Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention 2025

A Day in Frankfurt Full of Art, Style, and Inspiration

Location: Messe Frankfurt, Hall 1.2

Returning with High Expectations

Gods of Ink was already a highlight for us last year. Incredible artists from all over the world, a wide range of styles, and a strong focus on Japanese tattooing — which happens to be our personal favorite. So when we heard the 2025 convention would be moving into a larger hall, we were curious to see if it could keep its vibe.

More Space, Better Flow, and Still Packed

The new hall turned out to be a great decision. Even though the event was full, it was much easier to move around, take your time, and really look at the artists and their work. The overall vibe was relaxed but full of energy — exactly what you want from a tattoo convention.

Art with Meaning

I personally have eight tattoos, covering about forty percent of my body. But for me, it’s never just about a cool design — it has to carry meaning. That’s why I love events like this: they show how deep, thoughtful, and diverse tattoo culture can be.

Merch and Artist Encounters

Meeting tattooers you usually only know from Instagram, seeing their work live, browsing their prints and flash sheets, and even chatting with them — that’s what makes this convention special. Many were also tattooing on site, with a few offering walk-ins. Watching them work with such calm precision was captivating.

One personal favorite for me was Tebori, the traditional Japanese hand-poke technique. I’m hoping next year I’ll finally get to book a session myself.

Featured Artists

Some of the artists who stood out to us:

• Shi Ryu – @tattooist_shiryu

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  
  
  

• Harrison Daniel – @harrison_tattoo

  
  
  

  
  
  

• Edo Horihiro – @horihiro_tebori

  

  

  
  
  

• Aimee Cornwell – @aimeecornwelltattoo

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• Benjamin Laukis – @benjaminlaukis

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• Sissy Ink – @sissy_ink

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Global Styles and Perspectives

One of the strongest aspects of the event was the diversity on display — not just in style, but in geography. From American Traditional to Blackwork, Fineline, Realism, Maori, and of course, Japanese tattooing, every corner of the tattoo world was represented.

Artists came from across the globe — from Argentina to Norway, Japan to Eastern Europe. That mix created a truly international atmosphere and made the convention feel more like a cultural exchange than just an event.

I captured a lot of additional impressions throughout the day: faces, technique, tools, designs. A visual reflection of how rich, open, and global today’s tattoo scene really is.

Shows, Food, and Crowd

We caught one of the Fuel Girls performances — a fire-drenched, high-energy show full of dance and raw power. A perfect fit for the vibe of the event.

Even the food was good. We had Frikadellen and sausages that were simple but tasty. No long lines, no stress. As for drinks: when I saw Beck’s on the sign, I went for a Pepsi instead.

The crowd was just as much a part of the experience — people from all walks of life, many of them heavily tattooed themselves, all there to celebrate the culture together.

One-Day Trip, Worth Every Minute

The Messe Frankfurt location couldn’t be more convenient. Right next to the central station, it made the trip super easy. We didn’t even need to stay overnight — early train in, back home in the evening, zero hassle.

If you’re not planning to get tattooed yourself, one day is plenty to take it all in. But if you are? The opportunity to get tattooed by someone you’d normally have to fly to the other side of the world to see — that’s the kind of chance that makes this event so special.

Final Thoughts

Gods of Ink 2025 was more than just a tattoo convention. It was a celebration of art, culture, and connection — a gathering of artists, collectors, and curious souls.

We’ll be back next year. Maybe with new ink, maybe just to be inspired again.

Either way, this is where tattoo culture lives.