This year’s Australian Tattoo Expo in Sydney was a big one for us here at Sabian Ink. Least to say, it was an unforgettable experience. Held from March 15–17, 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, the expo brought together hundreds of artists, thousands of tattoo lovers, and a strong atmosphere that’s hard to describe unless you were there.
We’ve attended plenty of expos before, but Sydney 2024 felt special. Not only did we get to showcase our work alongside some of the best in the industry, but we also walked away with some incredible recognition with plenty of strong awards.
Sabian Ink at the Tattoo Competitions
Competitions are always a highlight of the expo, and this year was no different. Artists bring out their best to showcase their best work on stage. We’re proud to share that our team took home four awards across some of the biggest categories:
Tian won Best Realism Tattoo. His attention to detail and ability to bring a portrait to life is second to none, and seeing his work recognized on this stage was a huge moment.
Ata had an amazing weekend, bringing home three trophies:
Tattoo of the Show
Best Multi-Day Tattoo
Best Large Colour
Winning in these categories was an amazing feeling for all of us. The competition is tight with plenty of great tattoo done by amazing artists. The judging was meticulous, and taking home four awards is nothing short of amazing for us. These competitions are judged by experienced eyes, and the level of talent on display from all the artists was incredible. To have our studio’s work stand out among such strong competition was both humbling and motivating.
Activities Around the Expo
Of course, the competition isn’t the only thing happening during the expo. There was plenty going on through the entire event:
Live Tattooing Sessions – Visitors could book walk-up tattoos, watch full-day pieces in progress, or simply look and enjoy how different artists approach tattooing.
Tattoo Competitions on Stage – Beyond the categories we entered, there were dozens more. Everything from black & grey to fine line, Japanese, script, and small pieces were highlighted and awarded.
Merch & Vendor Stalls – From art prints, to clothing, to tattoo supplies, and aftercare products. The expo floor had rows of booths to browse and buy from for both artists and clients.
Entertainment & Shows – Live performances kept the energy up, giving the event more of a festival vibe than just an a plain exhibition.
Community & Education – Artists shared their knowledge, answered questions, and sometimes even gave mini-talks about techniques, safety, and styles. For both tattoo artists and collectors, it was a rare chance to learn directly from prominent and experience people in the industry.
These activities added so much depth to the expo. Whether you came for a new tattoo, to learn, to shop, or just to soak in the vibe, there was something for everyone.
What the Expo Meant for Us
For our team, the expo wasn’t just about trophies. It was about connecting with people who love tattoos as much as we do. We spent three days talking to people coming up to our booth. Meeting fellow artists, and sharing our process with anyone curious enough to ask. That sense of community is what makes events like this so important. It makes the tattoo world a little smaller and more connected.
We also had the chance to see what’s new in the tattoo scene in Australia. From styles and techniques to equipment and aftercare products. Expos are a learning experience in that they provide a chance to learn both about the art and the tools.
Looking Ahead
We’re beyond grateful for the support and recognition we received at the 2024 Australian Tattoo Expo in Sydney. These wins are a reminder of how far we’ve come as a team and how much further we want to go.
If you didn’t get the chance to attend this year, we’d highly recommend marking your calendar for the next one. Whether you’re looking to get tattooed, discover new artists, or just enjoy the vibe, it’s the kind of event that celebrates tattoo culture in the best way possible.
And if you’re thinking about starting your next piece, don’t be shy. Reach out to us at Sabian Ink. Who knows, maybe next year, your tattoo could be the one turning heads at the expo.
