GreatWhiteRapper t1_j2s7ga6 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 4:20 PM

Reply to comment by helium_hydrogen in Chat Around and Find Out: Tuesday Casual Chat Thread by AutoModerator

I've been going to the tattoo convention for years at this point. It's one of the largest of all the Villain Arts conventions and their longest running. It attracts a lot of solid artists.

You pay a ticket price to get in (either one day or a 3-day pass). Don't bring a big bag, large food items, or water bottles. The security team there are huge assholes and will make you toss anything. Small snacks, like granola bars, can get through.

Eat before your tattoo! Eat before your tattoo!!!

It gets stupid hot, loud, and crowded in the convention center. I bring shorts to wear inside. You don't want to overheat.

There will be rows and rows of artists. A lot will have openings. Just walk the aisles and find someone who's style you like. They will tell you the price upfront. It varies between artist how much a piece will cost, so take all the time you need. Some can take you immediately, others might have a few people ahead. Friday/Saturday are the best days, by Sunday most artists will be booked.

Feel free to ask if you got any more questions.

helium_hydrogen t1_j37jg29 wrote on January 6, 2023 at 4:12 PM

Responding to a Tuesday comment on Friday, heyoo.

Have you been to the Wildwood one, out of curiosity? Between a friend not being available that weekend for the Philly date, and also being extra careful with my finances in the next few months, I'm thinking I might go to the Wildwood convention in August instead. I would assume same advice applies?

GreatWhiteRapper t1_j37k02i wrote on January 6, 2023 at 4:16 PM

Yeah, once. My SO got something but I couldn't find any designs I liked or any artists that really jumped out at me.

It's sort of the same: security is more lax (idk what it is about the Philly convention but they have the meanest security of any tat convention I've been to). Way less artists. The WW convention center is basically a high school gym. But it's much less intimidating so it might be easier to navigate if it's your first time.