The Big London Tattoo Show

November 2023

NETWORKING Magazine

SPECIAL FEATURE

BIG LONDON TATTOO SHOW

The Big London Tattoo Show returns for the 2nd year at London’s ExCel. Art exhibitions, sideshows, vaudeville experiences, alternative market and interactive entertainment fused together under one unique space.

400 TATTOO ARTISTS

Home grown and internationally acclaimed Tattoo artists.

THE ART OF EXPRESSION

Photography by Sanj Saigal ©

THE NETWORKING MAGAZINE

The Art Of Expression:

Unveiling the Beauty of a Tattoo Exhibition

26th / 27th August 2023

HISTORY

The ExCeL Centre, short for Exhibition Centre London, is an international exhibition and conference centre in the Royal Docks area of London, England. It was opened in November 2000 and has since become one of the largest and most important event venues in the United Kingdom.

The history of the ExCeL Centre began with the decision to regenerate the former Royal Victoria Dock, which had fallen into disuse since the 1980s. The idea was to create a state-of-the-art exhibition and conference facility to attract large-scale events and revitalise the area.

We visited the Tattoo exhibition at the ExCel in London.

THE NETWORKING MAGAZINE

The Art of Expression

Construction of the ExCeL Centre began in 1998 and was completed within two years at £400 million. The centre was designed by awardwinning architect Sir Terry Farrell and covers a total area of 100 acres. It comprises of

interconnected exhibition halls, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and event spaces.

The ExCeL Centre officially opened its doors on November 27, 2000. Its first major event was the annual London International Boat Show, which attracted thousands of visitors. Since then, the venue has hosted a wide range of international exhibitions,

conferences, trade shows, concerts, sporting events, and cultural gatherings.

In 2012, the ExCeL Centre gained significant attention as it became one of London's leading venues for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It hosted several sporting events, including boxing, fencing, table tennis, taekwondo, and wrestling.

TIME

Over the years, the ExCeL Centre has continued to grow and evolve. It has expanded its facilities, adding a dedicated international convention centre called ICC London ExCeL. Today, it is a world-class venue that attracts millions of visitors and hosts numerous high-profile events yearly.

THE FUEL GIRLS

THE FUEL GIRLS have featured in TV shows for ITV and the BBC, appeared in music videos for Plan B, toured with Motorhead and Fall Out Boy, have driven their own modified cars on the Gumball Rally three times (Europe & USA), appeared in TV campaigns for Ministry of Sound and even raced their own Fuel Girls power boat!

We loved their performance at The Big London Tattoo Show. They complemented the essence of this event and contributed to the ambience.

THE FUEL GIRLS are a world famous multi-skilled performance group based in the UK, specialising in all kinds of fire & pyro performance and aerial shows.

Photography bySanj Saigal ©

EDITOR

EVENT

EVENT

The Big London Tattoo Show

Location

ExCel London

The Art of Expression: Unveiling the Beauty of a Tattoo Exhibition

hanks to the organisers, you created another spectacular event that attracted homegrown and international talent.

Front cover

photography

Paul from Anarchy Photography

Model - Leah Debrincat

The Fuel Girls - Website

The Fuel Girls - Instagram

Our aim was to capture the ambience of this event and unearth some of the mystique that surrounds the industry. Meticulous attention to detail was reflected in the stall layout as people moved around.

There was a story here that combined apparel, accessories, art, tattoo artists, tarot readers, body piercing specialists and suppliers. Viewing the various stands gives you a true sense of the industry scale.

Live entertainment captivated and complimented this event. On a personal note, I hope you enjoy the magazine; I produce them for

individual businesses, so please reach out if you are interested in an editorial.

We also have a Spotify channel where we interview business owners. As freelance press, it makes excellent social media content. Thank you

TSanj Saigal Founder

Sanj Saigal

Moreover, a tattoo exhibition fosters a sense of community, bringing together enthusiasts, artists, and collectors to connect, learn, and appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship behind this ancient art form.

The Art of Expression: Unveiling the Beauty of a Tattoo Exhibition

In the realm of art, there are countless mediums through which individuals express their deepest emotions, beliefs, and stories. Among these, the captivating world of tattoos is a mesmerising testament to the power of visual artistry. Today,

Traditionally, tattoos were seen as symbols of rebellion or tribal affiliation, but their significance has evolved dramatically. The Tattoo Exhibition, held at the ExCel, celebrates the transformative power of this art form, elevating it to an undeniable form of self-expression and personal storytelling. The human body once considered a mere vessel, is now transformed into a living, breathing masterpiece – a canvas that embodies the essence of humanity's diverse narratives.

A Tapestry of Diversity

As one delves into the depths of the Tattoo Exhibition, it becomes

think your story needs to be told”.

delicate floral motifs that grace the skin of individuals from every corner of the globe, the exhibition showcases a rich tapestry of artistic diversity. Each tattoo tells a unique story, unravelled through symbolic imagery, vivid colours, and meticulous details.

Masterpieces in Motion

At the Big London Tattoo Exhibition, one is left in awe of the sheer talent and craftsmanship displayed by the tattoo artists. Their skilled hands transform the human body into a living masterpiece, combining technical precision with artistic vision. The exhibition showcases finished

"We

as individuals wear their stories with pride and resilience. Within the exhibition's walls, visitors are encouraged to delve into the depths of the art, engaging in conversations that foster empathy, understanding, and a celebration of the human experience.

People get tattoos for a multitude of reasons, as each individual's motivation can vary greatly. Here are some common reasons why people choose to get tattoos:

Self-expression

Tattoos serve as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing individuals

Tattoos can be deeply symbolic, representing personal philosophies, cultural or religious affiliations, or even serving as reminders of values and aspirations. They often carry profound and personal meanings that resonate with the individual.

Artistic Appreciation

Many people get tattoos simply because they appreciate tattoos' artistry and aesthetic appeal. The intricate designs, colours, and creativity involved in tattooing can be seen as wearable art, allowing individuals to carry a piece of art with them at all times.

Empowerment and Confidence

Tattoos can empower individuals, helping them reclaim ownership of their bodies and fostering a sense of confidence and selfacceptance. It can be a way to embrace one's uniqueness and challenge societal norms and expectations.

Healing and Closure

Some people choose to get tattoos as a part of their healing process, using the art form to overcome personal traumas emotional struggles, or to signify a fresh start. Tattoos can serve as a therapeutic outlet, providing a sense of closure and growth.

It is essential to note that motivations for getting tattoos are highly personal and can differ significantly from person to person. The decision to get a tattoo should always be well-considered and thoughtfully chosen, as tattoos are permanent expressions of oneself.

Why have tattoos become so popular?

In many societies, there has been a shift in attitudes towards tattoos. They are no longer perceived as solely associated with subcultures or rebellion. Tattoos have become more mainstream and widely accepted, leading to increased popularity. Celebrities, athletes, and public figures sporting tattoos have played a significant role in popularising them. Their visibility in the media and social platforms has made tattoos more fashionable and desirable among the general population.

The rise of social media has allowed people to showcase their tattoos to a

broad audience. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok inspire and create a sense of community among tattoo enthusiasts. This exposure has fuelled the popularity of tattoos.

Stigma

Over the years, advancements in tattooing techniques, equipment, and ink quality have made the process safer, more precise, and less painful. This has helped reduce the stigma around tattoos and made them more appealing to a broader audience. Tattoo artists today are highly skilled and can create intricate and detailed designs. This allows individuals to personalise their tattoos, making them unique and meaningful to their own lives. The ability to create bespoke designs has made tattoos more attractive to people seeking self-expression.

Like any other fashion trend, tattoos have their own trends and styles that come and go. Certain tattoo styles, such as watercolour, minimalistic, or geometric designs, have gained popularity recently, attracting more individuals to get inked. With the growing visibility of tattoos in society, people have become more aware of the cultural and historical significance across different cultures. This increased awareness, combined with greater acceptance, has contributed to the popularity of tattoos.

Reasons

It's important to remember that the reasons behind an individual's decision to get a tattoo vary; not everyone follows trends or seeks popularity. Ultimately, the popularity of tattoos can be attributed to a combination of societal shifts, personal expression, and changing perceptions.

What is freelance press?

Freelance press refers to individuals or organisations that provide freelance or independent press services. In journalism and media, freelance press typically involves independent journalists or writers who work on a contract basis for various media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, websites, or television networks. These freelancers may pitch story ideas, conduct interviews, research, and write articles or reports, which are

then submitted to the media organisations they work with.

Freelance press allows journalists to have more flexibility in their work, as they can choose their assignments and have the freedom to work with multiple outlets. It also provides media organisations access to a diverse pool of talent and expertise without needing fulltime staff. Freelance press can cover various topics, including

news, features, opinion pieces, and specialised reporting.

Social media

Tattooists are often highly talented individuals. Tattooing is a form of art that requires skill, creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of various techniques and styles. Tattooists must be able to translate their client's visions and ideas into beautiful and meaningful designs that will be permanently inked onto their skin. They must also have a keen eye for detail and the ability to work with different skin types and textures. Additionally, tattooists often spend years honing their craft and continually improving their skills through practice and ongoing learning. Their talent lies in their ability to create stunning and unique tattoos that meet their client's expectations and stand the test of time.

Sharon Mckinley Designs