INK FUSION - 2/28/07

What is Ink Fusion?

Ink Fusion “ When the Worlds of Tattooing and Comics Collide “ The first question people might have is “What is ink fusion?” The answer is quite simple. Ink fusion is the worlds of professional tattooing and other multimedia art combining as one. Everyone watches television or movies, listens to music, reads comic books, or even collects things from their childhood. These things are all creative inspiration for tattoo artists. Tattoo artists are just like any other artists. They need not only inspiration for ideas, but also new ways to execute the plan. The end result of this plan being a customer walking out with an original work of art on their body. Not everyone is comfortable with going into a tattoo studio to research the idea of getting a tattoo. However, many people in today’s society are curious about getting one. Also becoming more common in today’s society are multimedia conventions. These conventions advertise new movies coming out, new comic books, new graphic novels, and the latest works by well-known artists. Merchandisers at these conventions sell everything from pillows, to toys, posters, hats, and t-shirts. If you can put your image onto a sellable item, it will be made and sold. Many artists from these conventions are starting to see their images appear in tattoo magazines and on the skin of their fans. What better way to immortalize your favorite character then by having them on your body? I can relate as half of my body is covered with Star Wars and GI JOE, and there will be more added in time. This is where I witnessed the two worlds start to collide, and when “Ink Fusion” was formed…………….. I myself have been collecting movie memorabilia for almost 20 years now. I’ve been tattooing for over 14 years. After seeing the people at “cons” (collectible conventions) sporting tattoos of their favorite creatures, cartoons, or artwork it became obvious to me. Why not bring tattoos and collectible conventions together? Why not give the fans the chance to get a tattoo on their own turf? I’ve asked many people about getting a tattoo, and some will say, “I just haven’t figured out what to get“ or “When I get the courage“. Performing the art of tattooing at these conventions somehow relaxes the fans and makes them feel more comfortable with the idea of getting a tattoo done. They can see, up close, how people react to getting one, and aren’t as shy about asking questions of their own. These multimedia conventions are set up with the same floor plan tattoo conventions are, and are structured in the same “fan friendly” manner. The health inspections are done ahead of time according to code. Promoters for these shows are always looking for something new to add to their artist sections. This also allows the original artist to be close to their fans. What better compliment to an artist is there than to see their work permanently embedded into a fan’s skin? I have always respected the artists in the graphic novel, comic, and movie industry and have always tried to find the original artist and ask for permission to use their ideas as tattoos. I have almost always gotten the same response. Not “No“, not “If you pay me for it “. But rather, “SURE! Just send me a picture. I’d love to see it when it’s done!” I have brought professional tattooing to the cons for the last few years. Including FX Show, Megacon, and Screamfest in Orlando, Florida. Wizard Philadelphia, and I even had the honor of contributing to Star wars Celebration 3 in Indianapolis! With the success of bringing the Ink to the cons, I began to think there was more than that to offer. It’s now time to bring the artists to the Ink! I have gotten much help with my artwork from published pinup artist Dave Nestler. We met on the con circuit a few years ago. I had a chance to bring him in for a tattoo convention. Much to his surprise, most of the artists in the room knew his work and were excited to meet him! Another example of the two worlds colliding. Tattoo conventions are another wonderful meeting place for media artists and tattoo artists to meet. This proves to be another profitable avenue for artists of canvas, Bristol board, airbrush, charcoal, etc. to get out into the public and meet more fans of their artwork. So it really doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of tattoos, comics, movies, or other multimedia, we are all just looking for ways to express ourselves and connect. My plan is to invite artists from around the world, to not just join our association, but also to participate in the shows. Let’s bring the art, the knowledge, and the face-to-face interaction to the people who will enjoy it so much. I bring to you.. ”INK –FUSION“ “When the Worlds of Tattooing and Comics Collide“

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