#23 The Passion is Back w/ Kevin Barona

#23 The Passion is Back w/ Kevin Barona

On this episode I'm joined by Kevin Barona, a tattoo artist from South Florida. Kevin' story is fascinating - from thinking tattooing wasn't for him because it was for "cool people" to his realization that it's painting on skin to an addiction that took him on a roller coaster for a few years. He was very open during our conversation and shared valuable insight that will help anyone going through something similar.  Connect with Kevin on Instagram: @kvn.barona

#22 Mr. International w/ Riki Cooke

On this episode I have a conversation with Riki Cooke. Riki is a friend and fellow advisor that focuses on millennials that want to incorporate travel into their lives.  Riki has some impressive travel stats - 4 continents, 30 countries, and 115,000 miles flown. We talk about his experience of taking a year off in 2019 to travel the world and the tips and tricks he picked up. We also talk credit cards and travel rewards points, as well as how you, as a tattoo artist and self-employed person, can possibly deduct travel expenses.  If you want to incorporate more travel into your life, be sure to give this episode a listen. Connect with Riki on Instagram @2point0financial & Twitter @RC2Point0. You can also check out his wife's incredible bakery @secondactsweets

#21 Tattoo Aftercare That Doesn't F*ck Up Your New Ink w/ Anthony Naig

On this episode I have a conversation with Anthony Naig. Anthony is the founder of Reborn Tattoo Aftercare, which is based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I've been following Reborn for a while now after talking to one of their artists, Anthony Washington. I was intrigued by their products because they're a relatively new company that jumped into a market that already has a number of competitors, but they've gained quite the following. I was also interested in talking about what makes their products different or better than competitors and lotion or Aquaphore because admittedly that's all I've ever used for my tattoos. We also talk about what Anthony looks for when bringing an artist onto their pro team. Connect with Anthony on Instagram: @Reborntattooaftercare

#20 A Sacred Space w/ Blaire Zika

On this episode I'm joined by Blaire Zika. Blaire is an artist, shamanic journey guide and hand poke tattoo artist, as well as an apprentice under a previous guest, Jayson Lynch.  Blaire shares the story of her journey into tattooing starting with hand poke and more recently becoming an apprentice (using a machine) under Jayson. She also discusses how she incorporates her shamanic work into the tattoo process, which I found fascinating.  Connect with Blaire on Instagram: @True_Nature_Tattoo

#19 From Struggling Full Time Painter to Thriving Tattoo Artist w/ Katrina Zarate

On this episode I'm joined by Katrina Zarate, a tattoo artist in Portland, Oregon. Katrina shares her story of transitioning from a full time painter to tattoo artist as well as her process for working with her clients - from the questions she asks to the way she takes deposits. I enjoyed this conversation because Katrina has a refreshing view of tattooing with a very big focus on the client and an understanding that the artwork she creates isn't for her, it's for them. We also talk about another common topic lately, and that's tattoo schools. For as much as people want to talk negatively about the curriculum or process or the fact that it veers from the traditional apprenticeship track, Katrina makes a good point - tattoo schools have helped provide access to the industry that may have otherwise been extremely difficult for some people.  Connect with Katrina on Instagram: @katrinazarate @themidnightcollectivepdx