“Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap”

by David Meek 1-3-2024

Are you on the hunt for the perfect tattoo studio in Tucson but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? Choosing the right tattoo artist and studio is a crucial step towards ensuring a positive and memorable tattooing experience. With numerous factors to consider, navigating the search process can be daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with essential tips and considerations to find the ideal tattoo studio in Tucson that aligns with your vision.

Inside Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
Continue reading ““Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap””

How tattoo artists can have work life balance.

I’ve been seeing a ton of tattoo artists complain about work life balance. Its so wierd to see it all over social media.

In fact I think thats exactly why tattoo artists are feeling overwhelmed. Social Media… dun dun dun…

Gone are the days of sitting in a tattoo shop waiting for walkins 6 days a week and letting word of mouth do all the work.

Nowadays artists are required to be posting on tik tok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Reddit, etc etc and on and on… Lets not forget you have to draw your tattoos, then tattoo them.

Oh wait, do you have a family and hobbies? Well, crap when are you gonna have time for them if you’re busy posting and scheduling and doing consultations in the DMs… its so much… wait, did you make your needle order? Did you want to paint today?

Theres just too much going on.

Continue reading “How tattoo artists can have work life balance.”

Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy

Its me doing what I do best.

Its seems to me that every single tattoo shop is experiencing unprecedented boom times. So much so that Im seeing post after post on multiple tattoo shop social media pages announcing that they are hiring. I admit, even I have put out the help wanted call for my shop Art and Sol.

As of this writing, Im currently booking for spring of 2021 which is a bit hectic when trying to consider birthdays, holidays, weekend getaways with the family, school breaks etc etc.

Continue reading “Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy”

Episode 6: Tattoo Expo Titan Tim Azinger

 

Tim has been putting on tattoo expos for 25 years which says a lot about his dedication to tattooing. And thats on top of running his own shop Pinnacle Tattoo in Pittsburgh. His flagship show, The Meeting of the Marked is the second longest running tattoo expo in the country right now. Thats no small feat in a time where there are 4 tattoo shows going on damn near every weekend. Tims shows are like family reunions bringing together artists year after year. And while the venue may have changed a few times over the years, the quality and the caliber remain a constant. It was my pleasure to spend some time chatting with my dear friend and my hope is that after you hear this you’ll feel the same way I do about my friend Tim. He is a friend of tattooing and tattooings history.  I could go on and on about the guy but you’ll just have to work one of his shows to see what I’m talking about. Congrats on 25 years Tim. heres to 25 more convetions years!

Be sure to follow Tim on Instagram @tattootim or any of the shows hes putting on. @meetingofthemarked  @ladylucktattooexpo @pnwtattooexpo @chchtattooexpo or directly on the web at www.pinnacletattoo.com

and don’t forget to follow the show on instagram  @thetattooerspodcast or me @davidmeektattoos or on www.facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast  and subscribe to the show on itunes and google play. It only takes a second but really helps the show a bunch. I really do appreciate it. 

feel free to leave me any comments you may have about the show on your favorie social media..

thanks everyone.

David Meek

www.davidmeektattoos.com

music by www.bensound.com





The Tattooers Podcast Ep 4 pt 1: Phillies finest tatttoers protect the trade w/ Eric Perfect

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES

Eric is a tattooer of 27 years and has seen his fair share of bullshit when it comes to tattooing. And the recent uprising of  Tattoo Schools is no exception. There have always been people trying to make a buck off of tattooing especially since the rise of its popularity in todays culture. Tattoos are fashionable but that comes with some drawbacks as well as some benefits. 

In the beginning of this episode we will hear from the tattoo school man himself. Expaining that he was failing at the job he is trying to teach people….That blows my mind…

Eric Perfect with Philadelphia tattooers protesting tattoo schools

The tattoo school drawback is that now, in a few short months and thousands of dollars later, a young naive person can become a “tattoo artist”. [I use quotations and the term tattoo artist very loosely here] All at the expense of the genreal public. Its the customers and clients that we have worked so hard to give the best of oursleves and give the best possible tattoos we can. Mind you there are always crappy tattoo artists doing tattoos they shouldn’t be doing and Im probably one of them.  But to set this as the standard is not only decienving the would be  tattoo artists but the general public into thinking that these tattoos are ok. I have my own opinions of whats right and wrong about this but ill let Eric Perfect, Chad Knight and Myke Chambers explain the situation in Philly. So stay tuned for the upcoming episodes with those fellas. Til then please enjoy Eric Perfect.

 

For more info on what is going on please visit www.notattooschool.com or follow Eric on Instagram and Facebook

 

Dave

follow the show on Instagram and facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast

 

 

music by bensound.com





Tucson 4th Ave Street Fair and Oh yeah Im moving

This past weekend the family and I went down to one of Tucsons best traditions. The 4th Avenue Street Fair. I have been going to this event on and off for the last decade or so and it never dissapoints. Well maybe because I never have any real agenda other than to see the community come hang out in the streets for a few days. Beers in hand, roasted corn in the air and all the classic pop up carnival food tents in the background. And at center stage you have vendors and vendors and vendors galore. All hoping to share their unique little gifts on to the world. From homemade to repurposed and even some thoughtfully manufactured items can be found. Local artists in varying mediums from paints to yarn to sealife… Its so cool to look at. 

I found myself enjoying a pineapple cocktail for most of the day. and Yes, it was an actual pineapple that I continued to refill with only adult libations. And with that pineapple I discovered a really cool fact. If you want to make friends, carry around a pineapple with a straw and some garnish. Everybody wants to know the guy with a pineapple drink. If only for the moment they need to ask him where he got it… Instant ice breaker. People seem to lower their guard when talking to a man holding a pineapple drink. Im going to continue this experiment and carry a pineapple around wherever I go. Just to see if my hypothesis holds true. 

So considering all the cool stuff I got to see and the people I got to watch. This year was just as good as any other year. We also brought home some new friends. 4 new red little shrimp that contain themselves in their own ecosystem. SO meditative to watch these little creatures swim and eat and eat and swim.  They are a welcome addition to our home and we all love towatch them just be. 

And Oh yes lets not forget the title of this little bloggy thing. Im moving… DUN DUN DUUUUUN.  haha . Not to worry, Im just experiencing a little domestic relocation. The stresses that go along with a move are quite unique and tiresome and to be honest, I wish I was a minimalist everytime. But we will overcome. 

So no need to worry I was just sharing some life happenings. 

Its hard to do but its such a healthy neceesity to shed the past from your present. Going through ol boxes, being reminded of some great memories. And other items you come across may have now meaning at all. So why the hell do I have this…. Donate. Moving gives us an opportuninty to purge our collections that we seem to cherish until its time to relocate them. 

That actually might be my new mantra when buying something. Do I want to pack this up and move this?  Instead of this is so cool  I need this so bad…

Well thatll do for now. What do you think of community street fairs and moving? Leave a comment 

 

and if you are interested in any of my tattoo work fear not I  will still be working at Fast Lane Tattoo on Oracele Rd in Tucson.

David-meek-tucson-tattoo-artist-sailor-jerry-acetate-stencil-tucson-arizona-fast-lane-tattoo-best-tattooartist-traditional
Heres a pic of me tattooing an original sailor jerry acetate stencil of a rose.





Tucson Tattoos and Phoenix Marathons

Its been a crazy couple of weeks finishing up february and beginning March. Crazy in its type of activities rather than crazy in volume of activities, which is usually the case.

 

But maybe I should back up.

The last 8 months or so I’ve found myself being more deliberate with my time. My one most valuable asset. I’ve spent way more time being with my family rather than away and the feeling of gratitude is surging!

Ill have to post about my new adventures in meditation, running, reading(usually disney bio related or self educations.), floating, music, art and even hang gliding!

 

So back to my deliberate use of time.

I have spent years trading time for money. And I’ve learned that that is not a bad thing. It was the precise thing I needed to be doing. Especially since have a family that I am most certainly a part of. And part of those responsibilities include financial contributions. So work work work. Well maybe more tattoo tattoo tattoo. 

And if you think for a second I don’t love what I do, you’re crazy. I’m a punk rock kid at heart. I had a mohawk at my daughters first birthday. I’ve had jobs before tattooing. I made damn good money.  But being able to do things the way I want has always been part of the plan. Want a mohawk? Wear one. Want to be tattooed? Be tattooed. 

So as fate would have it, Tattooing showed it lovely face in my life. 

Now, the mantra of MY WAY has been poking around again. I’ve put my pole in the pond from sunup to sundown and sometimes longer to make tattoos on some of the raddest people I could ever expect to meet. And as I  grow skill, they grow in styles and size!

 

My appointment book has been steadily filling with more and more tattoos that really are some incredibly fun pieces. And I have been been practicing how to deliberately use my time.

I also gave myself the most enduring test of physical stress and mental stress by signing up to do a Half Maration (13.1 miles) in Mesa Arizona. I gave myself an official training season of 6 days. Now I clearly would never recommend that to anyone, and I know I’ll never ask that of me again. But the commitiment to participate for 5 years and I can’t fail myself. So this year, six days it was, and next year at least 3 months.

 It’s late. I dont care why I’m writing. All I know is Im enjoying it. I think I need to do a few more posts to get used to the directio of this. I wonder if I really show how the sausage is made, in my shop anyways,   there could be some small benefit to the tattoo world or the world in general. 

I kind of feel like these article s need to be longer. Or maybe I should ramble more, or no. Thats a bad idea. They will be as long as they need to be and nothing more. 

I am looking forward to this being my personal account of life as an evergrowing artist of life, tattooing, and creation be it art, memories, humans, and anything that Isn’t already here. 

 

I look forward to hearing from anyone that has some good books films unrelated reccomendations, comments, feedback, encouragement, or usable criticsims!





Inkognito Tattoo Concealer

Well after many trials and formulas we have finally come up with a cosmetic tattoo coverup. I have personally been working on finding the right system for covering a tattoo for work, for  performing or for whatever you may need to conceal your tattoo for. It may seem wierd that a tattoo artist would promote covering tattoos but the reason is simple. I love tattoos. I love them so much that when somebody says they can’t get one, it makes me want them to have one even more. Usually its the people that just want a little something on their wrist or hand but occasionally you get those that want their necks tattooed. With this tattoo concealer you can get all the tattoos you dont want anyone to know about.

I have put it through some grueling tests and with many failures, Finally there is something I can be proud of. Feel free to check out the link and browse the products. www.inognitotattooconcealer.com. If you have any questions regarding shades or shipping send us an email at info@inkognitoconcealer.com

 

Inkognito Tattoo Concealer Covering a Tattoo
Some pretty good proof that this stuff is the best way to cover a tattoo with makeup cosmetics

I hope this new project is able to help those that thought getting a tattoo was hopeless. For the entrepreneurs that will work for themselves one day but today they need to cover. For the actors that have roles that may be better played with your tattoo hidden. For the bride whose decision to get a tattoo of the Mickeys Hornet on your shoulder when she was 18 may not match your elegant strapless dress. For the felon that wants to start over… Weve got you covered.

 

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Happy Birthday Sailor Jerry

 

Today is Sailor Jerry’s birthday.  A legend among tattooers and a rum-maker amongst the rest of the world. I am lucky enough to have my own piece of Jerry’s history with a handcut acetate stencil I received from Shanghai Kate. The history of this little piece of plastic is more vast than I could ever know. How may sailors did it rest upon for a brief moment before the adrenaline and alcohol kick in. I’ve tattooed this stencil the way it was meant to be tattooed and Ive had it tattooed on me in the same fashion. Vaseline and carbon powder. Enough said. No sissy stencil papers and stencil solutions. Things were much different back then. Heres a peek for the know-it-alls  that think Norman Keith Collins was a rum maker and Ed Hardy is a shirt designer!  Youre Welcome


get your hands on a hard copy

David Meek

Fast Lane Tattoo

3801 N Oracle rd

Tucson Az

(520)-388-8282