This weekend, Seattle’s needle-and-ink scene takes center stage as the Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to the Seattle Center, August 14th-16th. To get the full scoop on how this iconic event came to be, we sat down with Damon Conklin, owner of Seattle’s legendary Super Genius Tattoo and co-founder of the Seattle Expo.

Damon jumped in a Zoom call with tattoo fan Harmony Soleil to talk about everything from the Expo’s humble beginnings to where the industry is heading next. The conversation covers the origins of the Seattle Tattoo Expo, whether or not there is a “Seattle Style of Tattooing” as well as the future of the art form and…why you (and Harmony) should go ahead and get that Jimothy tattoo.

You can listen to the full conversation below!

The Seattle Tattoo Expo is happening at the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center this weekend, Friday, August 14th-Sunday August, 16th. With over 250 popular tattoo artists available for appointments as well as contests, burlesque, karaoke and more!

Tickets available at SeattleTattooExpo.com