Due South Tattoo Expo

The Due South Tattoo Expo wrapped up Sunday with record breaking attendance numbers. Nearly 5,000 people made their way to the Golden Nugget this weekend for a chance to witness tattoo artists from all over the country work. News 25’s Kendra Turley gives us an inside look.
One look at Griff Howard and you’d know he’s no stranger to going under the needle. The majority of his tattoos were done by tattoo artist Erica Flannes.“She’s got a light hand,” said Howard, “It’s not heavy. So, she doesn’t hurt. It’s very easy going. I love her to death. She’s been a friend. So, she’s the one that keeps me inked out.”
Flannes, originally from Mississippi, now runs a tattoo shop in New York, making it kind of hard for Howard to schedule an appointment. Howard had the opportunity to reunite with Flannes and get even more ink during the second annual Due South Tattoo Expo.
Nearly, 80 tattoo artists from all over the country set up shop inside the Golden Nugget to show off their skills and potentially gain life-long customers. “Ink Master” reality TV star Dave Clarke tells News 25 the three day convention attracts customers from all walks of life. “Tattoos are more acceptable. It’s no longer the skull and daggers dangerous criminal people that have tattoos now, it’s military personnel, doctors, lawyers, even some politicians.”
Artists had the opportunity to receive awards for their artwork by entering competitions in nearly 20 different categories. The expo even added a little Gulf Coast flair to the competition by handing out ceramic shrimp boots as trophies. “Different techniques that they use, colors, some people are better at portraits and some people are not. So, it’s coming together as a community and actually seeing the best work out there,” said Howard.
The expo also provided various clothing, jewelry and art vendors for those who weren’t looking to go under the needle. Matt Stebly, host of the Due South Tattoo Expo, said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out this year. Last year, we had a pretty good turnout but this year has definitely surpassed any expectations I had.”

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