The legendary king of tribal tattooing, Leo Zulueta, was tricked into becoming a tattooer by Ed Hardy. Is there another tattooer with an origin story as crazy as that?! [This episode has a huge visual component, watch here on YouTube] Leo talks about how the high contrast punk rock show posters he made in his younger years set the stage for the hea…

Adam Shrewsbury went all-in on pottery after a hiatus from tattooing, and has never looked back. Andrew visits Adam's pottery studio to see what he has been working on and what's next. Also, Adam discusses the clarity he has gained for his tattooing through taking a break, how tattooing suffers from a lack of outside influence, and a story about th…

Hold on tight, you are about to enter the mind of Julian Bast, and I don't think you are ready. (You can WATCH this video on YOUTUBE) Julian is a tattooer and artist who is focused on letting an unstructured process steer the ship. Modeling his approach after the freedom he saw his children have when making art, he keeps the idea of "play" at the f…

Kicking off the new season with a Q+A addressing all of your important questions. Is tattooing dead? Are there too many shops? Is it a time for a new career? Nothing like doom and gloom to get back into the groove with the show! Andrew discusses listener submitted questions with his crew at Worship Tattoo. Bill Rocha, Kayleigh Rae, Kenley Darling a…

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 YouTube Find Zack at…

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 E…

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 YouTube Watch the BEHIND THE SCENES of this episode Find Filip at The Leu Family's Family Iron i…

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 YOUTUBE Find Kati at Good Lu…

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, Australia Get your limited BOOKS CLOSED "Tattooings Not Dead" T-shirt designed by Taki (@stateofgracetaki) This episode is sponsored by GoReminders BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by An…

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, NH BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz Music by SAKURA @sakura.bea…

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 tattooin…

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 …

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 wa…

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 …

Nikko Hurtado is one of the biggest names in the tattoo industry. We discuss the path that lead him there, side effects of the pandemic, new trends in social media, and what's up with Fred Durst? Find Nikko at Black Anchor Collective in Hesperia, CA and Black Anchor Gallery in Hollywood, CA. This episode is sponsored by: DOS-M Digital Optimizations…

Tattoo artist Hanna Sandstrom talks about her career that has brought her around the world, and how she has slowed it all down to focus on her health and what is truly important after getting a cancer diagnosis. Follow Hanna's work here and find more current info about her here BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) Music by SAKURA…

Have you heard about the ink ban in Europe? After seeing some conflicting information online, I talk to Selina Medina about what is really going on. What does it mean for tattooers? Will the US follow suit and start regulating tattoo pigment? Check out the resources that Selina shared with me HERE. Get your copy of "The Science of Tattooing" Read t…

In this episode, I talk to Chicago tattoo artist, Faith (@americanflesh), about how she walked away from tattooing for over 2 years to undergo conversion therapy through a church, what it was like coming back to tattooing afterward, and her inspiration to open her new shop Wish Me Luck Tattoo. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:17) Do you know Fred Durs…

Best buds Paul Dobleman (Blackheart Tattoo, SF) and Austin Maples (Enjoy Tattoos, LA) sit in for the show and talk about the state of California tattooing amidst the lockdown, how they've curated focused clientele, and each reveal a deep dark secret. This is a fun one! Timestamps: (00:01) Intro (00:38) Do you know Fred Durst? (02:02) California tat…

What happened to tattoo magazines? Tat-journalist, James Musker (@toadhell___), joins Andrew this week to talk about his experiences writing for various online and print publications, being there for the end of Skin Deep magazine, and what the future may look like for those who write words about pictures on skin. BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew St…

Is tattooing a performance art? What if the performance is more highly regarded than the tattoo itself? Bill Rocha (@billychop) sits in for this episode to discuss one of the most unique tattooers on Instagram: @RixardTattoo Links to the videos discussed in this episode: Bicycle Feet/Head tattooing Fencing Drone Cello Trampoline BOOKS CLOSED is hos…

Steve Byrne joins the show again to talk about the legal battle between Sailor Jerry’s widow and a big liquor company, art ownership, intellectual property, and why he wants bootleggers to eat their copies of his work. Steve works at Rock Of Ages Tattoo in Austin, TX. Buy his book Non Stop Tattooing from Atonement Books BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by An…

Work/life balance for tattooers is a never ending challenge. Since it was just Valentine's Day, let's talk about relationships with the most special of guests...my wife, Rachel. We also hear from Greg Christian and Cindy Stroemple about what it's like when two tattooers tie the knot. I have always felt the pressure of keeping my obsession with tatt…

Hannah Wolf drops some knowledge about tattoo ink and Billy White tells us why he will always cover racist tattoos for free. Hannah Wolf works at Occult Tattoo in Oakland, CA. Check out her book The Science of Tattooing Billy White works at Red Rose Tattoo in Zanesville, OH. Watch the documentary he is featured in: Beneath The Ink BOOKS CLOSED is h…

I talked to Alex Kass and Zac Scheinbaum, a couple tattooers who pursue tattoo related projects in addition to their day to day work. Alex runs the instagram page @tattoogear4sale, which has become the top place to buy, sell and trade (yes, you guessed it) tattoo gear. We talked about how he started the page, and some of the challenges that come wi…

Didn't get enough on Ep 032? Here is more with Doreen Garner. Doreen works at Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY. This extended episode is sponsored by: GoReminders Eliminate no-shows, save time & increase revenue with GoReminders. It is simple, automatic appointment reminders via text messages and email. This service pays or itself with just ONE avoided…

Tamara Santibañez talks about what it is like to be stretched between two "worlds" within tattooing, and the weight of tattoos on those who get them and those who do them. Tamara's Informed Consent and Trauma-Aware Tattooing brochure can be found here. Doreen Garner shares what drew her to tattooing, and the positive effect that increasing diversit…

Nick Colella joins the show this week to talk about how much of the old school mentality can realistically be applied in today's tattooing. Should we really be trying to blindly celebrate the past? You can find Nick at Great Lakes Tattoo in Chicago, IL. BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz Books Closed Voicemail Lin…

What's up with tattooing in Oregon? Portland tattooer, Olivia Britz-Wheat, gives us the lowdown on the state mandated tattoo schools, and talks about the work she does with the group, Reform Oregon Tattooing. After the interview, Andrew shares an email from a tattooer who attended an Oregon tattoo school.…

Let's talk about apprenticeships with Tim Hendricks. We respond to an article about a tattooer from Dallas, TX who is developing a program to teach arts high school students about tattooing as a part of their school curriculum. Then we hear from Olivia Britz-Wheat, a tattooer from Portland, OR, and a part of the organization, "Reform Oregon Tattooi…

This is a special episode of BOOKS CLOSED! Listen to a never-before-heard interview from 2004 between Taki Kitamura and the legendary tattoo artist, Lyle Tuttle. For more info about Lyle: Lyle Tuttle Collection And follow his only official IG page: @lyletuttlecollection This was all made possible by Taki (@stateofgracetaki)! Make sure to follow him…

This is a special episode of BOOKS CLOSED! Listen to a never-before-heard interview from 2004 between Taki Kitamura and the legendary tattoo artist, Lyle Tuttle. For more info about Lyle: Lyle Tuttle Collection This was all made possible by Taki (@stateofgracetaki)! Make sure to follow him and let him know how much you enjoyed this tape. BOOKS CLOS…

Didn't get enough on Ep 028? This is the full interview with Gunnar that you heard a segment from in this week's full episode. He discusses mental health in tattooing and his own personal journey with it through his career. Ep 028 Extended is brought to you by: GoReminders Eliminate no-shows, save time & increase revenue with GoReminders: Simple, a…

Issues of mental health are as prevalent in tattooing as anywhere. NYC tattooer, Virginia Elwood, guest co-hosts this week, along with a segment with Ohio tattooer, Gunnar. Virginia talks about her entrance into tattooing, and about how she has worked to balance her mental health, career and life in general. Gunnar discusses why he is interested in…

Debra Yarian, Freddy Corbin and Henry Lewis are the guests this week on a special LIVE episode of the show! Recorded at the Bay Area Tattoo Convention, 10/19/19. Follow: Deb Yarian Freddy Corbin Henry Lewis Watch this episode on YOUTUBE BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz Books Closed Voicemail Line…

Andrew responds to some listener feedback, and a conversation with Ep 026's guest co-host Bradley Farrell, after the camera turned off. Check out Ep 026: Adaptive Tattooing if you haven't yet. It'll give a bit more context for this bonus episode.Por Andrew Stortz, Bradley Farrell

This episode of the BOOKS CLOSED Podcast features guest co-host, Bradley Farrell, and tattooer, Zack Hunter "Southpaw." I found a handful of parallels between these two conversations, and this episode weaves the two together to tell a larger story. Bradley was a guest on the show last season as a retired tattooer, and his since started tattooing ag…

Didn't get enough in Ep 025? Here are some bonus clips to hold you over until next episode! Includes unaired segments with Justin Weatherholtz and Shanzey Afzal! @andrewstortz @justinweatherholtz @inkminxtattooPor Andrew Stortz, Shanzey Afzal, Justin Weatherholtz

Welcome to Season 3 of BOOKS CLOSED! We are joined by tattoo artist Justin Weatherholtz (Kings Ave Tattoo, NYC) this week to discuss a handful of tattooing's industry disruptors. One of those disruptors, Shanzey Afzal (Ink Minx Tattoo) also stops in to talk about her journey into and out of tattooing. The episode ends with a field trip to an NYC ba…

Andrew digs into the offerings of tattoo business guru, Dax McClellan. Does tattooing need online courses about how to post on Instagram? This investigative report tells a story of self-discovery. Dax McClellan - Social Media Savage TJ Forte Justin Brown BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) All music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz Books…

Legendary tattoo artist, Juli Moon, joins the show this week to discuss traveling with a carnival, attending some of the first ever tattoo conventions, expanding her skill set into cosmetic tattoo through trial and error in the 80's, and why she wears her own tattoos as "psychic armor." BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) All mu…

This episode features a group panel of tattooers Shawn Barber, Matthew Knopp, Beau Brady and Robert Ryan discussing, tattoo TV shows, internet fundraisers, maintaining positive outlooks, and more! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) All music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662 www.booksclosedpodca…

Tattoo artist Lindsey Carmichael joins the show this week to talk about what tattooing for 27 years means to him, what it's like to watch his son now become a tattooer, and how the quest for knowledge has become a totally new beast. Follow Lindsey on INSTAGRAM Find him at CLASSIC TATTOO in Fullerton, CA. BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@an…

In response to Episode 015, Andrew talks to Lee Roller, owner of Custom Tattoo Design. Lee saw the segment about his company, and didn't love a lot of the points made. Should non-tattooers have a place owning tattoo-related companies? Are tattooers just missing out on opportunities that others see first? BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@an…

Tattooer and painter Robert Ryan discusses reluctantly being encouraged to start tattooing, the important of humility, symbolism in tattooing, and how he holds it all together with meditation. This episode was filmed in Asbury Park, NJ Follow Robert on INSTAGRAM Follow Electric Tattoo BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) Books Cl…

Tattooer Russ Abbott joins the show this week to talk about being at the forefront of digital design in tattooing, how he turns his ideas into reality, and proves that a tattooer CAN organize their time successfully to make the most of it. Follow Russ on INSTAGRAM Ink & Dagger Tattoo Tattoo Smart BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstor…

Is there life after tattooing? Bradley Farrell sits down to talk about his tattoo career working alongside some of the greats, and then giving it all up to pursue other passions. Film making, developing a social network and marketing are just a few of the hats Bradley has worn in his lifetime and it all started with the skills he learned from tatto…

Tattooing has become an "industry" whether we like it or not. This week, friend of the show, Jason Scott, sits in to discuss a business that wants to provide clients Custom Tattoo Designs before they even set foot in a tattoo shop. Then, Andrew tries to figure out what is up with Soundwave Tattoos by talking to their creator, Nate Siggard. Find eve…

Tattooer Heather Bailey joins the show this week to talk about developing her style, staying focused on ambitious projects, and why women in tattooing are simply treated differently. Follow Heather on INSTAGRAM and check out her store on BIG CARTEL and get tattooed by her in Los Angeles! BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz) Books…

(This is Part 2 of 2) Season 2 of the show kicks off with guest Ami James. We talk about his background in tattooing, what it was like to become the most famous tattooer in the world during the height of “Miami Ink,” and how social media has changed the way we see tattooing. Follow Ami on INSTAGRAM Check out TATTOODO BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andre…