Jesse Smith on Ink Master, AI’s Future in Art, & Small Business | The Culture Codex Podcast #008

In Episode #008 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with world-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith, known for his surreal creatures, vibrant worlds, and unforgettable run on Ink Master.

Together we explore how graffiti shaped his early style, how reality TV changed his approach to art, and how AI is reshaping the creative landscape. Jesse opens up about the real economics of running a tattoo shop, the challenges facing small businesses, and the pressures artists feel in an increasingly algorithm-driven world.

This episode dives deep into artistry, autonomy, politics, and the future of creative work through the lens of someone who’s been at the top of the industry for decades.