Visitors had the opportunity to be tattooed at the convention, as well as compete across various tattoo categories such as best original design, cover-up, black-and-white, and Asian influence. Special privileges were visible, some artists, along with their entourage adamantly defiant towards the facemask requirement.īattiste was overall happy that her source of income was returning along with more work opportunities, “Good. “They put so much money into the event, into them, that they can’t kick them out.” Battiste said. Nina Lovecrow tattooing her client, her speciality is also fine line tattoos, photographed on Sept. Booth for Sepulveda Tattoo Studio that specializes in custom original tattoos. Battiste mentioned how some artists were not obeying the mask rules the entire weekend and pointed directly at them. Rita Ashley-Battiste, audience coordinator for major events across SoCal reminded everyone, “Please put your masks on, the health inspectors are walking around!”īattiste already worked for six major events prior to Golden State Expo, the first one being Born-Free, a motorcycle event held in Orange County where nobody wore masks. Photo credit: Gustavo Olivaresįacemasks are nothing new to the tattoo industry, “When I tattoo, I do it out of courtesy because we’re in such close proximity,” Said Victor Sepulveda, tattoo artist veteran of 25 years that specializes in Chicano art, “everyone is either vaccinated or they are getting COVID tested, so everyone that comes in is supposed to be negative.” His career spans over 25 years in the tattoo industry taken on Sunday Sept.19, 2021. Victor Sepulveda tattooing on his clients forearm. These practices were already in place prior to COVID-19, as most tattoo artists work with close proximity to their clients. Only certain assigned areas for eating and drinking allowed individuals to temporarily remove their masks, along with few stationary tables for event members.ĭesignated areas for artists assigned for hygiene, hand sinks located around the perimeter and disposable trashcans were routinely picked up. No smoking, vaping, or eating was allowed in the building while moving through the event. Artists, vendors, and attendees were required to wear a facemask at all times, regardless of vaccination status. The new conditions for hosting large events complied with both state and local requirements. Pasadena Convention Center required all artists, employees, vendors and attendees to either be fully vaccinated with visible documentation or show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours. Pasadena, California the three day event took place on Sept. Entrance towards the Pasadena convention center. The new dates were held over the weekend Sept.17-19, at 300 E. The Golden State Tattoo Expo 2021 was expected to return in January, however the mega event was delayed by almost two years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Influential, big-name artists like Carlos Torres and Nikko Hurtado made appearances along with various key figures in the tattoo community. Tattoo celebrities and industry experts gathered to showcase the best talent across the state of California.

Marked society tattoo