Erik Gillespie

I wanted to take a moment to thank Scott for his portion of the interview. There is more to interviewing than most people realize, until they are on the back side of the camera directing the flow of conversation. Scott makes it easy, and the hour and change we spent talking flew by. Thanks to everyone for the positive response. We are taking our industry into our own hands, and looking to our peers for our true gauge of how we perform. I will do my best to keep my progress posted here, but I have to admit that I am terrible at tending to my online presence. Thanks again

Ya. I am not trying to be preachy, but being aware of where we spend our money, and the businesses we support, is smart. Good for you for keeping your integrity.

I have noticed that there are a lot more of these "tattoo supply delivery" trucks entering the supply market. I think it's important that our money, the industry money, be invested back into our industry, or into peoples businesses who care about our industry. We are being preyed upon by companies who view us as a resource to be tapped. Don't let laziness open the door for these opportunists to leech off of us. Spend your money on quality products from quality vendors. Those trucks supply the kitchen wizards and unchecked amateurs that are cancer to our business

All those guys at Hot Stuff are great. The shop is new, they just moved. It looks beautiful. Can't go wrong.

It's come a long way already, compared to 20 years ago. It's a slow process, but those old out dated stigmas will give way as this tattooed generation starts to fill the ranks.

He has a machine. Next step, open your own shop.

People run their mouths too much and offer their opinion unwelcomely. What was he looking to gain from that conversation? I would have smashed his mouth, make him responsible for the shit that comes out of it.

I don't know when laser removal got such a negative stigma. There must be some horror stories out there, but all my experiences have been great. Consult removal places that have a positive relationship with our industry. They will most likely be more apt to understand what you are looking to do, as opposed to returning the skin to an unblemished clean state. Going to staunch dermatologists will get you crazy price quotes. I went to a state funded gang tattoo removal program, paid a nominal fee, and couldn't be happier. People are adamant about getting laser removal done. When I suggest it I watch their eyes glaze over and they instantly rule the option out. Their loss

I don't think there is an age requirement, but I do think there is a difference between people that got tattoos when they were young and impetuous, as opposed to people who apply a mature "logic" to it. I don't trust these people with all perfect tattoos, planned space, perfect balance. There is a humble aspect to the people that were into it before it grew, and back then it wasn't about what you had. You were tattooed. That's it. Now there is a fraction of the social judgement there was 20 years ago. I think this is the same conversation that could be had about the difference between when/if you started tattooing. It was a different business back then, just like we were a different clientele in those days.

Nice. Good to see you here.

Sorry, but I will never be attending that show again. I will however be visiting the bay area and tattooing, so I will be more than happy to stay in touch and figure a time to tattoo you. Hope you are enjoying the summer. Talk to you soon

Glad to be here. There are a ton of talented tattooers on this forum, I hope that I can contribute a fraction of what I gain.