Videos & Livestreams
Inside Fireside Tattoo Club: Fostering Growth Through Conversation
Welcome to a sneak peek into the vibrant world of the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club! In this curated conversation, we aim to give you a glimpse of what drives our community and why we believe it's pivotal for the progression of tattooing as an art form and an industry.
Tattooing has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity over the years. With this surge, however, comes the need for support, community, and education within the tattooing sphere. Inside Fireside Tattoo Club emerged from this necessity, striving to provide a platform where tattoo artists can engage in meaningful conversations, provoke discussions, and propel their careers forward.
At the heart of our community lies the belief that by fostering open dialogue and sharing insights, tattoo artists can break free from the confines of their own minds and explore new avenues for growth and development. Whether discussing techniques, sharing experiences, or delving into the business side of tattooing, we aim to create an environment conducive to learning and progress.
At Inside Fireside Tattoo Club, we believe in the principle of collective advancement. We recognize that the success of each individual is connected to the success of the entire community. Therefore, we aim to uplift and support one another. By doing so, we can raise the standards of tattooing and contribute to its progress as a respected industry.
The conversation we are showcasing here is just a small representation of the diverse range of discussions that take place within our club. We have carefully selected it because we believe it perfectly encapsulates our core values: collaboration, growth, and pushing boundaries.
For those interested in what they have read so far, we invite you to join us on our journey of improving tattooing. Whether you are an experienced artist wanting to share your knowledge or a novice tattooist eager to learn, there is a place for you within the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club.
We hope you enjoy this exclusive glimpse into our world and feel motivated by the conversations we've shared. If you're interested in learning more or becoming a part of our community, be sure to check out the links provided throughout the page. Let's work together to foster creativity, camaraderie, and progress.
Join us at Inside Fireside Tattoo Club and help shape the future of tattooing, one conversation at a time.
Business and Mindset: Urgent vs Important The Tattooers Struggle Inside Fireside EP 278
Tattoo Stencil Placement: Essential Tips - Jake Meeks
Are you tired of dealing with stencils that barely cling to the skin or bleed into a blurry mess? In this Fireside Archives Episode 12 of Fireside Technique, we've provided essential tips for laying down a clean stencil and making precise placement decisions.
Hosted by Jake Meeks, this episode delves into the nuances of the stencil application process, offering insights into everything from the choice of applicators to the delicate art of dry-fitting the stencil to the client's body.
The Stencil Application Process
Choosing the right stencil applicator is key to successfully transferring from paper to skin. Jake prefers a traditional mix of green soap and water, applied generously for optimal results. Stencil creams offer longevity for intricate designs but require a lighter touch to prevent blurring.
Dry-Fitting the Stencil to the Client
Before committing to the stencil placement, Jake recommends a quick dry-fit to ensure alignment with the body's contours. This step helps identify potential problem areas and allows the stencil to conform to the skin, facilitating a smoother application.
Applying the Stencil
Achieving the perfect stencil application demands moderation and precision. Finding the right consistency is crucial in using soap and water or stencil creams. Jake advises wiping the stencil farther than the design area to avoid unintentional blurring and allowing it to settle for optimal transfer.
Removing an Unwanted Stencil Placement
Need help finding your stencil? Jake recommends using green soap and alcohol for easy removal, leaving behind a faint guide for adjustments. For expert insights and practical advice on mastering stencil placement, tune in to Fireside Technique.
Learn more tips on stencil placement here:
Tattoo Techniques: Tips for Placing Tattoo Stencils Fireside Technique EP 12
Tips for tattooing Hands and Knuckles - Jake Meeks
Mastering Hand and Finger Tattoos: Tips from the Fireside Technique Episode
Welcome to another insightful session with Jake Meeks on the Fireside Technique series. Today, we delve into the unique challenges of tattooing hands, knuckles, and fingers, where longevity and strategic placement are paramount for a lasting masterpiece.
- Strategic Design Placement:
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- Knuckle and finger tattoos are prone to fading, so start by strategically laying out the design on areas like the upper hand that hold up better over time.
- Focus on simplicity and abstract shapes around knuckles and fingers to ensure consistency despite potential fading challenges.
- Limiting Linework:
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- For finger tattoos, opt for dark gray washes rather than bold lines. Abstract shapes can mitigate potential fading and give a more intentional look.
- On the top part of the hand, use bold, crisp lines to draw attention to the focal points of the tattoo.
- Patience and Deliberate Techniques:
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- Take your time with shading and color packing, using smaller needle configurations and a slow, deliberate approach.
- Position the client's hand for optimal skin stretching to minimize slicing or tearing, especially around the thin skin of the fingers.
- Simplify shapes and edges intentionally to address potential fading concerns.
Remember, the goal is to minimize the need for multiple sessions while ensuring a long-lasting and visually striking tattoo.
For more tattoo education and resources, check out the Fireside Tattoo Network, home to the Fireside podcast, the Fireside Technique video series, and the inside Fireside tattoo club.
Stay tuned for more insights, techniques, and inspiration to elevate your tattooing skills.
Need an accountability group? Learn about INSIDE FIRESIDE TATTOO CLUB.
Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo for community, continuous learning, and growth in tattooing.
Learn more about this epsiode:
Tattoo Techniques: Tips for tattooing Hands and Knuckles Fireside Technique EP 20
Tattooing Hands and Knuckles
Consistency In The Inconsistency, Simplify For Tattooing Knuckles
“If I were to lay a couple of those suckers up on his hand where they’re gonna hold really well and then one or two of them on his knuckle they would fade inconsistently. Where as if I place them all on the knuckles and they happen to fall out, then they will fall out the same”
- Jake Meeks
Since knuckle and finger tattoos have a tendency to fade quickly we’re starting off by strategically laying out the focus of the design on the upper hand. Emphasize attention to areas like the back of the hand where you’ll have the least amount of effort, optimal detail, and the most retention over time.
Watch the full episode:
Tattoo Techniques: Tips for tattooing Hands and Knuckles Fireside Technique EP 20
So when someone says, ‘I want to get tattooed - Jeff Gogue
Starting with What "IS" in the Tattoo
[30:51] “So when someone says, ‘I want to get tattooed’, I just say, I need to see what you got, and I look at their whole body. Do you have any tattoos you like? Yeah? And then I'm like, ‘Okay, we're going to start there’. And as soon as we can clear the road, then we're all in.”
— Jeff Gogue
As Jeff says in the interview, sometimes “what is” is a blank slate and those moments and situations are cherished for some tattooers because of the rarity. But most times, in life and in tattooing itself, “what is” is often a mix of other things; previous tattoos, body shapes, times of hardship, or difficult situations — that you’re going to have to deal with the moment they arrive.
Let’s shift from mindset to tattooing for a brief moment. Most often when a client comes to you for a large piece; arm sleeve, full leg, backpiece etc. — they will probably already have some tattoos on their body.
Now, you have some options here. You can try to stake your claim as an individual on their body by trying to fit and force a design around all these other tattoos they have. If you’re good at composition It may turn out well and be a nice looking piece. BUT, what Jeff is positing is instead look at those existing tattoos and see if there are some things you can build off of. Look at the person's existing work and find the one or two tattoos that you can CONNECT with your design and create a cohesive body suit for that individual. This should take a lot of pressure off of you as the designer because now you aren’t trying to shorthand yourself trying to force things next to each other, and it benefits the client because now they wont see any breaks in the design and they can feel more confident about the way their tattoos flow together. Working with “what is” and developing a holistic approach.
But these things can only be achieved with true preparation. ‘Wait wait, what are you saying? I thought we we’re talking about improvising and reacting?’ We are! The only way to become truly improvisational as an artist or tattooer is through studying fundamentals and understanding basics, taking the time to learn and doing some prep work before that situation ever comes to you. In doing these things you’re essentially already well acclimated to whatever might come through your door.
There are many moments in your own life where these ideas can be applied. Be it art and tattooing, business and management, mindset and life. Being proactive in life is important, so that when your ‘opportunity’ to react shows up you’re prepared to act without deliberation.
Watch the full episode:
Business and Mindset: Learning to Surrender Jeff Gogue Ep 165
Abandon Yourself, Abandon Your Fears - Jeff Gogue
Abandon Yourself, Abandon Your Fears
[08:44] “You have to ‘abandon’ yourself. At some point you have to jump off the cliff, and just either live or die.”
— Jeff Gogue
It‘s never a bad thing to try and to have failed. A quote that I enjoy a lot that’s really helped me over the years is:
- Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
-Samuel Beckett
Though this isn’t the entire quote, it is a point that I think most people struggle with. The thought of “what if I can’t do it” or “what if it doesn’t work out”. You have to make an attempt first before you ever have the opportunity to fail.
Even your heroes have insecurities like this. It seems most of the time like they have it all figured out but really they’re just as neurotic or stumbling as any other person. But the key difference that they share is the fact that they are willing to put themselves out there and be vulnerable. Those people you look up to were willing to fight the urge to give up and press forwards even at the risk of serious failure or embarrassment.
I think Jeff makes that point clearly because he hated all of these things about his own character, but from dissatisfaction and frustration decided to make a serious change. Can you think of time like that? What struggles have you had that’ve made you more resilient? Maybe you should think back on those moments to help you realize that you can push through.