 |
The Jason Cavness ExperienceAuthor: Jason Cavness
The Jason Cavness Experience is where I talk to entrepreneurs and other interesting people. Language: en Genres: Business, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Tattoo Culture, Craft, and Business with Tim McCarthy
Tuesday, 28 April, 2026
In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Tim McCarthy, owner of Tsunami Tattoo in Tacoma and a veteran tattoo artist with more than three decades of experience in the industry. Tim shares his journey from starting tattooing in 1989 to apprenticing in Denver, working in San Jose and Albuquerque, and eventually building Tsunami Tattoo into one of Tacoma's most respected tattoo shops. We talk about how tattoo culture has evolved over the years, the discipline required to become a great tattoo artist, and what it takes to run a successful tattoo business. We also discuss the importance of apprenticeship, how artists develop their style, and why trust between artist and client is critical when creating permanent artwork. Tim explains how the industry has changed with social media and how shops like Tsunami Tattoo continue to build strong reputations through craftsmanship and consistency. This episode is a video podcast available on YouTube and podcast platforms. What We Talked About • Tim McCarthy's start in tattooing in 1989 • Apprenticing in Denver and early tattoo career • Working in San Jose and Albuquerque tattoo shops • Opening and growing Tsunami Tattoo in Tacoma • How tattoo culture has evolved over the decades • The apprenticeship path for tattoo artists • Building trust between artist and client • The impact of social media on tattoo artists and shops • Running a long-term creative business Connect with Tsunami Tattoo Website: https://www.tsutattoo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsunami_tattoo_tacoma/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tsunami_tattoo_tacoma Connect with Tim McCarthy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmccarthytattooing/ Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com Power Note Great tattoo artists combine creativity, discipline, and trust. Tim McCarthy's decades of work show how craftsmanship and reputation build lasting businesses in creative industries.
