Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cody Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cody, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

The best and only mentor I ever had was Joe Godby. Joe taught me a good bit about tattooing and a lot about life. I think I started apprenticing when I was 20 years old. I didn’t really know him prior to that besides getting a small tattoo or two; so being asked to apprentice was really rad. It’ was kinda a blind jump for both of us honestly. I’d like to think we both didn’t know exactly how to handle the situation haha, but it worked out just fine. He did his best and I did mine. Of course we had ‘rocky’ business related moments, but that was to be expected and it definitely wasn’t easy. However it was nice getting caught up in each other’s lives and really establishing a connection other than work. I feel like that’s what really made it special. I know a lot of tattoo artist have falling out with their mentors but mine became my best friend. We hung out outside of work and ironically he only lived like 3 miles from my house so work and hangouts were never an issue. Whenever I needed advice or help, he was always there and that’s all I could have asked. I’m still super humbled of everything and taught me. And he even gave me advice how to get knowledge he didn’t know himself. He always said he wanted me to be better than him and to always grow as an artist. Which honestly, probably made him a better teacher than he though he would be. He didn’t take me under his wing so the shop could just ‘make money’ but moreso pass down his knowledge and trade to someone who would really appreciate it and honor it. I really can’t thank him enough for everything he’s shared with me. Joe passed away a couple years ago and it still hits me pretty hard to this day. I think about him constantly and always think ‘how would Joe have handled this’ etc. Rest in Power man. Best and only mentor I ever had and I couldn’t have had a better one.

Boss wise, I’ve definitely had a few that stuck out so I have to give a shout out to Carter Ray down in Savannah / Hinesville. He was really rad to work for. A cool guy, loved tattooing; not just the money. He gave me a job a few years back down there and it was a pretty big monumental shift in my career. He always threw me a bone if needed too. Forever grateful for that Opportunity. So Carter if you’re reading this; Hey bud! Miss ya.

Also I started in February at Portal Tattoo Gallery in Woodstock, Georgia. I’m really enjoying the place and the environment that Cory & Vinny have created. They’re definitely next level bosses that don’t feel like bosses. They work with us all the time. Keep everyone on the same playing level field and even throw you a bone or break if you need it. It’s the little things that add up and really make a boss stand out and they are definitely super accommodating and rad. Love you guys.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey guys, my name is Cody Smith and I’m a tattoo artist. Almost 10 years now, which is crazy when I think about it ha. I had an apprenticeship with Joe Godby at this little tattoo shop in McDonough many years ago. I appreciated for a year then worked there for a bit. Eventually I just outgrew the place and started branching out to try to make a name for myself.

I don’t strive to be famous. No ‘inkmaster’ tv show. No popularity contest. Heck, I’m prob the least competitive person I know. Of course all of those things are rad but honestly I just want to make good clean tattoos and go home to my family. I try to stand out by being the best tattooer and person I can be. I try not to compare or get caught up in a lot of industry drama or selfishness. I like things simple. The more I focus on my craft and my family, the more self rewarding I feel and accomplished. I really think that outlook helps the way I progress at the end of the day.

I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and everyone that has been supportive of me. Getting tattooed, buying a painting, saying hello and being a decent human being. Nothing too small for appreciation. I’m really honored and humbled by the support of my clients and friends. I couldn’t be doing what I do without you. Thank you. Thank you a million times. Thank you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Being a tattooer, we’re pretty nomadic. A lot of tattooers move around a lot. I haven’t went crazy moving around, but I’ve definitely seen my fair share of tattoo shops and cities. It’s always been pretty fun yet challenging. It’s really hard going to a new place and have little to zero clientele. It’s scary honestly. I find moving somewhere a little easier if the town is tourists-y, has a big college, or is in a big city. When I moved to Savannah, that was 4 hours away from my first shop. Needless to say, I really didn’t have clientele. Not a lot of people would travel 4 hours for a tattoo. I’m not saying it’s bad, but it’s not very common for the average client haha. It definitely lit a fire under my ass to work harder and push as much as I can to keep up. Moving new shops has always been humbling because every time I’m pushing harder than the last. It’s always a big change / pivot when you make a big move but it’s best to use it for positivity and motivation..

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I really thinking talking to people and other artists really help! A lot of tattooers can be kinda reclusive. They might not mean to be. They could just be busy and not have a second to chat or have something personal going on. I always tried to be nice and initiate conversations and relationships. I feel the more people you know, the more chances of success you have. Knowledge is power. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve got a job by previously knowing someone. I just try to be nice and treat people with kindness and respect. I’m the kind of person that would rather walk away than curse someone out. I just try to be super proficient with my time and negativity costs a lot if you think about it. You could spend time doing a painting or drawing opposed to bitching to your coworker about a client that is being a pain in the butt. I just feel honestly goes a long way in the industry and even with clients. Like if someone wants a tattoo and I don’t do that style of tattooing; I’m not going to just do the tattoo to make some money. I’d rather be honest with them and recommend someone else. Because if I do a bad tattoo; that comes back to me. Someone gets a bad tattoo.. tell their friends I did it… then no would want to come get a tattoo! In a weird way, doing any tattoo is advertisement. So I find it best to just be honest with people. 9/10 the person is cool and totally understands. Giving another artist recommendation is just a bonus. Plus I feel it’s all kinda good karma.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.portaltattoogallery.com
• Instagram: @codysmithtattoos