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.

Stay connected — follow us on Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast

toxic tattoo gatekeeping, fake tattoo artists, tattoo influencers exposed, fast-track tattoo scams, kitchen tattooing debate, dangerous tattoo machines, tattoo industry controversy, bad tattoo education, tattoo culture problems, tattoo apprenticeship crisis, untrained tattooists, plug-and-play tattoo machines, tattoo industry meltdown, should anyone tattoo, tattoo gatekeeping debate, stop self-taught tattooers, tattoo industry red flags

In this episode of Under the Skin – The Tattoo Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Sewl, a realism and cover-up specialist with 19 years in the craft, to talk about something many people avoid: not everyone should be tattooing — and the industry is paying the price for pretending otherwise.

We dive straight into the problems shaping tattooing today:
• Tattoo schools promising shortcuts and selling dreams
• Why real apprenticeships matter more than ever
• The loss of respect for tattoo history and foundations
• Why new generations enter tattooing for the wrong reasons
• The decline of standards through trends and social media
• The coming wave of regulations — and why artists need a voice
• Real talk about longevity, design responsibility, and client education
• Aaron’s unique approach to cover-ups as camouflage, not “coloring over mistakes”

This conversation goes deep into what tattooing used to be, what it’s becoming, and what needs to happen if the craft is going to survive the next decade. If you care about tattoo culture, real education, and the future of the industry, this one will hit home.

Follow Aaron:👉 https://www.instagram.com/aaronsewltattoos/

Follow the podcast:👉 https://www.instagram.com/under_the_skin_podcast/

tattoo podcast, tattoo apprenticeship, tattoo schools, realism tattooing, cover-up tattoos, tattoo industry problems, tattoo education, tattoo regulations, tattoo culture, tattooing truth, professional tattooing, tattoo history, old school tattooing, modern tattoo trends, longevity in tattooing, tattoo standards, tattoo gatekeeping, Reno tattoo artist

Pym Avery — Part 2

In Part 2 of my conversation with Pym Avery, we pick up right where we left off — so if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there first.
This second half only hits the way it should if you’ve heard the beginning of her story.

Here we keep going through decades of tattoo history, culture, and lived experience. From conventions and community to the realities of staying in the craft for so many years — this episode is another unapologetically honest chapter from one of tattooing’s most authentic voices.

If you care about the culture, the craft, and where tattooing actually comes from, this one belongs on your list.

📚 Pym Avery’s Book — Show Time

Official website: https://pymavery.com/
Available as paperback, ebook, and audiobook everywhere books are sold.

📸 Find Pym Online

Instagram: @pymtattoo
https://www.instagram.com/pymtattoo

📣 Follow the Podcast

Instagram: @under_the_skin_podcast
https://www.instagram.com/under_the_skin_podcast

🔗 Listen to Part 1

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YRIctM0EkJBOoBq5FbkwD?si=h1nhTBG4S4q7QRqYoQzE4w