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!

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

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

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.

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 Tattooing," about what a real-world example of structured tattoo school looks like.

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:

TATTOO SMART
@tattoosmart

Digital design tools and tutorials for tattooers!

• Check out the Spit Shading Toolkit to give your digital art the look of classic traditional hand-painted flash!
• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 15% off your order!

RIVER VALLEY PRINTING CO 
@rivervalleyprintingco

A fine selection of high quality prints, stickers, and pins. Also offering custom printing services to tattooers and artists alike!

• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED for 15% off your first order!

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 being a conversation-starter with issues of mental health in tattooing, and details his own quest of happiness.

Check out:

Virginia Elwood
Saved Tattoo, Brooklyn NY

Gunnar
Enso Tattoo, Columbus, OH

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

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:

ALLIANCE TATTOO SUPPLY (alliancetattoosupply.com)
@alliancetattoosupply

• Tattooers supporting tattooers! Premium tattoo equipment from people who know.
• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED to get 10% off your first order and FREE SHIPPING!

BRIAN KELLY ARMY TATTOO FLASH (shop.briankellyarmy.com)
@briankellyarmy

• Tattoo flash sets and single-image prints on high-quality paper
• Use coupon code BOOKSCLOSED for 25% off orders until the end of February 2020!

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.

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 again. We catch up about what it's like to blow the dust of his tattoo machines and how hard it is to make a tattoo happen.

Zack shares the details of a serious car accident he was in at the age of 19, and how he fought to reclaim his life.

Bradley Farrell: @_allmyghosts_

Zack Hunter: @southpawtattoos

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

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:

ETERNAL INK (www.eternaltattoosupply.com)

@eternalink

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

MACHINEMACHINECO (www.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.

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 Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

www.booksclosedpodcast.com

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE


THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

MACHINE MACHINE CO.
@machinemachine.co

Online Video Workshops that teach you how to be smarter than your tattoo machine

Use code: BOOKSCLOSED for $50 off your enrollment!


TATTOOING ÜBER ALLES
@tattooinguberalles
Documentary films focused on the craft of tattooing. No drama, no bullshit.

Watch free clips: Tattooing Uber Alles on YouTube
Full Documentaries: TattooingUberAlles.com or Amazon

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 (@andrewstortz)

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

TATTOO SMART

Use discount code: BOOKSCLOSED for 15% off any tools on the site (one use per customer)
www.tattoosmart.com

Tattoo Smart is a marketplace for forward-thinking tools to tattooers, artists, and designers, empowering them to learn new digital skills and improve their design workflows. They collaborate with tattooers to create brush sets for Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, reference eBooks, digital color tools like the Abbott Color Wheel, and design and software tutorials.

ALLIANCE TATTOO SUPPLY

Use promo code: books closed for 10% off your first order!

Tattooer owned and operated, specializing in high-quality equipment and supplies built by tattooers, for tattooers. Offering everything from your shop's daily supplies to one-off handmade machines from top quality builders, as well as the exclusive distributor of Lineage Needles.

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

All music by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

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 everyone on Instagram:

Jason Scott

Nate Siggard

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Blue Letter Books

@blueletterbooks

Bringing you tattoo books full of history and classic reference

Split Arrow Prints

@splitarrowprints

Print like you give a shit!
A tattooer and artist owned print house that works with artists to make the best possible prints, stickers and promotional materials

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

All music by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

In the Season One finale, Winston the Whale talks about being a young tattooer forging his own path into the craft, and the backlash to doing unique work. Then Pokeeeeeeeoh (Jake Haynes) calls in from Sweden to tell us what it's like to have a 300k+ audience on Instagram all while trying to build confidence as a new tattoo artist. Then Jason Scott returns to the show to help Andrew wrap up the season.

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

www.booksclosedpodcast.com

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

MINDZAI CREATIVE

The tattoo industry’s go-to print shop for over ten years.
Specializing in t-shirts, stickers, art prints, patches and pins, Mindzai Creative can help you market and merchandise your art or business.
Now is the time to make sure your shop and convention booths are fully stocked.

Use promo code: BOOKSCLOSED for 10% off your next order!

MR FLASH MACHINE

400+ production tattoo flash sheets that could make your money during a whole career and cover an entire shop

Use promo code BOOKSCLOSED for 20% off your ENTIRE ORDER until October 1st

KOSEI PUBLICATIONS

Tattooer-owned book publisher of beautiful high quality books on Irezumi, Tattooing, Zen and Japanese Culture

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

Theme music is "Harp" and Ad music is "Bedroom Mist" by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

Tattoo artist Tim Lehi (@timlehi) talks about why he is moving from the west coast to a small town in Vermont, then tattooer Cheyenne Sawyer (@cheyennesawyer) sits down to discuss motivation from coworkers, keeping up with the younger generation, and if any of it really matters.

Follow Tim: @timlehi

Follow Cheyenne: @cheyennesawyer

This episode was recorded in Portland, Oregon.

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

www.booksclosedpodcast.com

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

LITTLE BLACK BOOK CO

Go straight to the source with a selection of vintage illustrated used books. Scrolling down their instagram page @little_black_book_co will show you why their motto is “books before google.” You won’t find books of tattoo flash here, but you will find the FUEL for your own art. Pretend you are more clever than you actually are, with the right reference materials.

MINDZAI CREATIVE

The tattoo industry’s go-to print shop for over ten years.
Specializing in t-shirts, stickers, art prints, patches and pins, Mindzai Creative can help you market and merchandise your art or business.
Now is the time to make sure your shop and convention booths are fully stocked.

Use promo code: BOOKSCLOSED for 10% off your next order!

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

Theme music is "Harp" and Ad music is "Bedroom Mist" by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

Tattooer and artist, Scott Harrison, talks about why he quit tattooing, how he can finally appreciate his work after the fact, and why he wanted to break someone's leg at a meditation retreat.

Follow Scott: @bswelt
See more work and buy paintings (new work offered monthly): weltworld.com

This episode was recorded at Scott's home in Portland, Oregon.

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

www.booksclosedpodcast.com

Books Closed Voicemail Line: (857)444-0662

The full VIDEO version of this episode can be viewed on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:

TATSOUL
@tatsoul
Equipment and furniture for the professional tattoo artist
Free shipping on all furniture orders within contiguous United States!

Use code: LABORDAY50 for $50 off orders over $300 (valid 8/28-9/4)

PLEASE support our sponsor, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

Theme music is "Harp" and Ad music is "Bedroom Mist" by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

Tattoo artist Todd Noble (@noble1) sits in on the show and talks social networks, Everence, and plays a game.

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Video segments of this show can be seen on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

LUCKY SUPPLY @luckysupply

High quality products that help you make high quality tattoos

Use coupon code ARM10 to get 10% off the LUCKY SUPPLY PORTABLE ARM REST

RIVER VALLEY PRINTING CO @rivervalleyprintingco

For all your printing needs; high quality giclee prints, stickers and pins catering to the tattoo community.

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

Theme music is "HARP" by SAKURA @fazekas.dani

Tattoo artists Chad Koeplinger (@chadkoeplingertattoo) and Jason Scott (@jasonscott523) join the show to open the discussion of how social media has impacted tattooing. Also discussed is the topic of traveling and having real experiences vs. experiencing the world through the screen of your device.

BOOKS CLOSED is hosted by Andrew Stortz (@andrewstortz)

Video segments of this show can be seen on YOUTUBE

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

LUCKY SUPPLY @luckysupply

High quality products that help you make high quality tattoos

Use coupon code ARM10 to get 10% off the LUCKY SUPPLY PORTABLE ARM REST

RIVER VALLEY PRINTING CO @rivervalleyprintingco

For all your printing needs; high quality giclee prints, stickers and pins catering to the tattoo community.

PLEASE support our sponsors, and let them know you heard about them on BOOKS CLOSED

Theme music is "HARP" by SAKURA @fazekas.dani