October 16 marks the beginning of Westchester’s 3rd Annual Tattoo Convention. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get a tattoo, or if you want to network with other artists, head down to the Westchester County Center in White Plains for a weekend of seminars, vendors, and tattoo artists both locally and nationally known.
The convention will feature hundreds of the world’s top tattoo artists and piercers, including Vincent Castiglia—an acclaimed artist who uses human blood as the primary medium for his artwork.
For the artistically inclined, Castiglia will be hosting a seminar called, “Advanced Techniques in Painting on Watercolor Paper, and The Use of Blood as a Medium.” The lecture will be divided into two parts. For the first time ever, Castiglia will publically discuss his unique creative progress, inspiration, and personal style. The second half will include a live painting demonstration. Attendees are encouraged to take notes and draw along with him.
Spike’s Ink Master alumnus, Halo, will also give a live digital painting demo at the convention.
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If you’re interested in bizarre antiques, or if you’re familiar with the show Oddities, stop by New York City’s Obscura Antiques and Oddities booth.
Believe it or not, if you have a tattoo that you’re looking to remove, this might be the place for you. A Nu U Laser Removal will also have a booth on the showroom floor.
Looking to get tatted? Most sessions will take place in sterilized stations on the showroom floor of the convention center. Here’s the best part: no appointments made prior to the convention are needed. Those looking to get tattooed are advised to preview portfolios of the artist’s work that they’re interested in, then stop by the booth and see when they’re available.
Although some may be hesitant about getting tattooed in the middle of a showroom floor of a large convention center, Halo of Black Lotus Tattoos offers the benefits of getting work done at a convention rather than in a private studio.
“Tattoo conventions like this are an amazing way to see artists that you’ve only seen in magazines, or on TV, or on social media,” Halo states. “A lot of these artists will travel and make their art available to the world, and it’s literally the best way to make an educated decision on who to get tattooed by.”
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The benefits aren’t just for the clients—artists love attending these events as well. Conventions offer a healthy amount of competition, but more importantly they serve as inspiration for artists to better hone their style and to improve their work.
“I’ve been doing conventions now for about 10 years and it’s a great place to network and learn about so many talented artists,” said Halo. “It is the best possible way to surround yourself with different walks of life and art.”
