Chats & Tatts

Pain management is a vital component of the tattooing process that can significantly influence both the client experience and the quality of the final artwork. As discussed in the podcast episode, effective pain management not only helps clients endure longer sessions but also enables tattoo artists to work more efficiently and produce superior results.
This week's guest is renowned tattoo artist Cindy Maxwell, whose stunning, large-format, Japanese-inspired tattoos have captivated many for over 27 years. Hailing from San Francisco, Cindy shares insights into her tattooing journey, her passion for fitness through jiu-jitsu and CrossFit, and her nomadic lifestyle.  Join us as we delve into the world of tattooing and explore Cindy's unique perspective on art and life. Don't forget to check out her stunning work on Instagram at @Cindy_Maxwell.
 Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with art, passion, and heartfelt stories!
[00:02:03] Collaboration between tattoo artists.
[00:05:08] Numbing cream in tattooing.
[00:11:40] Pain management in tattooing.
[00:15:34] Creating your own life.
[00:17:16] Pursuing an art career.
[00:24:34] Japanese tattoo culture exploration.
[00:32:06] Life in a sprinter van.
[00:34:55] Fear of being ordinary.
[00:39:10] The nature of consciousness.
[00:41:36] Gypsy lifestyle and personal growth.
[00:48:48] Collective energy in tattoo shops.
[00:54:12] Tattoo trends among youth.
[01:01:09] Creative evolution of black tattoos.
[01:06:32] Tattooing and business marketing challenges.
[01:10:05] Tattooing career challenges today.
[01:13:43] Apprenticeship in tattooing today.
 
Quotes:
 
"The reality is they're just not ready to go through it at that moment."
 
"I'm here to be of service, within reason."
 
"I got into tattooing as a way to get into a group of folks that I felt were nonjudgmental."
 
"Most of us got into tattooing because we are creative types who don't like being told what to do, and we want to create our own life."
 
"I've always thought about like, you got to go where you grow."
 
"I have had this idea for my whole life, I think that there are infinite ways to live a life and it would be a shame to just pick one."
 

"As people, our best and worst qualities are the same thing. And I realized that cities are the same."
 
"I think a tattoo can be anything somebody wants it to be."
 
"You can only take so much from a business that you don't put more back into."
 
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Cindy:
IG:https://www.instagram.com/cindy_maxwell

From South Africa to the global tattoo stage, Oliver Kenton didn't follow a straight line — he followed geometry. In this episode of Chats & Tatts with host Aaron Della Vedova, we sit down with Oliver to talk about the long road behind his unmistakable geometric and ornamental tattoo work.
What started as an obsession with pattern, structure, and precision became a way of making sense of movement, identity, and starting over in a new country. Oliver opens up about: Growing up in South Africa and how that environment shaped his eye and why geometry became his language when words weren't enough.
The discipline, patience, and control behind large-scale geometric tattoos, his migration, reinvention, and building a life through art are explored in this open, honest chat. His work isn't about trends — it's about order, balance, and intention. This conversation goes deeper than needles and skin. It's about spirituality and the impact of DMT experiences, finding stability through repetition, carving identity through lines, and trusting the process even when the path isn't clear.
Chat Highlights:
00:00 — Why leaving home shaped everything.
03:48 — How patterns, precision, and repetition became his language.
08:32 — Tattooing as control, discipline, and meditation.
14:10 — Trusting the long game.
19:45 — Large-Scale Commitment
31:06 — Permanence Means Something
42:20 — The Energy Exchange
47:55 — Not Chasing Trends
53:40 — Tattoos as a Record of Time
1:05:00 — What Success Really Looks Like
1:16:20 — Advice for Artists Coming Up
Quotes:
"Geometry gave me order when everything else felt uncertain."
"There was no straight path from South Africa to here — just lines I trusted."
"I don't tattoo trends. I tattoo intention."
"Repetition isn't boring — it's where discipline turns into freedom."
"When someone trusts you with their skin, that responsibility is everything."
"Large-scale work teaches patience — not just to the client, but to the artist."
"Tattooing became the place where chaos finally made sense."
"Every line is a decision you have to stand behind forever."
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Horikei:
IG:https://www.instagram.com/oliverkenton

Creating a comfortable and empathetic environment for clients during tattoo sessions is essential for enhancing their overall experience and effectively managing pain. In a recent podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Jen Tonic, several strategies were discussed to achieve this goal.
Host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Jen from Lüneburg, Germany. Jen's unique style blends neo-traditional and large-format decorative elements with a touch of art-nouveau and nature themes, creating stunning pieces that reflect her artistic vision. As the conversation unfolds, Aaron and Jen discuss the nuances of her tattooing process, the importance of creating a comfortable environment for clients, and the seasonal changes in her garden as winter approaches in northern Germany. Tune in for an engaging discussion about art, creativity, and the tattooing process that includes a cozy atmosphere that Jen ensures for her clients.
Listeners are encouraged to check out Jen's captivating work on Instagram (@jentonic) while enjoying this insightful discussion about art, creativity, and the tattooing experience.
Chat Highlights:
[00:03:01] Early influences in art.
[00:04:44] Finding a tattoo apprenticeship.
[00:09:04] Being a woman in tattooing.
[00:18:27] Pain management during tattoo sessions.
[00:19:20] Client comfort during tattooing.
[00:30:10] Finding balance in tattooing.
[00:32:46] Expressing art through looseness.
[00:39:37] Tattoo trends in modern culture.
[00:42:01] Online avatars and self-expression.
[00:46:14] AI's impact on art.
[00:50:11] Analog art in a digital age.
[00:56:48] Passion for tattooing.
[00:57:45] Tattoo career dedication.
 
Quotes:
 
"I really want him to lay down be like oh this is actually kind of nice and comfy so okay like maybe I can sit through this."
 
"I always wanted to have my own style... I want it to be recognizable."
 
"I almost didn't get the apprenticeship because there was one guy in the shop who didn't want a woman in the shop."
 
"I think the big thing there is with Instagram, and just the internet in general, it's kind of like evens the playing field."
 
"These little creature comforts send a message and the message is I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to make beautiful art with you."
 
"I've realized that it's okay to also have other things going on that basically give me more energy so I don't burn out on my job as a tattooer."
 
"Tattooing does not only exist within perfect lines, I think."
 
"I suspect this, and Scott Campbell, really smart tattooer from Los Angeles, brought this up to me, and I think he's right: people can express themselves now through their social content."
 
"I don't think anyone's going to end up with a thriving tattoo career that doesn't give it everything they've got in those early years."
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Jen:
IG:https://www.instagram.com/JenTonic/

Sal Leon has developed a niche in traditional tattooing with an erotic gay flair, setting him apart from other artists in San Diego. This distinctiveness not only attracts a loyal client base but also fosters a sense of community among those who resonate with that particular style.
Sal shares his journey through the tattooing world, highlighting the unique intersection of his identity as a gay man and his artistic expression through traditional tattooing with an erotic flair. This discussion with host Aaron Della Vedova opens up a broader conversation about the evolution of tattooing, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of the industry.
The conversation celebrates individuality, creativity, and the vibrant community of artists dedicated to expressing their authentic voices. Join us for an inspiring exploration of art, creativity, and the tattoo culture that embraces the weird and different!
Chat Highlights:
00:00:00 - The Importance of Unique Styles in Tattooing
00:00:51 - Oversaturation in the Tattoo Industry
00:03:10 - Sal's Background and Coming Out Story
00:06:20 - Meeting His Husband and Early Career
00:10:42 - Transition to Piercing
00:12:00 - The Leather Community Explained
00:14:16 - Leather Community and Tattooing
00:19:11 - Incorporating Male Figures in Traditional Tattoos
00:23:02 - Differences in Gay and Queer Tattoo Scenes
00:25:03 - Erotic Themes in Tattoos
00:30:00 - What Makes a Great Tattoo
00:36:29 - Changes in the Tattoo Industry
00:41:16 - Supporting Local Community
00:45:42 - AI and Tattoo Art
Quotes:
"Leather community, I think it's more for like the misfits of the queer community."
 
"I think, in hindsight, it's good going through experiences like that. Those shitty experiences to finally, when you get to a nice point, to really appreciate it."
 

"Getting tattooed in a big way is a way to express... it's just different people in different walks of life expressing their particular walk of life through collecting a tattoo."
 
"A great tattoo is a great experience."
 
"If you're an artist out there, or even a younger artist that's coming into this, man, I would say draw and create with your own mind and your own hand as much as possible."
 
"I see this slipping away of what makes us human, like this, sitting here talking to you, getting to know you one-on-one, face-to-face."
 
"I also believe that we're most likely in a simulation that reflects our deepest thoughts about reality."
 
Stay Connected:
 
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Sal:
IG:https://www.instagram.com/savagesal

Freddy Jay's journey into tattooing is a captivating story of unexpected beginnings and unwavering commitment. At the age of 19, he found himself at a crossroads in life, having once aspired to become a pilot due to his love for surfing and the freedom it represented. However, as he matured, he realized that the life of a pilot was not meant for him. Instead, he began to explore his creative side, which ultimately led him to the world of tattooing.
In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova returns to his home studio, bringing a vibrant tribal energy to the conversation. Joined by Freddy, the duo explores the fascinating spiritual practices of ancient civilizations, focusing on the Mayans and Aztecs. Aaron shares his unique experience of micro-dosing mushrooms to enhance the episode's vibe, drawing parallels between the Mayans' pursuit of knowledge and intellect through plant medicine and the more aggressive, corporate nature of the Aztecs. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that delves into the spiritual connections of the past and their significance in understanding our own artistic and spiritual journeys.
Chat Highlights:
[00:01:09] Aztec and Mayan energy.
[00:04:01] Artistic journey through tattooing.
[00:09:08] Polynesian tattoo inspiration.
[00:12:44] Mentorship in the tattoo industry.
[00:15:38] Tattoo apprenticeship challenges.
[00:22:17] Different times of tattooing culture.
[00:24:39] Tattooing as a personal journey.
[00:28:01] Cultural influences in tattooing.
[00:30:40] Toltec traditions and philosophy.
[00:34:45] Mayan head shaping practices.
[00:38:16] Celebration of physical differences.
[00:42:27] Ancient civilizations and new discoveries.
[00:46:40] Travel and cultural inspiration.
[00:52:01] Immersing in Mexican culture.
[00:54:44] Cultural sensitivity in tattooing.
[00:59:29] Cultural fusion in art.
[01:01:47] Adventure in tattooing.
 
Quotes:
 
"I micro-dosed a healthy little portion of mushrooms in my coffee today for this episode."
"I mean I barely know how to tattoo I fucking scratched this Indian into this guy's chest."
 
"I think you grow under pressure, but not under fear, if I should put it into those words."
 

"Everything is meant to be in some funny way."
 

"You have to get more into your intuitive self and feel your way through life versus relying on."
 
"You're left with a very small human population and most likely the smart ones, the ones that know how to build pyramids, they're probably the first ones to die."
 

"If you really want to do something that's different from where you are, you need to seek the place, you need to seek the people, you need to seek the culture."
 
"We're all one, we're all one thing, you know, we all are human, we all should love and care for one another."
 
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Freddyi:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/freddyjay108