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Scott Campbell Launches “Stupid Things for Love” Podcast

A new interview series celebrates the time spent together while getting tattooed

Scott Campbell, renowned fine artist and tattooist with a career spanning over two decades, has launched a new podcast titled “Stupid Things for Love” today. An interview series, it’s a departure from the traditional display of his artistry, offering an intimate look into the profound connections that form between him and his clients during the process of tattooing them. The podcast promises candid conversations with a wide array of guests, from celebrities to everyday individuals—all sharing their vulnerabilities and personal narratives against the backdrop of Campbell’s tattooing sessions.

Campbell describes the essence of his new project, emphasizing the importance of the emotional exchange throughout the process. “I’ve always wanted to communicate that part of my practice as much as just the picture at the end of it,” he explains. “The tattoo that comes out of it is great, but it’s an artifact of this ceremony and this moment and this exchange.” This sentiment captures the essence of “Stupid Things for Love,” where the focus shifts from the aesthetic outcome to the intimate moments shared during the tattooing process.

Marc Jacobs and Scott Campbell, by Craig McDean. Courtesy of Scott Campbell

The podcast features discussions that are as revealing as they are diverse, with debut episodes including conversations with figures such as skateboarder Tony Hawk, fashion designer Marc Jacobs and music producer Benny Blanco. These episodes underscore Campbell’s ability to foster a space where guests feel comfortable sharing their stories, a skill he attributes to his longstanding practice as a tattoo artist.

There is more hazard in under sharing than there is in oversharing

Scott Campbell

Campbell also touches on the delicate balance of sharing personal stories in such a public forum. While acknowledging that guests sometimes request privacy over certain details, he argues for the value of openness. “There is more hazard in under sharing than there is in oversharing,” he states, underlining his belief in the power of vulnerability and storytelling.

“Stupid Things for Love” is not just a podcast, it’s an extension of Campbell’s philosophy as an artist and individual. The show offers listeners a rare insight into the intimate, raw and often unseen moments that occur within the tattoo studio. It’s about capturing “that intimacy as much as I communicate the aesthetic,” Campbell says, inviting audiences to experience the real value of his work—the emotional connections and shared humanity that come to life under his needles.

From the COOL HUNTING Video Archive: Scott Campbell – Tattoos and Lasers, 2008

As the podcast unfolds weekly every Monday, Scott Campbell will continue to explore the complexities of love and human connection, sharing the profound narratives that have defined his career. Through “Stupid Things for Love,” Campbell opens up a new chapter, merging the worlds of tattoo artistry and storytelling to celebrate the intricate tapestry of human emotions and relationships.

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