Tattoo expo inks Mesa over the weekend

 by Adam Chakin
 published on Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The buzzing of tattoo guns filled the air this past week as the Arizona Tattoo Expo came to the Mesa Centennial Hall.

Tattoo artists and enthusiasts spent the past weekend mingling, shopping and maybe even getting a permanent souvenir tattoo.

The expo, which ran from April 4 to April 6, was a paradise for those who tattoo and pierce, as well as those interested in the respective trades.

Attendees were free to roam the convention center and watch people get new tattoos, peruse through artists' portfolios and partake in the refreshments outside.

Amidst all of the ink and metal, the convention also had clothing lines, many of which were oriented with tattoo culture.

The expo also had kiosks for artists looking to sell paintings and jewelry companies that made high-quality, custom-made earrings, nose-rings, and other body rings.

There was also a semi-permanent, air-brush tattoo booth for those who were not quite willing to get the real thing, but still wanted to feel one with the colorful crowd.

Another oddball booth was an oxygen bar provided by O2 Zone, allowing people to take a time-out and literally get a breath of fresh air.

Many local tattoo shops were represented at this year's expo, including Divinity Tattoo and Club Tattoo.

Perhaps the most comical aspect of the expo was the tiny kiosk in the back of the room, reserved for Arizona Laser Skin Solutions. Few, if any, ventured there.

Brett Berres, a graphic design sophomore, found the expo a little cramped.

"It was really packed," said Berres. "A bigger venue would be better."

The size of the venue, however, did not deter Berres from having a good time.

"It was small, but chock-full of tattoo inspiration," Berres said.

Reach the reporter at: adam.chaikin@asu.edu.