Ink Masters & Old Timers: Tradition vs Progress in Tattoo Conventions | Jesse Smith | EP 285
Ink Masters & Old Timers: Tradition vs Progress in Tattoo Conventions | Jesse Smith | EP 285
We’ve got an excellent conversation for you today with longtime friend of Fireside, Jesse Smith! As they both promote different tattoo shows they discuss some of the difficulties in thinking about the attendees vs the tattooers, the struggles between progress vs keeping it traditional, and many other topics.
There’s a ton of work and a ton of love that happens trying to get all the moving parts going in the same direction and connecting the dots. We really hope you enjoy this episode and gain a little more understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at the conventions you’re visiting.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —
Topics: tattoo conventions, artist experience, attendees, traditional vs modern, competitions, awards, trophies, inspiration, portfolio reviews, tattoo collectors, tattoo conventions, artist perspective, collector perspective, content creation, Richmond Convention, history, quality, scaling businesses, educational content
"If I'm not innovating, then I feel like what's the point?"
— Jesse Smith
Jesse Smith (@jessesmithtattoos) Jesse Smith did his first tattoo in March of '98 and is known for his quirky, colorful, illustrative based art. He has won numerous awards for his tattoo work and has been featured in almost every tattoo publication out there. He is currently tattooing at Loose Screw Tattoo in Richmond, Virginia's very own Carytown.
Jesse is based in Richmond, VA, and owns/tattoos at Loose Screw Tattoo.
Please enjoy!
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Jesse Smith:
Studio | Instagram | Personal Website
SHOW NOTES
[00:01] Intro, Fireside Yacht Club
[01:08] Tattoo Conventions and Audience Experience
[09:05] Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Tattoo Culture
[11:25] The Drive for Innovation in Events and Artistry
[14:33] Competitive Landscape Among Tattoo Artists
[19:12] The Role of Trophies and Awards
[20:06] Fireside Simplify Ad Spot
[21:04] The Role of Trophies and Awards Con’t
[24:00] Finding Unique Inspirations
[27:36] Artistic Inspiration Beyond the Tattoo World
[29:35] Teaching and Learning Opportunities at Conventions
[33:21] Engagement with Collectors and Broader Demographics
[35:45] The Importance of Tattoo Conventions and Storytelling
[39:50] Longevity Ranking System for Richmond Convention
[44:23] Timeline and Historical Context of the Convention
[46:20] Gamification of the Convention Experience
[53:21] Education at Tattoo Events
[56:58] Outro; Be on the Next Fireside Yacht Club
Enhancing the Tattoo Convention Experience
Tattoo conventions are evolving to create a balanced experience for both artists and attendees, recognizing the importance of engaging both groups. Organizers aim to fill venues with attendees to ensure artists remain satisfied and motivated to participate. This not only fosters a lively atmosphere but also increases the overall success of the event. By focusing on providing high-quality artists and experiences, conventions can differentiate themselves and maintain long-term appeal.
Many conventions have recognized the need to promote their events more effectively to local communities, ensuring a solid turnout and better engagement with those new to tattoo culture. This shift toward audience-focused planning is a key driver in keeping conventions relevant and successful in an ever-competitive landscape.
Tradition vs. Innovation in the Tattoo Industry
The tattoo industry is often caught between respecting tradition and embracing innovation. Many artists face resistance when they try to deviate from traditional tattoo styles or methods, as longtime professionals can be critical of changes.
Conventions, as major hubs of tattoo culture, reflect this tension, where some attendees expect a continuation of familiar practices while others push for the introduction of new techniques and artistic approaches. Managing this divide can be challenging, especially when traditionalists and progressives within the tattoo community clash over the direction of the art form.
Educational Opportunities and Industry Engagement
A key trend in modern tattoo conventions is the emphasis on education. Organizers are increasingly introducing seminars and workshops led by seasoned artists, offering valuable learning experiences for both newcomers and experienced professionals. These educational initiatives often focus on refining techniques, understanding the science of tattooing (such as how ink interacts with skin), and enhancing artistic skills.
Portfolio reviews were always around if you were brave enough to ask. but more recently they’ve been gaining popularity and being offered directly. These provide attendees with constructive feedback and personal insights. This approach transforms conventions into spaces for learning and mentorship, fostering deeper connections within the tattoo community.
MORE Jesse Smith QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW
Finding Unique Inspirations
[24:00] “I'm not against being inspired by other innovators.”
— Jesse Smith
Artistic Inspiration Beyond the Tattoo World
[27:36] “When I first got into the tattoo industry, I didn't really copy many tattoo artists, but got a lot of my artistic inspiration outside of the tattoo industry.”
— Jesse Smith
Education at Tattoo Events
[53:21] “I want my show to be the show that all the tattoo artists want to go to, because there's the best education, the best tattoo competitions, the best tattoo artists.”
— Jesse Smith
PEOPLE MENTIONED
Tony Lafianza (Collector)
Yallzee (Collector)
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Want more tattoo education and resources?
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The Fireside Tattoo Network is home to the Fireside podcast, Fireside Technique video series and our Fireside Weekly blog.
The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!
Our Fireside Tattoo Overview video series offers informative, short, and detailed videos geared towards helping artists understand the science and nuances of tattoos and make more informed decisions to improve their work. We often take some of our more technical topics from our Fireside podcast and film an in-depth, narrated, time-lapse video showing exactly how Jake or our featured artists handle certain issues.
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