TattooNOW tattoo convention?

Hey folks, Im getting ready to sign a contract for a convention late October 2008. Its quite exciting, Im hoping to gear it towards tattoo artists, apprentices and wannabees, and serious collectors. Of course we will promote the the general public too. So, I should try to pick your brains about what you like, dont like, and would like to see! Lay it on! Any chance some folks will make plans and travel?

The ideal convention: Bands are good, but at a distance or in a seperate room from the tattoo floor. Hard to concentrate or talk to clients with a loud band too close. Impartial Judges. Ones that know about art and/or tattoos, yet are not swayed by politics. Contests that allow multiple sitting (sealed and healed work, as well as 'done that day' stuff). A LOT of categories with places and unique trophies, not just the ususal 5-10 categories with one or two places. Cool vendors such as Pinstripers, flash companies, T-shirt and accessories, Jewelry vendors w/ stuff like large selection of organic guages, Machine builders. Suspension show perhaps? There's some reputable groups out there, and some who will destroy hotel rooms and cause the venue to ban you. I'll send you that info if you need it. I don't need to tell you this Gabe... but adequate marketing!! (and being able to show proof of the show's marketing strategy to the vendors). A show geared to bring in all walks of life... (most shows are targeted to only one or two of these: rockabillys, bikers, hip-hop urban, Goths, Art/Modification elite, etc.) The shows that focus on just one or two of these groups only are generally pretty lame. I could go on for days.

I have newer been in a convention, but here are some thoughts anyway. 1. Many artists seem to NOT go to conventions because the hygiene aspect. So I think the booths should be builded in the way that the client can exist it and go straight to there hotel room etc, and they shouldnt have to go trought the public. Maybe the booths could be near some kinda platform and then the client can just go up couple of steps and walk up in there and get past the croud with out touching them. If that makes sense? And also the booth should be big enough for the artists to keep it clean enough etc. I dont know if the size if one of the main issues? 2. The bands being in another place so it doesnt interfere with talkng would be good. 3. I would love to see something like this done on tattoo conventions. This might sound weird, but bare with me. For example Nick Baxter starts to make a piece. The bigger the better. There will be 3 other tattoo artist participating. Lets say Jon Clue Kore Flatmo Nick starts it and he can stop at anytime he wants. He could have a premade piece of art or something that he is going towards. It could have been made for example by Guy Aitchison and himself He starts and does it as far as he likes. The he puts the ball on that tattoo artists court that he thinks can follow hes thought the best. Lets say Jon. Jon continues who turns it to Kore, who finishes it. Then they get to see the original that Guy and Nick made and see if they are close. There could be little hints in there that they know at least a little where they should take it. A poem A another painting A Song How big it should be What tattoo resemble it Possibilitys are endless I think this would be amazing or at least something else. You REALLY would get to see artists go at it and show there abilities Kinda like hide and seek with the "soul of the art" 4. Maybe a benefit thing? Tickets would cost 10$ for example and the winner would get a free tattoo from chosen artist. The benefit would go to maybe to a LOCAL benefit organization. School repairing, food etc.

thanks for the ideas! We will definitely not have a band in the tattoo rooms, not only is it distracting, but theres no extra room, it will be a pretty small convention, as conventions go. the contests will have to be bulletproof, though, I dont know if we will go crazy with the categories, its good to be judged by your peers, but we're not really *that* competitive. The non-tattoo vendor space will be limited, but I think Im going to try to keep the show focused on custom tattooing, and have things for people to do but keep them all focused on tattooing as much as possible. Of course we will have some kick ass unique vendors, but not too many. We definitely want to attract all walks of life, as the tattoo culture is part of almost every culture on earth! Definitely hoping to get some international artists over... thanks for the ideas, keep em coming!

1. Jack Morton to offer laser treatment? It might be hard to pull of in a small space, because the space would propably have to be a "sealed room" so people wont go blind around it :) But would be cool. 2. For a extra fee (like 50-100$) the clients could have there tattoo process filmed and then it would be put on to a DVD, with little extras (like a small interview with the artist) on it. That would be cool too :) Hasnt been done before(?).

I would like to see artist from the west coast,and from Europe.It seems like every convention today,there's to many local shop's.. Some good healthy food,so you don't have to run outside,and grab something.. Artists collaborating on tattoos. Suicide girls dressed scantily.

Maybe this should be pitched to the people at Pneuma, but how about a booth where Pneumas are actually set up and artists [yes credentials would be checked] can try them out. Perhaps there could be a sign up list for people who want a Kanji. The client gets set up with an artist and the spokespeople can give them a 'walk-thru' with a pneuma. If they don't like it, autoclave the machine, if they do- they can get the whole set up there. This could be the worst idea ever, but i keep hearing people wanting to try out these machines but dont want to invest in a set up only to find out they hate it. Thoughts?

About the contests... I hear what your saying Gabe. The thing is that alot of artists like to compete and be recognized for their work and effort. The problem with most conventions that do have contests... They're super limited on their categories and places. It tends to make it so an artist doesn't want to come back if the work pushes a boundary that doesn't fit limited categories... Like collaboration, or mostly black and grey with one color, or monochromatic, or something that pushes the limit between fantasy and realism. I've never personally been to a Phoenix, AZ show but I hear good things from artists BECAUSE there are lots of categories to enter work, and at least 3 places in each. And its not just for the artist... Clients get a thrill out of entering and possibly winning too. On that note, the best shows seem to have a token prize for BOTH artist and client to take home. (Also great advertising for building return customers to a show... seeing that trophy/plaque sitting on a shelf day in and day out).

im lovin pyruss' idea about filming your tattoo process that is a novel idea that im sure would sell

Im definitely down with the benefit idea, Im definitely a "success is how much you can afford to give back" kinda guy. We wont be aiming to make too much money, if we can break even and show everyone a good time, that will be success! Im hoping Jack will come out. Definitely on the list. I love the film the tattoo idea! The only question is about the cost, $100 for a camera guy to film, edit, and burn a dvd is way low, and would people pay more? I dunno. I do know we will have a few cqameras out and about though, maybe for a $50-$100 fee we could make sure your tattoo is documented (and insure the final tattoo is filmed). Love the idea, will work on it! there will be plenty of west coast artists, and I'm in London now and will be hustling all weekend long I tell you! Everyone focus your mind's eye energy and chat with me, boris, boris, boris, robert, robert robert. then maybe the cosmos will flip a coin for us! :-) there will be a few locals, but the purpose of the convention will be to gather the best international talent we can so the local artists can come out and get tattooed by the best! Keep chanting, boris boris bors, robert robert, robert. ha, Im very tired. Health food! Yes! We will definitely be vegan friendly, and our favorite BBQ place (world class!) burned down (sniff sniff) but the owners are building a traveling smoker/cooker so we might even be able to have the best meat has to offer also! I was going to go out of my way to not have an energy drink sponsor (I hate chemicals like that) but my wife told me that red bull isnt actually all that unhealthy (cept the sugar) so who knows... the condos at the resort are huge, so we will definitely be having big breakfast and dinner meals home cooked for sets of 20-40 people! they might even be benefit meals (imagine, $10 all you can eat tacos and the money goes to charity!)... Not so sure about the suicide girls, I mean, I enjoy scantily clad women as much as the next guy, but I do want to focus on custom tattooing and not half naked girls. I guess we will see how that plays out. joe, you gonna travel north if we pull this off? There will definitely be neumas to try out. Carson and Neuma will play a large part in the convention if I have anything to do with it. No fucking kanji though. Jeese! you can play with the neuma on a good tattoo just as easy! People do want to try em before they buy em, artists do come to Off the Map to try em out on clients. If you guys wanna come out before the convention to try em, shoot me an email. We can get creative with the contest categories, and believe you me the contests will be TIGHT and NO BULLSHIT. Because I hate them so much, they will be rigorous. but they will also be quick and to the point I hope, we can switch up the categories to make more sense, but I dont think we need tons of categories and places. Most of the artists working the show have plenty of trophies or are comfortable enough with their portfolio. I do want the contests to be judged real sharp, and have no bs. I do feel strongly that an artist and client should feel happy with their work regardless of what contest judges say. Cause while you may make 2-3 people per contest happy, you end up making 10-25 people feel like losers about their permanent art. I believe Brett from Pulse will be taking care of the contests so the trophies should be *awesome*. thanks for all the feedback folks. I've got quite a few lists together, and when I get back from London hope to devote a big chunk of time every week to the show. Mid-October I have some heavies flying and driving up to check out the site and I reckon I'll sign a contract then (or before). Then I will be asking for all sorts of help getting the word out and hopefully selling out the hotel in a timely manner (it only sleeps 250!). Oh boyo, fun fun fun!

I will travel for BBQ,and a really good line up of artists.I was at the Boston show inSept.and wasn't impressed with that show..I just think there's to many conventions today,and unfortunately most of them aren't that good..

Joetat, did you say hi to us? What day were you at Boston? There are a lot of conventions, no doubt, and I hope to add that extra something special. Really the convention will be geared towards tattoo artists, with my main focus on promotion going towards artists, apprentices, and serious collectors. The venue is very nice and a tad out of the way so that folks who get there can focus on custom tattooing. Cell phones work only sporadically (thought there is internet everywhere). thanks for all the help!

I was at the Convention Saturday for like 2hrs..I did find your booth in the back room,but you weren't around..

If you guys(Gabe and crew) run a tatt2 convention then i will make All and more than All to be there... best wishes!!!!!!!!!

Have a booth were people can tattoo a practice skin and take it home for some cash. Maybe they can see how hard it really is to tattoo. Then again it might just do the opposite and make them think it's easy, being on a dry piece skin that don't bleed, stretch, squirm or vibrate. Oh well.....you could always have a chili cook-off.

hey good idea, i would come through try to get cheuy in there cuz am collecting his work thats all the convention would be super

Just a thought.... - don't forget these classics: puke, pass out, seize, and my very favorite... scream or cry uncontrollably until you make the friends leave. interesting idea though!

Joetat, AH! that would have made teh convention a bit more fun, alas we will catch up someday. If Im not at the booth I usually at the bar, or headed to it, ha. someday! Keeper, that would be awesome! Hey, I think you have an account, send along some photos and we will post em up and send you instructions on how to upload yourself... Justathought - while we will absolutely have a few activities for apprentice wannabees, having machines to play with really is jumping way ahead of the game. We will have painting/drawing seminars/panels as well as a brutal portfolio critique. Serious artists who want to learn to tattoo should make plans to attend to get world class tattoos and advice. Chili cookoff sounds awesome. Chuey might be a possibility. I dont know him but I did talk to someone who works with him and drop off a TattooNOW and Off the Map postcard last weekend in London. I'll do my best! :-) Im not sure Im down with pukeing and such, but, ok! thanks again, this should shape up to be a grand old time!

lol Gabe, I was just adding to "justathought's" list of things that make tattooing not as easy as working on fake skin. I don't dig the puking either... in fact I still feel pretty bad about the stomach bug I caught on the train on the way there...

Ha, no worries joe, that makes more sense! so hey folks, met with some key folks who are helping immensely and I put the deposit in the mail and faxed the contract so the convention is happening. I'll be posting info up soon and have the website up next week. October 23rd to 26th 2008. Paradise Tattoo Gathering at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. Should be a load of fun! more info soon.

TWIN PEAKS! Looks like a really nice and warm place. www.jiminypeak.com

should be a blast, looking forward to it!!!

Have y'all checked out the quick site Gabe put up last week????? http://paradisetattoogathering.com/ hee hee OH boy fun fun fun

Sounds like heaven. Why dont money fall from the sky?