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Fireside Tattoo PodcastAuthor: firesidetattoo.com
Jake Meeks' mostly weekly tattoo podcast answering viewer questions, interviewing artists and waxing philosophical to promote better tattooing and more informed collectors. He is often joined by fellow tattooers, artists of other mediums, professionals in other fields and collectors. We hope you enjoy! Also, we offer courses from artists on the show at firesidetattoo.com if you are interested! Thanks for supporting our show! Language: en Genres: Arts, Education, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Buttery Smooth Black and Grey Tattoos | Owen Paulls
Episode 310
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
Owen Pauls is one of the most technically refined black and gray tattooers working today — and in this episode, we get into exactly what makes his work so distinct: buttery smooth values, a collage-based design process, and a relentless refusal to stop at "good enough." Owen shares his unlikely path from punk band drummer and DIY merch designer to world-class tattooer, why he spent two full years doing traditional and neo-traditional before ever touching realism, and the three-pass rendering technique he uses to push every piece beyond what most artists would call finished. We also get into the business side — why Owen designs a full sleeve for every client even when they only book a single piece, how he structures long double-day sessions to keep clients coming back, and what he looks for when critiquing portfolios. And we close out with a genuinely great conversation about AI in tattooing: the shortcuts it offers, the foundations it threatens, and why stepping over the finish line without running the race isn't art — it's just tracing. Owen will also be doing an exclusive technique talk for the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club soon — stay tuned for that date. 🔥 Topics covered: How a punk band accidentally launched Owen's tattoo career Why traditional tattooing is the foundation of great realism The 3-pass rendering technique Designing full sleeves to convert single-session clients Portfolio critique: the most common weakness he sees AI as reference vs. AI as a crutch Moving to Southern California & upcoming studio residency 📌 Mentioned in this episode: Black Alien Project Alibis (band) Andy Chambers Nick Baxter Oliver Sin Neon Judas Rick Rubin — The Creative Act Paradise Art Retreat 2026 (Oct 6–8, Jiminy Peak) 💬 Join the Inside Fireside Tattoo Club — link in bio 📧 Sign up for our mailing list to be notified about upcoming technique talks
