Got Ink? The 11th Annual Seattle Tattoo Expo Kicks Off This Friday

Zexy lady!
Photo: Seattle Tattoo Expo

Is it really a surprise that tattoos and piercings are popular in Seattle? I mean, we ARE hipper than hell and everyone we know either IS an artist or a frustrated one…what better way to artistically self-express than having Lady Gaga inked on your ass for the rest of your life? As for the queer community, the majority of people we know under the age of 30 are inked or secretly yearn to do so. It’s a rite of passage for many and it’s not just the rock n roll rebel type…everyone from drag queens to muscle bears and  party twinks to Log Cabin Republicans have SOMETHING inked on them, ranging from face tattoos to “secret” inks on places where the sun don’t shine….which in this part of the country would pretty much be the entire body…

Local tattoo/body modification fans have had a weekend to call their own for over a decade now, and the 11th annual Seattle Tattoo Expo begins its three day run this Friday, August 10th at the Northwest Rooms at Seattle Center. A huge line-up of superstar artists will be on hand to consult, advise and actually get you on the road to having Tweety Bird emblazoned on your forehead. What you can expect:

Tattoo Artists

The best of the best tattoo artists from the Northwest and all over the world! Just some of these include Damon Conklin, Cory Norris, Vyvyn “Madame” Lazonga, Jack Rudy, and Stefano Alcantara. 

Art Show

New this year, this special event will showcase new artwork from a collective of artists curated by one of the Expo’s founders, Damon Conklin. Join the artists at Vermillion (1508 11^th Ave.) from 6-10pm on Thursday, August 9. This is part of the Capitol Hill Blitz Art Walk. 

Music

Saturday’s music at the Expo will feature A Lien Nation and Airpocalypse from Portland (from America’s Got Talent 2010). Sunday’s shows will include the Moron Broz (a 90’s punk tribute band). Also that weekend– Friday Night the Seattle Tattoo Expo and Neumo’s present Red Fang, Black Breath and Brokaw (at Neumo’s).  

Food and Drink

Ballard Bros are back for more! Along with gourmet coffee from Caffe Vita, the ever-popular beer garden, and, of course, the cigar lounge “The Ash Hole”! 

Burlesque

J. Von Stratton’s Burlesque featuring Bunny, Fuchsia Foxx, Kitten La Rue, Lou Henry Hoover, Miss Kitty Baby, Kylie Koyote, and of course, J. Von Stratton herself.

Contests

Tattoo contests are a highlight of the Expo and are often judged by local notables. The fun includes an array of categories such as “Best Job Stopper” (new this year), “Best Pin Up”, and “Best Sleeve”. The competition is fierce and contagious! 

Seminars

For Attendees: Beyond the Ink presents The Not So Secret Secrets of the Tattoo World

For the heavily tattooed or the first timer, this seminar is empowering tattoo collectors to make smarter decisions about their body art. (Friday)

For Artists: BLACK & GREY TATTOOING TECHNIQUES with BRYAN CHILDS

Bryan Childs, owner of Spidermonkey Tattoos in Olympia has19 years of experience, and a 1.5 year wait list for tattoos. He has received numerous awards for his black and grey pieces. (Saturday)

Painting Seminar with Damon Conklin: A beginner’s oil workshop. (Sunday)

For more information, including the full schedule, and to buy advance tickets go HERE!

We’re sending some VERY special correspondents to this year’s Expo…you should be looking forward to their report.