Your Complete Guide to Working Tattoo Conventions with Missi Blue | Ep. 60

"Every convention for me is a chance to just do better, to do a better tattoo, to meet more people, to get new inspiration, to find a new opportunity. Even when it's a bad convention, it still serves a purpose."   I get asked all the time for advice on doing conventions. How to prepare, what to expect, what actually works. And honestly, in the moment, I never know where to start because there are a thousand things that could make or break your experience.   So I sat down and really thought through everything I've learned from years of doing conventions, and I'm sharing it all with you today.   Whether this is your first convention or you're looking to make the experience less chaotic and more profitable, this episode covers the practical strategies that will help you show up prepared, connect with the right clients, and actually make the most of your investment.   From deciding which conventions to do to setting up your booth for maximum impact, I'm walking you through the complete process so you can approach your next event with confidence. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to choose the right conventions for your career stage and why starting local gives you the best ROI when you're building experience and clientele The strategic differences between booking appointments ahead versus taking walk-ups, including when each approach makes sense for your goals and how to stay busy all weekend Booth setup essentials that actually attract clients, from positioning your portfolio for maximum visibility to creating an approachable space that draws people in The packing system that prevents last-minute panic, including detailed checklists for driving versus flying and the supplies you absolutely cannot forget Proven conversation starters and marketing tactics that help you connect with potential clients even when the convention floor is slow What to realistically expect at modern conventions, including why the circuit has changed, how to handle the exhaustion, and ways to make any event work in your favor Post-convention reflection strategies that help you continuously improve your approach and turn every experience into a learning opportunity for the next one Ready to make your next convention your best one yet? Take what resonates from this episode, adjust it to fit your style, and remember — every convention is an opportunity to grow, connect, and level up your business. Now go out there and make it count! Links: boundbyart.com bluebirdtattoos.com instagram.com/tattoosbymissiblue instagram.com/boundbyartproject instagram.com/bluebirdtattoostudio Music: Unknown Road - The Harp Project