In this episode, tattoo artist and winner of Ink Masters season 7, Anthony Michaels, joins host Aaron Della Vedova for a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of being an artist. They discuss the merging of personal identity with public perception, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the journey of finding the balance between success and maintaining authenticity. Anthony shares his experiences on the show, its impact on his career, and the ongoing process of integrating his true self with the persona created by his victory. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of art, fame, and personal growth.

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:00 Technology and art merge naturally.

00:07:18 Reconnecting with our inner child.

00:11:03 Follow your passion and dreams.

00:16:37 The power of tattooing.

00:24:39 Ink Master is a humbling experience.

00:25:58 Challenge of staying true to oneself.

00:32:08 Letting go of identity expectations.

00:40:26 Lost balance in pursuit of success.

00:43:02 Importance of self-care and reflection.

00:51:18 Self-forgiveness is necessary for growth.

00:53:48 Forgive yourself and keep evolving.

01:01:47 Embrace discomfort for personal growth.

01:07:45 Growth requires letting go.

01:13:43 Tattoo industry losing human connection.

01:16:00 Human connection is irreplaceable.

The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to discuss the merging of man and machine in tattooing is 01:21:04. The merging of man and machine in tattooing.

01:26:00 AI can enhance creativity responsibly.

01:31:26 Stay true to yourself.

01:38:22 Authenticity leads to personal growth.

Connect with Mike:

IG: @antmikes

IG: @twenty_five_twelve