A tattoo show in Carlisle showcased some of the best of the craft over three days.
The 16th iteration of the North Lakes Tattoo Show took place at the Old Fire Station from April 5-7, seeing artists from across the UK congregate to learn from one another, support the trade, and tattoo the masses.
Colin Fell, 64, manager of the show, has been tattooing for over 40 years, and said the reason for putting the show on in the first place as to ‘bring some classic tattooing to Carlisle, to let the people of Carlisle see exactly how good tattooing can really be.’
“I think the old style of tattooing is dying out and it's a new style that's coming in.
“I just want people to see some old boys still working some classic tattoos getting put on and the new stuff that's available with the new school of people coming through.
“I think it's good to promote tattooing, the very best of tattooing so that people can see that it's not a backstreet industry anymore, it's professional,” he said.
New style tattooing is more advanced and can feature vibrant colour or photorealism made with ‘vibrator’ style guns which make less noise and can fade quicker than traditional tattoos made with louder machines that feature classic designs and techniques, Mr Fell explained.
There were also prizes given out to various categories on Saturday and Sunday, judged by Rob Critchlow from Fine Lines Body Art in Silloth, Ollie Jackson from Mike's Tattoos, and Billy Slate from Sheffield.
The event is great for artists to raise their profile and also as an opportunity to show what they truly love doing, such as Anna Koplin of King Kong in Dundee.
“I’ve been tattooing for almost 12 years, I had my own shop in Poland, and every time there were events like this I was there.
“The atmosphere here is just special, no drama queens, no rock stars, I am learning every day, and I’m here to show myself to people, and get something from them,” she said.
Tore Pierce, who works at Mike’s Tattoos and was selling merchandise with an apprentice tattoo artist at Mike’s Anna Lynch, as well as her own artwork, said the even brings exposure to new artists and new tattooing styles.
“Shows like North Lakes uphold the traditional form of tattoo show.
“For example, ours is small, more intimate, it’s family-friendly, for meeting up with old friends, making new friends, networking, and just building up a nice local tattooing community involving locals and people who travel to shows as well.
“People make friends here, and they stay lifelong friends year on year.”
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