Welcome to Miami: A Tattooed Extravaganza!
MIAMI.- Hold on to your needles, folks, because returning to Miami is The All Stars Tattoo Convention! Yes, you heard right! From November 15 to 17, prepare to witness a remarkable display of body art as 1,400 tattoo artists from over 85 countries converge on the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition. If you think Miami was just for beaches and overpriced cocktails, think again!
From Venezuela with Ink
This spectacular event is the brainchild of Venezuelan body art artist Emilio González. Now, Emilio isn’t just any tattoo enthusiast; he’s like the Willy Wonka of the tattoo world—if Willy was obsessed with ink instead of chocolate and perhaps had more piercings. Born in La Guaira, he’s been wielding needles longer than most people have been in therapy for their childhoods!
Emilio got hooked on body art at the tender age of 11. Picture this: a kid sees a man with a scorpion tattoo and becomes fascinated—also very slightly disturbed. This led him to an intense week of questioning the tattooed man, who, just so you know, didn’t have a real scorpion crawling toward him while we were chatting. Instead, he revealed the art of DIY tattooing involving cooking needles and chin ink. Classic “kitchen” craftsmanship, if you will. Who knew the path to creativity started with food prep tools? And yes, Emilio went on to tattoo the name of his favorite band: QUEEN, right before he was scheduled to face his parents! You know, the usual rite of passage for aspiring tattoo artists.
An Evolution of Ink
Fast forward through a few years of globe-trotting, technique-slaying, and ink-slinging, and we find our hero back in Venezuela, where he opened Mithos Tattoo in Caracas. Think of it as the “Universal Studios” of tattoos—everyone’s dying to get in! He’s honed quite a few skills—body modifications, extensive tattoos, tongue bifurcations—basically anything you’d expect from a sci-fi movie but with more ink and fewer spaceships.
From Venezuela to Miami
After conquering Venezuela, Emilio popped over to the U.S. for greater adventures. Miami is where he made a triumphant return with his ambitious plan to revive the legendary Venezuela Expo Tattoo. Honestly, has anyone ever had a more impressive artistic comeback? I mean, they should really make a movie about this guy—call it “Tattoo Over the Rainbow”!
Emilio explains, “The first distinguishing factor of our event is that I’m standing here as an artist creating this for other artists, not some suit in an office somewhere who thinks body ink is just “fringe.” You know, like how they treat everything in the corporate world, including Zoom meetings and casual Fridays!”
Artistry, Audience, and A Whole Lot of Fun
His vision isn’t just to bring artists together but to offer them and the audience a vibrant experience filled with over 10 daily shows. However, hey, don’t worry—there will be even more than that, so you won’t leave feeling like you got shortchanged on the number of performances! This isn’t a theater production; this is the Super Bowl of tattoo conventions!
Reflecting on previous events in Venezuela, Emilio quips, “I’ve dealt with one of the most demanding audiences in the world—the Venezuelans! So let’s just say I’m prepared!”
What Lies Ahead
But wait! Emilio has even bigger dreams, including taking this ink-wielding carnival to cities around the globe and eventually returning to Venezuela. I’d say he has a heart as big as a tattooed forearm! “I can’t wait to connect with the next generation of artists and fans,” he said. Awww, pass the tissues!
In an emotional reflection, Emilio states, “While I keep my ink skills sharp here, I feel a sense of pride and joy being able to do what I love in a nation known for its diversity. Who knew I’d surprise folks here when I thought I’d just be part of the background?”
Join the Fun!
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and head to Miami between November 15 and 17 for three days filled with creativity, skin artistry, and a complete carnival of fun! Let’s face it: you always wanted to watch someone get a tattoo while munching on fair food, right?
Join me at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition because, trust me, it’s going to be ink-tacular!
MIAMI.- The vibrant city of Miami is set to welcome back the much-anticipated second edition of The All Stars Tattoo Convention, an extraordinary gathering conceived by renowned Venezuelan body artist Emilio González. From November 15 to 17, this exciting event will bring together an impressive lineup of 1,400 tattoo artists hailing from over 85 countries, all converging at the iconic Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition venue.
The All Stars Tattoo Convention represents an evolution of Venezuela Expo Tattoo, a groundbreaking event that originated in 2001 and captivated audiences for 18 years in Caracas. This convention positioned itself as a premier platform, showcasing a diverse array of tattoo artists and solidifying its status as one of the key events in body art culture throughout the region.
Emilio González’s passion for body art was ignited in his youth. During an interview with DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS, he reminisced about the moment at age 11 when he became captivated after seeing a man sporting a striking scorpion tattoo on his hand. Eager to learn more, he engaged the man in conversation for a week, unraveling the intricacies of tattooing techniques.
“I was very shocked. I talked to him for about a week about how he had done it and he explained to me that he tied three cooking needles with thread and bought chin ink. Once he inserted the needles into the skin he had to slap the skin like a slap so that the ink could finish entering,” González shared, recounting the spark that led him to embark on his adventure in tattoo artistry. He clandestinely practiced in his room, inking the name of his favorite band, QUEEN, inspired by the legendary Freddie Mercury. That was the pivotal moment that launched his journey into the world of body art.
His relentless quest for knowledge took him across Europe, where he honed his craft and mastered various tattooing techniques, ultimately transforming him into a leading figure in the world of body modification upon his return to Venezuela. González established the renowned Mithos Tattoo studio in Caracas, solidifying his reputation. His mastery includes an array of techniques, such as body modifications, extensive tattoos, tongue bifurcations, subdermal implants, and ear expansions.
The All Stars Tattoo Convention
Driven by the ambition that resonates within many Venezuelans, Emilio González ventured across the globe, eventually settling in the United States. There, he channeled his passion into establishing a company dedicated to the sale and distribution of body art products on an international scale. However, his heart remained tethered to his roots, and he sought to revive the vibrant legacy of Venezuelan tattoo culture right in Miami, the city that he now calls home. This led to the successful launch of the inaugural edition of The All Stars Tattoo Convention in 2023.
“The first factor that distinguishes this event from others in its style is that I, Emilio González, belong to this industry; I am an artist creating an event for fellow artists. I understand what artists seek from such events, as well as what the general public, who may not get tattooed, is eager to experience,” he articulated, highlighting the more than 10 daily shows scheduled to engage audiences throughout the convention.
González draws from his experiences with the demanding audiences in Venezuela, believing that this expertise lends exceptional quality to the event. “The public has been waiting for this event since last year. The first edition showcased to the North American audience a unique experience, differing greatly from what they were accustomed to, and we anticipate even greater receptivity in the years to come,” he emphasized with enthusiasm.
Next steps
Looking ahead, Emilio envisions expanding this remarkable gathering to other vibrant cities across the globe while also yearning to return to his homeland, reconnecting with the community that nurtured his passion and engaging with emerging artists and fans of body art.
“I would like to return at some point… but, for now, it is a wish like that of every Venezuelan migrant,” he expressed, embodying the hopes of many who yearn to go back home. In the meantime, he remains dedicated to delivering the best of urban culture to the American community and its inhabitants.
“I feel proud and happy to be able to do what I love in a diverse country where audiences are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the event we curate. When I was in Venezuela, I imagined reaching the pinnacle of this art form, believing that everything was already done and invented; instead, we came to make waves. This is a testament to hard work and the passion we put into our craft,” he concluded warmly.
“Join me this November 15, 16, and 17 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition. It will be three days brimming with art, ink, and exhilarating fun.”
And discover,” Emilio shared. His commitment to fostering an environment where both artists and attendees can thrive is evident in every detail of the convention.
This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better, with more than just tattooing on display. Attendees can expect live performances, educational seminars, and a myriad of vendors showcasing the latest in tattoo technology, aftercare products, and supplies to suit every enthusiast’s needs. Think of it as an inked wonderland, where creativity knows no bounds.
As part of the convention, Emilio has instituted a series of competitions, highlighting the skill and artistry of participants. Categories range from best traditional tattoo to most innovative design, allowing artists to shine and receive recognition for their hard work and dedication. “Vibrant artistry needs a stage,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of celebrating talent within the community.
Moreover, the event seeks to educate and uplift, making it accessible to all. There will be opportunities for patrons to engage with artists, delve into the rich history of tattoo culture, and even partake in discussions about safety and the evolving nature of body art. Emilio’s vision is clear: to create a space that honors the artistry of tattoos while maintaining a commitment to health and safety standards within the industry.
**Join the Revolution!**
Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo aficionado or simply curious about the craft, The All Stars Tattoo Convention is poised to offer an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible talent that will be present, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture that body art embodies.
So mark your calendars once again for November 15 to 17 and prepare yourself for a celebration like no other. Miami’s going to be buzzing with energy, creativity, and of course, ink! Come for the art, stay for the community—this is not just a convention; it’s a movement.
**Get Ready for Ink-tastic Fun!**
