17.05.26 - Big Tattoo Meltdown, Nottingham

One half of Rexis Collective headed over to the Nottingham Motorpoint Arena last Sunday to capture day 2 of Big Tattoo Meltdown and it's safe to say it did not disappoint. As a photographer and someone who collects tattoos, Rob was definitely in the right place to keep him occupied.

Head HERE for the full photo set and drop us a message if you want the download pin! All we ask is that you please credit @rexiscollective in any images used. Keep your eyes peeled for the video too!

"The arena was packed with artists from all over, covering a f*ck load of styles, doing what they do best while the crowd drifted between booths. It was a dream to shoot the real expressions, reactions and the craft in a place where nothing is staged. The essence of what drives me and our business is when things are raw, real and authentic. Capturing events this way is exactly what we want to do - it feels epic, yet genuine AF and builds a legit connection.

A lot of time was spent crouching between chairs or leaning over tables [hello back pain] getting right in the moment where the artist's focus was razor sharp or when the client got a glimpse of their fresh tattoo for the first time. There was an abundance of cool looking stalls which can only be described as an alternative treasure trove. There was no way I was missing the opportunity to grab some shots of them, alongside planning how much I could realistically spend and fit in my backpack to bring back to the studio... It wasn't a typical tattoo merch and prints only situation either. There was taxidermy, ceramics, prints, artwork, oddities, handmade items, home decor, website builders, candles [and a whole lot more I've probably failed to mention].

The entertainment was also one hell of a vibe. I enjoyed everything I got to witness and had a blast capturing some of the best parts on camera. Everyone was awesome at what they did; an aerial performer, fire acts, a world record breaker. Whatever you're into, there was bound to be an element to grab your attention even for a little bit. The DJs kept the energy steady and the tattoo comps pulled the crowds and rightly so because the work being done on the day was next-level. Now I'm itching for my next appointment!

Mentioning the crowd, I LOVED how mixed it was. Tattoo veterans to people potentially getting their first tattoo to others covered head to toe to families spending the day together. Everyone was doing their thing and checking out all the art, chatting to artists and makers, grabbing food and buying weird stuff they may or may not have to explain to their friends later. The bottom line was that it felt real. A proper gathering of people with a mutual interest in all things tattoo and beyond.

Final thoughts: a solid, high-energy tattoo convention with great artists, stalls and a f*ck tonne to see. As a photographer and tattoo lover, it gave me more than enough to shoot, buy or get inspired by! I'm already stoked for the next one."