Gatekeeping in tattooing — is it protecting the craft, or just protecting egos?

In this solo episode, Ricardo breaks down the real layers behind gatekeeping:
the toxic “you don’t belong here” mentality,
the protective version that keeps clients safe,
and the necessary level of filtering that tattooing desperately needs.

From the trauma-driven “suffer like I suffered” approach
to the rise of fast-track dreamers, plug-and-play machines, and self-taught sofa-tattooers,
this episode asks the uncomfortable questions:

• Why does toxic gatekeeping still exist?

• What skills should an apprentice actually have before touching skin?

• Is removing all gatekeeping irresponsible?

• And what does healthy, meaningful gatekeeping look like today?

This is an honest talk about standards, mentorship, accountability, and respect — and a reminder that a good gatekeeper isn’t a bouncer…

it’s a guardian of the craft.

If you care about the future of tattooing, this episode is for you.

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