23 Milano Tattoo Convention 2018

15 / 02 / 2018 iNKPPL Team

23 Milano Tattoo Convention 2018 / Source: iNKPPL Tattoo Magazine

About 23 Milano Tattoo Convention 2018

One of the oldest tattoo conventions in Milan (Italy) is truly a large-scale and significant event for the modern tattoo industry, uniting under the roof of the huge expo center about 400 tattoo artists from all over the world, famous tattoo models, manufacturers of tattoo equipment, numerous retailers of themed products and thousands of visitors from all over the world!

This year the event celebrated its 23rd birthday, and we could not miss this.

All three days of the tattoo holiday were held in a well-coordinated rhythm under the leadership of SPACE ONE and Ketty Passa, who acted as presenters.

Milan's tattoo scene has long been recognized as one of Europe's most vibrant and innovative, drawing influences from both traditional Italian artistry and contemporary international styles. The convention serves as a crucial meeting point where established masters share knowledge with emerging talents, fostering the evolution of tattoo artistry across diverse styles and techniques. This annual gathering has become instrumental in showcasing the latest trends in tattoo culture and connecting the global tattoo community.

Competition and Awards

The nominations program, which to tell the truth was not so extensive and varied - included only 6 thematic ones - for healed finished works and 3 daily "Best of ...", in which took part the works made during the event.

The most prestigious award of the Best of Show convention was taken away by a duo of famous tattoo artists Jay Freestyle and Ryan Smith, who in two days of work turned the leg of their model into a real artwork.

Style and Technique

The convention showcased an impressive range of tattoo styles, from photorealistic portraits to intricate geometric designs, bold traditional work, and cutting-edge contemporary pieces. The winning collaboration between Jay Freestyle and Ryan Smith demonstrated the power of artistic partnership in creating large-scale tattoo projects that push the boundaries of what's possible within the time constraints of a convention setting.

Many participating artists displayed mastery in color saturation, line work precision, and composition techniques that have become hallmarks of modern tattooing. The event highlighted the technical excellence required for top-tier tattoo artistry, where proper execution and artistic vision must combine seamlessly. Artists working at such events must also demonstrate exceptional skills in time management and client comfort, as convention pieces require intensive work sessions over consecutive days.

Notable Works

The gallery above showcases the exceptional quality and diversity of artwork created during the three-day event. The winning piece by Jay Freestyle and Ryan Smith stands as a testament to collaborative artistry, demonstrating how two skilled artists can work in harmony to create a cohesive large-scale design. The works shown in the gallery represent various stages of completion, from initial outlines to fully rendered pieces, offering insight into the tattooing process during a busy convention environment.

Beyond the competition winners, the convention featured numerous impressive pieces across all categories, reflecting the high caliber of international talent present. The diversity of styles and techniques visible in the gallery demonstrates the global nature of modern tattoo culture and the continuous evolution of artistic expression within the medium. Proper aftercare becomes particularly crucial for convention pieces, given the intensive work sessions and travel requirements for many clients.