Books Closed: Tattoos and the Internet Collide, Hosted by Andrew Stortz

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 Kudzu Tattoo in Savannah, GA
• Find Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NH

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)
Music by  Epidemic Sound

***This episode is sponsored by:***

EQUAL VISION RECORDS
Quality records since 1990

• Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off you order (excluding pre-order items)

TATTOO DREAM
Procreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.

BLACK DAGGER BOOKS
A 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-M
Digital Optimizations For Tattoo Artists
Head 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 YouTube
Watch the BEHIND THE SCENES of this episode

• Find Filip at The Leu Family's Family Iron in Bullet, Switzerland
• Find Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NH

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)
Music by  Epidemic Sound

***This episode is sponsored by:***

EQUAL VISION RECORDS
Quality records since 1990

• Use code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off you order (excluding pre-order items)

TATTOO NECTAR

An 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 DREAM
Procreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.

BLACK DAGGER BOOKS
A 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-M
Digital Optimizations For Tattoo Artists
Head 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 YouTube
Watch the BEHIND THE SCENES of this episode

• Find Filip at The Leu Family's Family Iron in Bullet, Switzerland
• Find Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NH

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)
Music by  Epidemic Sound

***This episode is sponsored by:***

TATTOO NECTAR

An 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 DREAM
Procreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.

BLACK DAGGER BOOKS
A 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-M
Digital Optimizations For Tattoo Artists
Head 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 YOUTUBE

• Find Kati at Good Luck NYC in Brooklyn, NY
• Find Kenley and Andrew at Worship Tattoo in Portsmouth, NH

This episode is sponsored by:

TATTOO DREAM
Procreate stamp brushes, digital flash, downloadable books and online seminars for tattooers by some of the world's leading tattooers.

BLACK DAGGER BOOKS
A 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-M
Digital Optimizations For Tattoo Artists
Head to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE consultation setup today!

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz
and 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, 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 Andrew Stortz
• Music 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, NH

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz

Music 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 @julimoonstudio

Follow Erick on IG @ericklynchtattoos

BOOKS 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, NH

Follow 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.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Books 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.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 For Tattoo Artists
Head to digitaltattooers.com to get your FREE strategy session setup today!

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 @sakura.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 the NPR article about the ink ban here

Watch this full episode on YOUTUBE

Do you know Fred Durst? Help me get him as a guest on the show!

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

What do you think about this episode?
Leave me a message on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 Durst?
(02:50) Faith’s 2.5 year break from tattooing
(05:23) Conversion therapy
(12:32) Starting to tattoo again after being ex-communicated from the church
(18:35) Inspiration to open her own tattoo studio
(27:03) “Old School” reaction to using GoFundMe to initially fund a tattoo shop
(36:51) Scarcity mentality in tattooing
(42:22) Is a lack of openness hurting tattooing?
(51:15) Setting boundaries and time management
(58:27) Specializing vs. street shop tattooing
(01:00:30) How much influence should we have on our customers?
(01:05:28) Covering tattoos for free in certain cases
(01:07:36) Hopes for 2021
(01:13:32) Outro
(01:15:27) Bonus post-interview clip; Is using personal identity a gimmick?

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)
Graphics by Jeff Donlan
Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Want to join the discussion? Leave a message for me on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

This episode's sponsor:
My search for Fred Durst! 
This isn't a joke, I want to talk to Fred about his time tattooing in the 90's. If you know him or a way I could reach him to inquire, please DM me @andrewstortz or email: andrew@booksclosed.com

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 tattooing shutdown

(07:08) Austin’s new shop

(09:02) Forced break helped to reprioritize

(19:09) Moving out of California?

(22:13) Why are so many people getting tattooed right now?

(25:46) Side projects

(33:07) Curating a focused clientele

(44:35) How do you keep common imagery fresh?

(48:46) Why Austin is selective about what he tattoos

(58:05) Specializing in a style

(01:02:14) “Favorite” crimes committed in the past

(01:03:24) How Paul injured his ribs to save his favorite Adidas slides

(01:07:35) Deep Dark Secrets

(01:13:46) Who are the great “best bud” tattoo duos?

(01:15:40) Outro

(01:16:46) Credits

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz
and Epidemic Sound

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

What do you think about this episode?
Leave me a message on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

MORE FROM THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:

My name is Ben Viamontes and I’ve been tattooing since 2005. I started working in shops, before tattooing, in 1995. 

Since 2009 I’ve had my own spot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The shop is called Blacklist Tattoo Parlour. The shop is located in the heart of Albuquerque on historic Rt. 66. 

Albuquerque is a very affordable place to live with great weather and lots of things to do, especially if you’re into the outdoors.  

I have three open chairs at the moment. 

I am a firm believer in upholding the highest of standards in my shop. . . We are known in Albuquerque for our quality, cleanliness, and professionalism. 

• The shop provides essentially all supplies other than ink, needles and machines.
• I’m offering generous percentages. (Plus perks)
• I’m willing to help with relocation costs, for the right candidates.

Albuquerque has a strong tattoo scene. The right artist will be able to quickly build clientele between the military base and university in town, combined with walk in traffic and projects/clients that can be handed off by myself and current staff. 

I’m looking for artists who are looking to work in a clean professional environment. . . Maybe you're looking to take your career to the next step. Maybe you're looking to challenge yourself, or you're unhappy with the current situation where you're working.  

The right candidates will have a strong work ethic, be respectful of clients, coworkers, and be looking to improve their skills on an ongoing basis.  

Big egos, scumbags, and rock star attitudes need not apply.  

TO APPLY, HEAD TO:
blacklist-tattoo.com
now to submit your information for consideration!

Ben's IG: @powsonero

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 hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

What do you think about this episode?
Leave me a message on the Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

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 Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

This episode's sponsors:

ETERNAL INK

Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 20% off your order of Eternal Inks! eternaltattoosupply.com
@eternaltattoosupply

MACHINE MACHINE CO

Use code: BOOKSCLOSED
for $50 off enrollment to Seth Ciferri's Machine Mechanics & Tuning Workshop
machinemachine.co
@machinemachine.co

Professionally crafted video courses made by professional tattooers. Get an exclusive look at what's behind some of the best work in the tattoo community.

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 tattooing in check. It has had repercussions in my personal life, and is something that I still strive to balance as we speak. My wife sits in on the show to get personal about our own situation.

You can find Greg and Cindy in North Olmstead, OH at Tattoo Faction or in a city near you!

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

booksclosedpodcast.com

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

ETERNAL INK 
(eternaltattoosupply.com)
@eternalink

• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 20% off your order of Eternal Inks!

MACHINEMACHINECO 
(machinemachine.co)
@machinemachine.co

• Professionally crafted video courses made by professional tattooers. Get an exclusive look at what's behind some of the best work in the tattoo community.

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 hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Music by SAKURA @sakura.beatz

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

booksclosedpodcast.com

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Cream Tattoo Supply (creamtattoosupply.com)
@creamtattoosupply

• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED at checkout for 20% off your order!

HOMESTEAD MACHINERY
@homesteadmachinery

• Handmade tattoo machines by Heath Rave