A Look Inside the 2nd Annual OKC Tattoo Convention

A new beginning for tattoo shops occurred in 2006 with the legalization of tattoos and the ability for shops and artists to operate without fear of repercussions from legal authorities. However, one shop owner was ahead of the legal date in both opening his shops and creating a venue for tattoo artists, shop owners and enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the beautiful artwork that we all admire.

Chris and Tracie Brady, owners of First Amendment Tattoo Company, took a big step in creating the OKC Tattoo Convention. It is the first licensed and regulated convention to occur since tattooing became legal in Oklahoma. His first convention actually took place in the spring of 2006 but the law had yet to take effect.

The idea for the convention was implemented and executed to bring Oklahomans up to speed on tattooing. Tattooing had been illegal in Oklahoma for over 46 years and carried a certain stigma upon its newly broadening shoulders. There is still a stigma attached to it but with conventions like the OKC Tattoo Convention that involves the public as well as professionals it is rapidly growing in popularity and the tolerance and acceptance level seems to be rising as well.
picture of the crowd at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention

Tracie and Chris handle almost 100% of the convention planning and overseeing but do have help from their trusted employees with David Foster of NeedleGruv.com handling the music end of the show. Chris also gives huge props to Misty who he endearingly refers to as “The Shit”. This is the core crew behind the OKC Tattoo Convention and when you attend this year you will see what an enormous task this bunch has undertaken and successfully brought to reality.

In 2006 there were approximately 4,500 attendees at the OKC Tattoo Convention with almost 95% of those being consumers and fans of tattooing. This years convention has a wide array of vendors that will be on hand including: jewelry vendors, clothing vendors, tattooing supplies, tattoo ink suppliers, tattoo after-care merchandisers and even the Oklahoma State Department of Health. For a complete list of vendors attending please visit: http://www.okctattooconvention.com/vendors.html
visitors at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention

Chris told OklahomaInk.com that the number of days and man-hours that he has spent organizing this event has been immeasurable especially with the regulations and permits that need to be followed and issued. All vendors, artists and piercers that are exhibiting this year are licensed and regulated to operate within the State of Oklahoma.

There will be tattooing competitions on the lineup and special plaques will be given out to both the artist and collector in the following categories: Best black and gray large, best color small, best color large, best of the day, best traditional, best portrait and worst tattoo. If you are an artist or collector interested in participating in the contests more information can be obtained from firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com or 405-245-8787. If you are interested in receiving a tattoo or piercing at the show the most efficient way to secure an appointment is to also contact Chris or Tracie using the above contact information.

There are a few booths still available and each exhibitor is given 3 passes for the entire show. To inquire about booth availability please contact firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com.

Chris requested that a few convention etiquette points be passed along as well. Be cool and if you are taking pictures of an artist or their work ask permission first. Many artists are sensitive to reproductions being made of their artwork and it is unfair to snap photos or record them without permission. Do not bother an artist that is working. It could be detrimental to the individual being tattooed and it will make them less than hospitable toward those seeking photos or autographs. If you have a fresh or unhealed tattoo please keep it covered. It is unsanitary and unsavory to have your tattoo oozing all over people that you brush up against.
okc tattoo convention

If you wish to not risk upsetting an artist or missing those great photo ops you will have alternate avenues for obtaining both video and photos from the convention. Scott from the Art Intensity Network (http://www.artintensitynetwork.com) will be filming the convention for his DVD series. Those DVD’s will be available for purchase through the Art Intensity Network website. OklahomaInk.com will also be on hand taking photographs of the event, artists, contests and attendees. The photos will be available for viewing, saving and sharing through InkedPhotos.com (http://www.inkedphotos.com). All photos taken by OklahomaInk.com will be provided to all interested parties at no charge.

If you are in the market for a tattoo, a tattoo or piercing enthusiast or are just bored come out and spend the day enjoying great people and beautiful artwork. Tickets are just $15 per day or $35 for the weekend. The convention will run from May 2nd - 4th and will be held at the Farmer's Market in Oklahoma City. Click here for directions and a map.


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