Every year on the last weekend in March, the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh plays host to one of my favourite days out... The Scottish Tattoo Convention! Scotland isn't the only holder of weekends like this, there are annual conventions all over the country (and all over the world too I guess!) throughout the year - in the likes of London, Brighton, Manchester, Liverpool and Carlisle to name a few. I thought I'd share some pictures from this years Edinburgh convention, to give a little insight as to what actually happens at them apart from the obvious tattooing.
Tattoo artists from all over the world gather at these conventions, and the list of artists attending is normally released a good few months before the event takes place. So if you've had your eye on getting tattooed from an artist who isn't from this country, conventions are the perfect opportunity to get booked in with them. It will save you a flight or a train trip, as long as you don't mind getting tattooed in a busy (but still clean and safe) environment, with lots of passers by who will often stand and have a little nosy while you're under the needle. I've been to conventions in London and Carlisle, but I have to say that Edinburgh is still my favourite. It's a good size, not too big and not too small, with a great selection of stalls selling everything from jewellery, clothes, prints, homeware and gifts. A few of my favourite vendors this year were Custom Plugs, Dr Martens (with a whole load of boot customisation going down!) and Vanity Thrills Vintage Beauty Parlour.
There is normally some sort of on stage entertainment at weekends like this, led by a compare who will run tattoo competitions for best in show (hey, just like Crufts! Minus the dogs...) And at this years Edinburgh Convention I was super impressed by Death Do Us Part Danger Show, the lovely ladies who entered into Miss Scottish Pinup 2016, and some fire juggling wizardry from Cervena Fox. Even if you don't fancy getting tattooed, you can browse all the artists portfolios and pick up some prints of their artwork. This year I did get tattooed. And I was sorta glad for it to be happening in such a public place so I had to put on my brave face! Thanks so much to Darryl Mullen for doing this awesome little captain on my hand. I'm actually booked in with him again at Irezumi next week to get the other paw done - wish me luck ♥ Sheri and Amanda (AKA The Colour Pop Girls) also filmed a great vlog from the convention which you can see on their youtube channel here. Keep your eyes peeled for my guest appearance!
Do you have any tattoos? And would you ever fancy going to a Tattoo Convention?
