industry in growing cities like Austin. As veterans know, sometimes in tattooing, the biggest battle isn't creating the art—it's finding walls to hang it on.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —
Topics: Tattoo shop, property rejections, Austin, Ty and Robin Pallotta, private studio, oversaturation, relocation, lease stipulations, discrimination, commercial property, neighborhood dynamics, authenticity, networking, business mindedness, regulations, shop design, Hill Country inspiration, personal investment
“A lot of the businesses, which isn't talked about a lot... have lease stipulations, that are antiquated from the 80s, that say that tattoo shops can't be part of the grounds at all.”
— Ty Pallotta
Ty Pallotta (@tyatx) is an award-winning international tattoo artist recognized for his versatility and technical expertise. He possesses comprehensive knowledge of both tattoo machinery and advanced tattooing techniques.
His portfolio spans multiple styles, including portraits, geometric designs, and illustrative work, with each piece reflecting his commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality tattoos for his clients.
Robyn Pallotta (@botanicalbodyart) Robyn's work showcases a unique blend of delicacy and depth with a specialized style. Her portfolio, created solely with black and white ink, distinguishes itself in the industry.
Key elements in her work include florals, animals, foliage, and skulls. The intricate details are skillfully tattooed, reflecting the expertise gained from over a decade as a tattoo artist as well as years of customer service to ensure a more enjoyable tattoo experience.
Ty & Robyn are based in Austin, TX, and own/tattoo at Bluebonnet Tattoo.
Please enjoy!
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Ty & Robyn Pallotta:
Bluebonnet Tattoo | @bluebonnettattoo | @tyatx | @botanicalbodyart
SHOW NOTES
[00:00] Intro
[03:03] The State of Tattooing in a Growing City
[06:32] Reflections on Personal and Professional Changes
[08:47] Transition from Private Studio to Tattoo Shop
[09:19] Challenges in Finding a Location
[12:47] Discrimination and Lease Negotiation Issues
[16:10] The Journey of Finding a Tattoo Space
[18:45] The Tattoo Market in Austin
[22:35] The Influence of Neighborhood Dynamics
[26:34] Authenticity and It's Impact on Career Success
[28:22] The Shift Toward Business Mindedness
[28:55] Tattooing Regulations and Business Models
[31:06] Finding the Right Business Environment
[35:14] The Significance of Location for Tattoo Artists
[35:51] Designing an Inviting Space
[37:58] Evolving Tattoo Shop Environments
[41:44] Personal Investment in Creating Spaces
The Real Estate Game: Why Tattoo Shops Get the Cold Shoulder
Property managers might smile to your face, but when they see "tattoo shop" on your business plan, those smiles often disappear faster than a walk-in on Friday the 13th. Major retail anchors have these decades-old contract clauses that treat tattoo businesses like they're still operating like biker shops in the 70s. What can shop owners do when facing these barriers?
Building relationships with independent landlords or seeking locations in arts districts can sometimes sidestep these issues. Have tattooers considered partnering with attorneys who specialize in commercial lease discrimination before starting their search?
The Instagram Effect: Why Great Tattoos Aren't Enough Anymore
Artists who think their portfolio will speak for itself are waking up to a harsh reality in today's market. The tattooers grinding away at conventions without a social strategy is getting buried by competitors with half their talent but twice their follower count.
Artists need to ask themselves: Who's handling your content when you're handling the machine? Building connections with influencers, photographers, and even PR professionals isn't selling out—it's surviving in a landscape where visibility trumps virtuosity. Even old-school artists resistant to change are finding that adaptation isn't optional if they want their books to stay full.
Breaking the Black and Red Mold: Shop Environments That Connect
The days of walking into shops with flash-covered walls, skulls everywhere, and that intimidating counter barrier are fading into tattoo history. Smart shop owners like the Pallottas are creating spaces that reflect who they are—bringing Texas Hill Country vibes inside with live plants and warm atmospheres that make clients feel welcome rather than judged.
What magic happens when clients feel comfortable enough to open up about their ideas? The most successful shops understand that the environment shapes the experience as much as the tattoo itself. Could your shop's atmosphere be limiting the creative conversations happening within those walls?
MORE Ty & Robyn QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW
Discrimination and Lease Negotiation Issues
[12:47] “We're a reputable business; we're normal people, it just happens to be that we do tattoos for a living.”
— Robyn Pallotta
Authenticity and It's Impact on Career Success
[26:34] “Be yourself, and people will find you. If you're not their style, they'll move on, but if they want your style, they see that you're genuine.”
— Robyn Pallotta
Finding the Right Business Environment
[31:06] “It's not about the rent; it's about the right artist, the right quality, and the right personality.”
— Robyn Pallotta
Reflections on Personal and Professional Changes
[06:32] “All the things in the world don't make you happy; you're happy where you want to be, not because of material things.”
— Ty Pallotta
Authenticity and It's Impact on Career Success
[26:47] “It's no longer enough to be a consistently award-winning artist. You need a PR person, and you need to start networking.”
— Ty Pallotta
PEOPLE MENTIONED
Ty & Robyn Tattoo Gallery
This episode was made possible thanks to:
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