This past weekend I got the privilege of attending Tampa’s First Annual Tattoo Arts Conventions held at the Tampa Convention Center. The three day event boasted more than 300 world renowned artists from 150 different tattoo shops. The convention featured some amazing performances such as Burlesque and Suspension shows. Various vendors came out to sell unique jewelry and some hilarious clothing.
Event goers were able to get a glimpse of each artists portfolio book. Most artist’s books featured pictures of past tattoos they have done, and some included their own drawings, both of which reflected their particular style and expertise.
Excited tattoo enthusiasts had the opportunity to get any tattoo they wanted on the spot. (Unless it was a crazy 8-hour back-neck-leg-arm-wraparound piece#-ain’t nobody got time for that).
Many of the artists only had these few, precious days before having to return to their distant homes, which had the convention buzzing with an excitingly gutsy, ‘now-or-never’ vibe. For someone, such as me, having only three non-visible tattoos, I was simply awestruck. And with hundreds of incredible artists, came hundreds of incredible styles, many that I barely knew existed. At least not ALL of them!
I happen to be a real indecisive butthead, causing me to have racked up over a dozen tattoo ideas in my head, but too particular and picky to commit to any one of them, not until I get it down ‘perfectly.’ And this! This#- smorgasbord of tattoos, appearing in every possible shape, color, size, placement and design, had made it a whole lot worse.
Nevertheless, there is always the flip side. Even though I didn’t personally leave with a new, awesome tattoo; I got over 30 business cards, two T-shirts and a real, newfound direction of what exact tattoo(s) I wanted#-all of my little nit-picking details included.
Many individuals pass negative judgements about others because they have tattoos, similarly to how people are judged every day based on the clothes they wear, or the music they listen to. Just as we all should be open to another’s beliefs and opinions, so should we be open to the art they choose to enjoy, even if it is on their own body. Remember: what’s an art form to some, may not be to others. Skin can be a canvas too.
If you missed it, not to worry! The success of the convention is bound to bring more like it, and if nothing else I can probably part with a few business cards from my looming stack.
