[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.
No matter where you are in your tattooing career the Fireside Tattoo Network provides resources and information that have helped hundreds of tattoo artists.
Are you just starting out in your tattoo journey? Maybe you've been at it for a while and didn't have a traditional tattoo apprenticeship? Fireside has courses and programs for anyone who's hungry for information and wants to level up their tattoo design skills.
The Fireside Method:
Check out a few of our interviews with tattoo artists and Deep Dive articles:
Still interested, need more!? Check out our Full Podcast Episodes HERE!