The Artist Altar

In this episode, I’m breaking down the nine different ways you can learn tattooing. What each path really looks like, the pros and cons, the hidden costs and the outcomes you can realistically expect.I wanted to make this because so many aspiring tattoo artists feel overwhelmed trying to figure out where to begin. Apprenticeships can feel mysterious, gatekept, or confusing, and I want to lay everything out clearly so you can make an informed decision that actually supports your life, your learning style and your long-term goals.We walk through traditional shop apprenticeships, paid programs, tattoo schools, online education, hybrid mentorship models, self-taught paths and multi-path learning. I also talk about the importance of structure, mentorship and proper hygiene education, especially bloodborne pathogen safety, because those foundations directly affect your career, your clients and your reputation.This episode isn’t about declaring one path as the only right choice. It’s about understanding what each option really involves so you can move forward intentionally, avoid major gaps in your education and build confidence in your skills.My goal is to help you feel empowered, informed and supported as you choose the tattoo education path that fits you best.What We CoverThe 9 main tattoo apprenticeship paths explainedHidden costs behind “free” apprenticeshipsWhy mentorship quality matters more than priceEducation gaps and how they affect your careerTattoo schools vs. traditional shop learningHybrid models that combine structure and hands-on mentorshipThe realities and risks of self-teaching tattooingBloodborne pathogen safety and hygiene standardsChoosing a path that aligns with your goals and lifestyleIf you want deeper guidance, I share a free guide for aspiring tattoo artists to help you decide if tattooing is the right path and how to prepare for it. I also created a tattoo activation toolkit with materials, resources and hygiene fundamentals to support your early learning.I’d love to hear from you tell me in the comments which apprenticeship path resonates most with you, or share your own experience if you’ve already been through one. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in making informed decisions.Thanks for being here. Here are my free resources mentioned in the video. Get instant access to the FREE MASTERCLASS & FREE TATTOO PREP TOOLKIT Connect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.comYouTube: @earthaltaredu

In this episode, I sit down with tattoo artist Alexandra Husmann and Joy Practitioner Thea Monyee to reflect on a deeply collaborative, intuitive tattooing journey we’ve been creating together over time. What began as a subtle, gentle first layer evolved into a living, breathing practice of trust, improvisation, and shared authorship where skin became a canvas for “jazz,” duality and embodied truth.We talk about what it means to let tattooing be a conversation rather than a plan, how collaboration can dissolve boundaries between artists and clients, and why the most meaningful creations often require us to slow down, pause, and live with the work before adding more. This episode opens up the inner world behind intuitive tattooing where consent, vulnerability, and listening to the body become the real art.Thea weaves in her work around joy and grief as coexisting forces, reminding us that joy is not surface-level happiness but a metric of aliveness and that anticipatory grief is often what keeps us from fully expressing who we are. Together, we explore tattoos as portals for visibility, healing, and becoming, and why choosing to create (and live) out loud can feel both terrifying and liberating.In this episode we talk about:✨ Collaborative tattooing as jazz, call and-response and improvisation✨ What intuitive tattooing really means beyond aesthetics✨ Why blank spaces on skin and in life are essential for creation✨ Navigating duality: softness and structure, flow and geometry, joy and grief✨ Consent as a nourishing, pleasure-centered practice✨ Tattoos as embodied markers of transformation and becoming visiblePlus, Thea shares more about her joy-centered work, including her free joy assessment and upcoming joy immersion experiences and Alex talks about her approach to collaborative, intuitive tattooing and finding harmony within existing forms.This conversation is an invitation to trust the process, to honor not knowing, and to allow creativity to be a living relationship rather than a fixed outcome. Like jazz, like life, like a tattoo that keeps unfolding.Connect with Thea MonyeéInstagram: @theamonyeeConnect with Alex:Website: alexandrahusmann.com Instagram: @alexhtattoosConnect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.com YouTube: @earthaltaredu

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like to step away from my personal art practice and what it means to come back.After two years focused on building a tattoo education system with my husband, Luis, I reflect on the sacrifices, growth, and clarity that came from putting my own painting on pause. We created an in-person, curriculum-based apprenticeship model that honors tattooing as a serious art form while helping artists learn more efficiently.This episode is really about identity giving yourself permission to call yourself an artist, even after breaks, pivots, or life changes. Being an artist doesn’t disappear just because your focus shifts.This also marks the beginning of my return to painting, and I’m inviting you to join me in the process of the rust, the rebuilding, and the joy of creating again.What We CoverTaking a break from your art without losing your identity as an artistBuilding a tattoo apprenticeship model that actually worksMentorship vs. traditional art schoolDeveloping a recognizable, signature style across mediumsTattooing as an extension of fine artReturning to your creative practice after time awaySchedule your meeting with me here:::: RESEARCH INTERVIEW BOOKINGThanks for being here.Connect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.com YouTube: @earthaltaredu

Hi, I’m Justine Almaraz, and I’m so glad you’re here! This podcast is a safe space for artists who want to grow, thrive, and develop their unique creative voice all while building a fulfilling, sustainable career.In this teaser episode, I share a bit about myself and what this podcast is all about: pulling back the curtain on the world of fine art tattooing, creative entrepreneurship, and developing an iconic style that supports your life and your soul.Here’s what I’ll be covering:Turning my fine art into a tattoo careerWhat the tattoo world is really likeMy journey as a creative entrepreneurDeveloping your style, getting seen, and getting paidBuilding a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative careerThis podcast is for artists who want to grow their creativity, transition into tattooing or other creative careers, and create a life that feels good while serving their community. I’m here to share my experiences, interview other artist experts, and help you root your soul in your truest creative life.I’m excited to share this journey with you. Thank you for being here!Connect with Me:Instagram: @earthaltareduWebsite: earthaltaredu.com YouTube: @earthaltaredu

In the Finale episode, I reflect on the powerful closing of Season One of Her Ink Empire and the deeply transformative new season I’m stepping into. Turning 40, moving to a new city, and redefining what creativity, health, and balance mean to me, I open up about releasing old patterns, healing my nervous system, and creating from a place of calm and clarity.From revisiting body image and self-worth to detoxing physically, mentally, and spiritually, I share how stepping out of “hustle mode” is unlocking a whole new wave of creativity. This episode is an invitation to explore your own rebirth to question what still fits, what needs to be released, and what desires are ready to be claimed in this next chapter of life.In this episode, I talk about: ✨ Closing the first chapter of Her Ink Empire and embracing uncertainty ✨ Turning 40 as a catalyst for deep reflection and renewal ✨ Healing the nervous system and finding creativity through rest ✨ Releasing hustle culture and returning to intuition ✨ Redefining identity as an artist and creator of your own life ✨ Relocating from Los Angeles to Orange County and the energy shift that came with it ✨ Building the Earth Altar Tattoo Collective and expanding Earth Altar Education ✨ Allowing desire and transformation to guide the next creative evolutionI’ve learned that transformation often begins with surrender with the courage to unravel, to release what no longer fits, and to trust the unfolding. This episode is an open invitation to freefall into your own becoming, to honour your growth and to create from a place of alignment, energy and truth.Connect with Justine Art work:Instagram: www.instagram.com/justineartstudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.comYouTube: www.youtube.com/justineartstudio Connect with Justine Tattoo Education:Instagram: www.instagram.com/earthaltareduWebsite: www.earthaltaredu.comYouTube: www.youtube.com/@earthaltareduThank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Your empire is already unfolding one aligned, intentional mark at a time. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie, a maker, healer, and founder of The Everyday Empathecary, whose journey bridges art, energy work, and plant medicine. From her early experiments blending oils and herbs for friends, to creating the Magic Salve and tattoo care line that’s become a staple in our community, Jamie’s story is one of devotion, intuition, and deep reverence for the healing power of plants.She shares how ritual and Reiki shape her process, why crafting salves feels like meditation, and how growing passionflower in her backyard became a cornerstone of her healing recipes. We talk about stepping into fear as a catalyst for inspiration, building a business from the ground up, and redefining skincare as an act of self-love, earth connection, and sacred care.In this episode we talk about: ✨ Moving through fear and trusting inspiration on the creative path ✨ The story behind the Magic Salve and how it became a community game changer ✨ Why making medicine is a ritual of intention, energy, and prayer ✨ Plant allies like hemp, arnica, and passionflower and their powerful roles in healing ✨ Creating products that work across skin care, wound care, and tattoo healing ✨ How seasonal shifts inspire subtle changes in her recipes ✨ Building The Everyday Empathecary into a business while staying true to its sacred roots ✨ The expansion into oils, scrubs, and bath salts for deeper self-care practices ✨ The challenges and joys of sharing her medicine beyond her inner circle ✨ Tattooing as sacred space and how it connects to plant medicine and ritualJamie reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be a jar of earth medicine, lovingly crafted, ready to meet you where you are. Her work is an invitation to slow down, receive the wisdom of plants, and remember that care for the body is care for the spirit.Connect with Jamie + shop her products: Instagram: Jamie D Connect with Justine Art work:Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/justineartstudio⁠Website: ⁠www.justinealmaraz.com⁠YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/justineartstudio ⁠Connect with Justine Tattoo Education:Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/earthaltaredu⁠Website: ⁠www.earthaltaredu.com⁠YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@earthaltareduThank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Your empire is already unfolding one aligned, intentional mark at a time. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I sit down with Krista Roodzant, founder of SuiteStyle OC, a sanctuary for women tattooers and independent artists in Orange County. What started as an unexpected leap into entrepreneurship has grown into a thriving haven, reshaping what safety, beauty, and community can mean in the tattoo world.Krista’s path has been anything but conventional, from years as a registered nurse and decades as a stay-at-home mom, to real estate ventures, and finally opening her first salon suites in 2022. Her story is one of courage and faith, and what stands out is her heart-centered approach to business: rooted in prayer, hospitality, and a deep belief that artists deserve spaces where they feel secure and valued.We talk about how SuiteStyle OC has become home to tattooers, hairstylists, estheticians, and more, and why its focus on safety, aesthetics, and belonging is so transformative for women carving their own paths in a male-dominated industry. Krista also shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, what she’s learned about resilience and marketing, and the joy of watching artists build sustainable, thriving careers within her walls. In this episode we talk about: ✨ Krista’s unexpected path from nursing and motherhood to becoming a business owner ✨ The leap of faith that led to opening Suite Style OC in 2022 ✨ Why safety and security are at the core of her vision for artists ✨ How two tattooers asking for a suite changed everything ✨ The surprising misconceptions about tattooing she had to unlearn ✨ What makes artists thrive in independent studios (and what doesn’t) ✨ The role of prayer, intuition, and trust in shaping her leadership ✨ Why aesthetics, design, and hospitality matter so much in creative spaces ✨ How community events and collaboration are transforming isolation into connection ✨ Krista’s perspective on success and why it’s about more than filling every suiteKrista reminds us that building a business can be an act of service, and that sometimes the most powerful legacies come not from doing what we feel most “qualified” for, but from stepping into the unknown with trust, courage, and love.Connect with Krista RoodzantWebsite: https://www.suitestyleoc.com/aboutusInstagram: @suitestyle_ocConnect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioThank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Your empire is already unfolding one aligned, intentional mark at a time. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I sit down with Mari, a pioneering fine-line tattoo artist from Brazil whose creative journey now expands into painting, visionary art, and live performance. From her early days of breaking barriers as one of the first recognized women tattooers in her area, to painting alongside world-renowned artists at COSM and Burning Man, Mari’s story is one of devotion, reinvention, and deep connection. She shares how tattooing opened a lifelong path of ritual and service, why painting became a healing force during the pandemic, and how prayer and daily practice continue to shape her work and her life. We talk about cultural bridges, reclaiming art as a human birthright, and what it looks like to create from a place of trust, reverence, and resilience. In this episode we talk about: ✨ Growing up in Brazil and becoming a pioneer in the fine-line tattoo movement ✨ Building community with women tattooers in a male-dominated industry ✨ Discovering visionary art and how painting carried her through depression ✨ Studying with masters at COSM and being invited to live paint at Burning Man ✨ The sabbatical year that reshaped her relationship with art and tattooing ✨ Why prayer and ritual are at the center of her creative practice ✨ How she balances life between Brazil and the U.S., honoring both roots and expansion ✨ Creating a WhatsApp community for her clients and redefining connection beyond algorithms ✨ The sacred responsibility of art as devotion, not just commodity ✨ Why she believes everyone is born an artist and how practice opens the door back to creativity Plus our collaborative painting workshop in Califronia on October 5th! Open for six lucky humans to join for free! Email [email protected] to RSVP.  Mari reminds us that art is not reserved for the gifted but is woven into our very nature, waiting for us to remember. Her work invites us to slow down, reconnect with the sacredness of life, and let creativity become both prayer and bridge between worlds.   Connect with Mari  Instagram: @marikuroyama Connect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio Thank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Your empire is already unfolding one aligned, intentional mark at a time. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle, a fellow tattoo artist whose creative journey is deeply intertwined with her faith and her art. Danielle shares how following God led her into tattooing, how her apprenticeship began in the most unexpected way, and how her spiritual life continues to shape her practice in the studio. We talk about her move from Northern California back to Orange County, what it was like to step into running her own studio, and why she chose to build her business in a nontraditional way. Danielle opens up about the freedom of working solo, the joy she’s found in creating big, detailed pieces, and how social media has become an authentic extension of her art and personality. In this episode we talk about: ✨ How a simple prayer turned into an unexpected tattoo apprenticeship. ✨ The role of faith and spirituality in her creative practice. ✨ Moving from ministry school into tattooing and back to Orange County. ✨ Why she chose to run a solo studio outside the traditional shop model. ✨ The playful, authentic way she approaches social media and content. ✨ Her advice for new tattooers navigating self-promotion and marketing. ✨ The excitement of growing into large-scale tattoo work while staying open to God’s leading. This is a conversation about creativity, courage, and the balance between building an artistic empire and staying open handed with the future. Connect with Danielle:Instagram:@createdbydig Stay connected with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: justinealmaraz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioStay creative, stay aligned, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sammi Lee, a multi-passionate artist whose creative path has unfolded through design, illustration, photography, and now tattooing. Sammi shares how stepping into this craft of learning to tattoo brought together all of her artistic skills, and how saying yes to the process of a tattoo apprenticeship with me at Earth Altar reshaped her sense of self and her future. We talk about what it was like to leap into tattooing, the courage it took to choose a different kind of apprenticeship, and the freedom that came from aligning her learning with her values. Sammi reflects on the intensity of those first tattoos, the collaboration and presence that the work demands, and the surprising way tattooing reconnected her to a part of herself she had loved since her teens. In this episode we talk about: ✨ The moment she decided to go all in on tattooing ✨ How a background in design and illustration merged seamlessly with tattooing ✨ Why finding a safe, supportive mentorship mattered most ✨ The challenges of balancing multiple creative passions while learning ✨ What surprised her most about the energy and intensity of tattooing ✨ How tattooing helped her feel more whole and connected to themselves This is a conversation about self-trust, creative alignment, and finding your place in an industry that doesn’t always make space for softer, more supportive ways of learning. Connect with: Instagram: @sammi_._lee Stay connected with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz Website: justinealmaraz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio Stay creative, stay aligned, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erica, a therapist, mother, and longtime seeker whose tattoos have become sacred markers of her healing journey. What began as an intention to honor her late father has transformed into a deeply intuitive collaboration where art, spirit, and embodiment meet. We talk about how tattoos can become more than adornment: they can serve as love letters to the self, reminders of empowerment, and reflections of our evolving stories. From her early experiences with traditional tattoo shops to the safety and synergy she found in Earth Altar Studio, Erica shares how choosing intentional artistry changed everything about how she views bodywork, identity, and self-expression. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The power of intuitive tattooing as a form of healing ✨ How art can hold the energy of seasons, grief, and growth ✨ Tattoos as adornments for warriors and as quiet personal reminders ✨ The difference between tattoos chosen in youth vs. those in later life ✨ Why co-creating art can feel like therapy, storytelling, and ritual all in one This conversation is a reminder that your body can carry your story with intention and that art on the skin can be as much about spirit as it is about aesthetics. If you’re feeling ready to dive into learning how to create intuitive tattoos like this or get one with me, I would love to meet you. Please reach out and say hi and let me know you are ready for more! Connect with Erica Tumbaga Instagram: @Erica Tumbaga Linkedin: Erica Tumbaga Website :www.compassiontowardsself.com Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz Website: justinealmaraz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio I’d love to connect.

In this episode, I’m joined by a somatic healing guide and intuitive artist who helps others reconnect with their creativity through body-based modalities like sound healing, breathwork, and yoga. We talk about what it means to reclaim your identity as an artist even when trauma, perfectionism, or self-doubt try to tell you otherwise. From a childhood shaped by addiction and poverty, to the grief of losing both parents in her twenties, she shares how her healing journey led her to a path of deep embodiment and how she now helps others meet themselves where they are. In this episode, we explore: ✨ Why healing often requires feeling, not just thinking ✨ The difference between visualizing and sensing in creative work ✨ How somatic practices like sound healing and yoga unlock stuck emotions ✨ Letting go of perfectionism and external validation ✨ What it really means to be an artist even without traditional “skills” This conversation is a soft reminder that you don’t need permission to start. You already are the artist you’ve been waiting for. Connect with Jennifer:Instagram: @JenniferEveGuidesWebsite: jennifereveguides.com Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz Website: justinealmaraz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio I’d love to connect.

In this episode, I’m joined by Alexandra Husmann, a member of Earth Altar Tattoo Collective and a former tattoo apprentice of mine. Alex shares what it means to carve out a path that reflects her values and honors her nervous system. We talk about the quiet unraveling that led her away from conventional tattoo culture, and the thoughtful rebuilding that followed the moments of burnout, the desire for softness, and the deep trust in letting things unfold slowly. Alex brings so much presence to this conversation. She reflects on the intimacy of her work, her boundaries, and how offering spaciousness can change the entire tattoo experience, for both the client and the artist. In this episode we talk about: ✨What led Alex to trust herself to move into learning to tattoo and mentor under me✨ How slowing down allowed her to reconnect with herself and her art✨ The emotional labor of tattooing and learning how to hold space for her clients✨ Saying yes only to what’s aligned,even when it’s hard✨ Why trust, softness, and safety are essential in creative work This is a tender, honest conversation about rest, reclamation, and reimagining the way we work. If you’ve ever wanted permission to pause, this one’s for you. Connect with Alex: Website: www.alexandrahusmann.comInstagram: @alexhtattoosConnect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: justinealmaraz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio I’d love to connect.

In this episode I sit down with Mary Campbell, a former apprentice turned full-time tattoo artist who shares how her path unfolded from photographing weddings to creating sacred tattoo experiences from her private studio in San Diego. Mary talks about learning to tattoo on a sailboat in Seattle, working in multiple studios, and eventually creating a home and studio space that’s both a sanctuary and community hub. We talk about routines, rituals, and the personal systems she’s created to support her body, mind, and nervous system while doing deep, energy-based work. She shares how quitting alcohol became a turning point, how she prepares for full-day sessions with movement, food, and stillness, and how she holds space for clients by approaching each tattoo as a collaborative, evolving prayer. In this episode we talk about✨Starting as a wedding photographer and discovering tattooing through personal transformation✨ Living on a sailboat and teaching herself how to tattoo✨ Creating a private studio with a backyard garden, fire pit, and rocking chairs✨Quitting drinking in 2021 and how it helped her reset her whole system✨ Designing her life around nervous system care and embodiment|✨ How each tattoo session starts with centering, preparation, and prayer✨ Letting go of “intuitive” and embracing the term “freehand”✨ Using a red and purple pen process for clarity and consent✨ Tuning in to both her body and the client’s before every session✨ Saying no to tattoos that don’t feel right and trusting her gut✨ Why tattoos can unfold meaning over a lifetime✨ Seeing herself as a vessel to bring forward what’s beneath the skin✨ Feeling proud of making her younger self’s creative dreams real Mary brings reverence, humor, and honesty to her work, and reminds us that when you create from devotion and curiosity, your style will keep unfolding in unexpected and beautiful ways. Connect with Mary:Website: http://maryswcampbell.com Connect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: justinealmaraz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio Thank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Your empire is already unfolding, one aligned, intentional mark at a time. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kathryn Eipl, Emotional Strategy Coach, Reiki Master, Sound Therapist, Yoga and Meditation Guide, and a truly multi-dimensional human. Kathryn’s story is one of deep transformation, moving from a high-stress career in entertainment management to finding her purpose through healing work, one brave, intuitive step at a time. We talk about how she developed her Neuro Resonance Method, blending cognitive behavioral coaching, internal family systems work, Reiki, and sound healing to help people reconnect with themselves on every level — emotional, energetic, and physical. Kathryn shares her powerful experiences working with clients in recovery, those moving through life transitions, and even one profound story of supporting a client through her assisted passing with sound healing. What I love about Kathryn’s work is how she brings her full self into the process. She draws from her background in psychology, her musical roots, and her own healing journey to create offerings that meet people exactly where they are. In this episode we talk about:✨ How Kathryn’s journey led her to create the Neuro Resonance Method.✨ The ways Reiki, sound, and coaching support emotional and energetic healing.✨ Her work with recovery centers, cancer patients, and end-of-life care.✨ How sound healing works on the body and why it’s so powerful.✨ The magic of integrating sound healing into sacred tattoo sessions.✨ Why honoring ourselves through ritual and energy work matters so much. This conversation is an invitation to honor your own healing path, to trust the power of sound, energy, and intention, and to remember that every step forward is sacred.Connect with Kathryn:Instagram: @eiplhealingWebsite: www.eiplhealing.comConnect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: justinealmaraz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWe’d love to hear from you.

In this episode I sit down with Sergio Gomez, an artist, curator, and coach who shares how he sees his art career as all one thing, the studio, the gallery, the education, the coaching, and the curation. Sergio talks about recently returning from Chicago, where he was one of 33 artists invited to paint replicas of the ancient Olmec heads as part of a public art project celebrating Mexican heritage. We talk about how he started Gallery 33 Contemporary, his coaching program with his wife, how mindset affects success, and why it's okay not to make art every day. Sergio shares how augmented reality and NFTs have played a role in his creative work, and how being an artist on a mission means showing up to create even when you’re not sure. In this episode we talk about ✨ The 33 Olmec Heads project and how it became a self-imposed residency ✨ How Gallery 33 Contemporary and artist coaching began with a business workshop ✨ Why mindset and confidence are essential for an artist's success ✨ Augmented reality art using the Artivive app and how it brings work to life ✨ Why NFTs were exciting and why he stopped making them ✨ How he uses push and pull cycles for creating and selling work ✨ The importance of multiple streams of income not just one ✨ Why writing and making help clarify your mission ✨ “I’m an artist on a mission. I get to do this.” This conversation is full of cycles, self-trust, and the reminder that you have to make work — even when you're not exactly sure what it is. Connect with Sergio:Instagram: @sergiogomezart Connect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazWebsite: justinealmaraz.comYouTube: Justine Art StudioMore conversations like this are on the way. Stay tuned.

In this episode, I sit down with Kristine Schomaker—artist, mentor, and the founder of Shoebox Arts, Art and Cake, and the new nonprofit January Arts. Kristine shares how her journey as an artist and leader has evolved and how building community, offering resources, and creating space for artists has shaped her career. We talk about her nonprofit launching this fall, her long-running Perceive Me project, and how navigating body image, self-worth, and the art world has all come together in her work. Kristine also opens up about dealing with depression, cancer, and how finding the right support changed everything.  In this episode we talk about: ✨ Why Kristine started January Arts to offer affordable support for artists✨ How her nonprofit will create artist residencies, fellowships, and a resource hub✨ Her experience with Shoebox Arts, mentoring, and artist management ✨ The story behind her project Perceive Me and how it became a movement ✨ Her honest take on the gallery system, art coaching, and the need for community ✨ How she navigates money as an artist and why her work isn’t just about sales ✨ Why she believes artists should be their authentic selves—and find their audience This conversation is a reminder that artists can do this without a gallery, that being your authentic self matters, and that building a community where artists help each other changes everything. Connect with Kristine: Website: https://www.kristineschomaker.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristineschomaker/ Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com Is it time for you to take your tattoo portfolio to an entire new level? Feel free to join my latest Tattoo Portfolio Workshop on July 26th, 10:00 AM Pacific Time, designed specifically to help you reach your dream of becoming a professional tattoo artist.  This is your first stop on the tattoo journey!

In this episode I sit down with Ray Beldner, an artist, educator, and longtime mentor who shares his journey through the art world and how building community, mentorship, and practical knowledge have shaped his career. Ray opens up about moving from San Francisco to the Sierra foothills and now to Dallas and how those changes impacted his life and work. We talk about what’s missing from traditional art education, how the outdated gallery model limits artists, and why connecting with art consultants has completely changed how he supports himself as an artist. Ray also shares how building community, from local salons to Tuesday morning Zoom calls, creates space for artists to help each other, share information, and make the art world a little less mysterious. In this episode we talk about ✨ Why Ray believes there needs to be more mentorship and community for younger artists✨ How his professional practices class helped artists understand how the system works✨ The exact ways Ray would reform art school from core programs to alumni networks✨ How art consultants help artists sell work every day and how to connect with them✨ The many ways artists can build community in person and online✨ Why making a lot of work and being ready matters before approaching art consultants✨ How his Tuesday Morning Salon became a place where artists can gather ask questions and help each other This conversation is a reminder that being an artist is a practice a lifestyle a career and a job and that we need to be very clear eyed about what we’re doing and how we’re putting it out there Connect with Ray Website and Mailing List http://www.raybeldner.com Connect with Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejustinealmaraz/Website: http://justinealmaraz.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio I’d love to connect

In today’s episode, I got to sit down with Kelsey Harper. Kelsey is a clinical psychologist, a writer, a little witchy, and a survivor herself. She offers virtual therapy for folks with trauma, complex trauma, and borderline personality disorder across different states. She also hosts the Initiated Survivor podcast, where she speaks directly to the issues facing survivors of gender-based violence and sexual violence—and shares parts of her own recovery story. Kelsey shares how intuitive tattooing became a key part of her healing journey. We talk about how tattooing brought her back into her body, the deep intentions behind each of her tattoos, and why her tattoos feel like an anchor point as she continues unfolding into herself. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How intuitive tattooing was a key part of Kelsey’s healing process from trauma The emotional experience of her first tattoo and how it became an anchor for protection Why she describes her second tattoo as “crowning” and a moment of visibility How her full rainbow sleeve feels like complete ownership of who she is Her experience moving from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest and how it created space to come back to herself What it feels like to reclaim her body and express herself through her tattoos Her honest take on using numbing cream—and why snacks are essential “I just want to feel whole again. And I want… whatever the whole is going to look like after this happened… knowing that I can’t go back to what I was like before, but wanting to feel whole with this having been my history.” Connect with Kelsey: Instagram: @kelseyjharper Website: drkelseyharper.com Instagram (Creative & Ceramics): @kelseysfavoritevillains Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz YouTube: Justine Art Studio Website: justinealmaraz.com

In today’s episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Jessica Hitchcock. Jessica is a self-taught artist who transitioned from working as a full-time Director of Finance and HR to building a thriving art business—without a formal art degree. Jessica walks us through the years it took to build a consistent income, how she planned her financial runway, and why visibility was the key to her growth. She shares how she uses Instagram, live painting events, and structured pricing to stay both creative and grounded as a full-time artist. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🎨 How Jessica went from painting for fun in 2015 to going full-time in 2019 🎨 Why visibility through live events and social media changed everything for her 🎨 Her approach to pricing artwork and why she removes emotion from the numbers 🎨 The platforms that have worked best for sales—and why she keeps it simple 🎨 How she teaches artists to register their businesses, separate finances, and document expenses 🎨 The power of knowing your numbers and preparing a financial runway before going full-time 🎨 Her reminder that growth takes time—and why not seeing instant results doesn’t mean it’s not working “It’s okay if you don’t see things right off the bat. That doesn’t mean it’s not working.” Connect with Jessica: 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @jessica_hitchcock 🖥️ Learn more or grab her free finance roadmap for artists at jessicahitchcock.org Connect with Me:Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com

In this episode, I sit down with Clare Storck- a midwife, mother, and longtime friend—who shares the powerful journey that led her to get an intuitive tattoo during one of the most challenging seasons of her life. Clare opens up about her daughter Tilly’s diagnosis, the intensity of a 70-week chemotherapy treatment, and how she found strength in marking that experience through deeply meaningful body art. She shares how she felt called to get a tattoo placed exactly where her daughter’s tumor had been, how Tilly’s favorite color “rainbow” shaped the design, and why the experience was more than just an image—it was a spiritual experience. We also talk about what it meant to bring her daughters into the studio space, how consent and communication are at the heart of both midwifery and tattooing, and how a previously painful tattoo experience was transformed into something joyful and bright. In this episode, we talk about: Clare’s experience navigating her daughter’s spinal tumor and chemotherapy journey Why she chose to place the tattoo over the exact site of her daughter’s tumor but on her own body. How intuitive tattooing became a form of healing and empowerment Redesigning a past tattoo that held emotional weight—into a rainbow sunburst of joy The sacred overlap between midwifery and tattooing: presence, consent, and care Letting tattoos become memory-keepers and vessels of meaning This conversation is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, there can be moments of joy, beauty, and transformation. Clare shares her journey with so much grace and strength—and witnessing the way she mothers, heals, and creates space for her daughters' voices is something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful that our paths crossed again. This was one of the most meaningful tattoo experiences I’ve ever had the honor of creating. If you’re feeling called to mark a moment, honor a story, or co-create something meaningful through tattoo—whether it’s clear or still unfolding—head to https://www.justinealmaraz.com/ Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio I’d love to connect.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into creativity, healing, and reclaiming your power as an artist with the incredible Jade Chung—art therapist, healer, and visionary guide. We talk about what it really means to be an artist, how art connects to healing, and how trauma can show up in our creative process. This conversation is for you if: ✅ You’ve ever felt blocked or shut down when sitting down to make art✅ You wonder if you’re “allowed” to call yourself an artist ✅ You’ve felt like being with yourself in the creative process is too intense ✅ You’re curious about art therapy, somatics, or healing through creativity In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why Jade left the art gallery world and what felt “soulless” about it ✅ The power of reclaiming art as a healing process, not a commodity ✅ The difference between product and process in art ✅ How trauma is stored in the body and how creativity can help move it ✅ Why people are scared of making art—and how it’s tied to inner child wounds ✅ What somatics really means and why it matters for healing ✅ Practical tools like pendulation, breathwork, movement, and reparenting ✅ How creativity is our life force—and how to reconnect with it Jade also shares her year-long healing program Alive, a space for women to process pain, work with the nervous system, reconnect with the body, and explore creative healing through art and somatic practices. Connect with Jade: Instagram: @jadechung_Website: jadechunghealing.com Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com Thank you for being part of Her Ink Empire. Your art is your truth. Your life is your art. Your empire is already unfolding. Let’s keep building—together.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia Kaminski—an LA-based musician and singer who recently launched her own singing and piano studio, Kaminski Voice Studio. We explore her return to music after an eight-year break, and how she’s consciously choosing to come back to singing on her own terms—through embodiment, intuitive movement, and expression. Sophia shares how her journey with voice started at 11, how classical training shaped her, and why now, she’s letting the groove get in. We talk about what it’s like to move through resistance, what different sounds feel like in the body, and how singing soul and R&B can be both painful and freeing. We also dive into Sophia’s intuitive tattoo experience—how she jumped into her very first tattoo by getting half her body tattooed—and how those flowing abstract shapes, especially in deep blue tones, became a way to reclaim her body and integrate her expression. This conversation is about movement, embodiment, and honoring what’s true in the moment. It’s also about what happens when we get weird, let go of perfection, and create with intention. Key Highlights: Coming back to singing after eight years and reconnecting with past teachers How intuitive movement and fear-based styles like soul and R&B shifted her vocal journey Why blue tones, water energy, and flowing tattoos became part of her creative reclamation The co-creative tattoo experience:“There’s three of us creating together.” Why she works with beginner singers and people afraid to use their voice Connect with Sophia: Instagram: @sophia_kaminski_singerLinkedin: Sophia Kaminski Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudioWebsite: www.justinealmaraz.com/  Thank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Remember: This is only the beginning. Your empire is already unfolding

Welcome to the very first episode of Her Ink Empire! In this episode, I’m sharing something a little different. Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest on Rebecca Lapage’s podcast, where we dove deep into my journey as an intuitive tattoo artist. I wanted to share that conversation here because we explored so many meaningful aspects of my story and how my sacred tattoo process came to be. During the interview, I opened up about how my journey with intuitive tattooing really began—from being that creative kid who loved face painting to discovering my own unique approach to sacred tattooing. I talk about how visions, meditation, and spiritual guidance have shaped not just my art but how I build deeper connections with my clients. We also discuss how my practice has evolved over the years—from complex, ritualistic sessions to a more intuitive and focused approach that feels more aligned with who I am today. My hope is that this episode inspires you to think differently about your own creative process and how you can honor your story through your art. Key Highlights: The early inspiration behind my creative journey and love for art. How spiritual experiences guided my approach to tattooing. Building an inclusive, welcoming tattoo space that breaks industry norms. Why I shifted from elaborate rituals to a more intuitive, streamlined process. I loved having this conversation with Rebecca, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Let me know what resonates! Connect with Me: Instagram: @thejustinealmarazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio Website: https://www.justinealmaraz.com/

Welcome to "Her Ink Empire," where I, Justine Almaraz—tattoo artist, educator, and founder of Earth Altar Tattoo Studio—am on a mission to redefine what's possible in tattoo education and creative entrepreneurship. As a passionate tattoo artist, I spend my days creating meaningful art on my clients' skin, while also guiding fellow artists to build thriving, creatively aligned practices. Whether you're just beginning your journey, an established artist looking to scale, or a visionary creative building your own empire, this podcast is for you. My experience spans years of perfecting my craft, growing a successful tattoo studio, and helping other artists turn their passion into sustainable careers. I believe in blending artistry with strategy, creativity with intention, and passion with purpose. In each episode, you’ll gain insights into mastering your tattooing skills, building client relationships, growing your income, and staying rooted in your creative authenticity. You’ll hear from industry leaders, successful tattoo artists, and creative entrepreneurs who share their stories, strategies, and inspiration to help you elevate your craft. "Her Ink Empire" is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you find value in these episodes, please leave a five-star review and connect with me on social media to stay updated on upcoming content. Join me in celebrating the craft, the community, and the transformative art of tattooing—together, we’ll leave a mark that lasts.