Are tattoos cheaper at conventions? plus Pros & Cons

Tattoo conventions are excellent venues for connecting with various tattoo artists and discovering tattoo shops. Even you have a perfect opportunity to get your favorite ink design from an experienced artist at a convention.
If you’re considering getting a tattoo at an event, it’s essential to understand the associated costs. Many people believe that tattoos are affordable at conventions.
So Are tattoos cheaper at conventions?
No, getting a tattoo at a convention is usually more costly than at a tattoo shop. This is mainly because artists travel to various locations for event, which adds to their expenses. Moreover, at conventions, artists have extra fees, like hotel rent and booth space. All these factors ultimately drive up the cost of the tattoo at ways.
If you believe tattoos are less expensive at conventions, you’re wrong. In reality, they tend to be more costly compared to regular shops. Furthermore, there are some other pros and cons of getting a tattoo from such events that you need to know.
Keep reading to learn about them. This article will also guide how to get a tattoo at a convention.
What are Tattoo conventions?
Tattoo conventions are events that tattoo artists and shops organize to celebrate and showcase the art of tattooing. These events allow artists to display their skills and interact with various clients. Additionally, attendees can get tattooed by experienced artists from different regions.
Pros and cons of getting a tattoo at a convention
There are different pros and cons of getting a tattoo from these events. Let’s discuss them.
Pros of getting tattoo at convention
Opportunity to Meet with Different Artists
At conventions, artists gather from various regions, including other countries. This offers a great chance to meet experienced tattoo artists and get inked by such talented artists. Additionally, you can explore different styles to find the perfect artist for you.
Good Learning Experience
If you’re aspiring to become an artist or are already learning the art of tattooing, conventions can offer you an excellent platform. You can observe and learn from other skilled artists to enhance your tattooing techniques. Furthermore, many artists at convention are open to conversations during their free time.
Unique Designs
Most artists created different and unique tattoo designs or flash sheets specifically for conventions. This means you can find many other design ideas for your next tattoo.
Social Interaction
If you enjoy socializing and meeting new people, conventions are excellent places. These events attract a large audience, including artists and tattoo shops. They also provide a perfect opportunity to find a girl or boyfriend.
Cons of getting tattoo at convention
Sexual Party
Tattoo conventions are not typically public events. They often involve instances of sexual violence, nudity, and drug use. Even within these events, individuals can create a disruptive atmosphere. So if you want to avoid such instances, you should avoid visiting tattoo conventions.
Crowd
Tattoo conventions, like other public gatherings, can be busy and crowded. Hundreds or even thousands of people attend these events. With so many people in one place, you should anticipate noise, crowds, and smells.
These things might be distracting or uncomfortable for some. If you dislike crowded places, you might need a tattoo convention.
Expensive to Get a Tattoo
As mentioned earlier, getting tattoos at conventions can be costly. This is because tattoo artist need to account for extra expenses, ultimately driving up the overall price of their tattooing services.
Quality and Safety Concerns
No doubt, tattoo conventions are a great place to find experienced artists. But at the same time, there are chances of encountering less professional artists. And there are lots of quality and safety concerns getting a tattoo service from such an inexperienced artist.
Comfort and Privacy
Tattoo workplace setups at conventions often lack privacy and comfort. These events typically have limited space, making creating a private and comfortable area for individual arrangements challenging. In contrast, tattoo shops provide more personal and comfortable environments for getting your ink design.
Healing Process
Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing of a new tattoo. When you get a tattoo at a convention, following aftercare instructions becomes even more critical due to the dynamic and crowded nature of the event.
How to Get a Tattoo At a Convention
If you want a tattoo from a convention, here is a step-by-step guide.
Find the Convention
The first step is to research and find a suitable event in your location that you can easily travel to. Ensure the event is reputable and well-organized and features experienced, skilled tattoo artists.
Artist Selection
Once you discover an upcoming tattoo event, review the list of attending artists. Also take a look at their portfolios and artistic styles. If you find an artist you’re interested in, contact them beforehand to ask about their availability at the convention.
Design and Consultation
Before booking a tattoo appointment:
- Ensure that you have a clear idea of the tattoo design you want.
- Consider factors like size, body placement, coloring, and style.
- Once you’ve settled on these details, contact the artist to schedule a consultation. You can do this through email or any other available communication method.
Convention Day
Arrive at the event on time. Find your artist’s booth. Wait for your turn.
Tattoo Process
Get Your Tattoo: When you’re settled in the tattoo chair, relax and let the artist do their magic.
Conclusion:
Getting tattoos at conventions is not as cheap as some people might believe. Tattoos tend to be more expensive when acquired at such events. This is due to the artists needing to cover their expenses.
Faqs
Are tattoo conventions safe?
Like studios, conventions are also safe to get tattoos.
Are tattoo conventions worth it?
Tattoo conventions have different pros and cons. Finding experienced artists, learning opportunities, social interactivity, and traditions are worth visiting.

Flora Jones is a licensed professional tattoo artist with over 5 years of experience working at various studios in Arizona. In addition to her artistry, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise on various tattoo-related topics through her writing.