Explorer Tattoo Conference

We're Coming to Los Angeles November 4-6, 2019

The Explorer Tattoo Conference presents: A Women's Tattoo Summit

Hosted by:

Kari Barba

A pioneer in women’s tattooing, Kari has been pushing the boundaries in our industry for 40 years. She has spent her career slaying prejudices and presumptions. Kari was also a huge catalyst for dramatically improving cleanliness of tattoo shops.

Kelly Doty

Kelly has defined a style of tattooing that is instantly recognizable. Not only was she a favorite on TV’s Inkmaster, she also starred in her own tattoo tv spinoff, Inkmaster Angels. Kelly co-owns and operates Helheim Gallery in Salem, MA.

Dr. Jinxi Caddel

Many titles can follow her name; entrepreneur, editor, writer, curator, mental health therapist, and educator. Dr Caddel, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, is the cofounder of Out Of Step Books. Her current work focuses on mental health for artists.

Liz Cook

Most people know her for her award winning tattoos, but Liz Cook began making tattooing permanent cosmetics in 2003. Liz owns Rebel Muse in the Dallas area. She is a proficient educator presenting seminars all over the world.

Teresa Sharpe

Known for incredibly detailed large scale tattoos, Teresa has made her name by combining fantasy and gothic designs. She is a seasoned teacher and a mentor to many young female tattooers. Teresa owns Unkindness Art in Richmond, VA.

Melody Mitchell

Understanding the power of the tattoo, Melody does everything she can to celebrate the process of the tattoo with her clients. She is known for her appearance on VH1’s Black Ink Crew & her elegant, clean designs. Melody’s energy is impossible to not feel.

Kelly Violet

A 17 year veteran, there isn't much she hasn't seen done in skin. Kelly's style showcases intricate blackwork, often in a large scale. Darker nuances indisputably take the stage, an intense femininity and authenticity fill every tattoo.

Aratani Theatre

Holding its gala grand opening in April 1983, with Kabuki from the National Theatre of Japan, the Aratani Theatre has been a cultural pillar in Little Tokyo for the last three decades. Today, the Aratani Theatre continues to be at the epicenter of Japanese and Japanese American performing arts, and it is also shared by the arts community to showcase the vibrancy and diverse cultures of Southern California and beyond.

Fan-shaped with good sightlines unhampered by posts, it is a perfect, intimate and comfortable venue for chamber music, dance and drama.

244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

(260) 492-7546

Wow! What an amazing and intense 3 days this has been! It's incredible to see so many people that are passionate about tattooing coming together in one place to grow. My mind has been packed full, I'm exhausted, and I'm incredibly inspired.

I’m so glad I took the chance to go to The Explorer Tattoo Conference. I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this to learn, refocus and evaluate the direction in which my work and life are heading. This whole conference was the real deal and exactly what I needed.

Honestly I had one of the best times this week in my career as a tattooer. The fact that there are other artists that are willing to take their time to teach and educate others is beyond a humbling experience. It has opened a whole new world of motivation and inspiration for me.