Those of you who visited Envision Tattoo at the San Diego Convention Center this past weekend know we were two heads of one beast. Between our Murrieta and Grand Terrace locations, 14 artists in some seven booths were booked and busy each day long. And if you were one of the booked, you know the people watching was spectacular. Some of our clients even took to the main stage, winning two trophies for best traditional tattoo by Jake (Jacob Doney), and another for best extra large color done by Ryan Tragks, both of whom work in our Murrieta shop.
Envision Tattoo at San Diego Tattoo Convention, 2022
One of the most exciting aspects of conventions like this is the chance to see so much personality and talent in one place. While we all have our favorite artists and accounts to seek out, it's really not until you step into a physical event and see walls upon walls of flash, that you begin to appreciate just the sheer population of tattooers around you. Most were black and gray tattooers this year, but there were quite a few of us traditional artists present as well.
Three sheets of traditional flash by Candeoo
Of course, seeing familiar faces is just as special. This is me and Stephen Crome, a tattooer who used to own Laguna Tattoo. (Which is where I got some of my very first tattoos, before I was a tattooer myself.) Needless to say, it was a pleasure to catch up with old friends. Crome has since sold the business and now spends his time traveling across the world and especially the ocean, scuba diving!
Me and Stephen Crome
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booths and scheduled with us this August. The pleasure was truly ours.
If you didn't get the chance to collect a print from me this weekend, there's no need to fret. Sheets of flash among several other favorites are available on my online store front for purchase. If you like something you can take with you on the road, head over to my main website for a hand-painted flask or pack of Disney stickers; but act fast, there are only a couple left in inventory!
See you again next year!