Tattoo Shop Tango - Ink Different Tattoos

This week on Tattoo Shop Tango, presented by Ink Different, Paul-Anthony Surdi and Chico Cortez sit down with Billy Jack Gunter. He’s one of the best-known tattoo artists in Texas, and he owns Artistic Encounter Tattoo, a studio inside a Harley-Davidson dealership, and a Dallas studio turned music venue.Billy Jack got the ownership bug during his apprenticeship in Kentucky and vowed to build a place where people were treated better. He went on to open multiple shops, move to Dallas, and build the Deep Ellum studio, which he says was a dream come true.In this episode, Billy Jack shares:What makes money today. With a $200 shop minimum, he says he can tattoo four or five people in an hour and earn $1,000, which is more than one big piece can bring in. He has taken only walk-ins since March, tattooed about a thousand people, and says he’s earning more than ever. His advice: “Your ego will always cost you money.”The Harley shop. Inside American Eagle Harley-Davidson, he runs a tattoo studio in a glass cube, with Sturgis-style pop-up tattoo weekends planned.Why he skips booth rent. He prefers a percentage model, lets artists trade tattoos for things like cars, and believes the shop should feel like a family.Thursday night critiques. He builds a team that can give and take feedback, and says that if one person disrupts the team, the owner has to make a tough call.The secret hair salon. His first venture beyond tattooing was a hidden hair salon behind a bookshelf in his studio. It led his wife to cosmetic tattooing and her own studio, Vixen Body Art.A shop that doubles as a venue. His 7,500-square-foot Dallas studio now has a stage, a DJ setup and a possible speakeasy bar, plus a client lounge with a Meow Wolf-style mural.A tribute to Boog Brown. He remembers the legendary script artist who helped open shops across Dallas and generously supported others.Advice for owners. Greet your clients, tattoo the small ones too, and treat clients like family.Connect with Billy Jack:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyjack77/If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. To work with Ink Different Tattoos, email [email protected] shop owners: if you’re looking to build your team with the best up-and-coming artists in your area, head to inkdifferenttattoos.com/connect and let us help.

This week on Tattoo Shop Tango, presented by Ink Different, Paul Anthony and Chico Cortez sit down with Anwan “Boneface” Johnson. You may know him from seasons 8 and 9 of Ink Master. He owns Boneface Ink in Pensacola, Florida, which has been open for 20 years, and he’s now testing a new business model.Boneface got the idea in Nashville, working a flash-only tattoo booth inside a bar. The shop’s record was 30 tattoos in a day, and he broke it with 56. He thought, “If it works there, why not somewhere else?” The result is the Flash Tattoo Mall in Pensacola. It’s a 15-station “shop for tattoo shops” where visiting artists book through a website, show up with their machine, and tattoo walk-ins. The space is stocked and cleaned for them, with no contracts or ties.In this episode, Boneface covers:Why flash and $50-minimum tattoos can out-earn custom work per hour, and why “the only thing that doesn’t lie is numbers.”Why change in this industry is inevitable, from coil machines to pens to AI, and why he was the first to bring wireless batteries to pen machines.Why he runs his shop on brand, front desk and customer service instead of individual artist personalities, using the San Francisco 49ers as his example.How he became a shop owner: he hired artists he admired, offered free booth rent to start, gave them a high percentage, and learned from them.How he looks after his artists as people, and why every artist who has worked for him now owns a shop of their own.Mental Health Mondays, his weekly men’s check-in that drew 20 to 25 guys at a time. It’s built on community instead of performance, with one rule: what’s said in the room stays in the room.His simple advice for anyone in a leadership role: pick two or three people a week and check on them.Connect with Boneface:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonefaceink/If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 at any time.If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. To work with Ink Different Tattoos, email [email protected] shop owners: if you’re looking to build your team with the best up-and-coming artists in your area, head to inkdifferenttattoos.com/connect and let us help.

This week on Tattoo Shop Tango, presented by Ink Different, Paul Anthony and Chico Cortez welcome Liz Cook. She is a world-renowned color realism artist with her own ink line, multiple tattoo shops, a coaching platform, and a six-year-old at home.Liz didn’t plan to be a shop owner, but she says yes to the calling before she knows how it will work out. She tells the story of auditioning for Ink Master, being accepted, and then stepping away because her brand-new studio was the priority. A later opportunity came through TLC’s Tattoo Girls, where she ended up as the “mom” of the group.In this episode, Liz breaks down:Why she believes every artist and shop owner needs a coach or mentor, and how feedback from outside your own head keeps you from getting jaded.Her “go-getter loop” for setting goals, getting feedback, reflecting and repeating.Why perfectionism, imposter syndrome and people-pleasing hold artists back.Why going private isn’t always the solution, and why artists who go solo can end up stagnating without a community.Why every artist needs a real business plan and a hard look at the numbers before leaving a shop split, including rent and supplies.What to do when you’ve been at it for years and the spark fades.How to handle artists leaving. Chico’s take: shop owners are landscapers who plant flowers in other people’s gardens.Why you should give a new venture the same patience you’d give a new tattoo machine, which can take 10 to 50 uses to feel right.Why turning jealousy of other educators into your own work led Liz to build her educational platform.The episode also covers apprentice Clarice Dumas, the Ink Different team’s education work, and why community is the heartbeat of the craft.Connect with Liz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizcooktattoo/?hl=enIf you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. To work with Ink Different Tattoos, email [email protected] shop owners: if you’re looking to build your team with the best up-and-coming artists in your area, head to inkdifferenttattoos.com/connect and let us help.

This week on Tattoo Shop Tango, presented by Ink Different, Paul Anthony and Chico Cortez sit down with Jordi Pla. He is a 150-time award winner, an Ink Master alum, and the owner of Black Flamingo Collective in Bethesda, Maryland.Jordi was a year from graduating in aerospace engineering at UCF when he switched his major to art. Tattooing started as an accident and a hobby. A DM from Chico led to a shop interview, and three months later Jordi was at his first convention, where he won his first award. He went on to do 25 to 40 conventions a year for a decade. Chico calls him proof that hard work beats talent any day.In this episode, Jordi covers:How he got on Ink Master, and how close he came before landing a spot on season 13.Why conventions were the biggest accelerator of his career, from learning by watching artists up close to landing his first sponsor.Neochromatic tattooing, the style he developed from contrasting ideas, textures and colors. It’s built on bold outlines and complementary colors, like reds blending into teals.How he became a shop owner, and why his fraternity brother and business partner Miguel Denari handles the paperwork while he leads the art.His training system: monthly seminars on topics like color theory and professionalism, and why he invests in apprentices.How to teach artists to hustle instead of waiting for walk-ins, from complimenting people’s tattoos and handing out cards to having apprentices start an Instagram before they tattoo.Why a bad hire can drag down a whole shop, why he’s scaling a 19-station shop down to a smaller team, and how to find the right shop size for you.Why he cut back to four or five conventions this year after burning out, and how he plans to bring his team to shows.Connect with Jordi:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordi_bfc/ If you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. To work with Ink Different Tattoos, email [email protected] shop owners: if you’re looking to build your team with the best up-and-coming artists in your area, head to inkdifferenttattoos.com/connect and let us help.

Welcome to Tattoo Shop Tango! Presented by Ink Different, in this first episode, our hosts Paul Anthony and Chico Cortez sit down with Jesse Smith. Jesse is a Richmond, Virginia Tattoo Artist, the owner of Loose Screw Tattoo Studio, and the man behind the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention. If you run a shop, lead a team, or dream of throwing a convention, you’ll learn a lot from this one.Jesse has been tattooing for almost 30 years, starting while he was in the Army. Around 2009, he felt stuck doing the same rabbits and squirrels, so he invented a fictional island off the coast of Ecuador full of its own creatures. Every critter got a name, a backstory, friends and enemies, and his clients now collect characters from that world. The first piece was a 300-hour full-body suit, with a blog post to match.Jesse also breaks down how he runs Loose Screw:-Why he turned every artist into a W-2 employee, and why six people left when he made the change.-How he offers medical and dental coverage, paid vacation, supply ordering, and cleaning, so artists can focus on tattooing.-How the benefits package is funded: an 8% share of each participating artist’s cut that shifts as costs and revenue change.-Why the average artist tattoos only about 10 billable hours a week, and why incentive brackets didn’t change that.-Why he’ll take an artist with a great attitude over raw talent, and why one A player beats ten B players.-Why he’s not chasing a “scalable” business, and how he keeps a human touch in a professional shop.-His “rotate your muscles” method for balancing tattooing, a shop, a convention, and fatherhood without burning out.Jesse also tells the story of the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention, which started in 1988, and why he gives free tickets to seniors, students, Virginia-licensed Tattoo Artists, and veterans. This year it runs October 23 to 25 in Richmond, Virginia.Connect with Jesse:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessesmithtattoos/Convention: https://richmondtattooconvention.com/Shop: Loose Screw Tattoo Studio, LooseScrewTattoos.comIf you enjoyed this episode, like and subscribe. To work with Ink Different Tattoos, email [email protected] shop owners: if you’re looking to build your team with the best up-and-coming artists in your area, head to inkdifferenttattoos.com/connect and let us help.

Ever wonder how reality tattoo shows like Tattoo Rescue actually get started?Spoiler alert: it involves a Jersey guy yelling at a film crew and accidentally becoming a TV star. 😂 In this episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi and Chico Cortez sit down with Joey Tattoo—tattoo shop owner, TV personality, emcee, and all-around industry OG—to talk about: 🎬 The wild story behind how Tattoo Rescue got made.🔥 What it’s really like fixing struggling tattoo shops across the country.🎤 Joey's journey from tattooer to one of the most in-demand convention emcees.🖤 Why old-school respect matters in today’s oversaturated tattoo scene.🏆 And yeah… the truth about trophies at tattoo conventions (he doesn’t hold back 😅). Joey also shares stories about his time in the industry, mentoring new Tattoo Artists, tattooing 7 days a week, and giving back through his conventions and charity work. 💬 If you care about tattoo culture, history, and hearing it straight from someone who's seen it all, you’re gonna love this one. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real talk with tattoo legends and industry leaders. #TattooRescue #JoeyTattoo #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #TattooConvention #TattooIndustry #TattooHistory #TattooArtistLife #TattooCommunity #RealityTattooShow #TattooCulture

Get ready for a wild ride through tattoo history with a living legend. In this unforgettable episode, hosts Chico Cortez and Gabe Jaksich sit down with none other than Gil “The Drill” Montie and his wife Gemma Montie (and Luna, his pet guardian) to talk about everything—from the roots of American tattooing to Tupac, biker life, Hollywood stories, and preserving the soul of the craft. 💥 What’s inside this epic episode:🖤 Gil’s stories of tattooing legends like Tupac, working with Zeke Owens, and hanging with Philly Eddie.🎤 Behind the scenes of movies, music videos, and celebrity tattoos (yep, even Biggie).🔥 The real difference between today’s industry and the OG tattoo culture.💉 The magic of being a true “tattoo man” vs. just doing tattoos.📜 Why preserving tattoo history matters more than ever. This one isn’t just a podcast—it’s a masterclass in tattoo legacy, passion, and respect for the roots. If you care about tattoo culture, you need to hear this. 👇 Drop a comment if Gil’s stories hit home or if you’ve got your own OG memories to share.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to help us keep real tattoo history alive! HOST:Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/ GUEST:Gill "The Drill" Montie - https://www.instagram.com/gillthedrill/Gemma Montie - https://www.instagram.com/theoneandonly_mrsdrill/ PRODUCTION TEAM:Studio Production: The Podcast DoctorPost Production: ABBC ProductionsEditor: Alexandra VoelmleProducer and Editor: Benjamin Collins COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:Ink Different TattoosInk Different Tattoo SchoolGood Humans Aftercare brand CHAPTERS:00:00 intro00:27 Gill Montie the Tattoo Man03:48 Tattoo Tradition09:08 TAttoo man as the Medicine Man11:44 Shop Life17:20 How Gill and Gemma Met22:23 Being the partner of a tattoo legend/respecting elders25:47 Art getting better, pay getting worse/documenting history35:02 Gill's Hollywood Connections36:29 TuPac and Biggie40:42 Relationship between Motorcycles and Tattoos47:45 Other Tattoo Artists from the past Gill admires48:41 Gill being a tattoo hero, passing on history and the legac #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #GilMontie #TattooLegend #TattooHistory #TupacTattoo#TattooIndustry #TattooLife #GemmaMontie

The tattoo world hasn’t always been welcoming to women, but that’s changing fast, thanks to artists like Peggi Hurley and Lauren Klose. 💪🎨 In this powerful episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi, Chico Cortez, and Gabe Jaksich sit down with these two trailblazing Tattoo Artists to talk about how women are reshaping the tattoo industry from the inside out. 🔥 In this episode, we cover:✨ What it was like being a woman in tattooing "back then" vs. now💥 Breaking barriers and building respect in the shop🧠 Owning your space—literally and creatively💡 Advice for women (and anyone!) looking to thrive in the tattoo world This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of the industry, female empowerment, and creating inclusive spaces in tattooing. 💬 Tell us in the comments: Who are the women in tattooing that inspire you?👍 Like, Subscribe & Share for more real talk with tattoo industry pros. HOST:Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/ GUEST:Peggy Hurley - https://www.instagram.com/peghurley/Lauren Klose - https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_by_lo/ PRODUCTION TEAM:Studio Production: HGAB StudiosPost Production: ABBC ProductionsEditor: Matt KiemProducer: Benjamin Collins COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:Ink Different TattoosInk Different Tattoo SchoolGood Humans Aftercare brand #WomenInTattooing #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #TattooIndustry #TattooArtistLife #PeggyHurley #LaurenKlose #TattooShopLife #FemaleTattooArtists #TattooCulture

Think tattoo conventions are just about showing off ink and slingin’ tats? Think again. 👀In this episode, hosts Paul-Anthony Surdi, Chico Cortez, and Gabe Jaksich sit down with Legion Avegno—tattoo artist, shop owner, and convention runner—to pull back the curtain on the real world of tattoo conventions. 🎪 Here’s what we get into:🔥 Why every serious tattoo artist should be attending conventions🎬 What really goes on behind the scenes💥 The biggest challenges of running a successful event🎯 What makes a convention stand out—and why some fail If you’re trying to grow in the tattoo industry, this episode is packed with the kind of insight you can’t Google. 🎥 Watch now and drop a comment with your favorite convention experience—or the one you're dying to attend! 👍 Don’t forget to Like & Subscribe for more tattoo biz tips, artist interviews, and real talk from the industry. HOST:Paul-Anthony Surdi - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9eDiHySuB/Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/Chico Cortez -   https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/ GUEST:Legion Avegno - https://www.instagram.com/legion_avegno/Orlando Tattoo Show - https://www.instagram.com/orlandotattooshow/ PRODUCTION TEAM:Studio Production: HGAB StudiosPost Production: ABBC ProductionsEditor: Matt KiemProducer: Benjamin Collins COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:Ink Different TattoosInk Different Tattoo SchoolGood Humans Aftercare brand Chapters:Intro 00:00Who is Legion 00:00The Orlando Tattoo Convention 03:40Legion Mentor 06:01traveling tattoo artists 08:53Current Shop 10:15style 14:57how things have changed 17:18Physical Media 23:14Fallen Sparrow 25:19Keep it CLEAN 29:16Love for the Craft 33:57Hand Made Trophies 37:11The Old Idols 39:12Buisness Owner Responsibilites and Help 41:32 #TattooConventions #TattooPodcast #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooIndustry #TattooArtistLife #TattooEvents #BehindTheScenes #TattooCulture #TattooShopOwner #ConventionTips

Are you in it for the love of tattooing—or for the likes? 💸🎨 In this episode of the podcast, hosts Chico Cortez and Gabe Jaksich sit down with two world-renowned tattoo legends—Jime Litwalk and Mat Ryan from Eternal Ink—to get real about the motives, mindsets, and future of the tattoo industry. 🔥 We’re diving into:— Passion vs. Fame: Why did you start tattooing?— Gatekeeping vs. Holding the Line: Where’s the line between protecting the craft and shutting others out?— The evolution of tattooing: Where is it headed, and what should Tattoo Artists be thinking about now? If you're a Tattoo Artist, aspiring apprentice, shop owner, or just someone who lives and breathes tattoos, this episode will hit home. 💬 Drop a comment with your take—Are you about the money or the craft?👍 Like & Subscribe for more deep dives with the biggest names in tattooing. HOST:Gabe Jaksich - https://www.instagram.com/tattooingcraft/Chico Cortez -  https://www.instagram.com/chicom4l/ GUEST:Jime Litwalk - https://www.instagram.com/jimelitwalk/Mat Ryan Eternal - https://www.instagram.com/eternaltattooing/ PRODUCTION TEAM:Studio Production: The Podcast DoctorPost Production: ABBC ProductionsEditor: Alexandra VoelmleProducer and Editor: Benjamin Collins COMPANIES ASSOCIATED:Ink Different TattoosInk Different Tattoo SchoolGood Humans Aftercare brand CHAPTERS:Intro 00:00Industry vs craft 02:00gatekeeping 04:06Holding the line, taking good students 11:23Good artist doesn't mean good tattooer 14:11Social media creating trends vs a lasting impact 22:05Hustling for work 28:27Tough love for longevity 34:04How ink masters changed their lives 36:59American Tattoo Society/tattooing on military bases 48:52Is tattooing going to get better or worse 57:32Corporations taking over the industry 01:00:35   #InkDifferentTattoos #TattooPodcast #JimeLitwalk #EternalInk #TattooIndustryTalk #TattooArtistLife #TattooApprenticeship #TattooBusiness #TattooCulture #PassionVsProfit #TattooCraft