Regarding the "fall of an empire" article

Let me preface these words by saying that any of the artists that have a true desire to succeed in this biz need to GO NOW and pick up Jack Welch's book called "Winning." Although I agree with many things each person said regarding this article, There are a few things I would like to offer as a recent startup. My shop is young, but I am not naieve. I have been in and around this industry for over 11 years and tattooing for 6 of those. There is no accounting for PASSION AND PERSISTANCE. I started my studio the same way our grandfathers started. With nada. ZIP. I scrounged. I collected equipment, flash, fixed it myself when it broke. I had to find a market with affordable rent. I studied and still study the best/worst tattoos and form my own opinions. I had to learn to live with less to live my dream. I painted (walls), traded tattoos, laid carpet, and generally busted my hump with much help from the community of enthusiasts. I think many artists today do not know the meaning of the term TRUE GRIT. They think a rainy night without cable is a struggle. No way. Sleeping on the floor or cheap-o air matress for two years because you know your shop needs better flash to compete and inspire the artists is a struggle. (And that's probably less of a stuggle than any of our ancestors faced, by the way). There is a lot of talk about Wal-Mart blah blah blah. You know what? Sam Walton wore overalls and drove around a beat up pick-up even though he was a millionaire! O.K. so corporate america distorted his dream. Maybe Tattooing is still "taboo" enough we don't have to sweat that last part too much. The point is if you have the dream, LIVE IT. Learn what it takes to suceed in whatever market you happen to be in. In differentiating your product/service, you must find new and emerging marketing methods like tattoonow and others. Not only that, but build relationships IN the industry. Cut out the sandbox crap and realize we are ALL on this boat together. Are people so blinded to the fact we have all worked hard to gain respectability? Furthermore that trash talking each other knocks the wind out of the entire business. Certainly educate people about your style, but do it with respect. This respect is for the art form and the client. This is said as a lessoned learned because most of us at some point have lost clients for downing someone's work. Even if it was sub-par. For all you know the client has a fondness for that piece you just tore apart in front of them! POOF. they just went to the lower cost competitor because you only showed them how much of an art-snob you are. Also be realistic in that you can't please everyone. Sometimes you are going to lose a client to competition no matter how hard you try. So, don't give up in discouragement... try and make the next ten tattoos more badass to make up for that one lost. I apologize for any spelling (grammar) errors and thanks ffor taking the time to read this. Have fun. Remember we have the best job in the world - so quit complaining! -Kandyman Joe

Here, here... J.Capobianco Hope gallery New Haven CT www.joecapobianco.com