'By 17, I Already Had My First Bodysuit' Joe Smith | Heavily Inked

[@TheWild2222]

I don't even have one single tattoo and like listening to this guy talk, for such an intense looking dude he is very disarming with his conversation skills. I can see how he would be good with customers in a tattoo parlor, and making people feel comfortable around him. Please have more interviews with this guy, I'm sure he's got a lot of great stories to tell. And I all think we want to hear them, this man has got some charm!

[@lillylew8615]

Me either! I love them though!

[@TheWild2222]

@@lillylew8615 Well put, I love the art form as well! I look forward to the day of getting that first tattoo and really appreciate Joe's advice of planning stuff out.

[@TheWild2222]

@@sarahhernandez1015 Oh yes I have definitely subscribed, have enjoyed a lot of his videos already. I just want more! Can't help but be a little greedy and want more of a good thing right? I also really dig Guy Aitchison, that dude's good vibes!

[@calebcrim3726]

I agree completely

[@be3rryy]

Love to chill with this guy seems like a nice guy 😁

[@paolagrando5079]

Tattoo places discriminating him because he had his face tattoed ... Humans, very strange people.

[@inked]

Makes no sense...

[@saltycalmonds]

In a sense, people are afraid of what is considered outside the general standard of normalcy. Most normal people, especially back then, would consider a face tattoo unthinkable because it was either associated with being crime related or just really low class or outright insane. It’s the same deal why in a lot of conservative countries tattoos are seen as bad because typically in that culture, only hardened criminals are really tatted to that extent. I’m obviously just speculating, but I’d imagine that might have had some influence. Shops do have their standards not just for themselves but their clientele as well. To invite someone who at the surface might appear to carry those negative associations might affect business and the overall reputation of the shop. Again, I’m just spitballing

[@deetw6470]

It's traditional to have facial tattoos in New Zealand, well for Maori people, it caused a stir when they let a tv reporter with a moko kauae present a news item on tv here not that long ago.

[@valerimihaylov271]

@@saltycalmonds I think your insight is very good and possibly has truth in it (if not all of it)

[@saltycalmonds]

Exactly. In New Zealand..In the majority of other cultures however, it would have been considered unthinkable. Even today some of that sentiment still exists unfortunately

[@dirtysouth9222]

I have had all 3 of my tattoos done by Tattoo Joe. First of all, he's incredibly talented. His black and gray work is my favorite, but his technical skills all around are as clean as it gets. I almost fell asleep at the last one because of his easy touch . Second, this is exactly who Joe is. He looks intense, but he is as soft spoken, genuine, honest, and easy going as it gets. Super easy to talk to, very easy to sit with, and his passion for tattoos and tattooing is unparalleled. I highly suggest him to anyone in the CT or NY area. You rule Joe! Don't change!

[@NeykaBlitZ]

is this the real Dirty South????

[@michaelcorrigan6577]

Thats a good heads up! I can always appreciate someone who puts 110 % into what they do. Hell yeah

[@eddievenuto1862]

Even though he has his face covered in tattoos of skull face he seems like a nice guy

[@livijean1]

Love hearing him call out the toxicity of old tattoo culture. I’ve seen and heard way too many people talk about how they wish we could go back then, or diminish newer artists for not having gone through that pain. He has great perspective on all of these topics. I need an hour episode for each!

[@j.b.8800]

So many shops now are pissed that they can’t abuse their apprentices like they used to lmao

[@x.brando8514]

Lmao at the last shop I worked at they bitched about how easy they where fixing it to me, but I did the same exact things he is explaining in this video

[@oosteveo315]

agreed, he could have his own channel for sure

[@palmtreecorpse]

Keep tattooing dangerous it was never meant for everyone

[@katie8325]

@@palmtreecorpseno. it was meant for prisoners, circus performers and sailors. Are you any of those things big guy?

[@seanlyons667]

This dude gave me my first piercing, sweetest dude. Made my mom feel intimidated and then 5 minutes later they're best friends

[@mrbellthebutler]

He is a prime example of never judge a book by its cover. I would let him tattoo me without question any day of the week. Even, not being tattooed I can imagine he would be seriously good to just sit there and listen to his stories from the past.

[@ThePeacePlant]

If someone is still judging a book by its cover, they are probably still in highschool. I wouldn't worry about them, they will eventually catch on

[@Buckaroobrandi]

For sure this guy is awesome

[@ashleyreyna9100]

Same

[@User-zk3bs]

@@ThePeacePlant I respecfully disagree, I think a *lot* of adults also judge people by its cover. Especially older and middle age ones, i find teens more flexible and more accepting in terms of fashion. There are still tons of people who think like "oh you got tats, you must be a deadbeat", there are also a lot of parents who would rage when they found out their kids got tattoos

[@user-gf8zv4ov2x]

this dude abanonded all his kids

[@Holmaaron]

The heaviest tattooed people always seem to be the sweetest people. I suppose that amount of pain and healing and change and retrospection does wonders for the “soul”.

[@intothevoid3719]

I'll never understand why people see those of us who've chosen to decorate our bodies (though mine is nowhere near his level) like we're scary, or criminals, or whatever word they feel like inserting. This guy doesn't scare me at all....it's the close minded people with confederate flags on their p.o.s trucks we should be afraid of, lol.

[@trelyles1583]

@@intothevoid3719 just people being people. Everyone will always have something to discriminate against. Religion, race, physical features, you name it.

[@katie-st8nx]

It's because large amounts of tattoos are also popular among dangerous sub cultures. Don't pretend like face tattoos are common among the gainfully employed.

[@Fukuro14]

@@intothevoid3719 Maybe because tattoos are mostly associated with criminals. Mostly. Food for thought.

[@brownpunk1794]

@@katie-st8nx a commenter with a brain cell...salute🙏🏿

[@callummcd3983]

He seems like such a genuine human being, I could listen to him talk for ages about his life. The skull, especially around the mouth is really good artwork imo.

[@Choink2558]

He seems like one of the coolest guys 2 hang out with and his tattoos r all badass

[@inked]

We can confirm, he's a cool guy to hang out with 😎

[@james87367]

I agree. I am not a fan of face tattoos but they really suit him. I like his look honestly.

[@dirtysouth9222]

@@gregbaldwin5144 He's one of the best tattoo artists around. Saying he has pigeonholed himself when he is literally at the top of the game seems pretty silly

[@Ari2_cute]

People who have the darkest tats almost always have the brightest hearts I love seeing people be themselves 🖤❤🖤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bradhend]

I was going to hop on and say something similar but this is far more eloquent.

[@Ari2_cute]

@@bradhend great minds think alike 👍😎

[@johnrotten3268]

Yea I like serial killers being thselves

[@Robin_Without_A_Y]

I love how positive this guy is, it seems to be really common that people complain about how things have changed and how much better they used to be while this guy just seems happy to have experienced things without worrying about how it is now.

[@hellokidazer]

Joe is a legend in the West and East Village. He's spot on about store fronts having tattoo 'shops' in the back or their basements, etc. You could walk into an adult shop and find someone tattooing in the back. Crazy times but fun times. Joe is a wealth of knowledge and all around great guy to listen to. Glad to see him here!

[@Es_Tay]

The way he sounded so sad about people getting into the tattoo industry for money when he just wanted to tattoo, broke my heart. Awh sweetie, I just want to give him a big hug! What a beautiful human.

[@Es_Tay]

@bob bob and how exactly do you make that connection? Please, do explain.

[@Gabriella_E]

Oh I’ve wanted a focused one of Joe; I’ve always thought he was so sweet. Thank you Inked!

[@dirtysouth9222]

I've been waiting for him to get back into these forever.

[@rosecity_chris]

"I would have researched artists and saved my money." Important words for the younger generations who want ink. I have some pretty shitty ink because I just wanted a tat and walked into the first shop I found. Now that I'm older I have the dopest artist and I'm so proud of the work. All because I actually put the time and effort into it.

[@BandlerChing]

The thing is it’s soooo much easier now. Instagram is absolutely clutch tool for artists of all kinds. As a consumer, being able to compare up to date portfolios in a matter of a few minutes makes it so much easier to find the gem artists.

[@tukuiPat]

@@BandlerChing in my case, my boss is a walking portfolio for my artist as he has the majority of his stuff done by one guy and that's full sleeves on his arms and near full sleeves on his legs, and the best thing about it is the artist works at the shop I was going to go to for my forearm sleeve.

[@mizzshortie907]

He seems so deep and sweet! Love how even completely covered in tats he I’d still himself and not worried about other’s opinions

[@benmcnamara5572]

When you go to the tattoo shop and this guy walks out to give you a tattoo you know its going to be sick, love it man

[@boomer_ancle]

He is so mature and easy going, if everyone were like him there won't be any war in this world.

[@porcelainwhimsy]

Really interesting guy, seems so genuine and thoughtful. Loving these type of videos. Keep it up Inked

[@inked]

Thanks!

[@EdieRoxUrSox15]

He was banned at a tattoo convention?! Ridiculous! He's literally the sweetest person!

[@ba8y.cak3z]

Him pretending to bite the dogs ear was the cutest things I've ever seen 3:15 😭

[@inked]

It's shocking it took this long for somebody to say this. It was so, so, so adorable.

[@Ari2_cute]

Omg adorableeeeeee 😩😩😩😩😩😩🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@teodorabogdanova197]

Totally agree :)

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Yes!!! I’ve been wanting Joe featured!!! He’s one of my favorite artists and I’d love to see more from him.

[@therealjulez7886]

i've been waiting on an episode about Joe. this dude has such great energy, well spoken, and kind individual. he's a walking example that fully tattooed people have good hearts

[@jasonmelvin9102]

Love hearing Joe talk about his tattoos. I can relate a little as my friends and I ordered tattoo needles and ink to start stick&poking ourselves in 7th grade. Ever since I've been obsessed, finally now 18 I really just save money to get big pieces and I'm hoping to have a body suit eventually

[@solala1312]

"I want a tattoo." - his dreams come true I guess.

[@JohnGarcia-ze8qu]

I got tattooed by Joe about 24 years ago!!! Man that blows my mind. How time fly's. He didn't have the skull tat back then. Definitely a blast from the past.

[@mjsolis6112]

love listening to him so much, sad this video ends 🥲 what a kind and inspiring soul. all for the art! thanks joe. 🖤

[@margecallover]

I love that you did this with Joe I used to always want to know more about him such a likable guy he is!

[@AwokenEntertainment]

Joe Smith is the definition of "don't judge a book by it's cover".. one of the most humble, genuine guys I've heard speak in a while.. makes me want to get tattooed by him

[@mastershadowreaper]

unfortunately a lot of apprentices still go through that type of abuse. I was in an apprenticeship for a year or so working with Hell's Angels. I quit a few months ago. just not the person I am. the way he described his apprenticeship is still pretty common these days. I went through exactly what he did

[@yesterdayseyes]

shocking the Hell's Angels weren't nice to you....😆

[@Servinah]

Yeah even during tattoo artists react on here a lot of old school guys say apprenticeships should be grueling bc that's how it was back in their day etc... It'll take a while longer for the culture to change I think

[@Soapy73-k3t]

First mistake, trying to learn at a red and white shop.

[@badmomba]

He seems like such a genuinely kind and gentle man. I especially love his voice it's very sweet. Loved hearing some of his story.

[@UFCTUB3]

I was for almost 18yrs a heroin Addict, in and out of Jail and started getting tattooed at the age of 15. Almost 4yrs Clean now at the age of 40. About 10mths ago now I began my journey to have a Body suit. New Chestplate and Sleeve completed and my right upper thigh completed . I already have tattoos all over the place Back, Unfinished sleeve on my left arm, legs etc etc they will dissapear in time with all new. My point is I completely vibe with everything Joe is saying. It makes me happy thru all the pain piece by piece as my old become new but even more so now I'm Clean and sober. It's become my Christmas everytime I walk into the Studio, I get amped when my next day session is coming up. Tattoos arnt just ink in the skin, they run much deeper and for some like me bring immense happiness

[@davidisherwood8586]

So cool to see the old tattoos poking through the bones in the skeleton. Such nice art!

[@imdremsbro]

It’s so crazy because people will disrespect other people who have tattoos just because they have tattoos. I think Joe here is a prime example of tattoos don’t mean harm. This dude is just so humble and friendly, it’s so nice to see that.

[@madelinedovi5617]

This was such a calming, informative feature story! Especially the part about legalization of tattooing in NYC…it’s crazy how far tattoo culture has come! Thanks for sharing :) @inked

[@bonkerzhuntsdemons7993]

Dope he was part of the underground scene man.

[@aliciaf1055]

He seems like such a sweetheart. I got my first tattoo in the late 90s - it was so much harder to find good artists then! And I didn't have the discernment to choose a good tattoo anyway.

[@jimmyreyes6463]

Discernent is somenthing that is stoping a lot of us to get more tattos

[@Charlie-nd9ef]

You know someone is special when you just hear and see in his eyes, he has a great soul. Imo.

[@oliviahelck9288]

love the full bodysuit-- we dont know how old he is or his facial expressions. id love to be that private and public at the same time.

[@ms.artichokecheesepizzawst3239]

He has a gentle soul ! Peace in his voice , no anger or hate ! I have respect for this man

[@myssixensen7516]

He always so chill, and kind about everything. Never on a high horse about anything. It's just really refreshing.

[@kirbbs]

I want to be friends with Joe. He seems like such a genuinely nice dude. And he's got a cute dog, which is just bonus.

[@rynthorn1551]

He seems so sweet and chill.

[@joemama6164]

Joe is literally the cutest hhh

[@nileikamaldonado3085]

Agreed!

[@francescahollis9590]

What an awesome dude! I’m a tattooist and I would have loved to have experienced the 90’s tattoo scene. I love hearing the og artists talking about tattooing before Instagram and all the bs attached to the industry now

[@McBandycars]

I've met so many artists and so many people with SO much ink with the articulate skills and kindness that this emits. ALWAYS BE YOURSELF! YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! I admire the soldiers that live their lives their own way, going against grain, proving stereotypes wrong!

[@dashagazo8508]

He is the coolest, sweetest human I aspire to be more like him.

[@max.aura10k]

What a gentle soul. With a hardcore exterior. Proof not to judge people by their looks. Wish him nothing but the best in life. Dude seems like a great human being

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

Wow..what a crystal clear example of never judging a book by its cover. I totally didn't expect that personality attached to an entire body suit but was pleasantly suprised. I guarantee he's requested and the go to for clients all day long that like a conversation while getting work done.

[@jennal3172]

I would love for Joe to do an audiobook of his life. Every time I see a video posted with him in it, I stop everything and watch. He's such a beautiful soul ❤️

[@W_-sr5pn]

This one of the sweetest guys, how could you not love him? ❤

[@almizaramilhamzah]

He is cool and I want to hang out with him to listen to more of his stories.

[@paigegoehring95]

From watching this video I just really love his demeanor and the way he speaks on things. He seems like he has such a lovely soul. I wish there was more people like this in the industry. I’m not heavily tattooed but I’ve been in tattoo shops enough to see that a lot of tattoo artists are super cold and really unwelcoming. I just love the energy he puts out. We need more people like this in the tattoo community.

[@CarlieQuinn]

He is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. Seems like a genuinely good dude.

[@damiendurakovic843]

This guy seems like such a sweet and kind person just by listening to him. People judge him and probably see him as a gangster or what not, yet there's this saying ''never judge a book by its covers'' and that would be this guy right here.

[@1-evenn]

He seems to be the sweetest guy ever like I just love to hear him talk

[@illmuskyhunter3313]

There's a lot of pain there. Its sad. He's clearly been through it

[@emmy16661]

I love you joe you are my biggest inspiration, I’m learning tattooing after being an artist my whole life. I could listen to joe talk about anything forever

[@imlickingnatsuki9832]

Im 17 and i have gotten about 5 tattoos in the past 3 months and i can say that i truly and honetly love every piece i have on me. Everything is so thought out and it has a meaning whether its deep or its just a favorite tv thing or game character. I love the idea of having this on my body forever and im so happy that tattooing is so popular now.

[@rkeogh3467]

What tattoos have you got

[@scee8474]

19 and only have two tattoos which have absolutely no meaning and I love them so much. Something about getting and having tattoos just genuinely makes me happy

[@makikami3014]

He seems like such a sweetheart. His tattoos really suit him. So messed up that people would discriminate against him for his face tattoos. Glad he came out on top tho.

[@iisnuffles]

this guy is so sweet! his black work skeleton looks so awesome, it’s people like this that inspire me to just get the tattoos that i want

[@uubee4443]

This dude seems like a beautiful human being and I...we can learn from his attitude. Much respect to you Sir...you are a candle in the darkness

[@SaraSaniA]

Thank you Joe for sharing your story with us. I could listen to you for hours. thank you Inked for this video! And for all the others. I love your channel

[@karenabshire9684]

I got my first tattoo in 1985 in Lexington, Kentucky. It was at the only shop in town, a dirty little hole-in-the-wall place yet totally legal. It surprises me that a place as progressive at NYC wouldn't legalize tattooing until 1997!

[@donovanchilton5817]

Because Nyc isn't actually progressive 😂

[@baudelia6813]

I like how he said do what makes you happy but also added that there are consequences to those decisions we make.

[@iamonlyme9514]

Joe has really sweet looking eyes with a beautiful smile, even though his face is covered you can still see those. He also seems so lovely in the way he speaks.You really can't judge someone just because they are covered in tatts 😁

[@FyeRye]

I’ll never know it, but people who do these full body tattoos!! I have so much respect. If done good! like this guy Joe. It’s definitely amazing to look at.

[@paolojonathancentrone5824]

Damn, how deeply intelligent, well-mannered and profound this man is.

[@wolfaagman]

Dude so chill. Love to have random talk with this guy not just about tattoo but other things

[@LoDancer666]

Anyone should be proud to walk down a street with Joe, you can tell he is an inherently good, kind soul.

[@katie-st8nx]

Not visually. Let's no pretend he wouldn't creepy you out if you were walking home alone at night.

[@LoDancer666]

@@katie-st8nx Oh yea, I agree. BUT a few minutes of him talking, that goes out the window, I think.

[@clairespades4002]

I just wanna hangout with him and listen to his stories

[@bymitteiy]

I love him so much ❤️ His energy is so blissful to experience x

[@juanmiguelgutierrez6101]

So much knowledge about Tattoo's specially recent history of it and the social implications, this guy should have a podcast, he is also a great speaker.

[@cindella204]

I had never heard about that recent battle for tattoo legalisation! Joe seems so cool and I always enjoy his appearances on the channel.

[@valsptsd814]

The more tattoos, the more the freak has already been released. He’s probably very chill. I, on the other hand, have ONE tattoo

[@MrsMuffin11]

I could listen to this guy talk forever

[@madeleineedwards2759]

Whoa, he's from Bridgeport? I live like 20 minutes away from there! I need to follow more of his work!

[@dirtysouth9222]

tat2joe777 on instagram. I'm from CT as well and my tattoos are done by him. Amazing artist

[@goncalo1485]

This is the guy everyone wants to hang out with. We all wish we had a friend like him

[@angelcartel3819]

Joe has been my tattoo artist since I was 18, I’m 34 now. He’s the best.

[@tevisfredericks3822]

I wish tattoo Joe was my friend. He seems so cool. Down to earth. Real and very humble. Yes I remember St.Marks in NY the little cubicle tattoo shops.

[@josephh374]

This man seems kind, nice, shy, vulnerable.

[@Sugarskulls_forever]

Such a beautiful soul! I enjoyed this interview♥️🌹

[@ObjectiveZoomer]

I love how a lot of tattoo artists have crazy names like tattoo baby, sausage, Bang Bang. And this guy is Joe Smith

[@belindas8417]

He is so passionate. Would love to just hang out with him and talk about his art and his philosophy. Great interview

[@simonsaunders8945]

see, people looking at this dude, and just judging him on his looks, would think he is aggressive, nasty, violent, but the second he opens his mouth and begins talking, you immediatly get calmed and realise he s so well spoken and nothing like he percieves to be, and thats the problem with the way society thinks, having a lot of tattoos myself, i only get a fraction of it, love your work Joe Smith, Much Respect

[@MrsMuffin11]

everyone can take something from him "I dont notice the looks or the stares" life is too short to worry about what others think about what YOU look like. be yourself and be happy. that's it.

[@cadgal0274]

Joe Smith is a very calm and natural person. He has specific aspects of his life that do not include the tattoos and he completely owns it all. He is a example of looking different but you should talk to him before passing judgement.

[@sC-vk8xi]

he seems like such a great guy, I could listen to him for hours

[@Pfennigpfuchser]

He is such a pleasent guy. I can relate to his decisions. Really like this guy. Greetings from Germany

[@Leah.Something]

I love watching interviews with Joe. He's incredible to listen to.

[@missfletcher24]

Never judge a book by its cover... If that's any example of that it's this guy! Such a calming, sweet voice and pleasant personality.... Not at all what you'd expect. 💙💙

[@erikamoss9266]

It's nice to see someone from CT represented, he is a pure teddy bear!

[@kaleidojess]

Some tattoo artists are so arrogant I'm glad he's not.

[@colonelfire6404]

This guy is awesome 👌I can listen to him talk for hours. He definitely gives a different perspective on tattooing in the past and present.

[@mustachadon]

Its crazy how easy it is to forget your tattoos are there haha i only remember when someone says something about them.

[@randomfpv22]

Joe seems like the most humble down to earth guy. Genuine awesome guy. I would love tattoos by him.

[@xx7secondsxx]

I hear ROSELAND I IMMEDIATELY think of Kurdt... NIRVANER played a show at ROSELAND BALLROOM. hed nearly fatally OD'd like 6 hours before the show. He wore his Denace the menace sweater that show. I've OD'd sooooo many times! How he pulled that show off with such passion and fury! He was a GOD! 🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🥰🥰😇💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚

[@judemccooey4987]

This guy is so nice And soft spoken God bless you

[@butteredtoast12]

Joe: looks the way he looks also Joe: probably the most gentle person EVER

[@jojo-ml8ii]

Been there. I was Jason Crawford apprentice. Best years of my life studying under such a great artist. Bid he was hard on me. And now I understand why. Love that guy