Everything kicked off on Friday, which was designated “Artists Day” and had the type of gorgeously relaxed and friendly vibe we think all conventions should have for at least twenty four hours, as a mandatory rule! Tattooists, shop owners, family and friends of the inkers and even the odd journalist or two got to wander the vast spaces of the convention before the crowds flooded in.

Left, right and centre you could hear us all expressing wonderment at the sheer size of the space available; three floors set up, bars and a vast dining area – this was definitely too good to be true, except that it was. A few people were lucky enough to get their planned tattoos done on this day, too – which got our minds running with ideas for our own potential new ink!

Naturally we ran around everywhere with our cameras and our social hats on, getting to know anybody and everybody there, and having fantastic fun doing so. It's a truly unique and wonderful thing to witness the interaction of tattooers and artists alike drawing upon eachother literally and inspirationally. The day took a change however, at about seven thirty when the tattoo masters ball kicked off. If ever we’re asked to name a totally surreal experience in our lives, we’ve got a new answer! “The time we had a party surrounded by tattooists, free rum, corsets and karaoke, on the top storey of Doncaster racecourse in full view of the stalls and the tracks.” How’s that, right?

Every hotel, hostel and b’n’b in Doncaster must have been ringing with the buzz of the inked through to the witching hour that night – Being the 'races' there was a 'fantastic' hat competition (of course!) and some truly inspired efforts were in attendance - we personally liked the guys who came dressed as jockey / horse combo, and the guys from Skunx Tattoo, Mr Dan Gold and Steve Richardson donned the gowns of true ladies with hats to match - all without the aid of any alcohol - well done sirs!! We got ourselves awake the next morning by playing “spot the convention goers” in the beautiful city main streets.

TATTOO JAM REPORT PART 2 - CLICK HERE

CREDITS: Article – Rachel Kennedy    Image – Tattoo Jam

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