PMU & SMP Shows: Pay to Play… Or Play It Smart? EP. 134

In this episode, David Santiago breaks down the reality of PMU and SMP shows, events, awards, and the “pay-to-play” model that’s becoming more common in the industry.

Are events just paid marketing platforms? Is that necessarily a bad thing?

Or are artists confusing exposure with actual business growth?

David shares his personal experiences with event organizers, speaking invitations that still required payment, and the difference between being paid for your value versus paying for visibility. He dives into the pros and cons of industry events, how some awards are tied to sponsorship tiers, and why clients often can’t tell the difference between earned recognition and paid positioning.

He also addresses a controversial topic: inexperienced artists paying to become judges and evaluating work from veterans with years more experience — and what that means for industry standards.

This episode isn’t about attacking event organizers or tearing down artists. It’s about clarity. It’s about business maturity. And it’s about understanding the difference between exposure and leverage.

If you attend shows, speak at events, compete for awards, or plan to… this episode will help you look at it all through a smarter lens.

Because in business, it’s not about being seen.

It’s about knowing what you’re building when people are looking.

Tune in.

Connect with David:

IG: @scalpsolutionsny

Web: https://www.scalpsolutionsny.com

Todays podcast is sponsored by:

Hustle Butter Deluxe – The ultimate tattoo care product trusted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an SMP artist or tattoo professional, Hustle Butter keeps the skin smooth, reduces redness, and promotes faster healing—before, during, and after the procedure. 100% vegan and packed with natural ingredients, it’s a must-have in your setup.

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Palms Fashion – Your trusted source for professional barber, SMP and beauty supplies. Explore their extensive range of products at palmsfashioninc.com.

WAVA Water – Spark your creativity and boost your focus with WAVA, the lightly caffeinated sparkling water infused with binaural beats of sound frequency. Designed for high performers, WAVA helps you stay energized, creative, and productive — without the crash. Ready to level up your hydration? Visit drinkwava.com and experience the future of functional beverages!

Bishop SMP – Since 2008, Bishop has set the standard in the tattoo industry, and now that same quality is powering the SMP world. From the SMP Power Wand built for precision and comfort, to SMP-specific needles and pigments engineered for flawless results, Bishop SMP is trusted by artists who want to elevate their craft. Ready to level up? Visit BishopSMP.com and experience the difference.

Micropigmentation Educators – A ready-to-use SMP & PMU training platform built for serious artists. Deliver real fundamentals with zero guesswork.

Visit MPEducators.com to get started.