What usually showcased 30% more space, with more artists and acts, was slimmed down to what Nikko Hurtado called “the core.” Three hundred artists, CAM Supply Inc., Sullen Clothing, various acts put on by Freakshow Deluxe, donations to the Pasadena Humane Society, celebrity appearances and—of course—competition rounded out what was ultimately a straightforward tattoo convention featuring some of the world’s top talent.
“The American economy is f*****,” explained Hurtado when discussing why the Golden State Tattoo Expo scaled back for its 2026 edition.
“Three days where the best tattoo artists on the planet take over Pasadena” is the tagline for the expo, and with Hurtado as one of the hosts, the statement rings true. Hurtado is known globally for his vibrant color realism and nationally as one of the most recognized tattoo artists in the industry. Although he didn’t tattoo at the convention, he had a booth representing his ink line, rEvolution, along with artists collaborating on large, colorful pieces using his ink.
Elsewhere, artists from the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Russia and various parts of the Americas tattooed diligently, competing for the coveted “Best Of” awards. Over the course of three days, artists competed in 17 categories, including Best Color Realism, Best Black and Gray, Large Scale Coverage, Best of Day and, naturally, Best of Show. Artists who won received carved-bear trophies, as well as a plethora of bragging rights. While the competitive edge set the tone for artists to best themselves, a quieter scene also drew attention.
“It’s hard to predict what shows are going to do well,” Hurtado said while standing in an aisle occupied by only a couple dozen collectors.
The absence of some international artists did not mean the expo lacked international talent, though. Several artists from abroad filled their booths with vibrant work, and the coveted Best of Show ultimately went to a collaborative leg piece created by international artists.
One of those artists was Misi Furucz, who added the expo to his American lineup. Furucz spends eight weeks in the United States at a time before returning home to Slovakia for another eight weeks, a schedule he says has been particularly beneficial to his tattoo career.
“I want to live here eventually,” he explained while posing with his client, who was receiving a leg sleeve over the course of the weekend.
Across the country, expos have been hit or miss, but it may not necessarily be a sign of decline in the craft—or even a nod to the less-than-ideal economy.
“California is saturated with tattoo shops,” said Danny G of Old Towne Tattoo in Orange, California.
Danny G occasionally guest spots in various states and attends conventions, but chose to forgo Golden State as an artist, instead attending simply as a spectator. While his sentiment was meant to explain his reasoning for guest spotting, tattoo shops are popping up around cities nationwide, even where plenty of options already exist.
Hurtado, however, views the saturated market as a positive, especially for collectors. According to him, there is more diversity than ever within the industry, allowing people to select artists they feel comfortable with and perhaps share a common interest outside of art.
“Put yourself out there,” advises Hurtado, suggesting that social media can showcase art, yes, but should also include the occasional post or video related to a passionate interest or hobby.
For some collectors, the quieter floor created its own opportunity. Jeremy, who has attended Golden State for several years, returns knowing top-quality artists often have availability during the expo. He views those openings as an opportunity to get what he considers a discounted tattoo.
This year, he received a tattoo on the back of his thigh from Arizona artist SAL, who calls his style “trash graffiti.” A rendition of Daredevil with graffiti lettering reading “just resist,” accompanied by a sticker of a flying devil, came together as a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The rest of Jeremy’s collection has been selected in similar ways, as well as through choosing his favorite artists from Sullen’s line. On his chest is the Sullen logo, done in traditional tebori style.
“It was so mellow, I was ready to fall asleep on the table,” he said of the different pain levels associated with a machine versus tebori.
Further down the row, a collector named Bobby sat with Kashu Korishin for a demonstration of tebori. Bobby spent more than 12 hours lying belly-down on the mat as Korishin worked on a piece covering his shoulder, back and leg. Though fatigued from the long sitting time, Bobby agreed with Jeremy’s assessment.
“It’s when he switches to the machine that the pain increases.”
Other collectors took a different approach than Jeremy and Bobby. Some perused the floor before deciding to sit for a tattoo, while others collected stickers or cards to set up appointments at a later date. The result was a convention where an empty chair did not necessarily mean an empty opportunity—the tattooing could simply happen at a later date.
One example was Kevin Bradley Jr., who tattooed a collector he met at the convention the year prior. Though the collector didn’t get on the table in 2025, he certainly did in 2026. The network has a chance of building as artists and collectors return to conventions.
Despite the smaller-than-normal expo, Carmen Electra made an appearance Saturday, deciding to get fresh ink and causing polite whispers as she walked by. Beaver Duck also showed up, making silly videos about the drinking fountains out front not actually being bidets. Between their appearances and the sheer quality being produced by the artists, another voice from Sea of Ink stood out among the crowd.
“This isn’t a show to make money at, it’s a show to make connections,” said Sara, owner of the shop.
The stage at the front boasted daily performances from Freakshow Deluxe, including sword swallowing, extreme flexibility, burlesque dancing and light comedy. Also on the stage was a large oil painting gifted to “Uncle Jeremy” of Sullen Clothing, who celebrated both his 50th birthday at the show and 25 years with his company. The crowd sang to him as the hosts unveiled the artist-created gift.
Most importantly, the stage was the center of the competition each day. Ultimately, a collaboration between Ievgen Knysh, Lotus Onyx and Nihataz took home the most sought-after prize: Best of Show. The collaboration was based on the client’s high school rivalry, featuring a titan, a bear and flames so saturated in color they looked hot to the touch.
“Last year we did our first collaboration at the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena,” Knysh explained. “This year we decided to do it again.”
Other notable elements of the show included a philanthropic aspect thought up by the hosts. The Pasadena Humane Society is the closest shelter to the convention center, so the hosts reached out, proposing a donation and a chance for the Humane Society to seek both volunteers and adoptions. One dollar from each ticket sale went to the shelter, and on Saturday, three dogs were brought to the center in search of their forever homes.
Ultimately, all three dogs were adopted, and the Humane Society was able to secure extra donations and volunteers to help run the center dedicated to animal welfare. When asked what prompted the idea, Events Project Manager Michelle McGraw simply said, “Apparently Nikko and Carlos like dogs.”
What the weekend made clearer is that tattoo conventions are not functioning only as places to fill appointments.
For some artists, they remain competitive stages. For others, they are opportunities to meet future clients, collaborate with other tattooers, strengthen professional relationships or simply stay visible within an increasingly fragmented industry.
Golden State may have returned to what Hurtado called “the core” in 2026. In doing so, it also offered a useful look at what that core currently consists of: not just tattoos made over three days, but the connections, collaborations and professional networks that continue long after the convention floor closes.
Editor’s note: We thank freelance journalist Trinity Murchie for this report from the Golden State Tattoo Expo 2026. Trinity covers culture, lifestyle, and the people shaping today’s creative industries.
