Fireside Tattoo Podcast
Fireside Tattoo Podcast

Fireside Tattoo Podcast

firesidetattoo.com

Overview
Episodes

Details

Jake Meeks' mostly weekly tattoo podcast answering viewer questions, interviewing artists and waxing philosophical to promote better tattooing and more informed collectors. He is often joined by fellow tattooers, artists of other mediums, professionals in other fields and collectors. We hope you enjoy! Also, we offer courses from artists on the show at firesidetattoo.com if you are interested! Thanks for supporting our show!

Recent Episodes

Building Tattooing's First Global Standard | Alex De Pase | International Tattoo Federation
NOV 26, 2025
Building Tattooing's First Global Standard | Alex De Pase | International Tattoo Federation

My special guest today is Alex De Pase, a name synonymous with innovation in the tattoo industry. Alex, along with Gabe Ripley and others, has been involved in transformative ventures like the Venetian Tattoo Gathering and recently the International Tattoo Federation (ITF). The ITF —a real federation, not just another association or collective. aims to set global standards in tattooing, a much-needed initiative in a world where the lines between excellence and mediocrity are often blurred.

They are focused on the creation of actual standards in an industry drowning in confusion, where Instagram algorithms have convinced people that viral gimmicks equal mastery. This conversation covers everything from certification criteria and the Crystal Needle Award to Alex's new tattoo campus concept that's rewriting how we think about education in this craft.

Check out the Deep Dive on firesidetattoo.com: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/building-tattooings-first-global-standard-alex-de-pase-international-tattoo-federation-ep-308

Learn more about Alex and his projects below: https://www.alexdepasetattoo.com/ https://internationaltattoofederation.com/ https://iconsandprodigies.com/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

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57 MIN
Everybody's Deco-Dancing with Cooper | Technique Talks
AUG 27, 2025
Everybody's Deco-Dancing with Cooper | Technique Talks

Welcome back to another Fireside Technique Talk, where we dive deep into the technical aspects that separate good from exceptional tattooing. In this session with Cooper, we explored the fundamentals of color layering. Cooper shared essential insights into overcoming the technical barriers that keep many artists confined to smaller scale work, providing practical strategies for confidently transitioning into vibrant large-scale color applications that maintain their integrity over time.

From understanding how machine evolution has simplified color work to mastering the 60/30/10 color theory rule, this discussion covers the core techniques that will elevate both your efficiency and your results. Whether you're ready to expand from smaller pieces to large scale projects or simply want to understand the mechanics behind lasting color tattoos, these insights will fundamentally change your approach to every piece you create.

Check out the Deep Dive on the website: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/everybodys-deco-dancing-with-cooper-technique-talk-ep-306

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Thanks to our sponsor Tattoo Trunk. Get 10% off your order with the code "FIRESIDE" https://www.tattootrunk.com/

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com

Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/

Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/

Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

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109 MIN
Tagging the Subconscious, Surreal Worlds of Greg "Craola" Simkins
AUG 20, 2025
Tagging the Subconscious, Surreal Worlds of Greg "Craola" Simkins

Have you ever wondered how your artistic style develops over time? Greg "Craola" Simpkins, a revered name in both graffiti circles and the painting industry, shares his fascinating journey from street art to creating surrealistic canvases. In this episode, we dive into how his distinctive style evolved, the nuances of balancing creativity in graffiti and painting, and practical insights for artists looking to merge different art forms. Simpkins will also present at the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Fest Academy, where he's set to share more of his creative process.

Check out the Deep Dive on The Fireside Website: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/Tagging-the-Subconsciou-with-greg-craola-simkins-ep-305

Don't miss Greg at the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Fest. Get your tickets below: https://richmondtattooconvention.com/academy/ Keep up with Greg Simkins at: https://gregsimkinsart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/craola/

Thanks to our sponsor Tattoo Trunk. Get 10% off your order with the code "FIRESIDE" https://www.tattootrunk.com/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

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74 MIN
The Writching Hour is Upon Us With Rich Wren | Technique Talks | EP 304
AUG 13, 2025
The Writching Hour is Upon Us With Rich Wren | Technique Talks | EP 304

Rich walked us through his 25-year journey from scrappy home tattooer to the artistic powerhouse he is today, sharing real insights about finding your voice in this industry. This episode covers everything from the grind of finding apprenticeships back in the day to his current process of creating multiple design versions and building that creative environment for his family. Trust me, whether you're just starting out or you've been slinging ink for decades, Rich's insights on technique, client interaction, and staying true to your artistic vision are going to make an impact.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/the-writching-hour-is-upon-us-with-rich-wren-technique-talks-EP-304

Keep up with Rich at https://www.writchcraft.com/tattoos/ https://www.instagram.com/therichwren/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

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67 MIN
There's No Highlights in Wood! | TImmy B
JUL 23, 2025
There's No Highlights in Wood! | TImmy B

Hey Friends! We just had another great conversation featuring the incredibly talented Timmy B, and let me tell you, this interview is packed with some serious tattoo gold. This new school powerhouse breaks down everything from his evolution as an artist to the nitty-gritty of color theory that'll blow your mind.

We're talking about collaboration, the challenges of sleeve composition, and why sometimes the best approach is to just wing it when you're up on stage. Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on the Richmond Tattoo Arts Academy and why educational opportunities are absolutely crucial for pushing this craft forward.

Check out the Deep Dive on Firesidetattoo.com: https://firesidetattoo.com/post/Theres-No-Highlights-in-Wood-Timmy-B-EP-303

Learn live from Timmy B at the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Academy. Get tickets below https://richmondtattooconvention.com/academy/

Keep up with Timmy at https://www.instagram.com/timmy_b_413/ https://www.niteowlnoho.com/

Check out this week's sponsor Tattoo Trunk. Get 10% off your order with the code FIRESIDE https://www.tattootrunk.com/

Are you a beginning tattooer or an apprentice ? Click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattoo-apprentices-toolkit Are you a seasoned tattoo vet who is stuck in a rut? click below https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/tattooers-toolkit

Support us while buying the stuff you need at the links below! Get 10% off the Neuma 4 with code "Fireside" at checkout https://neumatattoo.com Get 10 % off all S8 Tattoo products with promo code "Fireside" https://s8tattoo.com/ Get 10% off your order from Raw Pigments with code "fireside" https://rawpigments.co/ Up your Tattoo Business Management skills with TattooNow Exclusive! Sign up at the link below and get a personalized 1 on 1 business consultation with Gabe Ripley himself. Or Free access to the TattooNOW Business Roundtable if your not ready for a 1 on 1 but want to learn more https://longevity.tattoonow.com/about-tattoonow-business-software?am_id=jakemeeks9626

Links for this episode:

Keep up with us at: https://firesidetattoo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Firesidetattoo/ https://www.instagram.com/firesidetattoo/ Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluguglyart/

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46 MIN