TattooNOW Updates: Websites, Onboarding, Conventions and Livestreams
TattooNOW Kicks Off 2026 With Major Platform Updates and Event Announcements
If you're looking to maximize your impact as a tattoo artist in 2026, you need the right tools and connections. Gabe Ripley, founder of TattooNOW, kicked off the new year with a comprehensive update covering new website building tools, streamlined onboarding processes, and exciting events happening throughout the year. From tattoo conventions in Venice, Italy to artist retreats in Massachusetts, TattooNOW is expanding its mission to help tattooers leave the longest lasting impact they can on humanity.
This episode was made possible thanks to the TattooNOW platform and its growing community of tattoo professionals.
"Tattooers change lives, people for the better. They can feel better about themselves every single day. It's amazing and I'm wicked excited to be part of it." — Gabe Ripley
About Gabe Ripley
Gabe Ripley is a computer geek for tattooers and the founder of TattooNOW. With a focus on leveraging technology and events to support the tattoo industry, Gabe has built a comprehensive platform that helps tattoo artists build their online presence, manage their businesses, and connect with the broader tattoo community. His mission is simple but grandiose: to help tattooers leave the longest lasting impact they can on humanity.
Please enjoy!
New Website Building Tools Rolling Out
TattooNOW is moving client websites over to a new system, and the results are impressive. The platform just migrated Darkside Tattoo's 25-year-old website to the new system, showcasing the flexibility and power of the updated tools.
One standout example is Tattooing Wisdom's newly updated site at tattooingwisdom.com. "He was able to do this all himself on the new Tattoo Now website building tools," Gabe explained. The site features:
A custom spinning logo (possibly created with AI)
Tattoo consultation request forms
A "want to do" section with pre-designed flash that clients can click to schedule and purchase
An internal e-commerce store similar to Shopify for selling original art and merchandise
The artist, who leads Monday morning breathing classes as part of the Reinventing the Tattoo groups, now has a complete online presence that he built himself using the intuitive new tools. More website migrations are coming throughout 2026.
Streamlined Onboarding Makes Setup Easier Than Ever
TattooNOW has launched a completely new onboarding system designed to simplify the setup process for both new and existing clients. "If you are a new client, then you're going to have a nice easy setup," Gabe noted.
The onboarding system includes:
Onboarding forms with step-by-step guidance
Onboarding calls for personalized assistance
Setup accounts with video tutorials for each tool
Quick links to go straight to different tools
Gmail and Google accounts setup
Social media account creation (including Threads with one-click setup)
Import contacts functionality
Mobile app setup
For existing clients, there's even a "skip all" option that marks everything complete if you've already set up your accounts. "We're trying to simplify it as much as possible because well, it's quite a bit. It's a lot of tools," Gabe acknowledged.
Icons and Prodigies: Venice, Italy Convention
One of the most exciting announcements is the Icons and Prodigies convention in Venice, Italy on November 14-15, 2026. Co-produced by TattooNOW, this event is hosted by Alex De Pase, Allessio Vtori, and Gabe Ripley.
The artist lineup is stacked with incredible talent:
@Jackieart (Jaki_) - "Amazing Dolly tattoo, Dolly Disney tattoo"
@tattosby - Stunning black and gray work with impressive back pieces
@blackbe.tattoo - More incredible back pieces that need to be seen in person
"Just looking at all these tattoos in person at the show is unbelievable," Gabe said. And contrary to popular belief, "Venice isn't as expensive as you think it is. It could be, but it doesn't have to be."
Check out the website and Instagram for the full artist roster and more details.
Paradise Artist Retreat Returns to Massachusetts
Mark your calendars for October 6-8, 2026 at Jiminy Peak in Western Massachusetts. The Paradise Artist Retreat offers three days of inspiration and art creation with a unique twist: no tattooing happens at this event.
"Everybody sets up easels and does all sorts of original art," Gabe explained. The retreat focuses purely on artistic creation and inspiration.
The 2026 headliners are exceptional:
Peter Morbacher - Check him out on YouTube if you're not familiar
Jennifer Gari (@jen_art on Instagram)
David Chiefts - An artist who is also learning to tattoo
You can watch videos from previous Paradise Artist Retreats on YouTube or visit paradiseartistaretreat.com for more information.
TattooNOW at Major Conventions
TattooNOW and its partners will have a presence at several major conventions in 2026:
Star of Texas (Austin, January 2026) - Jake Meeks will be attending this long-running Texas show
Tacoma, Washington Tattoo Convention (End of January 2026) - Derek Youngberg from Tattoo Career Builders and Coalition Tattoo Supply will be there
New England Tattoo Expo (April 2026) - Sean from Dark Side Tattoo, Mark from Needle Jig, and Gabe will all attend at the casino venue
"If you're a TattooNOW member or subscriber or even just somebody who watches, make sure that you say hi. And then the first tasty beverage will be on us, be it a beer, tea, or a coffee," Gabe offered.
Upcoming Live Streams
TattooNOW has several exciting live streams scheduled:
January 14th, 2026 - Tony Urbanek joins the stream. Tony runs two tattoo conventions and makes tattoo machines.
January 21st, 2026 - Studio Owners Panel with Haley Adams, Sean O'Hara, and Bart Andrews. This panel offers a unique opportunity: "If you're a tattooer who's interested in a possible guest spot or residency, then you could get Grilled Live. Just comment below or DM us and you could hop on that panel and get interviewed by shop owners."
You can watch these live streams at tattoos.social or catch the replays on YouTube at youtube.com/tattoonowgab.
SHOW NOTES
[00:00] Introduction and Mission Statement
[01:15] Website Updates and New System
[02:30] Tattooing Wisdom Website Showcase
[04:00] New Onboarding System Features
[06:45] Icons and Prodigies Venice Convention
[08:30] Featured Artists
[10:00] Paradise Artist Retreat Details
[11:30] Convention Appearances
[12:45] Upcoming Live Streams
[13:30] Where to Watch
MORE GABE QUOTES FROM THIS UPDATE
On TattooNOW's Mission
[00:45] "Simple but grandiose mission to help tattooers leave the longest lasting impact they can on humanity. Tattooers change lives, people for the better. They can feel better about themselves every single day." — Gabe Ripley
On the New Website Tools
[02:45] "He (James Wisdom) was able to do this all himself on the new TattooNOW website building tools. I think that he probably used AI maybe to go after the spinning logo or maybe he was using another trick." — Gabe Ripley
On the Onboarding System
[05:30] "These days, we're trying to simplify it as much as possible because well, it's quite a bit. It's a lot of tools." — Gabe Ripley
On Venice Convention
[09:15] "Just looking at all these tattoos in person at the show is unbelievable. And Venice isn't as expensive as you think it is. It could be, but it doesn't have to be." — Gabe Ripley
On Meeting at Conventions
[12:30] "If you're a Tattoo Now member or subscriber or even just somebody who watches, make sure that you say hi. And then the first tasty beverage will be on us, be it a beer or a coffee." — Gabe Ripley
LINKS AND CONNECTIONS
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE UPDATE
Connect with TattooNOW:
Watch Live: tattoos.social
YouTube: youtube.com/tattoonowgabe
FEATURED WEBSITES
FEATURED ARTISTS FOR ICONS AND PRODIGIES VENICE
[@tattosby]
[@blackbe.tattoo]
EVENTS MENTIONED
Icons and Prodigies - Venice, Italy (November 14-15, 2026)
Paradise Artist Retreat - Jiminy Peak, MA (October 6-8, 2026)
Star of Texas Tattoo Convention - Austin, TX (January 2026)
Tacoma Tattoo Convention - Tacoma, WA (End of January 2026)
New England Tattoo Expo (April 2026)
PEOPLE MENTIONED
Alex Depass (Icons and Prodigies host)
Alisio Vtori (Icons and Prodigies host)
Jake Meeks
Derek Youngberg (Tattoo Career Builders, Coalition Tattoo Supply)
Sean (Dark Side Tattoo)
Marc (Needle Jig)
Tony Urbanek (Upcoming livestream guest)
Haley Adams (Studio Owners Panel)
Shaun O'Hara (Studio Owners Panel)
Peter Morbacher (Paradise Artist Retreat headliner)
Jennifer Gari [@jen_art] (Paradise Artist Retreat headliner)
David Chiefts (Paradise Artist Retreat headliner)
About TattooNOW
TattooNOW is a comprehensive platform designed specifically for tattoo professionals. From website building tools and business management systems to live streams and industry events, TattooNOW helps tattooers build their brands, grow their businesses, and connect with the global tattoo community. The platform combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of what tattoo artists need to succeed in today's digital landscape.
Whether you're looking to update your online presence, streamline your client management, or connect with other professionals at world-class events, TattooNOW provides the tools and community support to help you leave a lasting impact on your clients and the industry.
For more information about TattooNOW's website tools, onboarding system, or upcoming events, visit tattoonow.com or catch the live streams at tattoos.social.
