top of page
Writer's pictureLeonardo Flama

The Big London Tattoo Show

The London Tattoo Show

Tattoo conventions for artists are a great way to meet new artists, new people, show their work, create connections, plan guest spots, sell artworks, merchandise and, of course, tattoo.

The last time I attended a tattoo convention was probably around 5-6 years ago.

It went so bad for me that it made me not want to do them any more, or at least, take a long break from them: I had zero customers booked in, zero walk-ups, zero merch sold and a lot of bills to pay.

The weather was beautiful, the sky was blue with no clouds and the sun was shining as if it was summertime in Italy; it was April and the city was Newcastle; not sure if Newcastle has ever had such a sunny weekend in April..

This year, I decided to give another chance to tattoo conventions, so I chose London for these reasons:

Probably the biggest in the UK;

Some of the best tattoo artists;

Tattoo artists coming from all over the world;

It's the capital.

This year I decided to ask for help, from my most loyal customer Léo who was very happy and excited to follow and help me.

Léo has only been tattooed by me, so I thought it was good to bring my work on live skin, rather than on printed pictures, so that people could see how my work heals and ages.

I was very worried about this convention as I had a rough couple of stressful months, like a few cancellations, a burglary in my shop while I was on holiday and an injury at my back on the Monday before the convention. I decided to go anyway, as I paid everything already and I wanted to show my work, at least.

That was the best choice I could take, together with bringing Léo (best promoter I could ask for), because the experience was simply great. 

We’ve met a lot of lovely tattoo artists, made connections, I've been invited to other shops inside and outside the UK, done some tattoos, sold some merchandise, had great feedback from tattoo artists that I respect and admire since I started tattooing.

We have also decided to compete for best Traditional tattoo (best trad/neo trad), best Japanese tattoo (best oriental) and best Large colour. We won 2nd place for best traditional, 1st place for best Japanese tattoo and also managed to get to the final stage for best large colour.. what a result!

We will definitely attend next year too, as the experience and the show have been brilliant.



2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page