Think Ink Tattoo Convention

Last Thursday evening, June 3rd, I, Lucky, Tayler, Scooter, Kate, and Oliver, drove over to Coeur d’Alene, ID, for the first Think Ink Tattoo Convention.  What’s great was Lucky, I, and the kids haven’t been over to Coeur d’Alene since last Thanksgiving so we were excited to see the grandparents and friends that we’ve been missing.

Friday was the first day of the convention, held at North Idaho College, so everyone gets up early to set up, meet the tattoo artists around our booths, and wait. 

History shows that Friday is the slowest day of any convention due to the fact that most people are still working and this time it is also because Coeur d’Alene has never seen the likes of a convention before.  The closest tattoo show has always been the Lilac Tattoo Convention in Spokane 30 miles away and that isn’t as enticing as a convention in one’s backyard.

History seemed to repeat itself at this convention.  Friday was extremely slow however it gave us time to get to know other artists and meet with tattooing friends we haven’t seen in a while.  The highlight of Friday was the trophy Lucky picked up for coming in 2nd place in the Small Black & Grey Tattoo category.  Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of the tattoo but once I find one I’ll post it.

Saturday was more of the same however the attendance did pick up a bit.  Lucky ended up doing four tattoos and won 1st place in the Most Unusual Tattoo category.  That one I do have a picture to show you.

Kelley flew out from Seattle Saturday afternoon so we got the next few days to show her around the Coeur d’Alene area.  She was BY FAR one of the most fascinating people at the convention with her piercings and dreadlocks.

Sunday was definitely the busiest day of the convention.  Lucky did another four tattoos before packing up and hanging out one last day in beautiful Coeur d’Alene. 

The next day, Monday, we finally rolled out of town and made it home before 8:30pm.  It was great to finally get home but it was great to see everyone. 

During our trip we met a lot of incredibly talented artists and caught up with old friends we haven’t seen in years.  That coupled with Tayler and Scooter becoming local celebrities, winning two tropies and having the kids see their grandparents made it a very successful weekend.

 We want to give a huge shoutout to the following list of homies:

• Randy Nilson - for allowing Lucky to share his booth.
• His lovely girlfriend, Brooke – for running and grabbing food (even though the taco trucks were closed) and keeping us company with your stories of eating 11 Jack in the Box tacos.
• Tayler – for really representing the shop and being on top of EVERYTHING.
• Scooter – for allowing everyone to put the weirdest tattoos on your leg. And for representing the shop and being on top of everything.
• Liz and Trevor Burdock of In the Flesh Tattoo- always a pleasure seeing you guys. Can’t wait until the next convention!
• Scott and Kendra – for allowing us to crash at your place.
• The grandparents and Crista – for keeping the kids occupied for three solid days.
• Erica, Mike, Travis, Michelle, & Josh – for keeping us entertained all weekend. And for being awesome.
• The group from Tat-Fu Tattoo in Flagstaff, AZ – you guys are awesome. Can’t wait to be able to have you at the shop and come down to AZ to do a guest spot.

You can find more pictures on Facebook.