The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta is a haven for ink enthusiasts. Over 400 tattoo artists will set up temporary shops, welcoming thousands of fans eager to get inked by both renowned and emerging artists from around the world. The event will take place at Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE, from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14.
Bael Sisneros, organizer of the fiesta and owner of Por Vida Tattoo, explained his year-long dedication to traveling and networking with tattoo artists globally. “Our convention has gained worldwide recognition, making it easy to get artists on board. We even have a waiting list now,” Sisneros said.
Celebrating its 12th year, the event features prominent artists like Freddy Negrete, known for his black-and-gray style; Oliver Peck from “Ink Master”; Jack Rudy, famous for realistic portraits and fine line work; Tommy Montoya from “NY Ink” and “Tattoo Redo”; and Jose Lopez, known for his Chicano black and gray style.
Attendees can view artists’ portfolios and discuss tattoo ideas with their chosen artist. Prices vary by artist, and those interested in getting tattooed are encouraged to visit on Friday to make an appointment. Three-day weekend passes are available, and a list of participating artists can be found at newmexicotattoofiesta.com.
“The website lists all the artists. We recommend contacting their shops or reaching out via Instagram. Many artists also accept walk-ups on a first-come, first-served basis,” Sisneros added.
The fiesta will also feature 25 local vendors, four food trucks, and live entertainment. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists will host its 2024 annual conference at the event, providing attendees a chance to meet its board members and active community.
Tattoo contests will be held throughout the event. Friday will feature a “Best of Day” contest at 9 p.m., with sign-ups from 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday’s contests will cover styles like watercolor, skull, lettering, fine line, floral, geo/mandala, Japanese, portrait, blackwork, small color, medium color, and large color tattoos. Sign-ups will be from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with judging and awards starting at 7:30 p.m. and Best of Day at 9 p.m.
Sunday’s contests will include ornamental, New Mexico-inspired, animal, small black and gray, medium black and gray, large black and gray, American traditional, religious, arm sleeve, chest, leg sleeve, back, overall female, and overall male tattoos. Sign-ups will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m., with judging and awards starting at 5:30 p.m. and Best of Day at 6:30 p.m. Best of Show trophies will be awarded for black and gray and color tattoos.
Those interested in participating in the contests can sign up at the contest table for a $10 entry fee. All tattoos must be healed to enter, except for the Best of Day and Best of Show contests.
Sisneros and his Por Vida artists will also participate in the fiesta. Established in 2006, Por Vida, located at 500 Fourth St. SW, features a tattoo parlor, a tattoo supply store, and a coffee shop. Specializing in black and gray tattoos, Sisneros shared that his career began unexpectedly. “I started tattooing as a hobby, and it turned into my career. I began when I was 21, and now at 41, it has developed into something much bigger,” he said.