Three hundred artists and vendors are displaying their talent and goods at the United Ink No Limits International Tattoo Expo at the Resorts World Casino.
Mike Preston came to Resorts World Casino in Queens on Sunday to get his first tattoo, a Koi fish
"It kind of symbolizes [my grandmother] watching over me," Preston explained.
He'd been thinking about getting the tattoo for years and when he was ready to get commit he knew who he wanted to go to.
Preston has been following the work of Elmhurst Artist, Phillipus Murdijanto of Styx Tattoo for a while.
Murdijanto has been tattooing clients for 15 years, and specializes in "dark arts" and neo-oriental style tattoos.
"Being in Queens, he’s really busy. I have to book him at least two months in advance just to get a slot,” Preston said.
Murdijanto was among 300 artists and vendors displaying their talent and goods at the United Ink No Limits International Tattoo Expo at the Resorts World Casino in Jamaica this weekend.
"I’m very grateful and I feel proud of what I do," Murdijanto said.
The 3 day event featured contests, modeling shows, entertainment and more.
Husband and wife duo, Jackie and Lou Rubino, said they organized the event to celebrate the tattoo lifestyle.
"You just meet so many interesting people you hear so many great stories, and you see such amazing art work. We’ve become a really tight knit community,” she said.
The Rubinos said they also wanted to both nurture new artists and make the more popular ink masters more accessible.
"If you want to get a tattoo, this is the place to get it. We have the best artists in the world right here,” Lou Rubino said.
Among the industry’s leading figures at the Expo was model and artist Heather Moss of the famed Timeless Art Tattoo Studio.
"Even if you’ve never had a tattoo before, this is the best place to do it to get that inspiration and find a good artist for your particular piece so you don’t have any mistakes," she said.
More information on the event can be found at https://www.newyorktattooshow.com/.