5 Things I’ve Stopped Doing After 22 Years of Tattooing

When people ask what I’ve learned after 22 years of tattooing, they usually expect me to talk about techniques, machines, or ink.

The truth is, the biggest lessons haven’t been about tattooing at all. They’ve been about protecting my creativity, my clients’ experience, and myself.

Here are five things I’ve stopped doing over the years that have made me a better artist.

1. I Stopped Overworking Myself

There was a time when I believed success meant working every available hour. I packed my schedule, skipped breaks, and convinced myself that rest was something I’d earn someday.

Now I know that rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the job.

When I’m rested, I create better tattoos, make better decisions, and can give every client my full attention.

2. I Stopped Saying Yes to Everything

Early in my career I accepted almost every idea that came through the door.

Over time I realized that saying yes to everything meant saying no to the kind of work I truly wanted to create.

Now I focus on projects that fit my style and allow me to give clients my best work. It creates a better experience for both of us.

3. I Stopped Taking Responsibility for Everyone Else’s Emotions

This lesson didn’t just change my career—it changed my life.

I used to feel responsible if someone was disappointed, anxious, or unhappy. I wanted everyone to leave completely satisfied, even when the situation was outside my control.

Today I still care deeply about my clients, but I’ve learned that my responsibility is to communicate clearly, create great work, and treat people with kindness—not to carry everyone’s emotions on my shoulders.

4. I Stopped Chasing Perfection

Tattoos are handmade art created on living skin.

Every person is different. Every piece is unique.

Instead of obsessing over impossible perfection, I focus on creating tattoos with strong design, longevity, and meaning. Ironically, letting go of perfection has made my work even stronger.

5. I Stopped Comparing Myself to Other Artists

Comparison steals creativity.

There will always be artists who are better at something than I am, just like there are things I do well that someone else admires.

Instead of chasing someone else’s path, I’ve learned to keep improving my own. My only goal is to be a little better than I was yesterday.

After 22 years, I haven’t stopped learning.

I’ve just stopped believing that working harder, pleasing everyone, or chasing perfection is what makes a great tattoo artist.

The best tattoos come from an artist who is healthy, present, constantly growing, and genuinely excited to create.

And I think that’s the greatest lesson these last 22 years have taught me.