Like many things in life, learning how to be a good boss and teacher, has been an evolution.  This has been a challenge that proves to be a job in itself at times. In my years, I’ve seen a lot of changes.  Seen people come and go, some good, but most extremely BAD! And as time goes on, a younger generation proves to be more challenging. It’s a generation that is commonly known as the “entitlement generation”.  And by “entitlement” I mean they expect to do a lesser job with higher salaries, more time off, and shorter work hours. Now, I don’t have time to get into an in depth explanation as to why I find this unfavorable in this two page article, but I’m sure the majority of the people taking the time to read this, can either relate, or know someone that fits the bill.

So this leads me to the topic of this month’s Fink’s Forum. Apprenticeships! Obviously tattooing is way more popular than it was 20 years ago. And with popularity, you have interest. And with interest, you have acceptance. And with acceptance you have more moms calling the shop to see how little Johnny can become a tattoo artist.  As if it would be an easy out for their displaced kid. Well, I should tell you that if little Johnny would like to be a big, bad tattoo artist, then maybe little Johnny should pick Continue Reading »

After 23 years of tattooing, I’m still amazed and extremely
grateful for what this profession has enabled me to do.  The places
that it has taken me, the opportunities that it’s provided, and the
great people that I have met in every journey are un-measurable. It’s
a great feeling to return home and share with friends and family
something that they might not ever get to experience. So here are some of my favorite photo’s from my recent trip to Singapore.

Enjoy!

Every mall had at least two tattoo shops!

Maybe Johnny 3 Thumbs would have been more appropriate.Who doesn’t love durian?And MEAT!!!And remember kids, don’t forget to meat floss after every meal!

Here’s a quick teaser video Michelle compiled while we were in Singapore.  Keep posted for the full length video soon to come!

Check out this month’s issue of Inked Magazine. Yours truly is featured in the Inked Icon section with a three page interview by Marisa over at Needlesandsins.com. Here’s a brief excerpt from the article…

INKED: This interview is for our Icon section-

BRAD FINK: What’s up with this “INKED Icon”?

That’s what we call the renowned artists we profile who have contributed to tattooing over the years and continue to advance the art.

Wow. I’m flattered, but you’re making me feel self-conscious. [Laughs.] Icons are people who are dead or at least old. I only just turned 39.

You’re nevertheless internationally known and respected in tattooing. Enjoy it.

I have a hard time with it when, at tattoo conventions, people come up and ooh and aah over me, because I feel like I just started – like I was just one of those kids who went to their first convention and saw Jack Rudy or one of those dudes and was blown away.

You’ve been tattooing more than twenty years.  What do you mean when you say you still feel like you “just started”?

A lot of times I find myself saying how amazed I am at how fast time goes. A couple of weeks ago, a guy who I used to tattoo in my kitchen in high school came into the shop to get another tattoo. Or my grade school art teacher just interviewed me for a local magazine in St. Louis.  I ended up tattooing her and she was so happy.

Continue Reading »

I will be adding more tattoos photos, as well as content to the art and press section by the end of the week. Stay tuned!

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