Ultimate Australian Tattoo Expo Brisbane 2023 Guide
We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the Australian Tattoo Expo, including the feature artists, which is being held in Brisbane from June 9-11.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Have you been looking for an excuse to get a new tattoo? Okay let me just say first up, no, you don’t need an excuse … but if you did need an excuse the Australian Tattoo Expo will be in Brisbane next month.
Some of Brisbane’s most talented tattoo artists and piercers will be at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 9-11.
We’ve got the ultimate guide to what you can do at the expo and who you can find ranging from new to established artists as well as national and international stars.
FIVE THINGS YOU MUST DO AT THE EXPO
1. Get inked
No matter whether you’re rolling up your sleeve for the first time or 50th time at the Australian Tattoo Expo you won’t have a shortage of artists to choose from.
With more than 350 artists set to showcase their skills at the expo you’re effectively spoiled for choice.
2. Get pierced
If half your iCloud storage is full of piercing inspiration images there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for while at the expo.
The majority of tattooists at the Australian Tattoo Expo are also talented piercers.
Septum, or medusa, or an addition to your current ear curation, the skilled piercers at the expo will help your inspiration imagery become your reality.
3. Get passionate
Some of the Australia’s most talented artists will compete against international stars in a bid to take home thousands of dollars. Cheer on your favourite artist while they create masterpieces.
Throughout the entire expo there will be daily competitions ensuring each artist has an opportunity at the prize.
4. Get styled
Streetwear, glam and alternative designs will meet in an amalgamation of culture.
Everything ranging from pendants, T-shirts, hats and art prints will be available for purchase at the expo.
Food vendors will also be at the expo to calm the hunger cravings while you shop.
5. Get real
Remember that one night in your 20s where you spontaneously decided to get a bold, prominent tattoo with your ex proclaiming your love for them forever … and then misspelled their name?
Wear your mistake as a badge of honour at the expo, and if yours is considered the worst you might just have a chance at winning the Sh*ttiest Tattoo Competition.
FEATURED ARTISTS
7Fukujin tattoo
Instagram: @7fukujintattoo
Style: Fine Line, Illustrative, Watercolour
Specialising in watercolour designs, 7Fukujin tattoo is able to make creations come to life in the most spectacular way. Based in Western Australia, the artist travels to tattoo expos to share their passion for everything colour with their customers.
Aaron allom
Instagram: @aaronallom13
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Adam Lynch Tattoos
Instagram: @adamlynchtattoos
Style: Black and grey, Dotwork / Linework
Adam Slack
Instagram: @stampede_ink
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
Agung Blondy
Instagram: @agungblondy
Style: Dotwork / Linework, Neo-traditional
Alit Chenk
Instagram: @alit_chenk
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Realism
Ally Mayhem Tattoo
Instagram: @ally_mayhem_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Dotwork / Linework
Anarchy Ink
Instagram: @anarchyink
Style: Black and grey
Despite only working with two shades of colour, Anarchy Ink is able to tell stories through their pieces that speak volumes. 3D designs are brought to life with expert shading and precise line work.
Andles
Instagram: @andlestattoo
Style: Traditional
Andrew Foxglove Tattoo
Instagram: @andrewfoxglovetattoo
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework
Anthony Waters
Instagram: @anthonywaters_tattoo
Style: Japanese, Traditional
Ash Thorburn
Instagram: @ashthorburntattoo
Style: Traditional
ATA INK
Instagram: @ata.ink
Style: Japanese, Realism
Baltazar Tattoos
Instagram: @baltazartattoos
Style: Anime, Black and grey, Blackwork, Neo-traditional, Pop Culture
Baltazar Tattoos currently works as an apprentice tattooist, however the skill and artistry displayed early in their career indicates the artist has a bright future in the industry.
Bejust
Instagram: @bejus.bodyart
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Watercolour
Benk benk hergia
Instagram: @benkbenk_hergia
Style: Japanese, New School
Bianca Jade
Instagram: @biancajade.tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework, Fine Line, Neo-traditional
Binksy
Instagram: @binksytatts
Style: Colour, Glitter, Anime
Bluey Tattoos
Instagram: @blueytattoos
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
Bluey Tattoos is based in Sydney however they travel throughout Australia for expos to bring magical awe-inspiring art creations to life. The artist regularly creates themes based on Pokemon, Mario and The Simpsons.
Boneheadtats
Instagram: @boneheadtats
Style: Traditional
C.chick_tattoos
Instagram: @c.chick_tattoos
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line
Cams
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Fine Line, Traditional
Chelsea Dagger
Instagram: @chelseadaggertattoos
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Neo-traditional, Realism
Choran
Instagram: @chrn_252
Style: Black and grey, Fine Line, Japanese, Realism
Chris
Instagram: @ct_.ink
Style: Black and grey, Mandala, Realism
Conor Gloom
Instagram: @_conorgloom_
Style: Blackwork, Neo-traditional
Daisy Lovesick
Instagram: @daisylovesick
Style: Cosmetic, Pop Culture, Traditional
Daisy Lovesick artfully transforms skin into a canvas for her incredible pastel electric tattoos. Located in Milton, the artist works with clients throughout the Brisbane region (and beyond) to create beautiful and ethical vegan tattoo designs.
Dan b33
Instagram: @dan_b33tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Ignorant, Traditional
David
Instagram: @distinktive_bodyart
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Realism
Deth Ravendusk
Instagram: @claretta_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Realism
Dfreeman Tattoos
Instagram: @dfreemantattoos
Style: Traditional
Dickfish
Instagram: @fishstick.tattoos
Style: Japanese, Neo-traditional, New School
Dopes
Instagram: @dopeside_tattoo
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
Dopes, aka, Dopeside Tattoo brings images and memories to life with precision line work. The artist is based on the Gold Coast and offers piercing as well as tattoos.
Doyol made
Instagram: @doyol_made
Style: Black and grey, Dotwork / Linework, Realism
Duane James
Instagram: @duanejamestattoo
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Dwik bad_ass
Instagram: @dwikbad_ass
Style: Black and grey, Fine Line
Ebony
Instagram: @ebonyinkx
Style: Black and grey, Fine Line, Traditional
Eddie ballon
Instagram: @eddieballon_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Based in Bali, Eddie ballon travels both nationally and internationally for tattoo expos with a focus on realism and black and grey line work.
EL 47
Instagram: @satan.inktattoos
Style: Black and grey
Elliot Crombie
Instagram: @elliotcrombie
Style: Blackwork, Floral, Japanese, Neo-traditional
Elric Gordon
Instagram: @elriccfh
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Horror, Realism
Emma Marentes
Instagram: @tattoosbyemma
Style: Anime, Fine Line
Freysce
Instagram: @freysce
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework
Garismati Tattoo
Instagram: @garismatitattoo
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Hannah Dahlia
Instagram: @dahlia.tattoos
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework, Neo-traditional
Gold Coast artist Hannah Dahlia creates multidimensional pieces with muted tones. Passionate about their work, the artist regularly updates customers through their Instagram page.
Harley Zhang
Instagram: @amazhang_ink
Style: Black and grey
Hazel Arch
Instagram: @zolo.tat
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line
Hazidtats
Instagram: @hazidtats
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Ian Roberts Tattoo
Instagram: @ian_roberts_tattooer
Style: Black and grey, Pop Culture, Realism
IIMMERSE TATTOO
Instagram: @iimmerse
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
IImmerse, aka Billy Tanos creates their art at a private studio in Newstead. The artist often adds pixelated edges to their creations which gives the pieces an extra element of realism as well as a throwback to the original Game Boy games.
Jake Tattoos
Instagram: @jaketattoos
Style: Japanese, Neo-traditional
Jays ink developments
Instagram: @jays_ink_developments_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Neo-traditional, Realism, Script
JCRAB
Instagram: @j_crab
Style: Anime, Blackwork, Japanese, Traditional
Jellybutton_tattoo
Instagram: @jellybutton_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Neo-traditional, Realism
Jennie Planet
Instagram: @jennieplanetink
Style: Floral, Neo-traditional, Watercolour
Jerry Andrian
Instagram: @jerryandrianmd
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Jess Spencer
Instagram: @jessspencertattoo
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line
JohnPaul Cheng
Instagram: @tattoobyjohnpaul
Style: Dotwork / Linework, Neo-traditional
Jordan Jean Tattoo
Instagram: @jordanjeantattoo
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Fine Line
Jordan Jean tattoo is part of the First Nations owned collective, Goldrush. The artist works with grey wash, realism and fine line work. Each piece tells a story with colour added to particular pieces for additional emphasis and depth.
Justinkin pty Ltd
Instagram: @justinkin_pty_ltd
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Realism
Kaycee Ink
Instagram: @kaycee.ink
Style: Neo-traditional, Pop Culture, Realism, Watercolour
Kayla Rae Ink
Instagram: @kaylaraeink
Style: Anime, Black and grey, Pop Culture, Realism
Kidjess Tattoo
Instagram: @kidjesstattoo
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line
komar
Instagram: @komaramirez
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Kurt Smith Tattoos
Instagram: @kurtsmithtattoos
Style: Anime, Neo-traditional, Pop Culture
Working with everything pop culture, artist Kurt Smith aspires to tell a story with every piece, often showing the thought process behind a particular piece.
Kym J Hammond Art
Instagram: @kymjhammond_art
Style: Black and grey, Floral
Leigh Florence
Style: Black and grey, Realism, Script
Liamjeytattoos
Instagram: @liamjeytattoos
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Liezyl Blair Tattoos
Style: Anime, Blackwork, Fine Line
Lightning Tats
Instagram: @lightningtats
Style: Floral, Traditional
Lil J Tattoos
Instagram: @liljtattoos
Style: Fine Line
Liris Ink
Instagram: @liris.ink
Style: Dotwork / Linework
Lorren Norrie
Instagram: @norrietattoo
Style: Traditional
The Sydney artist creates traditional tattoos that merge red and brown tones to create bold moody pieces.
Loud planets tattoo
Instagram: @loudplanetstattoo
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Fine Line
Lucky F***er
Instagram: @denpasarinktattoo
Style: Fine Line, Mandala
Mikhala Rose
Instagram: @mikhala.tattoos
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Script
MILA NASCIMENTTO
Instagram: @aquariustattoo
Style: Dotwork / Linework, Fine Line, Geometric, Illustrative, Mandala, Watercolour
Miss breeze artist
Instagram: @missbreezeartist
Style: Black and grey, Dotwork / Linework, Geometric, Mandala
Miss Kitty Kat Tattoo
Instagram: @misskittykat.tattoo
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
Momo Tattoo
Instagram: @momo_tatt00
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Realism
Morbid Kitten
Instagram: @morbid.kitten.tattoos
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework
Morbid Kitten creates designs ranging from large statement pieces to small intricate designs. The artist specialises in working with black shades but often incorporates colour into pieces in a purposeful way.
NARADJ
Instagram: @agusarts
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Natasha Jade
Instagram: @natashajade.tattoos
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework, Neo-traditional
Nath Holden Tattoos
Instagram: @nath_holden_tattoos
Style: Neo-traditional
Nuuz Art
Instagram: @nuuzart
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Okb tattoos
Instagram: @okb.tattoos
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line
Olivia Mary
Style: Illustrative, New School, Traditional
olivialeigh.tattoo
Instagram: @olivialeigh.tattoo
Style: Blackwork, Traditional
Based in Perth, the artist primarily works with creating traditional pieces and often shows behind-the-scenes footage and images of their work.
Papi gordo tattoos
Instagram: @papi.gordo.tatty
Style: Anime, Blackwork, Traditional
PAT MORROW
Instagram: @tatmanpat
Style: Polynesian
Paulie Surridge
Instagram: @pauliesurridge
Style: Traditional
RAJUS
Instagram: @rajuslioneltattoobali
Style: Black and grey, Japanese
RAN LEE
Instagram: @nottheretattoo
Style: Blackwork, Japanese
Ray Robinson
Instagram: @rayrobinsontattoo
Style: Traditional
The artist works in the traditional space with a focus on colour and bold imagery.
Reza
Instagram: @sandriatattoo
Style: Black and grey, Realism
rustybtattoo
Instagram: @rustybtattoo
Style: Traditional
Scratchink
Instagram: @lucky7_tattoobali
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Shell Valentine
Instagram: @shell_valentine_tattoo
Style: Neo-traditional, Pop Culture, Traditional
Siri
Instagram: @art.siris
Style: Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework, Fine Line
Soni Irawan
Instagram: @soni_irawn
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Japanese, Realism
Squire
Instagram: @colinsquire747
Style: Black and grey, Pop Culture, Realism, Watercolour
Tattoo Turkey
Instagram: @tattooturkey27
Style: Neo-traditional, Traditional
Tattoo Turkey currently works as an apprentice however the quality and depth of work has already both surprised and delighted hundreds of followers on Instagram.
Tattoosbydugz
Instagram: @tattoosbydugz
Style: Black and grey, Dotwork / Linework
Taylatattoo
Instagram: @taylatattoo
Style: Pop Culture, Traditional
THAT GUY
Instagram: @thatguy_tattoos
Style: Black and grey, Japanese, Neo-traditional, Realism
TIAN INK
Instagram: @tian.inkspade
Style: Black and grey, Realism
Tigerhood
Instagram: @tigerhood_tattoo_bali
Style: Black and grey, Pop Culture, Realism
Tiny Mittens
Instagram: @tinymittenstattoo
Style: Blackwork, Fine Line, Floral, Traditional
TraumaTats
Instagram: @traumatats
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Script
Troy Slack Ink
Instagram: @troyslackink
Style: Anime, Pop Culture
With an incredible 113,000 followers on Instagram, Troy Slack Ink specialises in everything pop culture. If you can imagine it, Troy Slack Ink can do it. Anime characters feature prominently in the artist portfolio as well as Pokemon and other video game characters.
TwoBeesTattoo
Instagram: @twobees.tattoo
Style: Fine Line, Illustrative, Watercolour
Viqink Tattoo
Instagram: @viqink_tattoo_bali
Style: Black and grey, Floral, Realism
Wen
Instagram: @wen_tattoo
Style: Black and grey
Wild Soul Tattoos
Instagram: @wildsoul_tattoos
Style: Neo-traditional
Xana Denruyter
Instagram: @xanadenruyter.tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Blackwork, Dotwork / Linework, Fine Line
Xia tattoo
Instagram: @xia_tattoo
Style: Black and grey, Neo-traditional
Shocking new WFH development we didn’t see coming
Just when you thought the post-pandemic era was all about working from home, Brisbane has up-ended the prevailing logic.
White knight poised to swoop as Rex collapse threatens regions
Regional Queensland could be decimated if besieged airline Rex cannot continue operating flights – but a rival carrier could fill the void.