Recent Tattoos, New Flash Designs, Studio Updates
Gifford
04/07/2026
Chicago Tattoo Convention Recap, Finished tattoos, Fresh Flash designs
Chicago Tattoo Convention recap
It was another busy weekend at the Chicago Tattoo Convention. If you've never been, this is one of the largest tattoo conventions in the country and definitely something to check out at least once. This year Cori and I showed up to represent Logan Square Tattoo working on both in progress tattoos and taking walkup appointments.
The show has over 1000 tattooers attending as well as other vendors and entertainment so it can be a lot to take in. As always it was fun to catch up with some old friends as well as make some new ones. While I haven't done every Year of this show, I was there for the first few years and have watched it grow into the behemoth it currently is. I miss the old hotel days when it was a three day party of everyone crammed into a smallish hotel ballroom and who had a chance to talk to all the people there. But, it's grown into something truly fitting for Chicago.
From an artists perspective, it was interesting to see a shift in where the industry is going. The amount of sponsored artists and professional branding throughout the vendors was eye opening. While I'm sure there was still afterparties that went all night and weekend long, I didn't see much of that. Instead I saw artists from all over Chicago, the States, and the world showing up and trying to get some recognition from clients, sponsors, and other artists. The amount of top tier tattooing I saw was inspiring and humbling.
On our end, we had a pretty good time. Conventions are always a bit of a marathon, and we finished strong, doing some tattoos we were happy to show off and enter into some of the competitions being held. We picked up a few new clients excited to meet some local artists, and met some other really great artist from the city.
Shamock in the studio
After the Chicago Convention we had international biomech artist Shamack stay on for a few days to make some tattoos at the studio.
First off, it's always a treat when an artists personality matches the quality of their tattoos. We had a great week hanging out and sharing information and talking shop. Watching Shamack's process for assembling 3d references and applying them as tattoos was informative and inspiring. While he was here he managed to pick up a couple clients so we hope to see him again soon. If you saw his work and missed out, please give him a follow on his ig @shamacktattoo to and follow his booking form to get in the next time he's around!
New flash from Paige
Paige has put together a fresh fantasy inspired flash sheet for you all, so if you're itching for a new tattoo but aren't quite sure what to get, give these a peep! As always, these can be done as is, or used as an inspirational jumping off point to discuss a custom design with Paige. If you'd like to claim one be sure to head over to her page or just fill out her booking form here
Tattoos we like to brag about
I recently got to finish a large alien biomech inspired torso piece on my good client Emile. Pieces like these are always a large commitment and I'm so grateful to have clients who have the commitment and follow through to get these out into the world. Interested in a piece like this? head over to my page and submit a booking request! I'm always taking on new projects and am excited to work on developing whatever strange or not so strange idea you may have!