Did you know that international artists from all over the world travel to Salt Lake City for an annual collaborative event? That’s right—our local art scene and community is so well-known it draws artists in from places like Korea, the Netherlands (and of course other U.S. states). 

The event that international and national artists look forward to each year is none other than the SLC Tattoo Expo. As this was the 22nd year for the SLC Tattoo Expo, tenured tattoo artists and collectors were able to collaborate with apprentices and tattoo enthusiasts. 

“We are coming from the Netherlands and it’s totally worth it!” said Dickie De Wit (Gold). “Here it’s one big family. The SLC Expo provides a wide range of tattooers and styles.” 

Tony Carey from Prescott, Arizona also mentioned the family reunion feel. “We are all bonded by our love for the medium of tattoo and our quest for adventure.” 

In addition, the SLC Tattoo Expo provides opportunities to learn more about tattooing histories and cultures. Ancient technologies, techniques, and styles of tattooing are featured for beginning artists and attendees to appreciate and honor. 

“It takes a respect for those that pushed boundaries before us and a compulsion to innovate to really craft an individual style,” Carey said. 

“Knowing history is paramount,” said Tatsutoshi the first, of the Ikebukuro Horitoshi family, 池袋初代彫俊一門 初代辰俊.

“Tattoos have always existed since the dawn of man as a way to empower people, both as individuals and as communities, and the SLC Expo allows us as cultural practitioners to share that with the people of the area,” Tatsutoshi said. 

Tatsutoshi is the disciple of Ikebukuro Horitoshi, the only titled traditional Japanese tebori practitioner from Japan in all Hawaii. This more traditional and cultural form of tattooing focuses on the “why.” 

“At the core of any tattooing is empowerment—to allow the receiver to choose into empowering themselves in any way they choose to,” Tatsutoshi said. “My clients allow me the honor of guiding them through their journeys of transformation, of physical self and inner self.”

Carey has been studying tattoo history for over 25 years and has been primarily focusing on traditional Japanese-inspired work so he appreciated the opportunity to learn from Tatsutoshi. Carey feels modern tattoos have a shared responsibility to honor the craft by sharing the stories and knowledge they’ve been granted with. 

“Our craft has been passed on from master to apprentice for generations with each new generation given an opportunity to innovate and push boundaries with the foundation and groundwork laid by those that preceded,” he said. 

“I’m fascinated by how traditional tattooists are blending classic styles with modern techniques—it's like a fresh take on the classics,” said Lisa Del Toro of Henderson, Nevada.

JoJo Ackerman from Los Angeles spoke of the technical craft and training required for tattooing. “Seeing a technically well done tattoo is something in high contrast to a poorly applied tattoo, regardless of artistic ability,” Ackerman said. 

Many artists attending the SLC Tattoo Expo spoke of a significant moment in tattooing history in the late 1980s/early 1990s when modern aseptic practices began to be standardized. 

“Over the years, the main changes I've noticed have been improvements in health and safety measures for both tattooers and clients,” Del Toro said. 

“Disposable set ups, autoclave sterilization, and single-use needles made tattooing safe and accessible to the masses,” Carey said. 

“The conveniency and consistency of premade needles is a luxury only those who had to solder their own needles will understand,” said Ike Greca of Seattle. 

He noted how ink quality started to improve around the same time and continues to do so. Tattoos no long age as badly as those previously done with older ink. 

“The explosion of cartridge needle systems, wireless battery powered power supplies, and rotary machines has made tattooing more defined,” said Jessi Reyes of Las Vegas.  

Around the same time, tattoo television shows began to be produced and aired, significantly impacting the tattooing industry.

“The explosion of popularity of tattooing and wanting to become a tattooer happened after the tattoo TV shows started airing every week,” said Nick Colella from Chicago. “Pre-tattoo shows tattooing had more of a mystique about it.” 

The 22nd SLC Tattoo Expo was held March 6-8 at the Salt Palace.

This article is part of the City Journals series covering the 2025 SLC Tattoo Expo. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from tattooers next month. 

To view our previous story, visit the City Journals website and search for “SLC thriving tattoo culture draws award-winning tattoo artists into town for a collaborative weekend.”