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If you think it, they can ink it at 2017 Philly Tattoo Arts Convention

  • Justin Cappeletti finds truth in a 'Trust No One' tattoo by Chris Santiago.

    Justin Cappeletti finds truth in a 'Trust No One' tattoo by Chris Santiago. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • This 'Trust No One' sketch found its way to Justin Cappeletti's leg with the help of tattoo artist Chris Santiago.

    This 'Trust No One' sketch found its way to Justin Cappeletti's leg with the help of tattoo artist Chris Santiago. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Sean Foy tattoos a 1970s image of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar onto client Rob.

    Sean Foy tattoos a 1970s image of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar onto client Rob. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Philipus Murdijanto tattoos a masquerade girl onto a customer.

    Philipus Murdijanto tattoos a masquerade girl onto a customer. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • While Marylu Calvario received a tattoo of the Virgin Mary with an eagle to honor her Mexican heritage, her 4-year-old Jonathon kept her company.

    While Marylu Calvario received a tattoo of the Virgin Mary with an eagle to honor her Mexican heritage, her 4-year-old Jonathon kept her company. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Natalie Davis receives a sleeve from Nathan Mould.

    Natalie Davis receives a sleeve from Nathan Mould. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • The 19th Annual Tattoo Arts Convention took place Feb. 10-12, 2017.

    The 19th Annual Tattoo Arts Convention took place Feb. 10-12, 2017. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Tim Atwell tattoos flowers on a customer.

    Tim Atwell tattoos flowers on a customer. (Kimberly Paynter/WHY)

  • Woodwork for sale from artist Julia Bliss.

    Woodwork for sale from artist Julia Bliss. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Artist Greg Summi cleans up a tattoo for Diego Reyes.

    Artist Greg Summi cleans up a tattoo for Diego Reyes. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Kate Irvine tattoos a dagger piercing a peach on Savannah Buckmann.

    Kate Irvine tattoos a dagger piercing a peach on Savannah Buckmann. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Branden Stiffler receives a wolf tattoo from artist Corey James in honor of his grandmother.

    Branden Stiffler receives a wolf tattoo from artist Corey James in honor of his grandmother. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Branden Stiffler receives a wolf tattoo from artist Corey James in honor of his grandmother.

    Branden Stiffler receives a wolf tattoo from artist Corey James in honor of his grandmother. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • A Buddha by artist Ivan of Queens, N.Y.

    A Buddha by artist Ivan of Queens, N.Y. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Artist Ivan of Queens, N.Y. drew a fish for a tattoo.

    Artist Ivan of Queens, N.Y. drew a fish for a tattoo. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Tattoo drawings by Devan Smith.

    Tattoo drawings by Devan Smith. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Iron x Liz tattoos flower geometry onto a customer.

    Iron x Liz tattoos flower geometry onto a customer. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Stacy Hinkle receives her 3rd dinosaur from Tom Taylor.

    Stacy Hinkle receives her 3rd dinosaur from Tom Taylor. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Artist John Nunez shades clouds.

    Artist John Nunez shades clouds. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Joe Gonzales gives a nod to his heritage with an Aztec tattoo by artist Burner.

    Joe Gonzales gives a nod to his heritage with an Aztec tattoo by artist Burner. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Joe Gonzales gives a nod to his heritage with an Aztec tattoo by artist Burner.

    Joe Gonzales gives a nod to his heritage with an Aztec tattoo by artist Burner. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

  • Kevin Stroman receives a laser gun on his back from Chanda Taylor because ‘it’s cool.’

    Kevin Stroman receives a laser gun on his back from Chanda Taylor because ‘it’s cool.’ (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Philadelphia’s 19th Annual Tattoo Arts Convention took place last weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Local tattoo lovers had the chance to get inked by artists from as close as New York City and as far away as California and Amsterdam.

Although individuals’ motivations for getting tattoos varied, convention visitors were fond of beautiful flowers, symbols of cultural heritage, and reminders of departed family members. Also spotted: the face of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar applied to a client’s forearm. Besides the inking, the convention featured seminars on tattoo safety and color realism, tattoo contests, and rows of vendors. Jewelry and original art pieces were on sale, as well as several oddities, including a taxidermized skunk.

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