WHY CHICAGO NEEDS ITS OWN TATTOO CONVENTION

Chicago has a vibrant art scene rivaling those of New York City and Los Angeles. High-minded connoisseurs can find Seurat and Picasso at the Art Institute, while any CTA commuter can enjoy the miles of murals in Rogers Park. But when it comes to tattoos and tattoo conventions, the city has long been overshadowed by events in the suburbs. As the Andi Ink, founder of the Third Coast Tattoo Show puts it:

"Chicago should have its own show."

For years, tattooers and enthusiasts have flocked to the suburbs for tattoo conventions under the impression they’re getting a taste of the city. They fly into O'Hare, catch a ride to Rosemont, and never experience what makes Chicago tattooing so special. 

Andi isn’t just setting up another event — she's creating a show that reflects the true spirit of Chicago. 

“It always breaks my heart when I meet tattooers who are like, ‘Oh, you're from Chicago? I've worked the show out there,’” she says. “Come to find what they mean is they've gone from O'Hare to Rosemont, back to O'Hare, and have never seen any part of the city," Third Coast Tattoo Show aims to change that, offering attendees an authentic experience right in the heart of the city.

Chicago is long overdue for a tattoo convention that truly represents the city. Third Coast Tattoo Show will be more than just a showcase of incredible talent — it will be a celebration of the tattoo community’s connection to the city itself. Whether you’re a local or travelling from out of state, this event offers a rare opportunity to experience Chicago’s culture firsthand. You won’t be stuck in the suburbs; instead, you’ll be in the middle of a city that lives and breathes art.

With the Third Coast Tattoo Show, Chicago finally gets the tattoo convention it deserves.