From Northeast Brazilian closed tattoo scene to Berlin’s multicultural studios, Leo Branco shares a story of growth, adaptation, and artistic identity. In this episode, we dive into what it means to evolve — as a tattooer and as a person — when culture, tools, and expectations change around you.Leo talks about learning to tattoo in Brazil, where gatekeeping and limited access shaped his early journey, and how moving to Germany opened new doors: better materials, deeper understanding, and a new way to see the craft.
We explore the differences between tattoo cultures in Brazil and Europe, the importance of patience and discipline, and how experience shapes your eye for what truly lasts.We also get into style — how New School and Graffiti to Neo-Traditional and Japanese influences shaped Leo’s artistic voice, why large-scale compositions demand maturity, and how the rules of tradition help you know when to break them.
A conversation about growth, cultural perspective, and finding your place in the ever-changing world of tattooing.
Follow Leo:Instagram: @leo.branco.tattoo
Berlin Ink: @berlininktattoo
Follow the podcast:Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast
#tattoopodcast #tattooculture #tattooartist #tattoostyle #tattooevolution #tattooinspiration #tattooeducation #tattooing #neotraditionaltattoo #japanesetattoo #braziliantattooartist #berlintattoo #tattooartistry #tattoocommunity #undertheskinpodcast
Miami legend Gabe Jaksich (@tattooingcraft) — owner of SB Custom Tattoos (@sb_custom_tattoos) — joins Under The Skin for a raw, no-filter talk about the state of the tattoo industry.
In this comeback episode, Gabe breaks down why he started the Make Tattooing Great Again movement (www.maketattooinggreatagain.com), what’s been lost at tattoo conventions, and why honoring the origins of tattooing matters more than ever.
We get into:
Conventions then vs. now: connection, community & making a living
“Tattooer” vs. “tattoo artist” and producing art on demand (Ed Hardy)
Respecting pioneers: Joe Capobianco, Paul Booth, Bob Tyrrell, Nico Hurtado
New York’s historic roots (Samuel O’Reilly & the Bowery)
Why “bold will hold” — realism vs. longevity on skin
The “tattoo apocalypse” and what a real comeback looks like
🎧 This is Part 1 of our conversation. Part 2 drops next week and dives into education, social media, and AI in tattooing.
If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, rate it, and share it with a friend who loves tattoo culture.
Guest: Gabe Jaksich — @tattooingcraft | @sb_custom_tattoos
Movement: www.maketattooinggreatagain.com
#tattoo #tattooing #tattooindustry #tattooconvention #tattoohistory #tattooculture #tattooartist #tattooer #oldschooltattoo #traditionaltattoo #boldwillhold #maketattooinggreatagain #miamitattoo #newyorktattoo #bowery #edhardy #paulbooth #joecapobianco #bobtyrrell #nicohurtado #samueloreilly #inked #tattoopodcast #undertheskin #skinart
We’re back! After a little break, Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast returns next week with new episodes, amazing guests from all around the world, and a lot of real tattoo talk.
Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s coming — on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or whatever you hear your podcasts.
Follow us on Instagram at @under_the_skin_podcast.
#tattoopodcast #tattooculture #tattooartists #tattoolife
No Shortcuts in Tattooing: A Real Talk on Apprenticeships
In this solo episode, Ricardo dives into one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of becoming a tattoo artist: the apprenticeship.
He reflects on his own early days learning to tattoo on coil machines, soldering needles, and growing through struggle and repetition. From the old-school mentality to the rise of fast-track courses and certificate scams, Ricardo explores how tattoo education is shifting — and why it’s time we talk seriously about what actually works.
Whether you’re learning, mentoring, or somewhere in between, this episode is a call for responsibility, integrity, and respect for the craft.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast
📺 Watch the full Joe Capobianco interview on YouTube: youtube.com/@Under_The_Skin_Podcast
#tattoopodcast #tattooapprenticeship #tattooculture #tattooeducation #tattooartist #tattootalk #tattoolife #tattoolearning #tattooindustry #undertheskinpodcast
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast, Ricardo sits down with legendary tattoo artist Joe Capobianco to talk about everything Instagram doesn’t show — the fading standards, the filtered tattoos, and the ego-driven rush to fame.
Joe gets real about:
Whether you're a young apprentice, a seasoned artist, or just love the culture, this one’s packed with truth, nostalgia, and lessons from 30+ years of tattooing.
🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts & all platforms
Follow us on Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast
Follow Joe on Instagram: @joecapobiancotattoos
#joecapobianco #tattoopodcast #tattootruth #tattooculture #undertheskinpodcast #tattoolife #tattooartistinterview #coilmachines #rotarymachines #tattoomentorship #tattooschool #tattooapprentice #tattoolongevity #tattooindustry #realinkstories #pinuptattoo #tattoohistory
In this episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast, Ricardo sits down with tattoo artist Lidia — better known as @lapetitvenus — to talk about leaving comfort zones, building confidence as a beginner tattooist, and carving out a unique space in the tattoo world.
Originally from Valencia and now based in Berlin, Lidia shares how she transitioned from a steady day job to full-time tattooing — and what it’s really like to start over in a new city, chase creativity, and trust the process.
If you’re in the early stages of your tattoo journey or dreaming about switching paths, this one’s for you.
🎙 Follow the podcast: @under_the_skin_podcast
▶️ Watch clips on YouTube: Under_The_Skin_Podcast
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music
💬 Don’t forget to rate, share, and answer the episode poll!
#tattoopodcast #tattoojourney #tattooculture #tattoolife #tattooberlin #tattoobeginner #tattooartistlife #careerchange #ladytattooers #fromretailtotattoo #undertheskinpodcast #lapetitvenus #tattooapprentice #femaletattooartist
Lose Some Followers, Don't Lose Yourself – Let's Talk About Burnout
In this episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast, Ricardo and Janine open up about something most people experience but rarely talk about honestly: burnout.
They share their personal stories — from juggling work, parenting, and personal expectations, to the emotional weight of always trying to do your best. Janine reflects on her burnout while working full-time, and Ricardo shares what it feels like to show up every day for others while slowly running on empty.
This episode is about the pressure to be “fine,” the fear of slowing down, and the importance of setting boundaries before you lose yourself trying to please everyone else.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or like you had nothing left to give — this one's for you.
Stay connected:
Podcast Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast
Ricardo’s Instagram: @ink.by.martins.tattoo
YouTube: Under The Skin Podcast
#burnout #mentalhealth #selfcare #undertheskinpodcast #workingparents #emotionallabor #restisproductive #mentalhealthmatters #realconversations #selfworth #overworked #takeabreak #innerpeace #kitalife #creativeburnout
In this solo episode, Ricardo gets real about the state of tattoo conventions — and it’s not all rose-tinted nostalgia. After returning from both the Dortmund tattoo convention, he dives into what’s changed, what’s missing, and why the magic might be gone. From overpriced entry fees to overcrowded with artists but lacking enough visitors, from social media trends to a generation skipping apprenticeship — this is a raw and honest take on the direction conventions are headed.
Are we witnessing the slow death of tattoo conventions? Or is it time to reinvent them? Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation.
Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
And if you’ve got opinions on the topic — hit us up on Instagram @under_the_skin_podcast. We want to hear from you.
#tattooconventions #tattooculture #tattooindustry #tattoolife #tattoopodcast #tattooartistlife #modernink #inkcommunity #tattooevents #undertheskinpodcast #dortmundtattooconvention
In this episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast, I catch up with tattoo artist Wenona (aka Nonah) — a former student, a fearless artist, and someone with some wildest tattoo stories to tell.
We talk about how she went from quitting a bakery job after just two weeks to rethinking her whole life and deciding to become a tattoo artist.
From there, her journey took her across the world: through the tattoo school in Berlin, a strict apprenticeship in the U.S. (where she had to clean floors before touching a machine), and even tattooing in Paris — where her first client showed up drunk, got a French rooster on his face, and lit a crack pipe right in the studio.
We also swap stories about weird, wild, and absolutely unhinged client experiences — including the time she tattooed an actual asshole.
If you’re into tattoos, travel, apprenticeship truths, and unfiltered stories from inside the studio — you’ll love this one.
— Ricardo
#tattoopodcast #tattoostories #tattooapprenticeship #tattoojourney #tattooartistlife #tattooclientstories #tattooculture #undertheskinpodcast
Welcome to the very first episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast!
In this episode, I sit down with my partner, best friend, and fiancé, Janine, to talk about what it’s really like to build a life with a tattoo artist.
From matching on Tinder to almost 10 years together, we share our story — the highs, the struggles, and how tattoos became a part of our journey.
Janine opens up about late date nights, busy schedules and what it’s like being part of the tattoo world behind the scenes.
If you’re curious about the real life behind the ink, relationships, tattoo studio life, and building dreams together, you’ll feel right at home here.
New episodes coming soon — follow Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music!
#tattoopodcast #tattoostudio #tattooartistlife #tattoocouple #piercingjourney #tattoolifestyle #undertheskinpodcast
Hey, I’m Ricardo — and I’m super excited to finally launch Under the Skin.
I’ve been tattooing for 13 years, I’m Brazilian, and I run my own tattoo studio here in Berlin.
This podcast is all about the real side of tattooing — the good, the bad, the struggles, the wins, and everything in between.
I’ll be talking with artists who’ve been around forever, newcomers who are just starting out, collectors, and everyone who lives and breathes this crazy world.
Thanks for being here — make sure you subscribe and join the conversation!
#UnderTheSkinPodcast #TattooPodcast #TattooCulture #TattooArtistLife #TattooIndustry #TattooLifestyle #TattooCommunity #TattooTalks #BehindTheInk #TattooStories #SelfEmployedLife #ArtistsJourney #TattooCollecting