Bound By Art: A Tattoo Artist's Survival Guide

Missi Blue
  • 5.0 (14)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you're an artist, ready to grow your business, attract the right clients, and learn how to survive this career without losing your damn mind, then you are in the right place! Every week, I'll be bringing real talk, actionable tips, and hard-earned lessons from my own journey, with a side of good vibes and sarcasm. Whether you're new to the game, feeling stuck, or just need a kick in the ass to reignite that spark-this is the show for you. Let's get to work!

  1. 2D AGO

    How To Build A Healthy Shop Environment With Gabe Burgos

    I'm beyond excited to bring you this conversation with my tattoo shop bestie and incredible black and gray artist, Gabe Burgos. What started as a guest spot at Blue Bird Tattoo turned into an amazing friendship built on our shared sobriety, brutal honesty about shop ownership, and drive to constantly push ourselves outside our comfort zones. Gabe went from working in factories to running his own successful shop, Burgos Inc., in just seven years. But this episode isn't just about his journey - it's about having the courage to bet on yourself, even when it feels terrifying. We dive deep into what it really takes to level up in this industry, from surrounding yourself with artists who are better than you to making the tough decisions that protect your shop's culture. Burgos Ink Tattoo Shop Burgos Ink shop on Instagram Gabe on Instagram Manascheduler What you'll learn in this episode: How Gabe left his full-time factory job to pursue tattooing while supporting three kids and a stay-at-home wife Why being the "weakest link" at his black and gray shop helped him level up his skills dramatically The importance of guest spots and getting outside your shop to avoid plateauing How to maintain shop culture by turning "maybe" hires into hard "no's" if they're not a "f_ck yeah" Why having your "back against the wall" can be the motivation you need to succeed The reality of opening a shop with minimal savings and making it work anyway How to balance being the "cool boss" with maintaining clear expectations and boundaries   Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    1h 15m

  2. FEB 11

    Tattooing with ADHD: Systems over Motivation with Missi Blue

    As someone who spent most of my life undiagnosed with ADHD, I'm passionate about sharing how what many see as limitations can actually be superpowers when you learn to work with them, not against them. In this deeply personal episode, I open up about my own journey of late diagnosis, sobriety, and building Bluebird Tattoo - and how my ADHD traits actually helped me succeed. Whether you have ADHD or face other challenges, this episode is about finding your own path and turning your perceived weaknesses into strengths. Manascheduler: https://manascheduler.com/ What you will learn in this episode: The five gifts of ADHD according to "The Gift of Adult ADD" and how traits like emotional sensitivity and creativity can become entrepreneurial advantages Why being "nature smart" and having the ability to see the big picture can help ground you as a business owner and artist How hyper-focus, when channeled properly, can become an unstoppable force for achieving your goals The unexpected superpower of impulsivity - how having "zero regard for consequences" enabled bold business moves My personal journey through sobriety, building a business, and discovering that struggling through challenges undiagnosed made me stronger Why your diagnosis (ADHD or otherwise) should inform your path but never limit your potential The importance of finding your own systems and methods rather than forcing yourself to fit conventional approaches   Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    16 min

  3. FEB 4

    Back to the Craft: Angela Wood's Return to Tattooing After Art School with Missi Blue

    Thanks to Mana Scheduler for sponsoring this episode! Mana Scheduler: https://manascheduler.com/ Seven years into tattooing and Angela Wood has already come full circle. From driving an hour each way to earn her apprenticeship, to owning the very shop where she learned the craft. What struck me most about Angela's story wasn't just her dedication to showing up every single day and asking how she could help, but her intentional choice to avoid the quick and easy route. She could have apprenticed at places closer to home, but she knew those weren't the right environments. That kind of discernment at the beginning of your career? That's what sets people up for long-term success. Angela's approach to business (from buying her mentor's shop when he retired, to planning her first teaching seminar, to constantly investing in education) shows what's possible when you're strategic about who you learn from and how you build your foundation. Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetandoffbeat/ Obsidian Moon Tattoo: https://www.obsidianmoontattoo.com/ Summit Invitational Tattoo Convention: Summitinvitational.com What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to identify quality mentorship opportunities versus apprentice mills, and why driving an hour each way to the right shop is worth more than convenience at the wrong one The practical steps Angela took to convince a mentor who "never wanted an apprentice" to take her on, including front desk work, daily shop cleaning, and consistent effort that proved her commitment Why taking the sculpture degree "detour" before tattooing actually strengthened Angela's artistic foundation and gave her valuable skills that translate directly to her color realism and surrealism work The reality of buying your mentor's shop when they retire, including the challenges of transitioning from artist to owner and managing the business side while maintaining your artistic practice Angela's philosophy on teaching seminars that focus on practical technique over personal backstory. What artists actually want to learn about machine settings, design process, and technical details How continuous education through conventions, seminars, and resources like "Reinventing the Tattoo" keeps your skills sharp and your business competitive Strategies for balancing convention travel, teaching opportunities, magazine features, and collaborations while running a shop and maintaining your own tattooing schedule Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    51 min

  4. JAN 28

    Finding your style and making it your career with Missi Blue

    Twenty years into my tattoo career, I can finally say I've built a business doing exactly what I love—and it happened because I stopped trying to please everyone else and started being a "Missi Blue pleaser." This episode is my origin story, from a scrappy 19-year-old apprentice working double shifts to opening Blue Bird Tattoo Studio and becoming known for pet portraits that capture each animal's soul. I'm sharing the messy middle, the moments of doubt, the role spite played in my success, and the practical steps that allowed me to go all-in on specialization without losing myself in the process. If you've been struggling to find your niche, build authentic client relationships, or figure out what makes your work uniquely yours, this conversation will give you a roadmap—and permission to trust yourself. Download my free worksheet to discover YOUR unique style What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to identify your authentic artistic style by analyzing your influences from childhood to present, rather than mimicking what's trending on Instagram The difference between trying every tattoo style as part of your education versus staying stuck doing everything forever, and why both extremes limit your growth Practical strategies for specializing in a niche (like pet portraits) while maintaining the flexibility to evolve when your interests change How to have honest conversations with clients about design changes without making them feel stupid, using excitement about your vision to guide them toward better outcomes Why attracting your ideal clients starts with putting your authentic self out there, creating a natural filter that fills your chair with people you'd actually want to hang out with The power of proving yourself through consistent work in your chosen specialty, and how trust builds when clients see you can deliver on what you're passionate about How to navigate burnout and creative shifts by being transparent with your audience, inviting them to grow alongside you rather than forcing yourself to stay in one box Why building a sustainable tattoo career means learning to be your own biggest supporter first, even when that means your journey takes longer than you hoped Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    58 min

  5. JAN 21

    Staying Sharp in the Tattoo Industry with Jesse Smith

    When I was an apprentice flipping through tattoo magazines, Jesse Smith's work stopped me in my tracks. Fast forward to today, and I'm sitting down with the man himself, someone who's spent over 25 years proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Jesse started tattooing with a prison-style gun made from a toothbrush and Walkman motor, learned by trial and error, and built an empire that includes Loose Screw Tattoo, the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention, and the Richmond Tattoo Academy. This conversation isn't about shortcuts or hacks—it's about the real work that transforms artists into industry leaders. Jesse breaks down why your drawing skills matter more than any machine or technique, how to build systems that set you up for success, and what it means to leave the tattoo industry better than you found it.   Connect with Jesse: Jesse Smith's Website: jessesmithtattoos.com Jesse Smith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessesmithtattoos What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why drawing fundamentals trump tattoo application every time – Jesse explains that while the technical process of tattooing is relatively straightforward to learn, drawing skills take a lifetime to develop and are the true foundation of great tattoo work. The reality of being self-taught in tattooing – Hear the honest story of Jesse's unconventional start, from making ghetto guns to scrubbing tubes barehanded in his first shop, and why he still recommends formal apprenticeships despite his own success. How to build systems that force you toward success – Learn practical strategies like Jesse's seven-pair underwear rule and environmental triggers that create accountability and keep you moving forward, even when motivation fails. The truth about shop ownership and who you're really working for – Jesse gets real about the misconception that opening your own shop means working for yourself, when in reality you're working for your clients and employees. Why self-awareness is your most valuable business tool – Discover how being introspective about your weaknesses, implementing feedback from clients, and constantly checking yourself are what separate successful tattoo artists from those who plateau. The importance of drawing constantly throughout your entire career – Even after decades of experience, Jesse still finds himself getting perspectives, light sources, and flow wrong—reinforcing that the learning never stops. How to make a lasting impact in the tattoo industry – Jesse shares his ultimate goal: to bend the direction of the tattoo industry in a positive way and leave it better than he found it, offering a bigger-picture perspective on building a legacy.   Jesse Smith, owner of Loose Screw Tattoo and two-time Ink Master competitor, shares his unconventional journey from self-taught scratcher to industry leader over 25+ years. Learn why mastering drawing trumps tattoo application, how to build sustainable systems for success, and what it really takes to make a lasting impact in the tattoo industry.   Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    54 min

  6. JAN 14

    How To Be More Resilient with Missi Blue | Ep. 65

    Building resilience isn't something you're born with—it's a skill you develop through experience, self-awareness, and intentional practice.   In this episode, I'm breaking down what it really means to be resilient in business and how you can strengthen this critical muscle. From my own experiences of opening Blue Bird Tattoo Studio one month before COVID shut everything down to navigating a traumatic accident that left me out of work for a month, I've learned that resilience is about more than just surviving hard times; it's about how quickly you bounce back and keep moving forward.   I'll walk you through the seven core components of resilience, share how understanding your need for control can actually help you let go, and give you actionable strategies for turning setbacks into stepping stones. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The seven Cs of resilience (competence, confidence, connection, coping, control, character, and contribution) and how to strengthen each one in your business Why resilience is a learnable skill built through experience, not an innate personality trait you either have or don't have How taking calculated risks and getting out of your comfort zone creates the data you need to build confidence in your problem-solving abilities The connection between control issues and resilience, and why accepting what you can't control is essential for moving forward How to detach from your ego so setbacks don't become personal failures that stop you in your tracks Practical questions to ask yourself during difficult times, including "How can I turn this into a win?" and "How can I use this as practice for next time?" Why "failure can't hit a moving target" and how to keep momentum even when things don't go according to plan The difference between coping with emotions and avoiding them, and why managing feelings is just as important as solving problems   Learn how to build genuine resilience in your tattoo business with proven strategies that help you bounce back from setbacks faster and stronger. Missi shares the seven core components of resilience, personal stories of overcoming adversity, and practical tools for managing stress, emotions, and uncertainty as a business owner.   Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    17 min

  7. JAN 7

    What I Wish I Knew Before Opening A Tattoo Shop with MIssi Blue | Ep. 64

    When I opened Blue Bird Tattoo Studio, I truly believed I'd just show up, tattoo, go home, and do whatever I wanted. I thought I'd work alone because I was tired of dealing with other people's energy. Looking back, that was incredibly naive. I would have gone insane working by myself all day with no one to talk to except my clients.   The reality of opening and running a shop hit me fast, and I had to figure everything out the hard way. From understanding the different types of shop models to learning actual business management skills, setting clear expectations with my team, and finally admitting I needed help, every lesson came through trial and error.   These are some of the things I wish I had known from day one. Whether you're thinking about opening your own shop or you already own one and want to run it better, these insights will save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.   Check out episode 22 Tattoo Shop Hiring Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them)   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The three main types of tattoo shops (street shops, private studios, and collaborative environments) and how to decide which model aligns with your vision, work style, and long-term business goals. Why understanding your "why" matters more than you think and how knowing whether you want freedom, financial security, creative control, or something else entirely will shape every decision you make as a shop owner. The business skills nobody teaches you before you open a shop, including managing people, finances, marketing, and operations—and why taking a business management course or finding mentors is essential to your success. How to set clear expectations with your team from day one by communicating your vision, standards, and non-negotiables so everyone knows what success looks like and can work toward the same goals. Why systems and protocols are the backbone of a successful shop and how having documented procedures for everything from booking to client communication prevents chaos and creates consistency. The power of contracts and written guidelines to protect yourself legally and operationally, including artist agreements, client waivers, and shop policies that make difficult conversations easier. How to acknowledge your weaknesses and actually ask for help instead of trying to do everything yourself, burning out, and doing mediocre work because you're spread too thin. Why you should only take advice from people who have what you want and how to filter out the noise from well-meaning friends, family, or colleagues who have never taken the risks you're taking. Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    49 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    How to Find More Local Clients with Missi Blue | Ep. 63

    "You can't do nothing and expect people to just find you and give you their money to tattoo. You either need to get on board with social media or talk to people in person—one or the other." Here's the reality: if you're crushing it at conventions but struggling to book local clients, the problem isn't oversaturation in your market. We have 14 tattoo shops within a quarter mile of Bluebird Tattoo Studio in a town of 16,000 people, and we stay consistently busy. The difference isn't luck or location, it's intention. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what we do differently to attract local clients, both in-person and online. You'll learn how to stop being invisible in your own backyard and start showing up in ways that make it impossible for potential clients to miss you. Whether you hate social media or avoid in-person interactions, I'm giving you a roadmap to lean into your strengths and actually fill your books with local work. Episode 1: Identifying Your Ideal Client – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-client-does-exist-with-missi-blue-ep-1/id1777930586?i=1000675719057 Download the free ideal client worksheet – boundbyart.com/idealclient What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why market oversaturation isn't your real problem and what population density actually means for your business potential The in-person networking tactics that work (talking to people everywhere, strategic business card placement, partnering with local businesses, and creating walking advertisements from your clients) How to use Instagram hashtags and geotags strategically to find and connect with your ideal local clients online Why Facebook community groups are goldmines for tattoo artists and how to position yourself as the go-to expert in your area The art of genuine engagement: responding to comments, DMs, and story replies in ways that build trust and convert followers into clients How to optimize your booking process to reduce drop-off rates and create a seamless client experience from first contact to appointment The follow-up systems that turn one-time clients into loyal repeat customers and enthusiastic brand ambassadors for your business Struggling to attract local tattoo clients while your convention bookings thrive? Learn proven in-person and online strategies to build a loyal local clientele, from strategic networking and Facebook engagement to hashtag research and booking process optimization that converts followers into paying clients. Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio   Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project

    43 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

If you're an artist, ready to grow your business, attract the right clients, and learn how to survive this career without losing your damn mind, then you are in the right place! Every week, I'll be bringing real talk, actionable tips, and hard-earned lessons from my own journey, with a side of good vibes and sarcasm. Whether you're new to the game, feeling stuck, or just need a kick in the ass to reignite that spark-this is the show for you. Let's get to work!

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