Paul Booth Unfiltered: AI, Dark Art, and the Changing Tattoo World

Welcome back to the Honest Tattooer Podcast! This week, we’re honored to sit down with the one and only Paul Booth-a living legend and pioneer of dark surrealism in the tattoo world. With over 36 years in the industry, Paul shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized tattoo artist known for his unique, macabre style.
🎤 In this episode:
• Paul’s raw reflections on mentorship, the evolution of tattooing, and how the industry has transformed over the years.
• Insight into his personal journey, from learning with acetate stencils to using cutting-edge AI as an artistic tool.
• Thoughts on the future of tattooing, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and why he sees a renaissance on the horizon.
• Hilarious stories from tattoo conventions, international travels, and how he’s embraced his dark humor and persona.
🔔 Don’t miss Paul’s candid insights and legendary storytelling-whether you’re an artist or tattoo enthusiast, this episode is one for the books!
👤 Follow our hosts and guests:
• Jon Mesa: @jonmesatattoos
• Matt Truiano: @matttruiano
• Gabe Pantoja: @gabetattoos
• Paul Booth: @paubooth
Sponsors:
• Tattoo Smart: Save 20% on your order with code HONEST20 at Tattoo Smart.
• Tattoo Armour: Save 20% with code HONESTTATTOOER at Tattoo Armour.
• Force of Focus: forceoffocus.com
tattoo artist, tattoo tutorial, tattoo design, tattoo inspiration, tattoo ideas, tattoo meaning, tattoo care, tattoo removal, tattoo aftercare, tattoo styles, tattoo techniques, tattoo equipment, tattoo history, tattoo culture, tattoo safety, tattoo artist tips, tattoo portfolio, tattoo shop, tattoo consultation, tattoo apprenticeship, tattoo conventions, tattoo flash, custom tattoo, cover up tattoo, blackwork tattoo, watercolor tattoo, geometric tattoo, script tattoo, linework tattoo, realism tattoo, neo traditional tattoo, traditional tattoo, japanese tattoo, irezumi, tribal tattoo, Polynesian tattoo, Maori tattoo, henna tattoo, temporary tattoo, flash tattoo, tattoo trends, tattoo mistakes, tattoo regrets, tattoo healing, tattoo infections, tattoo allergies, tattoo aftercare products, tattoo artist interview, tattoo artist documentary, tattoo artist lifestyle, tattoo studio tour, tattoo shop tour, tattoo convention vlog, tattoo inspiration board, tattoo design software, tattoo machine, tattoo ink, tattoo needles, tattoo stencil, tattoo healing cream, tattoo numbing cream, tattoo aftercare kit, tattoo removal laser, tattoo removal cream, tattoo removal cost, tattoo removal pain, tattoo removal before and after, tattoo removal success stories, tattoo removal risks, tattoo removal alternatives, tattoo cover up ideas, tattoo cover up inspiration, tattoo cover up artist, tattoo cover up before and after, tattoo cover up cost, tattoo cover up pain, tattoo cover up tips, tattoo cover up success stories, tattoo cover up mistakes, tattoo cover up regrets, tattoo cover up healing, tattoo cover up infections, tattoo cover up allergies, tattoo cover up aftercare, tattoo cover up products, tattoo cover up artist interview, tattoo cover up documentary, tattoo cover up lifestyle, tattoo cover up studio tour, tattoo cover up shop tour, tattoo cover up convention vlog, tattoo cover up inspiration board, tattoo cover up design software, tattoo cover up machine, tattoo cover up ink, tattoo cover up needles, tattoo cover up stencil, tattoo cover up healing cream, tattoo cover up numbing cream, tattoo cover up aftercare kit, tattoo cover up removal laser, tattoo cover up removal cream, tattoo cover up removal cost, tattoo cover up removal pain, tattoo cover up removal before and after, tattoo cover up removal success stories, tattoo cover up removal risks, tattoo cover up removal alternatives

[@TheUnholyPosole]

I used to dig this dude. I wanted a tattoo by him, went on a multi year waiting list, then quit waiting after 3 years and gave up on tattoos.

[@robertcorsinotattoo]

In 2007 Paul was working on a half sleeve for me, an hour into the tattoo session Korn showed up just because their tour bus happened to be driving through New York City that day , a bunch of them had been tattooed by Paul on tour. It was pretty cool to take a break and have Korn come over and check out my tattoo. The 16 hours of watching Paul tattoo my arm was a great lesson in tattooing.

[@CaptSpaulding239]

Back in the 90’s I was always looking for Paul’s work in tattoo magazines. I was always blown away by every new piece I saw from him. Him and Tony Ciavarro got me into tattoos and still a fan of both of those guys.

[@Meangenehimself]

My favorite tattoo, is my Paul Booth tattoo. Dudes gonna be really disappointed when he dies and ends up in heaven. Great guy.

[@honesttattooerpodcast]

😂

[@Abrahamhamham]

1 hour of Paul Booth! This is like a Christmas present. I could listen to this man talk for days. I really appreciate this. Cheers!

[@michaelneighbour7759]

I got tattooed by paul aroumd 3 years ago now. Have another session to finish it off. Can't wait..... absolute legend of a guy... an yes was a great experience to meet him and get tattooed by him.... 💯💪👍

[@garthjankovic1]

Bro, I'm 50 and I remember distinctly Paul Booths innovative style, in the early inked magazines. He is way ahead of his time. Magazines were filled with, Paul Booth, Filip Leau, Marcus Pacheco etc. It was a great era in tattooing! I mostly painted graf but I studied these artists so intently for inspiration. Only just started watching this interview and I got so excited. I think Paul had last rites tattoo, anyways much love, yo from Australia

[@honesttattooerpodcast]

Well said!

[@Tattitoot]

He’s completely different than what i imagined, love it

[@TheDEADone505]

All this dudes way definitely always my favorite tattoo artist

[@justinktattoos4898]

Love this.paul booth is the reason I learned to tattoo. The man❤

[@jasonlombardi1655]

Paul did my sleeves, Paul is truly a artist, Paul did my tattoos upstairs in the shop close to time square. I would take the Fungwai bus from Boston to get them done. I had a lot of good times with Paul and good talks One of my goals in life was to get a Paul booth sleeve, and he gave me two. I will forever be grateful

[@chiragvansharora9480]

Omg no one saw this coming. The legend paul booth

[@shermsmoke]

Paulie B! The man the myth the mofuggin legend! Favorite tattoo artist of all time right here! Getchyo weight up, not yo hate up playboy!

[@wetterschneider]

I wasn't expecting this, Paul. So much new info that fills in the gaps back in the day. This was amazing.

[@pacovl46]

It’s amazing how clean the tats on his arms are. Normally tattoo artists experiment on themselves and have a lot of shitty tats.

[@ChillnLikeAVillain65]

Just watched the Liorcifer episode last night and now wake up to the legend himself! Keep it up fellas! 🔥🔥🔥

[@chrissajdik]

Oh man this one was so good, Booth said it perfect. Y’all are a bunch of g’s for this one

[@StoneysTattooDreams]

I looked up to Paul back in 2003 he’s a legend for sure

[@joeykostyk7055]

Fantastic interview.

[@icpeanut]

This is awesome, I've been a fan of Paul since 99' a true legend

[@brokeone2526]

Love the show all around but definitely an all time favorite episode _

[@johnroberson4841]

Huck Spaulding was the first I recall seeing as far as how to books and VHS instructional videos or at least that's all that comes to mind

[@johnroberson4841]

Piggy back off my own statement,,,, I started in this industry in 2003 so I'm sure there had to be something around before that? I'm so curious who paul was talking about now lol

[@martist911wasits-not-real4]

​@@johnroberson4841I started in 93 reading Huck's book. It was taboo then to share information like that and was highly criticized.

[@BenificiallMusic]

@5:12 why the hell would u put that scene in of the host looking down at his phone while Paul’s explaining stuff 😂

[@donskawin6657]

O wow, the Legend. Thank you!

[@meirdeaph]

Legendary 💯🤸‍♀️🙌

[@sasajugovic6984]

Big legend,great video and interview

[@Nexushuggah]

Absolute legend. Wish I could get something from him.

[@paulhasenauer4166]

Great interview!! I am not a tattooer just a fan bit I could listen to Paul Booth, his stories all day!😎☠️🎃🔥

[@joshm9163]

The oldest angst teen in existence. Can’t believe he’s resorted to selling coffee. Time spares none.

[@adam-p4n9p]

great interview with the master of dark art.

[@jasonsmith6497]

The 2nd artist that worked on me would wrap paper towel around his pinkie&ring finger,he'd dab instead of wipe and it would help him when stretching the skin and give him more stability..also a bit rude being on the phone when you've got someone especially someone like Paul Booth on your show..

[@rcutter3rd]

pure legend!

[@souportiredofthishogwash8496]

A.I. can be useful and could be a good tool for reference, I like thart Paul see a.i. as a useful tool in the pouch

[@souportiredofthishogwash8496]

Very honest show i appreciate his comment on the tattoo industry being over whelmed with want to be rock stars and shops with starry eyed want to be famous non artist. I believe good tattoo artist are good at drawing not always tracing flash off the wall. Creative ability should be key and an ability to draw out designs. Thanks to Mr Paul Booth for saying and keeping tattooing true and honest. And ink master really put a stain on the art of tattooing (my opinion) and i dont watch or entertain that show. Couldnt stand ink master drama club

[@toystoretattoo2788]

I meet him once at L.A. me and my friend are having lunch and he asked me if the food was good , I say yes , love your work, I am a tattooer from Cuba and it as funny because a moment earlier I was taking pictures of him paparazzi style 😂. About the DVD , it was this guys ,that did a couple for some tattoo artist and they called The gnome work shop.

[@honesttattooerpodcast]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheDeutscher]

True legend

[@sarahollis8417]

thanks paul 💀

[@tattoostudioleitmotif4703]

Even Paul Booth can see a light at the end of the tunnel, as dark as he is!😅🤘🤘🤘 and lucky the one who gives the 666th👍 to this episode 😂

[@GamerDad_91]

Jon has a podcast

[@honesttattooerpodcast]

Jon and Matt have a podcast

[@Lahnsteintattoo]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@HAUNTEDARTNY]

Paul’s a true artist but I gotta say - nothing he says adds up, mans a living contradiction lol

[@shawnstewart4332]

I got a black and a green dilidoe

[@benscott7476]

Was good back in the day..lazy and rushed standard of work now…honest feedback

[@zacktherrien7010]

Not AI !!!

[@Monkeyjuice-nz4wk]

AI section starts 38:53