Andi Ink, Founder of the Third Coast Tattoo Show

Andi Ink brings the first and only tattoo convention within Chicago city limits to downtown Chicago this June with the highly anticipated Third Coast Tattoo Show.

Andi Ink is hosting the tattoo convention of her dreams.

The Third Coast Tattoo Show will hold its inaugural event this June in downtown Chicago. About 100 artists from around the country will attend the three-day convention, which will also feature live music from local DJs, a fine arts exhibit and, of course, tattoo competitions. 

Unlike other tattoo conventions in the area, Third Coast Tattoo Show is the only one within city limits. Chicago's famously sticky red tape has prevented other conventions — big ones with even bigger sponsors — from crossing city lines, and they've remained exiled to the suburbs. 

For Andi, the choice to host the convention in her hometown was obvious.

“I just couldn’t imagine having it anywhere else,” Andi said. A lifelong Chicagoan, she’s quick to praise her city, especially in the summer. “Summertime Chicago is truly a religion.”

Now in her sixth year of tattooing, Andi has always found conventions to be more than professional gatherings. Conventions always felt like summer camp, she said. Spending all day with friends, sharing meals, experiencing a “nonstop togetherness” with her peers. This sense of camaraderie is at the core of the vision for the Third Coast Tattoo Show.

“It feels like I’m trying to throw a huge party for my friends,” she said.

Like many who call the Windy City home, Andi struggles to put into words exactly what makes it so special, but for her, it comes down to the spirit of creativity and inclusivity that defines both the art and tattoo communities.

The Chicago tattoo scene is unique for its spirit of mutual support. Artists from different shops frequently attend one another’s events, from flash days to art shows.

“People want to do interesting things here,” Andi said.“Chicago tattooers are just excited for each other.”