Research Note: I’ve attended several tattoo conventions over the past three years, from small regional shows to larger national events. This post draws from my personal experiences attending conventions, talking with artists who work convention circuits, and learning from both great experiences and mistakes I made at my first convention. I’m sharing this as a fellow enthusiast who loves the convention atmosphere, not as an industry insider.
Why Tattoo Conventions Are Special
My first tattoo convention was overwhelming in the best way possible. Hundreds of artists under one roof, live tattooing happening everywhere, the buzz of machines creating a constant hum, incredible artwork on display, and people proudly showing off their fresh ink and healed collections.
Tattoo conventions offer something you can’t get from just following artists on Instagram: you see their work in person, watch them tattoo live, talk directly with artists you admire, and immerse yourself in tattoo culture in a way that’s impossible online. Whether you’re planning to get tattooed at a convention, competing for awards, or just soaking up the atmosphere, conventions are an experience every tattoo enthusiast should have at least once.
What Actually Happens at Tattoo Conventions
The Main Components
According to Tattoodo’s convention guide, most tattoo conventions include these elements:
Artist Booths:
- Individual artists or shops set up temporary stations
- Artists tattoo clients throughout the convention
- Portfolio books available to view
- Opportunity to meet artists and discuss future projects
Tattoo Competitions:
- Categories like Best Black and Grey, Best Color, Best Portrait, etc.
- Judges evaluate fresh tattoos completed at the convention
- Awards ceremony typically on final day
- Prestige for winning artists
Vendor Booths:
- Tattoo equipment suppliers
- Aftercare product companies
- Clothing and art vendors
- Jewelry and body modification vendors
Live Entertainment:
- Live music performances
- Art exhibitions
- Sideshow performances (fire eating, sword swallowing, etc.)
- Body suspension demonstrations (not for the faint of heart)
Seminars and Workshops:
- Industry education for artists
- Technique demonstrations
- Business workshops for tattoo professionals
- Usually not open to general public (artist-only sessions)
Convention Sizes and Types
Regional/Local Conventions:
- 50-150 artists
- 1-2 day events
- More intimate, easier to navigate
- Great for first-timers
- Often feature local and regional artists
National Conventions:
- 200-500+ artists
- 2-3 day events
- Traveling artists from across the country
- Can feel overwhelming but incredible variety
- Higher caliber competition
International Conventions:
- 500-1000+ artists
- 3-4 day events
- Artists from around the world
- Massive vendor area
- Major entertainment acts
Booking Tattoo Convention Appointments
Before the Convention (Recommended)
Most artists book their convention schedules weeks or months in advance.
How to Book Ahead:
- Check the convention website for artist list (usually published 2-3 months before event)
- Research artists you’re interested in (check portfolios, styles, availability)
- Contact artists directly (Instagram DM, email, or through their shop)
- Be prepared to pay deposit (typically 50% of estimated cost)
- Confirm appointment closer to convention date
Advantages of Pre-Booking:
- Guaranteed time with artist you want
- Can plan larger pieces with time blocked out
- Artist has time to prepare custom design
- Less stressful than walk-up competition
My Experience: I booked my convention piece 6 weeks in advance with an artist traveling from across the country. The deposit was $150 (50% of estimated $300 total), and we finalized the design over Instagram DMs two weeks before the convention. Having a confirmed appointment meant I could relax and enjoy the convention instead of stressing about finding an available artist.
Walk-Up Appointments (Day-Of)
Some artists accept walk-up clients throughout the convention.
How Walk-Ups Work:
- Artist has open time slots in their schedule
- You discuss design, placement, and pricing on the spot
- Usually limited to flash (pre-drawn designs) or simple custom work
- First-come, first-served basis
Best for:
- Small pieces (1-2 hours)
- Flash designs
- Spontaneous decisions
- Collectors willing to work with whoever’s available
Challenges:
- Competition for popular artists
- May not get your first choice
- Limited time for custom design discussion
- Rushed decision-making
Tips for Walk-Ups:
- Arrive early (right when convention opens)
- Have several artist options in mind
- Come with clear design ideas or be open to flash
- Bring reference images on your phone
- Know your budget and communicate it upfront
Convention Tattoo Pricing
How Convention Pricing Works
Convention pricing often differs from shop pricing:
Hourly Rates:
- Some artists charge their normal hourly rate
- Others discount slightly for convention volume
- Traveling artists may charge premium for convention exclusivity
Day Rates:
- Some artists offer full-day rates (6-8 hours)
- Can be more economical for large pieces
- Allows for significant progress in one sitting
Flash Pricing:
- Pre-drawn designs at set prices
- Usually $100-500 depending on size and complexity
- First-come, first-served (once design is claimed, it’s unavailable)
Deposits and Payment:
- Deposits required for pre-booked appointments (typically 50%)
- Most artists accept cash only at conventions (ATMs often on-site but have fees)
- Bring more cash than you think you’ll need
Tipping: Convention tattoos should be tipped like shop tattoos—15-20% of the total cost.
What to Bring to a Tattoo Convention
Essential Items
For Getting Tattooed:
- Cash (ATMs available but charge fees; bring $100+ more than expected cost)
- Valid ID (required to get tattooed)
- Comfortable clothing that provides easy access to tattoo area
- Water bottle and snacks (hydration and blood sugar matter during long sessions)
- Headphones (conventions are loud; music helps during sessions)
- Aftercare supplies (artist will bandage, but bring your own aftercare for later)
- Fully charged phone (for photos, communication, passing time during session)
For Attending/Browsing:
- Cash (many vendors and artists are cash-only)
- Camera/Phone (with permission, photos of booths and artwork)
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking and standing for hours)
- Light jacket (convention centers can be cold)
- Hand sanitizer (you’ll be touching portfolio books, shaking hands)
- Business cards from artists (collect contacts for future bookings)
What NOT to Bring:
- Friends who hate tattoos (they’ll be miserable and complain)
- Alcohol (conventions are usually no-alcohol for safety)
- Large bags (security and crowding issues)
Convention Etiquette and Rules
Unwritten Rules I Learned the Hard Way
Taking Photos:
- Always ask before photographing someone’s tattoo
- Artists are usually fine with booth/portfolio photos (but ask)
- No photos during tattooing without permission
- Respect people’s privacy and bodies
Interacting with Artists:
- Artists are working and focused—respect their time
- Don’t interrupt during tattooing for casual conversation
- Ask booth attendants questions first (artists often have assistants)
- If an artist is clearly busy, come back later
Competition Etiquette:
- Don’t touch competition entries without permission
- Photographers get priority angles during judging (step aside)
- Applaud all winners, even if your favorite didn’t win
General Conduct:
- Respect personal space (conventions get crowded)
- Don’t touch people’s tattoos without permission
- Shower and use deodorant (close quarters, be considerate)
- Don’t haggle or lowball artists (disrespectful)
Convention No-Nos
Don’t:
- Show up drunk or intoxicated (won’t get tattooed, might get kicked out)
- Bring children to adult-oriented conventions (check age restrictions)
- Copy or trace artists’ designs without permission
- Criticize artists’ work to their face (constructive feedback is fine, rudeness isn’t)
- Take flash photos without asking (bright flashes are disruptive)
Tattoo Convention Competitions
How Competitions Work
Conventions typically hold tattoo competitions with various categories.
Common Competition Categories:
- Best Black and Grey
- Best Color
- Best Portrait
- Best Sleeve
- Best Large Tattoo
- Best Small Tattoo
- Best Cover-Up
- Best Traditional
- Best Realism
- Tattoo of the Day/Show
Judging Process:
- Artists register their tattoos for specific categories
- Tattoos must be fresh (completed at the convention, usually within 24 hours)
- Clients display tattoos for judges at designated time
- Judges evaluate based on technical execution, design, difficulty
- Winners announced at awards ceremony (usually final day)
What Judges Look For:
- Technical skill (clean lines, smooth shading, color saturation)
- Artistic design and composition
- Difficulty level (complex pieces score higher)
- Originality
- Clean execution without mistakes
As a Client:
- If your artist wants to enter your fresh tattoo in competition, that’s an honor
- You’ll need to be present at judging time (usually specific hours each day)
- Winning brings prestige to your artist
- You get bragging rights for having award-winning ink
Making the Most of Your First Convention
My Recommendations Based on Experience
First Convention? Don’t Get Tattooed: This might be controversial, but I recommend attending your first convention as an observer without booking a tattoo. Here’s why:
- Get a feel for convention atmosphere without commitment
- See artists’ work in person before booking
- Learn convention layout and logistics
- Identify artists you want to work with at future conventions
- Enjoy the experience without the stress of an appointment
Exception: If there’s a specific traveling artist you’ve been following who’s only available at this convention, book them. But for local/regional conventions that happen annually, consider observing first.
Schedule Wisely:
- Conventions are exhausting (sensory overload, crowds, standing for hours)
- Don’t book a tattoo for the last hour of the last day (you’ll be drained)
- Book early in day (you and artist are fresh, best work)
- Build in breaks (eat, hydrate, step outside for air)
Research Artists Before You Go:
- Download the artist list from convention website
- Research portfolios of artists you’re interested in
- Make a shortlist of must-visit booths
- Save artist Instagram handles for reference
Bring a Friend (The Right Friend):
- Choose someone who appreciates tattoos
- Someone who won’t complain about the scene
- Helpful to have company during long tattoo sessions
- Can take photos and fetch water/snacks
Talk to Artists: Even if you’re not getting tattooed that day:
- Introduce yourself to artists you admire
- Ask about booking appointments for future projects
- Collect business cards
- Get on their email list for convention schedules
Convention Aftercare Challenges
Special Considerations
Getting tattooed at a convention requires extra aftercare vigilance:
Immediate Aftercare:
- Convention environments are not sterile (lots of people, dust, bacteria)
- Keep tattoo covered/bandaged while at convention
- Don’t let strangers touch your fresh tattoo
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching fresh tattoo
Traveling Home:
- Long car rides or flights with fresh tattoo can be uncomfortable
- Bring extra bandaging for travel
- Wear loose, clean clothing
- Plan bathroom stops for washing/aftercare
Hotel Aftercare:
- Hotel rooms aren’t always the cleanest
- Bring your own clean towels
- Wash tattoo before bed
- Don’t soak in hotel bathtubs (shower only)
Standard Aftercare (per Association of Professional Piercers):
- Wash gently 2-3 times daily with fragrance-free antibacterial soap
- Pat dry with clean paper towel
- Apply thin layer of fragrance-free aftercare product
- Avoid soaking, swimming, and direct sun for 2-3 weeks
Notable Tattoo Conventions
Major Conventions Worth Attending
Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention:
- One of the oldest and most prestigious in the US
- Draws international artists
- Strong competition categories
London Tattoo Convention:
- Largest in Europe
- Artists from around the world
- 3-day event with massive variety
Hell City Tattoo Festival (Columbus, OH):
- Known for dark art, horror, and alternative styles
- Great entertainment and music acts
- Strong horror/Halloween themes
Musink (Southern California):
- Combines tattoo convention with music festival
- Multiple stages with live music
- Large-scale event
Regional Conventions: Check local and regional conventions in your area—they’re often more intimate and accessible than major national shows, and you’ll discover talented local artists.
My Convention Mistakes (Learn From Me)
Mistake 1: Underprepared for Cash Needs I brought $200 cash for a piece I thought would cost $150. It ended up being $180, plus I wanted to tip $40. I had to use the convention ATM with its $8 fee. Bring extra cash.
Mistake 2: Wore the Wrong Clothes Wore a shirt that made it difficult to access my shoulder for the tattoo. Had to awkwardly remove my shirt. Wear clothing that provides easy access to your tattoo area.
Mistake 3: Didn’t Eat Enough Got lightheaded halfway through a 3-hour session because I skipped lunch. Always eat a full meal before getting tattooed, and bring snacks.
Mistake 4: Booked Too Late in the Day Scheduled a 2-hour tattoo for 4pm on Day 2. By that time, I was exhausted from walking the convention all day, and my artist was clearly tired too. The quality was fine, but it would’ve been better if we were both fresh.
Mistake 5: Didn’t Research Artist Enough Booked a walk-up artist whose style I liked at first glance, but after getting home and seeing their full portfolio, realized they weren’t the best choice for what I wanted. Do your research beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo conventions are incredible experiences for anyone passionate about tattoo art and culture. The energy, the community, the opportunity to see hundreds of artists’ work in person—it’s unmatched.
First-timers: Go to observe and soak it in. Talk to artists, watch them work, collect business cards, and enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll leave inspired and better prepared to book tattoos at future conventions.
Have you been to a tattoo convention? What was your experience? Any tips to share? Drop your convention stories in the comments!
Resources
Finding Conventions:
- Tattoo Convention Calendar
- Tattoodo Convention Listings
- Search “[your city] tattoo convention”
Convention Guides:
Aftercare:
Booking Convention Tattoos:
- Contact artists 4-6 weeks before convention
- Check convention website for artist list
- Follow artists on Instagram for convention announcements
InkedWith is written by tattoo enthusiasts for tattoo enthusiasts. We share real experiences from the tattoo community to help you navigate tattoo culture with confidence.