The Sydney tattoo convention filled the city's historic town hall with the buzz of tattoo machines, the aroma of hospital-grade sanitiser, and Linkin Park tunes. Founder Katie Bailey of Thirteen Feet Tattoo studios said securing the 137-year-old venue took effort; council was nervous at first but after the first event, they thought it was amazing, noting "Tattooing and town hall just go together."
Artists and Attendees
Roughly 700 artists applied, but only 180 were approved to display work for 5,000 visitors. Many filled their schedules in advance, while others left space for walk-ins. The event included seminars, documentaries, talks, and a machete-juggling performance by Lucky Diamond Rich, the world's most tattooed man. Daily competitions were a highlight.
Co-organiser Rhys Gordon said the convention is "a platform to legitimise tattooing, which is becoming much more mainstream. It opens up doors and minds." Sydney local Will attended for his first tattoo; artist Ben Hastings from Tattoo Rosies applied a traditional American eagle stencil. Will called it "a bit overwhelming … but I'll get it done," and his inaugural ink won tattoo of the day.
Diversity and Dedication
Organisers emphasised diversity, seeking tattooists from regional towns. Artist Duane James from Higherground in Kurrajong worked on a marathon thigh piece for Dasha, a tattoo devotee from Sydney's northern beaches. "Being fully tattooed, it's nice being among people that all share a common interest, it's like I'm among my people," she said. James promised, "We'll absolutely get it finished today."
Laura travelled from Hobart for a collaborative leg sleeve by artists Anna Rose and Twitch. "There's a lot of trust involved in this now – from both directions," she said. The piece won best collaboration. Shell won best back piece with a traditional American eagle and Japanese dragon, "a duality that represents my own taste and style."
Beyond Competition
Thirty-year veteran Ichi Hatano from Japan worked on Hugh's traditional Japanese back piece. Hugh has visited Japan since about 2022, going "a couple of times a year." They are in no rush to finish; "It's a very slow process, but it's always worth it," he said.
