We’re gearing up for an exciting tattoo convention season, with the two-day extravaganza that is UKTTA taking place in Birmingham on 11 – 12 April (before moving right here to Manchester on 8 – 9 August).
From there, there’s literally an inking event to be found every weekend of the summer from Scotland down to Cornwall. They’re a great opportunity for tattoo artists to raise their profile and bag new clients.
However, conventions are a different beast compared to working in your own studio. You’re in a new environment, working long hours, and you don’t have the luxury of popping into your stock room when something runs out.
Here’s a practical packing list focused on the supplies artists tend to forget every year.
If your best laid plans go awry, don’t stress: we have your back with tattoo kits for next day delivery.
Extra cartridges and needles (more than you think)
Running out of cartridges mid-convention is one of the most common mistakes. You’ll likely be working faster and taking on more pieces than usual, so your normal weekly estimate won’t cut it.
Bring more than you expect to use, especially your most common configurations like liners and mags. It’s far better to take stock home than scramble to borrow or buy at inflated convention prices.
Backup power and cables
Power issues are more common than artists expect at conventions. Extension leads, spare RCA/clip cords, and backup batteries for wireless machines are essential.
Barrier protection
Barrier film, machine bags, clip cord covers, and bottle covers go quickly in a convention setting. You’ll be working in a high-traffic environment where hygiene needs to be even tighter than usual.
Artists often underestimate how much barrier protection they’ll use over a full weekend. Pack extra – it’s not worth cutting corners when you’re working in public view.
Disposable essentials
This is where most oversights happen. Items like:
- Gloves
- Ink caps
- Paper towels
- Dental bibs
- Razors
These are easy to take for granted in your own studio but critical at a convention. If you run out, you’re either borrowing from other artists or hunting down suppliers on-site.
Cleaning and prep supplies
Don’t rely on event organisers to cover your hygiene standards. Bring your own:
- Surface disinfectant
- Green soap or skin cleanser
- Wash bottles
- Antibacterial wipes
This ensures your setup stays consistent with how you work at home, which is key for both safety and confidence.
Comfort and workflow extras
Long convention days can take a toll, and small items can make a big difference to how you perform.
Consider packing:
- Grip tape or bandage wrap
- Armrest covers
- Stencil solution
- Spare machine grips
These aren’t always top of mind, but forgetting them can make your setup less efficient or comfortable.
Business and aftercare supplies
Conventions are also a chance to build your client base. Don’t miss that opportunity by forgetting:
- Business cards
- Booking forms or a digital system
- Aftercare sheets
- Aftercare products
Clients often decide on the spot whether they’ll book with you again, so make it easy for them.
Get your packing list right, and you’ll not only work more efficiently but also present yourself as the kind of artist clients and other professionals take seriously.