Absolute Ink Owner Chip Rutz works on a tracing during the Needle Art Tattoo Expo held in Murfreesboro. (Photo by M. Hudgins)
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Murfreesboro has made its mark again. This time, it's in ink.
Tattoo artists, models and suppliers from all across the country gathered at Mid-TN Expo for the inaugural Needle Art Expo, which wraps up today.
The event is also drawing some 4,000 attendees, according to event organizer Johnny Nobody.
A tattoo artist at Straight Edge Tattoo on Northwest Broad Street, Nobody said this convention is focused on displaying tattooists' artistic talents.
"It's more than tattoos; it's apparently a lifestyle," he said. "We all do this all the time. And there's not a person here I haven't met at another convention."
Some donned tattoos of extravagant movie scenes, while others displayed flowery swirls or pin-up girls. In fact, those without tattoos stood out of the crowd.
Being smack in the middle of the Bible belt, Murfreesboro isn't synonymous with tattoos or piercings, but it has definitely become more popular.
Absolute Ink owner Chip Rutz said the city's first-ever convention speaks volumes, but he's not sure what message is being conveyed.
"To me, it's like either we are trying too hard to fit in, or we'll really be able to say that we are a tattoo community," he said Friday afternoon. "It will all depend on how well (the convention) goes."
Rutz explained how most artists attend conventions to learn from peers and adopt new techniques.
"I want to be a sponge and soak up everything so I can learn all I can," he said.
"I think a lot of artists pretty much view it the same way. Some are just trying to make money, but you can be a money tattoo artist or you can be an artistic tattoo artist. But in my mind, if you focus on being an artist, the money will come."
Artists compete for awards in a variety of categories, including tattoo of the day, best hand tattoo, most unique and best color portrait, among others.
Winners receive trophies and their names are announced during the presentation, which creates a sort of branding for artists who win accolades again and again at multiple conventions.
They also have an opportunity to learn from one another's techniques, styles and talent.
Detroit artist Marshall Bennett, a renowned artist in the tattoo industry, said he attends half a dozen conventions a year to keep current on new techniques and learn about up-and-coming talent.
"I'm always humbled because I meet great artists that aren't as well known," Bennett said. "This is a really good family community. People are willing to share techniques (that help) keep me on top of my game."
Needle Art Expo also drew Jimmy Whitlock, owner of Tampa, Fla.-based Lucky Supply, and Angelo Miller, a self-proclaimed "Jack of all trades. The two sat behind tables displaying all things tattoo-related, from tubes and foot switches to ink and machines.
"Everything you see on these tables, we make with our own hands, our own ninja hands," Whitlock said.
As vendors who attend conventions around the world, both men said they understand the importance of American-made, and it's not only about quality.
"We're setting the industry standard. Most companies outsource to China, but we don't outsource anything," Miller said.
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