Business and Mindset: The Tattoo Collectors Perspective Jenny Chambers EP 288
The Tattoo Collector’s Perspective | Jenny Chambers | EP 288
Something a little different this time around. We're not talking to another tattoo artist today - we're diving deep with Jenny Chambers, a serious tattoo collector who's got stories that'll make you see this whole world differently. In the current tattoo climate, it's not just about finding an artist who can slap some ink on you - it's about building relationships, understanding the craft, and respecting the process.
When Jenny talks about collecting work from legends like Jeff Gogue, Phil Garcia, and Ande Chambers, she's not just name-dropping - she's sharing a journey that most people never get to see. This isn't your typical "hey, I got a tattoo" story. This is about the real hustle, the behind-the-scenes grind that happens before that needle ever touches skin. So buckle up, because we're about to break down tattoo collecting in a way you've never heard before.
Hope you enjoy the episode!
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —
Topics: Tattoo collector, Tattoo artists, Tattoo community, Tattooing techniques, Tattoo culture, Jenny Chambers, Tattoo experiences, Renowned tattoo artists, Pain management during tattoos, Tattoo conventions, Evolution of tattooing, Tattoo industry insights, Unique perspectives on tattoo collecting, Experiences working with tattoo artists, Managing pain during tattoo sessions, How tattoo culture has evolved over the years, Balancing work and family in the tattoo industry, Differences in tattooing styles and techniques, Tips for long tattoo sessions, Jeff Gogue tattoos, Phil Garcia tattoo techniques, Ande Chambers tattoos, Paul Acker tattoo art, Timmy B tattooing style, Custom tattoo design process, Social media’s impact on tattooing
“The amount of time and effort that they put into creating these custom pieces, you never know that through a social media page or even through TV.”
— Jenny Chambers
Jenny Chambers Has been around tattooing for more than 20 years. As a steadfast, hardcore collector of some of tattooing’s best, she knows a thing or two about what it takes for a great piece to come together. From Timmy B, Phil Garcia, Jeff Gogue, and her awesome husband, Ande Chambers (among others), her deep respect for the tattoo community truly shines through.
Jenny is based in Virginia Beach, VA and is married to Ande Chambers, Co-Owner of Quill & Talon.
Please enjoy!
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
- Connect with Jenny Chambers/Ande Chambers:
PEOPLE MENTIONED
SHOW NOTES
- [04:34] Insights into Tattooing Experiences
- [07:09] Variation in Tattoo Processes and Techniques
- [09:13] Comparing Tattoo Artists and Techniques
- [11:50] Pain Management Strategies During Tattoo Sessions
- [16:34] Evolution of Tattoo Culture
- [18:24] The Evolution of Tattooing and Its Cultural Perception
- [20:19] The Reality Behind the Tattoo Lifestyle
- [25:45] Challenges of Balancing Work and Family Life
- [27:20] The Importance of Balance in Life
- [28:00] Parenting Perspectives and Growth
- [29:50] The Tattoo Community and Its Challenges
The Unique Journey of a Dedicated Tattoo Collector
Here’s something fascinating about the tattoo world that most people never get to see. Collectors, for a few decades now, have been diving deep into the art form, working with top-tier tattooers to create incredible pieces that go way beyond just getting tattoos 'off the wall'. The process of collecting tattoos is a complex dance of artistic collaboration, where collectors carefully curate their body art from renowned artists across the industry.
Navigating the Artist-Collector Relationship
The way collectors interact with tattooers is nothing short of an art form itself, with each artist bringing a totally different approach to the table. Some artists will consult extensively on design, while others might show up with a nearly complete concept that leaves collectors both excited and slightly nervous. What's really interesting is how collectors learn to navigate these different processes, building relationships and understanding the unique creative approaches of each tattooer.
Breaking Down Cultural Barriers
Tattooing has transformed from a taboo subculture to a respected art form that's capturing mainstream attention in ways nobody could have predicted. Television shows and social media have pulled back the curtain, revealing the incredible dedication and skill these artists bring to their craft. What started as a marginalized practice has now become a powerful form of personal expression, breaking down societal stigmas and showcasing the true artistry behind every tattoo.
MORE Jenny QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW
Pain Management Strategies During Tattoo Sessions
[11:50] “If you're serious about it and you know the things that you want to get done, get them done now.”
— Jenny Chambers
The Tattoo Community and Its Challenges
[29:50] “I just want to see relationships and this community be healthy.”
— Jenny Chambers
- Gallery of Tattoos -
Want more tattoo education and resources?
Check out our Business & Mindset catalog HERE!
And you can find all of the courses we offer HERE!
The Fireside Tattoo Network is home to the Fireside podcast, Fireside Technique video series and our Fireside Weekly blog.
The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!
Our Fireside Tattoo Overview video series offers informative, short, and detailed videos geared towards helping artists understand the science and nuances of tattoos and make more informed decisions to improve their work. We often take some of our more technical topics from our Fireside podcast and film an in-depth, narrated, time-lapse video showing exactly how Jake or our featured artists handle certain issues.
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/ - TattooNOW Website and Automation services at the link below
https://TattooNOW.com/Fireside - Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code “fireside”
https://rawpigments.co/
Business and Mindset
Running a tattoo business requires a completely different skill set than putting tattoos into skin. As tattooers, we tend to put all of our emphasis on the technical aspects of tattooing. Unfortunately for shop owners and tattoo entrepreneurs, tattooing is only one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to the business of tattooing.
Fireside is here to help:
- Tricks for ordering supplies for your crew
- Creating goals for your shop
- Upholding tattoo shop values
We also have plenty of Business and Mindset Deep Dive content to help you avoid the most common pitfalls of shop owners.
Check these pages out
Stuck in a rut? Successful but looking for the next challenge?
Recent News
Inside Fireside: Mentality, Pain Management, and the Art of Client Care with Kurt Jacobson
- 09/06/24
Why Do We Care About Give? - Carson Hill
- 07/24/24