The Business of Tattooing
The Business of Tattooing
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Business of Tattooing—the podcast that goes beyond the ink to dive deep into the industry, the hustle, and what it really takes to succeed in the world of tattooing. I’m Rob Smead, founder of Electrum Supply, and your guide through the business side of this ever-evolving art form.
Each week, we’ll break down the latest trends, tackle the challenges artists face, and sit down with industry pros to talk shop—unfiltered and straight to the point. Whether you’re an artist, a shop owner, or just someone who loves the craft, this is the podcast built for you.
So, sharpen your skills, level up your business, and let’s get to work. This is The Business of Tattooing!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes related to the tattoo industry, such as current trends, business strategies, and the impact of technology on tattooing. Episode examples include discussions on the 'Tattpocalypse,' AI innovations in tattooing, and regulation issues that may affect artists, all aimed at providing listeners with insider perspectives and valuable industry knowledge.

Welcome to The Business of Tattooing—the podcast that goes beyond the ink to dive deep into the industry, the hustle, and what it really takes to succeed in the world of tattooing. I’m Rob Smead, founder of Electrum Supply, and your guide through the business side of this ever-evolving art form.
Each week, we’ll break down the latest trends, tackle the challenges artists face, and sit down with industry pros to talk shop—unfiltered and straight to the point. Whether you’re an artist, a shop owner, or just someone who loves the craft, this is the podcast built for you.
So, sharpen your skills, level up your business, and let’s get to work. This is The Business of Tattooing!
In the second installment of our Spotlight Series, we sit down with Ryan Adams, owner of Hell or High Water Tattoo in Niles, Michigan, to discuss shop ownership, the actual impact of Michigan’s new numbing cream regulations, and adapting to the industry slowdown. We also geek out on tattoo tech and AI, and get the story behind Ryan’s other ventures, including his oddity shop, Borrowed Time, and the Mourning Museum, a death museum.
Want to see the tour of Ryan’s incredible oddity shop and death museum? You have to check out the full video on our YouTube channel!
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZyMAquvQDgY
APT WEBSITE https://safe-tattoos.com/
INKTEGRITY https://inktegrityproject.org
SHOW SPONSOR https://electrumsupply.com
JOIN ELECTRUM INSIDERS! https://electrumsupply.net
The Business of Tattooing on IG @business_of_tattooing
Rob Smead on IG @noflashninja
Ryan Adams on IG @ryanatattoos @hohw_tattoo

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.