Beaudesert-bred tattoo artist Kristen Sorrenson is hosting this year’s Australian Tattoo Expo at Brisbane Convention Centre with over 300 artists locally and travelling showcasing their skills from July 19 until July 21.
Australian Tattoo Expo is the largest tattoo convention in Australia that caters towards celebrating tattoo culture and supporting its community growth.
“It’s about the art and the creativity and the culture is so beautiful,” Kristen said.
“The people part of it are just passionate artists who just want to lift everyone up, so I just want to bring everyone into that and share the love around.”
Kristen was ecstatic to receive an opportunity to host this year’s tattoo convention as her love for tattooing blossomed at a tattoo convention in 2010.
“When I found out, I was literally jumping out of my body. It was such a surreal experience,” she said.
“It’s pretty crazy because I fell in love with tattooing at a convention – it was like this electric culture that I had no idea existed and I just fell in love instantly.”
“When I flew back to AUS, I started my tattoo apprenticeship, and it came full circle.”
Kristen grew up in Beaudesert but found that there were more opportunities for her to pursue her tattooing dreams in the Gold Coast.
“I only left because there wasn’t anything around, so I did move to Gold Coast for work predominately because it’s such a big community here for tattooing,” she said.
“As times progressed and it’s become more socially accepted, there’s tattoo studios everywhere.”
Kristen is eager to host her first Australian Tattoo Expo in Brisbane as it’s a great opportunity for her Beaudesert family to attend.
“My hometown being the first one that I’ll be [hosting] is so exciting, so I can bring all my friends from school, all my Beauy crew, and my mum and my brothers,” Kristen said.
“There’s honestly something for everyone, it’s not just for tattooists, it’s a community – we’re extending it to anyone and everyone who is interested.”
To purchase a ticket, visit https://www.tattooexpo.com.au/brisbane-expo.
