TATTOO CONVENTION TIPS FOR TATTOO ARTISTS: Advice & Essentials

If you’re a tattoo artist, you probably know that while tattoo conventions can be inspiring and fun, they can also create a source of stress, anxiety, and sometimes feel overwhelming. We wanted to share some tips that we have learned over the years to help you in surviving a tattoo convention in style, while bringing about some positive experiences along the way.

• Decide what you need to bring with you. This might include making a list of all the tools, supplies, and essentials that you will need at the show. In addition to your machine, ink (look for inks that don’t succumb to air pressure when flying), needles, and aftercare supplies, we highly recommend throwing some MD Wipeoutz tattoo towels into your travel bag, because they are lightweight, compact, easy to use, and so convenient for tattoo convention setups.

• Book your hotel room and flight as early as possible. Many tattoo conventions draw large numbers of tattoo afficionados and artists alike, and rooms and flights can fill up fast; so stay one step ahead of the game by being prepared.

• Bring water and snacks with you to the convention so you don’t have to rely on food sold at the event (or take time away from your tattoo appointment to seek it out). This might necessitate a grocery store run the night before the show starts to stock up on water, juice, tea, easy-to-open snacks, or pre-made lunches that you can tote along with you.

• Have your portfolio and marketing materials ready to display so that you can seize the opportunity of getting people to stop and pay attention to what your work is all about. This includes bringing business cards and promo material with you to display on your table. You might also want to bring art prints or small paintings to sell as well.

• Be mindful of different tools needed in different regions of the world. For instance, if you are a tattooer from the Unites States and are traveling overseas, many areas of the world require different plugs, which will necessitate you bringing along an adapter in order for your tattoo equipment to get power.

• In addition to plug adapters, stay one step ahead by checking out a country’s currency before you arrive at your destination, in case you want to have cash on hand for the show or for items you might buy while out and about.

• Work on your stencil and design before you arrive to the convention. This will make the process of getting set up for the day easier, since the extra stimuli associated with conventions can sometimes slow down the process. If you don’t have appointments scheduled beforehand, pre-made stencils also allow you to have flash out on your table with set prices that are easy for potential clients to choose.

We hope that these tips and tricks help you at your next stop on the convention circuit, and as we mentioned above, be sure to throw some MD Wipeoutz tattoo towels into your suitcase or tattoo travel case. Our wipes make the tattoo experience enjoyable for both artist and client, and are great for keeping aftercare stressors to a minimum, because our ingredients work to soothe, cleanse, and sanitize skin; while helping to relieve itching and minimize discomfort.