Ink on the Road: The Quiet Beauty of Tattoo Conventions.
Tattoo conventions aren’t glamorous. They’re not vacations, though a lot of people seem to think they are. They’re early mornings, long days, heavy bags, unfamiliar hotels, and a lot of mental and physical focus. Anyone who travels for tattooing knows that part well. But what doesn’t always get talked about is the quiet beauty that exists inside that grind, and why I continue to travel year after year.
Tattoo events are where growth lives.
There’s something different about being in a room full of artists who are all doing the same thing you are, but in their own way. You can learn a lot online, but watching another artist work in real time just hits different. You see how they approach the skin, how they solve problems, how they move with confidence or slow down with intention. You hear their stories between sessions. You realize how many different paths can lead to meaningful work.
Tattoos done at tattoo conventions over the years…
That kind of exposure keeps you sharp. Keeps you humble.
Some shows become part of your rhythm over time. Evergreen Tattoo Invitational is one of those for me. Created by the late, great Joshua Carlton, Evergreen carries a level of intention that you can feel the moment you walk in. It’s about respect for the craft, respect for each other, and honoring tattooing as an art form. Being part of that space is grounding. It reminds you why standards matter and why discipline matters.
Another show that means a great deal to me is Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo, run by my friend and fellow artist Errick "Rock" Long. Huntsvegas has its own personality. The Vegas-inspired theme brings an energy that’s bold, creative, and a little outside the box, without ever losing its authenticity. It’s fun, it’s immersive, and it encourages artists to lean into what makes their work unique. That atmosphere creates real connection, real conversation, and a space where great tattooing naturally rises to the top.
Then there’s home. Cyan Tattoo & Arts Expo represents Dayton, the place that shaped me as both an artist and a person. Founded by local Dayton artist Josh Wiley, Cyan is about celebrating the talent that exists here and giving back to the scene that gave so many of us our start. Showing up for your hometown carries a different weight. No matter how far you travel, that connection matters.
I’ve also returned to Inked Hearts Tattoo Expo for several years now. There’s something special about coming back to the same events over time. Relationships deepen. Collaborations form naturally. You get to watch artists evolve and grow alongside you. It stops being about networking and starts being about genuine connection. This event is in beautiful Blu Lake, CA where the local talent almost matches this creative beauty
This year, I’m excited to attend Oahu International Tattoo Expo for the first time. Being immersed in a culture with such deep tattoo history is something I’m looking forward to experiencing with openness and respect. Traveling to new places forces you to listen more than you speak, and that’s often where the most meaningful learning happens.
Collaborations at Tattoo Events - Perfect Opportunities
One of the overlooked beauties of tattoo conventions is how easily collaboration happens. When dozens of artists are working side by side, ideas move freely. Styles influence one another. Strengths complement weaknesses. Nothing feels forced. The energy in the room does the work for you.
Artist Collaboration at a Tattoo Event with my brother & colleague, @TylerBowlingTattoos
These events don’t just influence what I tattoo, they influence how I tattoo. Every conversation, every observation, every shared experience finds its way back into the work. Traveling keeps me connected to the larger tattoo community and reminds me that this craft is constantly evolving. At my upcoming Inked Hearts event, I’m teaming up with my good friend and amazing artist, Timmy Grounds for a unique, badass collaboration. Stay tuned for updates!
Tattoo conventions are demanding, but they’re worth it. They remind me why I fell in love with tattooing in the first place and why I continue to show up with intention. If you want to follow along with where the road leads next, you can find my work and upcoming events at therealhip.com or on Instagram @hipsgts, or my FB Page.
Every mile leaves its mark.
