The St. Paul RiverCentre echoed with the buzz of tattoo machines last weekend as artists from around the U.S. came together for the Twin Cities Tattoo Festival’s second annual event.
Some artists, like Jesse Brady from Sacred Siren Tattoo & Art Parlor in Minneapolis, had pre-booked appointments, dedicating eight to nine hours each day to crafting intricate pieces. For Brady, tattooing is about storytelling through art.
“I see it as more than just a tattoo; it’s creating something meaningful for someone,” Brady explained. “Sharing those stories is what drives me.”
Brady specializes in illustrative neo-traditional style, blending classic American tattoo art with influences from her background in oil painting.
Freddie Brown, another artist, described illustrative neo-traditional as a fusion of bold traditional outlines with vibrant, contemporary colors and dynamic shading. He, too, found his niche after experimenting with various styles.
The festival showcased a wide spectrum of tattoo styles, from blackwork and traditional to new school and illustrative realism. Popular motifs included horror movie themes and classic American designs.
Kelly Severtson, based in Chicago, stood out with his fantasy-inspired tattoos featuring wizards, goblins, and knights, among other mystical creatures.
According to Brown, tattoo festivals like this provide enthusiasts a unique opportunity to be tattooed by top-tier artists without traveling far.
“You’ve got some of the best artists from across the country in your own backyard,” Brown noted. “It’s a chance to get something incredible done in just a weekend.”
For many artists, these conventions offer a different vibe compared to their usual studio environment. Kayne Anders, who tattoos at Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective in St. Paul, explained that conventions demand more focus and less client interaction.
“At my first convention, I was so nervous it felt like I was on a rocking boat,” Anders recalled. “But now, it’s an environment where I can really get into my groove.”
Throughout the Twin Cities Festival, Anders was fully booked, creating his signature new school designs in vivid colors.
Beyond showcasing their skills, artists cherish conventions for the camaraderie and inspiration they find among peers.
“It’s amazing to be surrounded by such talented artists,” Brown said. “We learn from each other and push each other creatively.”
After hours, the artists bonded over shared experiences and forged friendships that spanned across states.
“The camaraderie at conventions is truly special,” Brady reflected. “It’s unlike anything else.”
The Twin Cities Tattoo Festival exemplified not only a celebration of tattoo artistry but also a gathering of passionate artists dedicated to their craft and community.