There's More To Tattoos Than Just The Ink at the London Tattoo Convention 2012
On the last weekend in September we headed up to Tobacco Dock, Wapping for the 8th London International Tattoo Convention.
Billed as "the biggest, best, most significant, and utterly awesome convention in the world" we went along to see just how awesome it was going to be - and to find out if there was more to this weekend than simply watching people get inked.
It's safe to say that a tattoo convention is going to involve a lot of tattooing, from all types of artists, in numerous styles, so it was no surprise to find the majority of the event was divided into allocated sections, each containing a number of booths dedicated to individual artist or shops. 
With some of the biggest names in the world of tattooing, this event brought together over 250 of the world's finest tattoo artists, all under one roof.
And the appearance of Miami Ink / NYC Ink star Ami James, who came to the London Tattoo Convention for the first time, certainly caused more than a ripple around the arena.
But what could this event hold for people unfamiliar with the world of tattooing - or for those who are a little unsure of what is involved?
Well, on offer were some of the most amazing shows, including burlesque, sword swallowing, daring aerial hoops and trapeze acts, created specially for the International London Tattoo Convention.
Mr Asaka, one of Japan's foremost professional ukiyo-e print practitioners and teachers worked throughout the weekend and afforded us the unique experience of watching a master craftsman demonstrate this art form outside of Japan.
Not every stall or stand was occupied by a working tattoo artist and one of the first we spotted was a yummy cake stall, selling the most gorgeous Cupcakes and Cookies by Susie Marie. 
We were even more surprised when we discovered they sold a gluten and dairy free variety - so we promptly bought some. Cupcakes for breakfast all round.
The Jamaica Inn was home to the The Dark Star Brewing Co, offering a selection of real ales alongside some toe-curling natural ciders, while 'Sailor Jerry' was available to make some colourful Mojito - but if anyone found it a bit early in the day then they could grab a coffee at Parkers Coffee or visit the food stands.
Throughout the event a variety of hot and cold food kept us fuelled from Henry's Bar & Restaurant; ranging from a gluten/dairy free Mexican chilli to sausage and chips or even a toasted flat-bread with a variety of fillings.
Live music in the Voodoo Crypt gave visitors the chance to enjoy a selection of live music over the entire weekend. With a licensed bar offering a diverse range of drinks you could enjoy the fantastic sounds from 'Vince Ray and the Bone Shakers' to other exclusive music artists.
The London Tattoo Convention visitors follow no great stereotype. A good number of people can be seen sporting a variety of tattoos but many 'ordinary folk' were in attendance and the number of families enjoying a day out was noticeable.
For everyone who has a tattoo, they will want to make sure they go away with some good after care lotion and among the variety on offer we found a few favourites that are worth a mention. 
After Inked not only effectively moisturises existing tattoos and naturally helps new tattoos look healthier, it can also be used on any permanent make-up procedure such as lips, brows and eye liner.
Being made from food grade ingredients, it is also gluten free, which makes it ideal for anyone who is on a restricted diet - because if you are going to use it on your lips the last thing you want is to be glutened!
Missy LePink offers a 100% organic, natural, vegan moisturising tattoo tonic, that is chemical and cruelty free. As well as aiding tattoo healing, this tonic is also great for soothing stressed winter skin or summer sunburn.
For industry experts and professional tattoo artists, RAWW tattoo jelly is quality assured and created specifically for use within the tattoo industry. The jar and lid are PET material and the white petroleum jelly is B.P grade, making sure it has a high level of purity and traceability.
If you are looking for some great clothes then you will find anything from brightly printed slogan-ed baby-grows through to high quality corsets, dresses and skirts in a myriad of colours mixed alongside various items of jewellery, for everyday wear, as well as a plethora of body piercing paraphernalia.
A member of our team was lucky enough to try on a beautifully made nubuck corset from Engineers of Desire. With a wide selection of bespoke items on their website, they are only available to buy, in person, at shows - thus ensuring you are fitted into the correct corset for you.
If you like the artwork but not on your body then Oracle UK have some fabulous prints on display.
Primarily a bespoke print company, they make use of their canvas off-cuts and up-cycle them into some seriously funny and hilariously comic prints that are only available and made exclusively for shows and events of this kind.
The London Tattoo Convention is not for the faint-hearted and you will see a good deal of flesh on display - either on the tattooist table or the main stage - but there really is more to a tattoo than just the ink.
Intrigued? Then make a date in your diary for next year and make plans for a great weekend at the London Tattoo Convention 2013.