2009 Miami Tattoo Expo
Saturday I went over to the Miami Beach Convention Center to check out the 2009 Miami Tattoo Expo. Not surprisingly, there were a great many tattoo artists, people hawking supplies, and people looking to get inked. In addition to these Tattoo Expo staples, there were chopper bikes, Kustom cars even a Kustom bicycle. The whole thing reminded me of when I used to live in Southern California, going to car shows and hanging around Rockabilly kids. Of course this was different. Though it had that California feel it was somehow more... Miami style? Among the Rockabilly type tattoo enthusiasts there was also a portion of attendees/exhibitors that were more gangster - demonstrating that lovers of the ink come from all different backgrounds. The vast majority of the exhibitors were from Florida, mainly based in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the bands played or any of the performances started (I know the ladies from Shameless Burlesque were getting ready to do some, well, Shameless Burlesque-ing.) It really looked like things were starting to get going when I had to make to make my exit (damn you, job!).The event included a tattoo contest, with awards for categories such as Animation/Cartoon, Japanese, American Traditional Arm Sleeve, Leg Sleeve, etc. There was also a 'Tattoo of the Day' award for each day of the event.
While I was there I had a really great time, and I spoke with many interesting folks who also happened to be inked, pierced, and even branded. Sometimes living in the bubble that is South Beach, you forget that there are so many other things going on in Miami and the rest of South Florida. It was nice to have my world expanded a bit, and thank you to everyone who appears in these photos!
Overveiw
Lorne's favorite tattoo? "My Mom"
Woah!
Art by Lorne D. Morris
Vanessa from South Beach Tattoos
Visiting From Cocoa Beach
Art by Kenny Dick
Norman from Boca Tattoo Co.
Ruthless and Toothless founder
Vanessa from South Beach Tattoos
Links:
Shameless Burlesque: www.myspace.com/shamelessburlesque
Miami Tattoo Expo: www.miamitattooexpo.com
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NOTE FOR COMMENTS: Do not flame or leave obnoxious comments, THEY WILL NOT BE APPROVED. Constructive criticism should always be welcomed by any artist, but don't be a d-bag, show some class. Thanks. - REVMiami Staff
All this artwork is incredible! I cant believe the creativity of some of these people. Someday Im going to get something really big done!
I think if you write about Miami Beach, that could be interesting fro your user to see the South Beach Miami web site. Cheers, Silvy.
They have an expo here every year and i never get to go, but after seeing your pics it makes me really want to go. I need to get one covered that looks pretty bad. lol it was done in a drunken high oblivion and it shows. Thanks for the pics they were awesome.
All of these are really good, they gaves alot of good ideas for my first tattoo that hopefully i get soon.
There are so many great tattoo artist right now. And having an expo similar like this helps them a lot because they are exposing themselves to different people who don't understand what a tattoo really means.
dude, thanks for sharing your experience about the Miami Tatoo expo 2009 and the pictures shown above.
Some excellent tattoos there! the designs are amazing!! Miami expo's are by far the best I've ever seen..The designs are rather unique and just so much to choose from..
cant wait to see more! :)
Man the sail boat tattoo on the back of that guys head is really cool. Must have hurt like hell though!
A great variety of outstanding tattoos! I love the full body tattoo up there, its got its unique look. Havent seen tattoos like these bafore, they are fantastic! Cant wait to get myself one like this..
It's true that there is always something going on in Miami, especially at South Beach. I have been there twice and I have never been bored. Thanks for the pictures. They are great!