Tattoo artist, Sharky, talks about how travels and adventures have prepared her for almost anything, how that same spirit played into the start of her tattoo career, and about her friendship with Lyle Tuttle. Find Sharky at Classic Tattoo in San Marcos, TX.Catch her new IGTV show live every Monday night at 9pm EST, “Welcome To The Backroom” and watch archives on @richfie page.This episode is sponsored by:HIRING NOW AT:High Priestess is one of the Pacific Northwest's premier piercing and tattoo studios, with 5 locations in Oregon.They operate high volume shops, providing their tattoo clientele with both walk in and custom work.They are looking for artists that are interested in working in a safe and all-inclusive environment, AND they are willing to compensate or assist in relocation fees for serious candidates.If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Orgeon will not disappoint.Go to Highpriestess.com for more info about the shop, and inquire directly to @resttattooer BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

Books Closed: Tattoos and the Internet Collide, Hosted by Andrew Stortz

045: Sharky

The past year has been riddled with shutdowns and uncertainty in tattooing and the rest of our lives. Andrew takes a look back at some unpublished interviews from last May, as well as some current stories from a couple tattooers who are still feeling the effects of the pandemic in different ways.This episode's guests:Lauren - Diamond Mind Tattoo (Massachusetts)Adam Hays - Dedication Tattoo (Colorado)Freak - Deep Seas Tattoo (California)Jasmine Wright - Kings Avenue (New York)ERoy - Texas This episode is sponsored by:Oak and Iron Tattoo in Buffalo, NY is looking to hire a tattooer now! Reach out to them if you are interested in applying.Old Crow Tattoo in Oakland, CA is also looking to hire a tattooer.  Apply now! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

044: The Year That Tattooing Stood Still

Nikko Hurtado is one of the biggest names in the tattoo industry. We discuss the path that lead him there, side effects of the pandemic, new trends in social media, and what's up with Fred Durst?Find Nikko at Black Anchor Collective in Hesperia, CA and  Black Anchor Gallery in Hollywood, CA.This episode is sponsored by:DOS-MDigital Optimizations For Tattoo ArtistsHead to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE strategy session setup today! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

043: Nikko Hurtado

Tattoo artist Hanna Sandstrom talks about her career that has brought her around the world, and how she has slowed it all down to focus on her health and what is truly important after getting a cancer diagnosis. Follow Hanna's work here and find more current info about her hereBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

042: Hanna Sandstrom

Have you heard about the ink ban in Europe? After seeing some conflicting information online, I talk to Selina Medina about what is really going on. What does it mean for tattooers? Will the US follow suit and start regulating tattoo pigment?Check out the resources that Selina shared with me HERE.Get your copy of "The Science of Tattooing" Read the NPR article about the ink ban hereWatch this full episode on YOUTUBE Do you know Fred Durst? Help me get him as a guest on the show! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzWhat do you think about this episode?Leave me a message on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

041: Ink Banned in Europe ft. Selina Medina

In this episode, I talk to Chicago tattoo artist, Faith (@americanflesh), about how she walked away from tattooing for over 2 years to undergo conversion therapy through a church, what it was like coming back to tattooing afterward, and her inspiration to open her new shop Wish Me Luck Tattoo.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:17) Do you know Fred Durst?(02:50) Faith’s 2.5 year break from tattooing(05:23) Conversion therapy(12:32) Starting to tattoo again after being ex-communicated from the church(18:35) Inspiration to open her own tattoo studio(27:03) “Old School” reaction to using GoFundMe to initially fund a tattoo shop(36:51) Scarcity mentality in tattooing(42:22) Is a lack of openness hurting tattooing?(51:15) Setting boundaries and time management(58:27) Specializing vs. street shop tattooing(01:00:30) How much influence should we have on our customers?(01:05:28) Covering tattoos for free in certain cases(01:07:36) Hopes for 2021(01:13:32) Outro(01:15:27) Bonus post-interview clip; Is using personal identity a gimmick? BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Graphics by Jeff DonlanMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundWant to join the discussion? Leave a message for me on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662This episode's sponsor:My search for Fred Durst! This isn't a joke, I want to talk to Fred about his time tattooing in the 90's. If you know him or a way I could reach him to inquire, please DM me @andrewstortz or email: andrew@booksclosed.com

040: Faith (@americanflesh)

Best buds Paul Dobleman (Blackheart Tattoo, SF) and Austin Maples (Enjoy Tattoos, LA) sit in for the show and talk about the state of California tattooing amidst the lockdown, how they've curated focused clientele, and each reveal a deep dark secret. This is a fun one!Timestamps:(00:01) Intro(00:38) Do you know Fred Durst?(02:02) California tattooing shutdown(07:08) Austin’s new shop(09:02) Forced break helped to reprioritize(19:09) Moving out of California?(22:13) Why are so many people getting tattooed right now?(25:46) Side projects(33:07) Curating a focused clientele(44:35) How do you keep common imagery fresh?(48:46) Why Austin is selective about what he tattoos(58:05) Specializing in a style(01:02:14) “Favorite” crimes committed in the past(01:03:24) How Paul injured his ribs to save his favorite Adidas slides(01:07:35) Deep Dark Secrets(01:13:46) Who are the great “best bud” tattoo duos?(01:15:40) Outro(01:16:46) Credits BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic SoundBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

039: Paul Dobleman & Austin Maples

What happened to tattoo magazines? Tat-journalist, James Musker (@toadhell___), joins Andrew this week to talk about his experiences writing for various online and print publications, being there for the end of Skin Deep magazine, and what the future may look like for those who write words about pictures on skin.BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzWhat do you think about this episode?Leave me a message on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662 MORE FROM THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:My name is Ben Viamontes and I’ve been tattooing since 2005. I started working in shops, before tattooing, in 1995. Since 2009 I’ve had my own spot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The shop is called Blacklist Tattoo Parlour. The shop is located in the heart of Albuquerque on historic Rt. 66. Albuquerque is a very affordable place to live with great weather and lots of things to do, especially if you’re into the outdoors.  I have three open chairs at the moment. I am a firm believer in upholding the highest of standards in my shop. . . We are known in Albuquerque for our quality, cleanliness, and professionalism. The shop provides essentially all supplies other than ink, needles and machines.I’m offering generous percentages. (Plus perks)I’m willing to help with relocation costs, for the right candidates. Albuquerque has a strong tattoo scene. The right artist will be able to quickly build clientele between the military base and university in town, combined with walk in traffic and projects/clients that can be handed off by myself and current staff. I’m looking for artists who are looking to work in a clean professional environment. . . Maybe you're looking to take your career to the next step. Maybe you're looking to challenge yourself, or you're unhappy with the current situation where you're working.  The right candidates will have a strong work ethic, be respectful of clients, coworkers, and be looking to improve their skills on an ongoing basis.  Big egos, scumbags, and rock star attitudes need not apply.  TO APPLY, HEAD TO:blacklist-tattoo.comnow to submit your information for consideration!Ben's IG: @powsonero

038: Remember Tattoo Magazines?

Is tattooing a performance art? What if the performance is more highly regarded than the tattoo itself? Bill Rocha (@billychop) sits in for this episode to discuss one of the most unique tattooers on Instagram.Links to the videos discussed in this episode:BicycleFeet/Head tattooingFencingDroneCelloTrampoline BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

037: Performance Art

Meet Jio, a tattooer from New York City who has been dealing first-hand with the coronavirus. As tattoo shops remain closed for business indefinitely around the country, some tattooers are forced to worry more about their health than their financial futures. Follow Jio on INSTAGRAMWatch this clip on YOUTUBEBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew StortzMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

NYC Tattoo Artist Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Steve Byrne joins the show again to talk about the legal battle between Sailor Jerry’s widow and a big liquor company, art ownership, intellectual property, and why he wants bootleggers to eat their copies of his work.Steve works at Rock Of Ages Tattoo in Austin, TX.Buy his book Non Stop Tattooing from Atonement BooksBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662This episode's sponsors:ETERNAL INKUse coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 20% off your order of Eternal Inks! eternaltattoosupply.com@eternaltattoosupply MACHINE MACHINE COUse code: BOOKSCLOSEDfor $50 off enrollment to Seth Ciferri's Machine Mechanics & Tuning Workshopmachinemachine.co@machinemachine.coProfessionally crafted video courses made by professional tattooers. Get an exclusive look at what's behind some of the best work in the tattoo community.

036: Who Owns Your Tattoo?

Work/life balance for tattooers is a never ending challenge. Since it was just Valentine's Day, let's talk about relationships with the most special of guests...my wife, Rachel. We also hear from Greg Christian and Cindy Stroemple about what it's like when two tattooers tie the knot.I have always felt the pressure of keeping my obsession with tattooing in check. It has had repercussions in my personal life, and is something that I still strive to balance as we speak. My wife sits in on the show to get personal about our own situation.You can find Greg and Cindy in North Olmstead, OH at Tattoo Faction or in a city near you! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew StortzMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatzBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662booksclosedpodcast.com THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:ETERNAL INK (eternaltattoosupply.com)@eternalinkUse coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 20% off your order of Eternal Inks! MACHINEMACHINECO (machinemachine.co)@machinemachine.coProfessionally crafted video courses made by professional tattooers. Get an exclusive look at what's behind some of the best work in the tattoo community.

035: Let's Talk About Relationships

Hannah Wolf drops some knowledge about tattoo ink and Billy White tells us why he will always cover racist tattoos for free.  Hannah Wolf works at Occult Tattoo in Oakland, CA.Check out her book The Science of TattooingBilly White works at Red Rose Tattoo in Zanesville, OH.Watch the documentary he is featured in: Beneath The Ink BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662booksclosedpodcast.com THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Cream Tattoo Supply (creamtattoosupply.com)@creamtattoosupplyUse coupon code BOOKSCLOSED at checkout for 20% off your order! HOMESTEAD MACHINERY@homesteadmachineryHandmade tattoo machines by Heath Rave

034: Scientific Tattooing

I talked to Alex Kass and Zac Scheinbaum, a couple tattooers who pursue tattoo related projects in addition to their day to day work. Alex runs the instagram page @tattoogear4sale, which has become the top place to buy, sell and trade (yes, you guessed it) tattoo gear. We talked about how he started the page, and some of the challenges that come with keeping it running. Zac created Afterlife Press, an independent publishing company that has put out two amazing books focusing on some of the greatest and most prolific tattooers of our time. We talked about his approach and why he is so interested in presenting a closer look at these tattooers. Alex Kass tattoos at Electric Panther Tattoo in San Antonio, TX.@alexkass_ep @tattoogear4sale Zac Scheinbaum tattoos at Seventh Son Tattoo in San Francisco, CA.@zacscheinbaum @afterlifepressBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew StortzMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatzBooks Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662booksclosedpodcast.comTHIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:ETERNAL INK (eternaltattoosupply.com)@eternalinkUse coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 20% off your order of Eternal Inks!TATTOO SMART@tattoosmartDigital design tools and tutorials for tattooers!Check out the Digital Stamp Flash Sets to arm yourself with an arsenal of functional reference materialUse coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 15% off your order! 

033: Extracurricular Tattooing

Didn't get enough on Ep 032? Here is more with Doreen Garner.Doreen works at Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY. This extended episode is sponsored by:GoRemindersEliminate no-shows, save time & increase revenue with GoReminders. It is simple, automatic appointment reminders via text messages and email. This service pays or itself with just ONE avoided no-show appointment!Head over to: goreminders.com/booksclosed for 10% off for life!

032: Extended ft. Doreen Garner

Tattoo artists will be quick to tell you that things aren't the way they used to be. We sit down with a different tattooer on each episode to discuss how technology, social media and the internet in general have totally changed the way we approach the job.

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Books Closed: Tattoos and the Internet Collide, Hosted by An...

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