Northern Ireland's 3rd Annual Tattoo Convention

One event that I always make a point of going to is the Northern Ireland Tattoo Convention held in the Ulster Hall, Belfast. It's a good event to go to for inspiration; a number of local tattoo artists attend along with artists from the Republic of Ireland and England.

Personally, my favourite artist from this convention was Grainne Laverty, who is the sole tattoo artist of 'Ahoy Ruby' in Magherafelt. I loved her work and it was great to see how her work progressed through the day and the finished pieces themselves. I'll definitely be contacting her for a consultation on what I want done - check out her work yourself! https://www.facebook.com/AhoyRubyTattoo?fref=ts

The tattoo studio that I think that had the best presention was 'Skinworks' in Belfast. They had a range of different items at their stall and it was all layed out really well. Skinworks were also giving out discount cards for piercings; a nice idea from the Skinworks team! I'd recommend to check out Skinworks if your considering to get a tattoo. I got my butterflies on my ribs extended with Janine from Skinworks and I was delighted with the result! Have a nosy at their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/bcskinworks?fref=ts
























In it's third year, it's a popular event and people flock to it. Personally, I'd recommend going to this event early. There's only so much of constantly weaving through people I can take before my patience would snap. Don't get me wrong, the Ulster Hall (Bedford Street) is a great venue, but small for this event. I saw a woman with her young child in a pram and it looked a nightmare, it would be even worse if you were a wheelchair user - it just would put people off going. It would have been better if there had of been some artists upstairs, as it would have freed up some space downstairs.

View from the balcony on the 1st floor

Door tax is a bit on the pricey side (no deals for students) - £10 yet I thought it would have been worth it due to burlesque dancers performing this year. They didn't turn up. Gutted. I was really looking forward to that. However, for being an annual event the prices are justifiable.

On a more positive note, it's a good place to go for alternative clothing or if you just want something different. There's a great variety of IronFist clothing and shoes (of course I had a quick nosy)! I LOVE IronFist shoes; they have great eye-catching designs and are real comfortable too...check out the lovely items for sale!

I really loved these pink  ballet flats and turquoise brogues - they'd make a statement piece in a simple outfit. May invest in these! I also adored the swimsuits for sale (especially the turquoise swimsuit with the polka dot bow)...it's always nice to have that something different!

There was loads of clothes for sale too!

Check out the rest of what's for sale on the IronFist website - http://www.ironfist.co.uk/


As well as clothes there was some prints for sale at the convention too!

Here are some of my favourite pictures from the day!

Had a good day out at this event with Smidge and it's given me more ideas and some inspiration for my next tattoo (although it will be awhile before I get it done)! Have any of my readers been to any tattoo conventions?