044: The Year That Tattooing Stood Still

Andrew heads to Savannah, Georgia to sit down with tattooer Zack Spurlock to discuss how he ruined his life for tattooing, which bands your favorite tattoos sound like, and why he strives for individuality in his work. Andrew also shares the story about his close encounter with his dream guest, Fred Durst.Watch THIS EPISODE on YouTubeFind Zack at Kudzu Tattoo in Savannah, GAFind Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by  Epidemic Sound***This episode is sponsored by:***EQUAL VISION RECORDSQuality records since 1990Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off you order (excluding pre-order items)TATTOO DREAMProcreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.BLACK DAGGER BOOKSA collection of art books from some of the hardest working tattooers in the game, released monthly. Sign up today for a subscription so you don't miss a single edition!DOS-MDigital Optimizations For Tattoo ArtistsHead to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE consultation setup today!

Legendary tattoo artist, Filip Leu, sits down to discuss why he is excited to share his work with friends without seeking validation from social media, why no one is a “natural artist,” AI’s impact on making art, and why tattooing done with care is what it’s all about.This is part 2 of this conversation. Part 1 can be found on Ep 051.Watch THIS EPISODE on YouTubeWatch the BEHIND THE SCENES of this episodeFind Filip at The Leu Family's Family Iron in Bullet, SwitzerlandFind Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by  Epidemic Sound ***This episode is sponsored by:***EQUAL VISION RECORDSQuality records since 1990Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off you order (excluding pre-order items)TATTOO NECTARAn all natural skin cream, infused with CBD, for use on healing and healed tattoos.Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off your order of Tattoo Nectar today!TATTOO DREAMProcreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.BLACK DAGGER BOOKSA collection of art books from some of the hardest working tattooers in the game, released monthly. Sign up today for a subscription so you don't miss a single edition!DOS-MDigital Optimizations For Tattoo ArtistsHead to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE consultation setup today!

Legendary tattoo artist, Filip Leu, sits down to discuss what a lifetime of tattooing can do to a person, the lessons his tattooer parents, Felix and Loretta, gave him over the years, and how tattooing is getting too darn detailed.Watch THIS EPISODE on YouTubeWatch the BEHIND THE SCENES of this episodeFind Filip at The Leu Family's Family Iron in Bullet, SwitzerlandFind Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by  Epidemic Sound ***This episode is sponsored by:***TATTOO NECTARAn all natural skin cream, infused with CBD, for use on healing and healed tattoos.Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off your order of Tattoo Nectar today!TATTOO DREAMProcreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.BLACK DAGGER BOOKSA collection of art books from some of the hardest working tattooers in the game, released monthly. Sign up today for a subscription so you don't miss a single edition!DOS-MDigital Optimizations For Tattoo ArtistsHead to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE consultation setup today!

NYC tattooer, Kati Vaughn, joins Andrew along with his first and only tattoo apprentice, Kenley, to discuss what it looks like to learn how to tattoo today. Then they dive down the rabbit hole of AI tattoos, getting large scale work done while under anesthesia, and TATTOOGATE. What a world!You can watch this episode on YOUTUBEFind Kati at Good Luck NYC in Brooklyn, NYFind Kenley and Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHThis episode is sponsored by:TATTOO DREAMProcreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.BLACK DAGGER BOOKSA collection of art books from some of the hardest working tattooers in the game, released monthly. Sign up today for a subscription so you don't miss a single edition!DOS-MDigital Optimizations For Tattoo ArtistsHead to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE consultation setup today! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatzand Epidemic Sound

Australian tattooer, Onnie O'Leary, joins the show this week to chop it up about smut, art inspiration and unwanted face tattoos.You can find Onnie at TLD Tattoo in Sydney, AustraliaGet your limited BOOKS CLOSED "Tattooings Not Dead" T-shirt designed by Taki (@stateofgracetaki)This episode is sponsored by GoRemindersBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew StortzMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatz & Epidemic Sound

This episode, Andrew is joined by tattooer and reluctant podcast guest, Justin Olivier. They discuss growing up in New Orleans, escaping hurricanes, the benefits of traveling, and why he likes to keep his head down and focus on his work. Recorded at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew StortzMusic by SAKURA @sakura.beatz& Epidemic Sound

Coming at you from a big historic mansion this episode, Andrew sits down with Juli Moon and Erick Lynch to talk about tattoo history, collecting tat stuff, and how their pasts inform their futures.This conversation was made possible by Historic New England and their exhibit “Loud, Naked, & In Three Colors.” It traces the popularization of tattooing in Boston through the stories, “flash” art, memorabilia, and ephemera of the city’s leading tattoo pioneers.See the show for yourself through Oct 30, 2022! Recorded at Eustis Estate Museum, Milton, MA Follow Juli on IG @julimoonstudioFollow Erick on IG @ericklynchtattoosBOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz& Epidemic Sound

Thank you for tuning again after an extended hiatus! This episode is somewhat of a "drawing room discussion" that happens often at my shop. I thought it would be fun to record it and make it into an episode after being radio silent for a while. Lots of room for discussion on this one since we are mostly just spinning our wheels from one topic into another.Recorded at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NHFollow me on IG @andrewstortz Follow Billy on IG @billychop www.booksclosedpodcast.com for more info about past episodes, or just subscribe to this show!

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

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