In this month's TATSoul Artist Spotlight, we speak to Josh Woods (@joshwoods) about his career and experience in the industry. Read on to learn more about Josh!
Q. How would you describe your tattooing style?
A: I’ve always been highly versatile, capable of executing a wide range of styles. Although many know me for my bold, vibrant color work and new school tattoos, that’s only part of the picture. Despite how shows like Ink Master tried to package me, my portfolio has always reflected range and adaptability.
From day one, my mentor taught me to do it all. That mindset shaped my career—when times are slow, being a one-trick pony doesn’t cut it. I came up in the old-school shop era: if you couldn’t handle whatever walked through the door, you didn’t belong. Tattooing has never been about drawing your favorite pieces from a sketchbook—it’s about serving clients and delivering strong work, consistently.
These days, while 90% of my schedule is packed with custom designs, I still take on everything else. Why? Because I love tattooing—all of it. And I still consider myself just that: a tattooer. Always have been.
(And yes, I sell shirts that say “STFU You’re Just a Tattooer.” Check them out here
Q: How long have you been tattooing, and where do you work?
A: This July marks 24 years. I own Velvet Crown—a full-fledged tattoo shop located on the border of Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton, Florida. It’s not a private studio—it’s a real shop with real tattooers doing real tattoos. We’re close to the best beaches, restaurants, and nightlife the Sarasota/Tampa area has to offer. Come by and check it out.
Q: Who do you look up to in the tattoo industry?
A: Truthfully, I don’t look up to tattooers. I draw inspiration from people outside the industry—family, veterans, athletes, rescue workers, and anyone who gives more than they take.
I’ve seen a lot of entitlement, ego, and inauthenticity in this business. Too many artists who only contribute when it benefits them. That’s not inspiring.
That said, there are plenty of tattooers I admire and respect as friends and artists. But I’ve never seen tattooing as something to put on a pedestal—we’re not out here saving lives. We’re artists doing a craft.
If I had to name a group I look up to, it would be anyone who started tattooing before 2007. That generation put in real work—making needles by hand, scrubbing tubes, tuning coil machines, grinding long hours for no pay just to earn respect. That era taught discipline, resilience, and humility. It shaped who I am.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self starting out in tattooing?
A: I’d say: don’t be afraid to explore other career paths that offer long-term stability—benefits, pensions, healthcare, paid time off. Tattooing can come later.
I don’t regret anything—it’s given me an incredible life—but hindsight is honest. Tattooing is a luxury-based business. When the economy takes a hit, we feel it hard. We learned that during COVID when we were deemed “non-essential.” There’s real value in a career that can weather any storm.
Q: What advice would you give to a new artist entering the industry?
A: Graduate from “Tat School” with honors or it’s never gonna work out.
(Just kidding. Kinda.)
Q: Anything else you’d like the tattoo world to know about you?
A: My name’s Josh Woodkowski. I’m single and searching for that perfect brand of chaos.
I play drums in a band called The Wade Garrett.
I’m ambidextrous in weird ways.
I have two hairless cats and I’ve published a children’s book.
I’m a straight guy who loves landscaping and interior design.
Big hockey and NASCAR fan.
I haven’t played video games since I was 22.
I love animals too much and I always smell good.
Oh—and I might cry during sad movies if no one’s watching.
Q: In your mind, what sets TATSoul apart from other tattoo supply brands?
A: TATSoul is simply top-tier. They’ve built a legacy in this industry by genuinely supporting artists and delivering the best tools available. I never use gear I don’t believe in, and with TATSoul I never have to compromise.
Their shipping times alone are insane—my orders often arrive in under a day. That kind of service is rare, and it matters. I recommend them to everyone and always will.
Q: What’s one tattoo or project that’s stuck with you over the years?
A: The viral Disney Princess sleeve I did on Amanda Jane. Her TikTok (@amandajane_m) took off, and the response has been wild—millions of views and counting. It’s been amazing watching people react to something I created. We’ll be doing more videos and Q&A sessions soon, so stay tuned.
Q: What keeps you creatively inspired?
A: My clients. Without them, this job means nothing. Their trust and freedom fuel my creativity.
Also, seeing up-and-coming artists—especially from overseas—push boundaries daily is incredibly motivating. Social media has opened the doors to so much inspiration globally. It’s wild how far tattooing has come.
Q: What are your favorite TATSoul products and why?
A: I’d have to say TATSoul’s needles, cartridges, and furniture. The consistency is unmatched, which gives me peace of mind knowing I’m working with tools I can rely on. That reliability allows me to focus on the work without second-guessing my setup—it makes all the difference.
Q: What is your favorite Jet Black product and why?
A: Definitely the bed sheets and their Hydrating Antimicrobial Essential Soap. The sheets don’t tear or fall apart like most others and do a great job of keeping biohazards off my furniture. The soap is another standout—gentle on the skin, effective, and clients never complain about burning like they do with harsher products.
Q: Do you have any pre-session rituals?
A: Nothing fancy—I usually run a little behind (ask my clients). I make sure I’ve got a drink on ice, stretch a bit, and yeah… I usually have to take a squirt before we start. Staying limber and hitting the gym helps keep me in shape for long sessions.
Q: What’s your go-to setup?
A: I use the Bishop Packer as my primary machine. For cartridges, I rotate between 15CM, 25CM, and XT3 liners (5rl, 14rl). When needed, I break out my Dan Kubin for heavy traditional lines with 14s on bars.
My furniture and lighting are all from TATSoul—armrest, chair, and Lume Cube. Simple. Reliable. Effective.
Q: How do you balance your career with the rest of life?
A: If I’m being honest—I don’t always balance it well. Tattooing takes a lot out of you. It’s probably why I’m single and haven’t had a real vacation in over 15 years. I’ve taken big risks—like moving across the country or opening a shop during economic downturns—but they’ve paid off.
Faith has carried me through a lot. God’s answered my prayers more than once. What I’ve learned is simple: stay positive, don’t stress over what you can’t control, and push forward.
Gratitude changes everything. Be humble. Be good. Keep going. We’re not here long—make it count.