SPLICED Issue 04\r\n\r\nThe 2014 Cape Tattoo Expo\r\n\r\nnd like moths, every year tattooed people from\r\naround the country flock to the Cape Tattoo Expo,\r\nnow in its sixth year.\r\nWhat began in the CTICC as an ambitious\r\nproject founded by Manuela Gray of Wildfire\r\nTattoos, bringing the best South African and\r\ninternational tattoo artists together under one roof,\r\nhas evolved into an annual event that has moved\r\nvenues twice, and gathers increased anticipation\r\nand momentum in the lead up to an event that\r\nrarely disappoints.\r\nThis is not your average expo. It’s a three day\r\ntattoo extravaganza that caters to every aspect of\r\ntattoo culture, from music with nightly concerts\r\nby big name local musicians, to clothing such as\r\nthe rockabilly style brand Miss Happ, tattoo styled\r\naccessories, and annual tattoo art exhibition and of\r\ncourse, the stars of the show, the artists themselves.\r\nThe 2014 Expo was no different, although\r\nthere was a noticeable drop in the number of\r\ninternational artists attending this year, due no\r\ndoubt in part to the fact that for the first time, it was\r\nheld at the end of February as opposed to the end\r\nof January as has been the usual model up until now.\r\nPatrons browse through artists’ portfolios,\r\nlingering over the pieces that appeal to them, with\r\nthose who perhaps aren’t familiar with the scene\r\ntrying to get an appointment on the spot. Although\r\nit’s certainly possible and walk-ins might be able\r\nto have something small done when their chosen\r\nartist has a gap, most artists are booked up weeks,\r\nif not months in advance by those eager to get\r\ninked. If they’re not booked it’s on a first come first\r\nserved basis so you need to stake your claim (and\r\nyour cash) early. International artists are even more\r\nin demand, even with the steep rates due to the\r\n\r\n38\r\n\r\nISSUE 04\r\n\r\n