Tattooing is an ancient art with thousands of years of history. Illustration styles, artistic influences, remembrance, cultural import; tattoos mean a lot of different things, to a lot of different people.

The Greyscale Tattoo Convention takes it back to basics. Focusing on the stark simplicity and beauty of fine illustration and blackwork tattoos, the convention brings artists from around the Metro Vancouver area and beyond, for demonstrations, lessons, sessions, and talks.

The list of attending artists include:

• Kirk Shandro
• Courtney Laura
• Baily Howatt
• Maryellen Groundwater
• Miranda Boire (Lanie K)
• Ryan Tsutsumi
• Vanessa Dong

Greyscale Tattoo Convention

When: August 12, 2015; noon to 8 p.m.

Where: Venue Nightclub – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver

Cost: $8

I’ve had some time open up on Friday between 330-6 if you would like to get tattooed or work on ongoing projects call or email @atomiczombietattoo ASAP

A photo posted by @kirkshandrotattoo on Jul 15, 2015 at 7:48pm PDT

Henna inspired cuff from today # tattoo #cufftattoo #henna #hennatattoo #vancouver #vancity #courtneylaura #tattoosbycourtney #electroladylux #linework

A photo posted by Courtney Laura (@clauratattoo) on Jan 31, 2015 at 5:16pm PST

Skull on @weird.candle, thanks dude! #machinefreetattoo #homemadetattoo #stickandpoke #handpokedtattoo #skull #dotwork #black

A photo posted by Maryellen Groundwater (@maryellengroundwater) on Jul 29, 2015 at 10:47pm PDT

A better look. #arrow #arrowtattoo #blackwork #feather #armtattoos #intricate #vancouver #ink #tattooartist #elbow #lines #yvr #art

A photo posted by Murder Dove (@murder_dove) on Jul 18, 2015 at 9:22pm PDT

Peony thigh! Her first tattoo 🙂 thanks Allyson!

A photo posted by vanessa dong (@nessaaa_) on Jul 11, 2015 at 4:32pm PDT