Submitted 08.16.23

Too Big To Provide Real Service To Tattooers - Carson Hill Fireside Tattoo Network

Too Big To Provide Real Service To Tattooers

[34:15] “Step one, Stop doing the thing that you think is feeding the beast, and then start to take steps in a new direction.Then It’ll force us into researching and having more information and knowledge about the industry.”

— Carson Hill

Convenience is an incredibly valuable asset, particularly in the realm of tattooing. For many tattoo artists, having a local tattoo gear store just around the corner, fully equipped with a wide range of inks, cartridges, paper towels, glides, and antiseptics, is a luxury they might not have. The usual scenario would involve trekking across town, potentially coming up empty-handed except for MAYBE the paper towels. This is where platforms like Kingpin, Tatsoul, or even Amazon come to the rescue – everything you need, delivered right to your doorstep.

However, these platforms are essentially the equivalent of "big box" retail stores. No longer tattooer-owned, they seem to have lost that personal touch and connection with the tattooing community. Are they genuinely invested in the art and the practitioners? While they sell the products, do they truly understand what they're selling?

This is where tattooer-owned supply companies come into play. They offer more than just products; they bring an understanding rooted in the art's nuances. Unlike corporate retailers, these companies comprehend the why behind every product they offer. They aren't just providing physical supplies; they're invested in the essence of tattooing itself. Supporting tattooer-owned supply companies is a way to maintain authenticity in an industry where convenience often overshadows connection. By doing so, we actively contribute to nurturing the art's core, ensuring its integrity endures. 

full biomech lower leg sleeves by Carson Hill

Watch the full episode:

Are Tattooers Losing Control of Tattooing? | Carson Hill | EP 270


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