Damon Conklin, co-founder of the Seattle Tattoo Expo, gets right to the point, so to speak, when describing the event.
“It’s an exhibition, but it’s also a big party!” he said.
Conklin’s big party is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year by bringing in tattoo artists from all over the world as well as an assortment of wild and whimsical artwork.
“My vision … is to show the tattoo world how great Seattle is and how much talent we have here. I also want to show the tattooers in Seattle what the world has to offer.”
The Seattle Tattoo Expo:
Seattle Center 301 Harrison St.
2–10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12
12–10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13
12–8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14
This weekend, visitors can purchase one-day, three-day, or VIP passes and experience the tattooing world right here at Seattle Center. It is also a family friendly event; children under 12 get in free.
The expo is a “forum for tattooers to share stories and experiences and learn new things from each other. We have a good time,” said Shawn Barber, an artist at Memoir Tattoo in Los Angeles who plans to attend. “As far as the art goes, seeing great tattoos and industry icons is definitely inspirational.”
Barber, who will be teaching a “Drawing Heads and Hands” seminar on Sunday, is excited to support the convention and see his friends. He commented on how great it is to have an event where people in his industry could gather. This is his fourth year attending.
In addition to seminars and socializing, the event also has people actually tattooing. A couple hundred tattoo artists set up shop and showcase their skills.
“They do cost money,” Conklin says with a laugh. “It’s the benefit of being able to find an artist from anywhere in the world, and get a piece. London, Spain, Detroit, it’s all there.”
This year 110 booths are scheduled; the first year’s event had 30. The expo started in a warehouse near Mercer Street; now it takes up a corner of the Seattle Center.
Although tattooing is a centuries-old art, it’s hard to say what the current trends are.
“I tattooed a mudflap girl on a guy’s ass,” said April Cornell, expo contest emcee and artist at Hidden Hand Tattoo in Seattle. “It was so amusing, his family was there at the convention making fun of him the whole time.” Cornell met her husband, Jeff, when she got her first tattoo at the age of 18.
Christy Brooker, owner of Damask Tattoo in Queen Anne had a similar experience. “I recently did a five-inch by-five-inch ‘My Little Pony’ on a man’s butt!” she said.
Brooker decided to open her tattoo shop in Queen Anne because she was a long-time resident and loves the atmosphere there. She also does permanent cosmetics and believes Queen Anne is a great match for her salon-like shop. Her clientele is a mix of locals and visitors who “grab a cup of coffee in the area afterwards.”
Brooker noted some changes she’s seen in the tattoo industry. Although people usually start with a couple of small tattoos, she now has first timers wanting full sleeves.
Cornell agreed. “I have young people right out of school who want sleeves and back pieces.”
In addition to the artist and vendor booths, there will be an art show, concerts and contests. Those wishing to enter a tattoo contest can fill out a form with the $10 entry fee and show off their tattoo.
“It’s so fun to get so many entries in the contests,” Cornell said. “I’m excited to see all my friends -- the expo is like a family reunion for tattooers.”
For more information, visit http://www.seattletattooexpo.com/ or contact info@seattletattooexpo.com
[[In-content Ad]]