Balancing Intuition & Technique | Levi Hilton

Keep up with David Cheifetz at the links below https://www.davidcheifetz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidcheifetz/?hl=en Get your tickets to the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Academy https://richmondtattooconvention.com/academy/ Thanks to TattooTrunk for sponsoring today's episode Take 10% off your Trio or Quad set at https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit  

Thanks to our newest partner Tattoo Trunk for making this episode possible! Get 10% off your Tattoo Trunk order with the code FIRESIDE at checkout https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Keep up with Patrick Paul O'Neil at https://www.instagram.com/the_burning_jewel/ We’ve got another Inside Fireside Tattoo Club sneak preview for you today! This time it’s with a real friend of the podcast Patrick Paul O’Neil. The group has been holding these Technique Talks that go beyond surface-level conversation about tattooing. In this discussion Patrick speaks on how over the years that understanding your own process matters—like how he approaches color by building up layers rather than trying to nail everything in one pass. When working with clients, he’s found that what they don't like actually tells him more than what they do like. It gives clearer boundaries for the creative field we're working in.  Patrick also goes over the healing process and how thick skin can desaturate colors, or those strange brown spots that appear in lighter pigments that eventually fade away after a couple years. These are the real challenges we face daily. As artists, we need to pay attention to what our tendencies are, recognize our own limits with composition, and understand that everything has a budget—whether it's detail, color, or negative space. That's the kind of honest conversation about tattooing that actually helps people grow. We hope you get something from this episode, and consider joining the Inside Fireside Community so you can come along for more of these conversations. Check out The Gallery and webpage for this episode on: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/Dragons-Dont-Do-Cute-Poses-Patrick-ONeil-Technique-Talk-EP-300 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Thanks to our newest partner Tattoo Trunk for making this episode possible! Get 10% off your Tattoo Trunk order with the code FIRESIDE at checkout https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Hey, what's going on, everybody? In today's mind-bending interview with geometric master Dillon Forte we'll be diving deep into his meticulous approach to geometric tattoo designs. This guy has some serious ideas about sacred geometry that'll have you seeing triangles and circles in your sleep, trust me.   Dillon has developed a system that's all about precision applications of geometric designs, exploring why they're so damn challenging to apply and tattoo properly. Throughout our conversation, he explains how he layers his compositions like a Photoshop document, building complexity through methodical application of contrasting elements that guide the viewer's eye exactly where he wants it to go. Check out the Gallery and links to find Dillon on our website: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/Geometrica-Ad-Absurdum-Dillon-Forte-EP-299 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Alright folks, we've got something special for today as we dive into the mind of Corey Bernhardt! A true artist who’s not afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve. When Corey came by the Inside Fireside Club, he brought decades of artistic evolution that shaped his unique approach to technique - from those early comic book days to his masterful command of tattoo machines.  Corey breaks down his philosophy into what he calls "self-learned technique, learned technique, and working technique," giving us a real peek behind the curtain at how an artist evolves from imitation to innovation. So grab your dip caps and settle in as we explore everything from influences and the powerful impact of deadlines. Check out the info and gallery page on the website for how to connect with Corey: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/influence-in-the-bones-art-on-the-sleeve--corey-bernhardt-technique-talk--ep-298 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

In the evolving world of tattoo aftercare, understanding the science behind healing can make all the difference in preserving your artwork for decades. When we talked with Don Ranns, we dug into how inflammation affects tattoo healing and why ingredients like CBD are showing promising results for reducing redness and irritation during the critical first days after getting inked.  The shift from petroleum-based products that simply create a barrier to natural formulations that actually nourish the skin represents a fundamental change in how we approach tattoo longevity. This conversation highlighted how proper aftercare isn't just about the immediate healing phase but requires ongoing maintenance to keep tattoos looking vibrant through years of sun exposure and natural aging. Check out the Fireside website for more info on Tattoo Lovers Care: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/tattoo-lovers-care--ep-296 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

What's up everyone, I just had the opportunity to sit down with the incredibly talented Levi Hilton, a recommendation from our friend Patrick O'Neal, and it turned out to be one of the best episodes we've recorded in quite a while. Levi shared his journey from Louisiana to San Diego, diving deep into how animation influenced his unique tattoo style and the importance of understanding how designs interact with the body as a canvas.  We explored some really profound concepts about simplifying art for maximum impact, using negative space effectively, and why making mistakes is actually essential to artistic growth. If you're looking to level up your tattoo game with insights about shape design, placement techniques, and finding your authentic artistic voice, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. Check out the interview page on our website: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/levi-hilton-ep-295 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

We're diving deep into the world of Gifford Kasen! An artist who didn't just learn tattooing, but breathed it, challenged it, and transformed through relentless curiosity. From punk rock flyers to intricate large scale biomech designs, to incredible fine art, this is about breaking down artistic barriers and finding your own voice in a world that's constantly trying to box you in.  Every technical skill, every experimental technique, every moment of creative friction becomes part of the toolkit of an artist committed to continuous development. This isn't some motivational poster - it's about understanding how artistic growth happens through deliberate challenge, strategic experimentation, and a willingness to completely demolish your comfort zone. If you're serious about leveling up your craft, get ready to look at your artistic development like a technical problem that needs solving - one barrier at a time. Check out the Article on the website and see Gifford's work: https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/post/cross-disciplines--gifford-kasen--ep-294 Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The tattoo industry has always been about overcoming obstacles, but few challenges hit as hard as finding the right space to call home. When we caught up with Robyn and Ty Pallotta at the Star of Texas Tattoo Convention, their story of facing 20+ rejections from property managers struck a chord that many artists can relate to.  Their journey from a private studio to fighting antiquated lease stipulations highlights the evolving landscape of our industry in growing cities like Austin. As veterans know, sometimes in tattooing, the biggest battle isn't creating the art—it's finding walls to hang it on. Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-fight-for-tattoo-space-robyn-and-ty-pallotta-ep-293~29280 Check out the Fireside Tattoo Club https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/inside-fireside Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

Join Gabe and Jake for their live joint seminar and critique below: https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/fstxtn Lately I've been hearing a lot of chatter about tattoo shops struggling with slower bookings and more cancellations than usual. It's got me thinking about how we can adapt and keep our shops thriving in these challenging times. That's why I sat down with industry veteran Gabe Ripley to dig into some old-school marketing strategies that still pack a punch today. We're talking about getting back to basics with local community engagement, smart event planning, and building real relationships with neighboring businesses - all while balancing the digital game we have to play. Trust me, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll want to hear what Gabe has to say about keeping those books filled. Check out the webpage for the conversation with Gabe HERE: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/gaining-tattoo-clients-the-analog-way-gabe-ripley-ep-292~29278 Learn more about Fireside Yacht Club below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/exclusive-mentoring-and-art-inspiration-with-jake-meeks Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

The intersection of technology and tattooing has always fascinated me, which is why I was particularly excited to dive into a recent conversation with Russ Abbott about the evolution of Tattoo Smart. From its humble beginnings as a digital marketplace in 2016 to its current position at the forefront of tattoo design innovation, Russ's journey reflects the larger transformation happening in our industry.  What started with simple brush sets and digital palettes has evolved into something far more revolutionary - especially with their latest venture into 3D modeling for tattoo design. But this story isn't just about new tools; it's about how the tattoo industry adapts and grows while staying true to its artistic roots. Thanks for supporting what we do, and we hope you enjoy! Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://www.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-library/the-future-of-tattoo-tools-russ-abbott-ep-291~29276 Keep up with Russ at the links below: https://www.inkanddagger.com/ https://tattoosmart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/russabbott/ Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get  10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626   Links for this episode: Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/