Inside the expansive 75,000-square-foot Glass City Center, the buzz of tattoo machines filled the air as more than 175 tattoo artists from across the country transformed skin into art.
From delicate floral designs to detailed portraits and wings etched onto skulls, Tattoo Fest offered attendees a rare opportunity: access to top-tier tattoo artists without having to travel across the country.
“Normally, you’d have to find artists on Instagram, look up their websites, and hope to remember their names,” said Quinn Hurley, director of operations for Tattoo Fest. “Here, you just walk up and down the aisles and see the art happening in real time.”
Hosted by Studio 13 Tattoo of Fort Wayne, Ind. — a shop Hurley once managed — the event also marks a symbolic return to Toledo, where the studio once operated a location.
“It’s kind of a homecoming,” Hurley said.
While tattoos are the festival’s main attraction, guests also browsed vendor booths offering art, clothing, and specialty merchandise. Unlike other tattoo conventions that incorporate sideshows and live performances, Hurley said Tattoo Fest is designed to be more laid-back.
“We like to keep it pretty low-key, pretty chill,” he said.
Many visitors book appointments in advance with their chosen artists, while others take advantage of walk-up availability. Local talent is well represented too, with six or seven shops based in Toledo participating — including Ink and Iron, located just a short distance away on Adams Street.
“It’s right in our backyard,” said shop owner Mike Klein, as he worked on a large thigh tattoo. “We’ve got to show off a little bit.”
Each day of the three-day festival features tattoo competitions for both fresh ink and healed designs. Saturday includes a tongue-in-cheek “Worst Tattoo Competition,” where the winner receives free tattoo removal.
Despite the competitive element, Klein emphasized that camaraderie, not rivalry, defines the festival’s atmosphere.
“There’s a shared respect for the industry,” he said. “We’re not here to sell someone something — we’re here to help them find the tattoo that’s right for them.”
Fellow Ink and Iron artist Kara Mosqueda echoed that sentiment. She said she was drawn to tattooing because it allowed her to combine her passion for art with helping others build self-confidence.
“Helping people love themselves is the best part,” she said. “Sometimes someone comes in hating a part of their body, like their stomach or thighs. But once you tattoo it, they see it differently.”
Tattoo Fest runs through Sunday evening. Day passes are available for $30, and weekend passes cost $65. All attendees must be at least 18 years old with valid ID to receive a tattoo.
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