The Noise, The Art, and The Human Element
Beyond the Buy Button: Finding Connection in a Noisy New Year
Why We’re Choosing Community Over "The Hustle" This January
The confetti has settled, the holiday lights are coming down, and if you’re like us, your inbox is currently a graveyard of "Final Chance!" and "Last Day to Save!" emails.
Liz and I spent a lot of time this holiday season reflecting on that noise. As small business owners, we get it—our livelihood depends on sharing our work and inviting you into the studio. But as humans living on this earth, we also felt the weight of it. There is a constant pressure o buy, to spend, and to carry the weight of the world (and every small business in it) on your shoulders.
At some point, we have to realize that no one can hold all that weight. And it’s our responsibility as creators to offer something different.
We didn’t start The Inksmith & Co. just to "move product" or hit sales quotas. We started this because we are obsessed with the art of the craft and, more importantly, the connection it creates. A tattoo isn’t just ink on skin; it’s a story, a conversation, and a shared moment between two people.
Our New Year’s Resolution This year, our goal isn't just to sell you a service. We want to focus on the human element.
Less "Shoving": Fewer giveaways for the sake of engagement, fewer high-pressure sales.
More Connection: Finding ways to actually get people together. Not just "sharing our story" for the sake of branding, but hearing yours.
An Open Invitation If you’re in our neck of the woods and you’re feeling the New Year burnout, come by. You don’t have to have an appointment. Come have a conversation. Bring a sketchbook and draw with us.
Yes, we’d love to give you some fresh ink to start your year—we’re artists, and we love what we do! But more than that, we want to be a part of this community.
Looking Ahead We’re currently working on something incredibly fun for February that is designed specifically to foster that connection. We’ll share those details as we get closer, but for now, let’s just breathe. Let’s declutter the "shoulds" and focus on the "whos."
How to Declutter Your Creative Mind This Month
If the digital world feels a bit too loud right now, here are four ways to tune back into yourself and your community:
Mute the Noise: Auditing your feed is a form of self-care. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel like you aren't "doing enough" or need to "buy more."
Seek Local Connection: Get out into the physical world. If you’re looking for a friendly face, come find me at Golden Coffee Co. I started working there part-time because, while I love a good roast, I love this community more. I wanted a way to connect with all of you outside the tattoo chair. Come grab a cup and let's chat.
Analog Hours: Set a timer for 30 minutes, put your phone in another room, and just be. Whether you’re people-watching or sitting in silence, give your brain a break from the scroll.
Try the "1x1" Creative Journal: This is a practice I’ve done for years that has changed my mental health and my art. I draw a 1-inch square for every day of the month. At the end of the day—no phone, no reference photos—I reflect on one fun memory and doodle it in that square.
The Spread: Next to my squares, I keep a page for written reflections.
The Freedom: On the following page, I just doodle. No rules, no "branding," just whatever my hand wants to draw. It’s a way to capture your life without the pressure of it being "perfect" for the internet.
