I met Syd Botanica through PerfumeTok, a niche little community on TikTok where people discuss, review and recommend small artisanal perfume brands and specific scents.

Syd is a perfumer, but beyond that, they are absolutely an artist in all senses of that word. On this episode we discuss how much perfume making has in common with creating music and with tattooing, marking people's skin with ink.

Few things make me happier than a stimulating beautiful exchange with a person equally passionate about exploring ideas and getting inspired by each other's thoughts. We even talked about doing a collaboration and creating a perfume inspired by the way people feel about getting tattooed, vulnerable, excited, grounded in their bodies, transcendent.

This is exactly the type of conversation I love to put out into the world. The keywords are all things dear to my heart. Niche perfumery. Tattoo art. Music. The beauty and pain of being part of humanity.

I am happy to hear your questions, suggestions, and feedback. Please send Ink Medicine a message.

You can connect with me, Micah Riot, as well as see my tattoo art on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/micahriot/

Micah's website is www.micahriot.com
Find the podcast on that same website as well as everywhere you listen to podcasts.

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Have you ever felt stuck with a tattoo artist who makes you uncomfortable but the tattoo isn't done? Or perhaps you've been ghosted by an artist who still has your deposit? or maybe the work you've had done so far is just not... good? I've talked to many people throughout my time as a tattoo artist who didn't feel comfortable moving on.

In this chat, I tackle the question those clients face: "Do I have to go back?" Whether dealing with an artist who makes inappropriate comments, consistently cancels appointments, or simply produces work you're not happy with, many people feel trapped in these situations—especially when they've paid significant deposits.

One of the most persistent myths I encounter is the belief that no other tattoo artist will touch another artist's unfinished work. This outdated notion keeps many clients returning to uncomfortable or unprofessional situations. The reality? Many of us in the industry are willing to help clients complete pieces when the original relationship has broken down. Creating a genuine connection with a new artist and being honest about your situation can often get you what you want. A new relationship with a tattoo artist who is a better fit for you.

And that deposit you don't want to lose? Consider that payment for never having to deal with that person again. Your body, your comfort, and your agency are worth far more than any deposit. You don't owe anyone your skin, time, or money. When reasonable efforts to maintain a good professional relationship fail, giving yourself permission to move on is the right thing to do.

Listen to the episode, and remember, that the art you wear, ideally comes with positive memories. Share your experiences or questions with me—I'd love to hear your thoughts.

You can connect with me, Micah Riot, as well as see my tattoo art on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/micahriot/

Micah's website is www.micahriot.com
The podcast is hosted on Buzzsprout but truly lives in the heart of Micah's website at:
https://www.micahriot.com/ink-medicine-podcast/

Send us a text

One afternoon I received a message over IG thanking me for having a page on my website that mentions cultural appropriation in tattooing. I looked at the person's profile and saw that they were a tattoo artist too. This person was Renée Mak. I thanked Renée for her acknowledgement and suggested that we take this conversation onto the Ink Medicine podcast.

It is no secret that the western and predominantly white tattoo industry is still very insistent that tattooing Chinese characters, Japanese body suits, Maori markings, and other Indigenous symbols on a white client's skin is totally fine. Is it? Maybe. Sometimes. In general, not really.

We talk about all of this in great detail.

Renée Mak is a Chinese Canadian queer human, a tattoo artist, a Buddhist, an acrobat and a circus artist, a producer and a writer. The words that come to mind most insistently is that Renée is brilliant and luminous. I could talk to her all day. Enjoy.

Renée can be found on Instagram at @the.magician.tattoos and @disasterclown

Her tattoo studio is @softhearts.studio

You can connect with me, Micah Riot, as well as see my tattoo art on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/micahriot/

Micah's website is www.micahriot.com
The podcast is hosted on Buzzsprout but truly lives in the heart of Micah's website at:
https://www.micahriot.com/ink-medicine-podcast/