JACKSON, Miss. — Tattoo artists, collectors, and enthusiasts gathered at the Mississippi Trade Mart this weekend as the Kings & Queens of Ink Tattoo Expo returned to Jackson for its fourth annual event.
The three-day expo brought together tattoo artists from across the United States, along with vendors, live tattooing, competitions, and opportunities for attendees to receive tattoos on-site.
Organizers say the event has continued to grow since its launch and has become a gathering place for both artists and members of the local community.
Josh Lacey, organizer of the Kings & Queens of Ink Tattoo Expo, said the event is designed to showcase tattoo artistry while creating an inclusive environment for visitors.
“We have artists from all over the country here, different vendors, anybody can come and get a tattoo,” Lacey said. “We’ve got contests people can enter, win trophies, and different stuff.”
Hoon Kim, who served as host of the event, said the expo’s continued success reflects growing support from both artists and the community.
“It’s a great event for what this community wants and needs,” Kim said. “This is the fourth year holding this show. We have returning artists, and we have artists that hear about the show and want to come because they hear how good it is for the community.”
Live Tattooing and Competitions
Throughout the weekend, visitors could watch artists work in real time, meet tattoo professionals, browse vendor booths, and participate in various competitions.
Notably, the Kings & Queens of Ink Tattoo Expo atmosphere provided attendees with a unique chance to experience tattoo culture up close.
One notable change this year involved the expo’s top competition award.
“In years past we’ve done a King Best of Show and Queen Best of Show,” Lacey said. “This year we’re doing a single Best of Show, so everybody is competing for one award.”
Kim explained that the Best of Show category often showcases some of the largest and most detailed work completed during the expo.
“A lot of the tattoo pieces entered into that contest are big tattoos, usually about a three-day piece,” Kim said. “People have spent hours working on a single piece. It’s amazing to see the talent and all the art that gets on stage for that contest.”
Attendees Support Tattoo Artists
For many attendees, the event is also an opportunity to support favorite artists and celebrate tattoo culture.
Drew New of Jackson said he attends events like the expo because of his appreciation for tattoo artistry.
“I’ve got to support my artists,” New said. “Show up, show them love, and I enjoy artwork.”
New said he was especially interested in seeing one of his tattoo artists compete during this year’s event.
“Artist Kim did a tattoo on my arm and is entering the anime color contest,” he said.
Changing Perceptions of Tattoo Culture
Organizers and attendees alike noted that public perceptions of tattoos have evolved significantly over the years.
“I understand people have misconceptions,” Kim said. “But tattoos don’t determine whether someone is a good doctor, firefighter, or professional. People need to let those stereotypes go.”
Lacey agreed, noting that tattoo culture has become much more mainstream than in previous decades.
“Things have changed,” he said. “It’s not just biker gangs that have them.”
New echoed those sentiments, saying attitudes toward tattoos have become more accepting.
“It’s changed a lot,” he said. “In the past, a lot of people were judgmental, but it’s grown and evolved. The way I look at it is I enjoy other people’s artwork on my body.”
At the Mississippi Trade Mart, the event welcomed people from all walks of life, all drawn by their passion for ink and artistic expression, and this excitement was at the core of what makes the Kings & Queens of Ink Tattoo Expo so special in Jackson.
Editor’s Disclaimer: Presence News attended the Kings & Queens of Ink Tattoo Expo in Jackson, Mississippi, and conducted on-site interviews with event organizers and attendees. Quotes included in this article were obtained during those interviews and are presented in context. This article is intended to provide factual coverage of a community event and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual, organization, product, or service mentioned.
