It’s convention season and if you’ve ever wondered what the big deal is with tattoo conventions, you’re in luck. Conventions feel like a whole other world, so let’s shed some light on it!
What are Tattoo Conventions?
Tattoo conventions are events that celebrate tattoo culture and bring together artists, enthusiasts, vendors and entertainers from all over the world for what’s usually a multi-day event. Conventions are a lot of fun for both artists and attendees, with contests, giveaways, talks and tutorials taking place. Tattoo conventions are a way for the community to get together to share ideas and discuss the world of tattooing.
History of Tattoo Conventions
After the Vietnam war, tattooing saw a rise in popularity. The first recorded tattoo convention took place in January 1976 in Houston, Texas, and was hosted by tattoo artists Dave Yurkew and Lyle Tuttle. Tuttle himself is quoted as saying that this was “the event that changed tattooing forever”. Roughly 130 tattoo artists attended to compete for cash prizes, learn from other artists and display their work to the tattoo community. These included world-renowned artists such as Mr Tramp, Shanghai Kate, Don Ed Hardy, Sailor West, Charlie Potter and Crazy Ace.
What do they mean to the community?
The first tattoo conventions helped change public opinion and reduce the stigma around tattoos and brought the industry more into the mainstream. While some argue against this and think tattooing is better when kept more niche and protected, changing attitudes has allowed professionals such as doctors and lawyers to do their jobs with much less discrimination than there once was due to a change in how tattoos are perceived. After the AIDs crisis, the tattoo industry suffered a hit due to the fear around hygiene when it came to needles. The tattoo community proved how safe it was and complied with government rules to ensure sanitary practices and conventions once again helped to improve public opinion on tattoos and the industry as a whole.
Why are they beneficial for artists?
Some artists’ careers are centred around travelling the world to visit and work at conventions. Artists working conventions have the opportunity to participate in competitions to win awards and prizes - it’s a great way for them to showcase their work to people who may not have come across them otherwise. Conventions are also a great place for artists to network and learn new techniques from other artists and gain a new direction or focus within their craft.
Getting tattooed at conventions
To get tattooed at a convention, look at the artists who are working the convention you’re attending and research them in advance. If you’re set on being tattooed by an artist, book in prior to the actual convention to ensure your slot. Conventions can be busy and some artists will be very in demand so leaving it to chance on the day could cause you to be disappointed. Some artists will be working on a walk-up basis at a convention so you may be able to just go to their booth and get a tattoo but this is a bit of a risk!
Tattoo conventions are still fun even if you aren’t getting tattooed! Artists may also be selling merch or prints of their work and there’ll be lots of vendors and entertainment going on outside of being tattooed. It’s also a great opportunity to see a variety of artists’ work and portfolios and be exposed to new styles. The community aspect is one of the main draws for tattoo conventions so make the most of it!
