Inside Fireside: Mentality, Pain Management, and the Art of Client Care with Kurt Jacobson Fireside Tattoo Network

Inside Fireside: Mentality, Pain Management, and the Art of Client Care with Kurt Jacobson

Welcome back to our Fireside series! In this final installment with the talented Kurt Jacobson, tattoo artist and Fireside guest, we dive deep into the crucial aspects of client care during tattoo sessions. From multi-day tattoo conventions to mastering the mindset, this episode covers the strategies artists can use to help clients manage pain and discomfort.

Mastering Mentality: It's All About the Mindset

Kurt opens the discussion by highlighting the importance of mentality in tattooing. For both the client and the artist, having the right mental framework can make all the difference. Tattoo sessions—especially those that last several hours or even days—are not just about physical endurance; they are also a mental game. Clients often reach a point where they want to quit, and Kurt believes it’s the artist's role to help them push through.

“You have to communicate honestly with yourself and with your client,” Kurt explains. It’s not just about soothing words but guiding clients to understand that the impossible can become possible through proper mindset management. He shares that his approach is to help clients recognize their own internal language and how it shapes their capacity to endure.

The Power of Touch: Gentle Guidance Through Pain

Another key element in managing long tattoo sessions is how the artist interacts with the client physically. Kurt emphasizes contact and how being mindful of how you touch your clients can reduce discomfort. He encourages using fingertip stretching instead of whole-hand stretching to minimize unnecessary pressure on inflamed skin.

"The more gentle I am, the more my client will be okay with me touching them, and the less they'll resist, which helps reduce fatigue over time," Kurt shares. This is especially important during long, multi-day tattooing sessions where discomfort can accumulate and wear clients down.

Positioning and Comfort: Small Adjustments, Big Relief

Beyond mental and physical touch, Kurt also stresses the importance of positioning for the client's comfort. Sitting in one position for long periods can lead to body fatigue. However, with small adjustments—like those we make on long flights or car rides—discomfort can be managed.

"I use pillows and blankets like they're going out of style," Kurt jokes, but in truth, these small adjustments can make a huge difference in helping clients stay comfortable. Even slight changes in positioning, supported by a well-placed pillow, can alleviate tension and extend a client’s endurance.

Lidocaine Use: Finding the Balance

A popular topic during this episode was the use of lidocaine in tattoo sessions. Kurt explains his cautious approach to using lidocaine, emphasizing that it’s not about making clients completely numb but maintaining their current pain level.

"I apply lidocaine sparingly," Kurt explains, "the goal isn’t to bring the pain level down to zero, but to keep clients at the same level they're already at." He warns against overusing lidocaine, which can lead to increased tolerance and make it difficult for clients to handle subsequent sessions.

Closing Thoughts: Encouraging but Never Pandering

Kurt wraps up the conversation by sharing his philosophy on guiding clients through tough moments. Being encouraging but not pandering is key. It’s about balancing the support you give without sugarcoating the experience.

Tattooing is hard—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But with the right preparation, communication, and attention to client care, both artist and client can emerge from the experience stronger.

Thank you to Kurt for taking the time to share his wisdom with us in this series. Be sure to check out the previous episodes if you haven’t already, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations with industry experts.

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