Convention Connection: Why Jared Soto Still Works Tattoo Conventions After 14 Years
Jared Soto has been tattooing for 14 years. He works out of Greyscale Tattoo Collective in downtown Pueblo, Colorado, and he’s known for high-level black and gray portraits. Ask him about that reputation, though, and he keeps it simple: he just likes to tattoo. Chico Cortez caught up with Jared at the 50th Annual Texas Tattoo Convention in Houston for Convention Connection. Jared made the trip from Colorado to represent his tattoo shop, do walk-ups with a friend, and see what Texas Tattoo Artists are up to. He also gave an honest take on what conventions are like today.
Key Takeaways
Who: Jared Soto is a black and gray portrait Tattoo Artist with 14 years of experience at Greyscale Tattoo Collective in Pueblo, Colorado.
His portrait approach: He gathers strong references and sometimes uses Procreate to render a better image before tattooing.
His honest take: Conventions feel saturated now, with events nearly every weekend. But he believes that pushes everyone to get better.
Why he still goes: Networking and being around great Tattoo Artists make it worth the trip.
His style at shows: He keeps it open, doing walk-ups of any size.
What Are Tattoo Conventions, and Why Do They Still Matter?
Tattoo conventions are multi-day events where Tattoo Artists tattoo clients on-site, show their work, and connect with other Tattoo Artists.
Jared admits the convention scene has changed. He doesn’t want to sound cliché, but he says it feels saturated. There are a lot more people, and there’s a convention almost every weekend.
He’s also honest that he wasn’t heavily into traveling and conventions when he started tattooing, so he can’t compare today to the old days.
Still, he sees the upside. He says the growth pushes all Tattoo Artists to step up, especially through networking and being around talented people. For him, it’s both a plus and a negative.
Why Does Jared Soto Still Work Conventions After 14 Years?
Jared still works conventions to represent his tattoo shop, meet other Tattoo Artists, and see what’s happening in other cities.
He and his team travel quite a bit across the country. He says most places are similar when it comes to styles and clients. People are generally humble everywhere, with the occasional exception.
Texas stands out to him, though. He says Texas shows a lot of love, and he likes coming to see what local Tattoo Artists are doing, because they’re killing it.
At the Houston show, Jared didn’t have a set plan. He and a friend were doing walk-ups and taking whatever came their way, including small tattoos. As he put it, as long as people came by to get tattooed and hang out, he was happy.
Chico also mentioned the convention’s awards and said he had a feeling Jared would be a winner.
What Can You Actually Gain From a Tattoo Convention?
Based on Jared’s experience, conventions offer a few key things:
Networking: Jared names networking as one of the biggest benefits of today’s convention scene.
Inspiration: Being around great Tattoo Artists pushes you to raise your own standards.
A look at other regions: Jared enjoys seeing what Tattoo Artists in Texas are doing.
New clients: Walk-ups let people find you who might never come to your tattoo shop.
Recognition: Many conventions offer awards, which can help get your work noticed.
Being around experienced Tattoo Artists can also teach you how they approach their work. Jared’s approach to black and gray portraits is a good example.
When a client brings a portrait photo that isn’t ideal, like a decent picture of a grandparent, he looks for references. He thinks about what will work best and look good as a tattoo. Sometimes he uses Procreate to adjust the reference or render a different image. His goal is the best possible shading and a strong, attractive result.
How Do You Prepare for Your First Tattoo Convention?
You prepare by building solid skills first, then planning how you’ll work and connect at the show.
Step 1: Build a strong portfolio. Show clients what you do best, whether that’s black and gray portraits or something else.
Step 2: Learn safety standards. Know the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard and keep your station clean.
Step 3: Pack your kit. Review the tools every beginner Tattoo Artist should know and double-check your supplies.
Step 4: Stay flexible. Like Jared, be open to walk-ups and smaller tattoos.
Step 5: Bring a friend. Jared worked the Houston show alongside a friend.
Step 6: Make booking simple. Jared keeps it easy. Clients just message him on Instagram.
Before you start, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid at Conventions?
Jared’s approach points to a few things to avoid:
Overcomplicating your plans. Jared didn’t arrive with a strict agenda. He showed up ready to tattoo.
Turning down small work. He welcomes small tattoos as much as big ones.
Letting saturation discourage you. Jared admits there are more conventions than ever, but he sees that as motivation, not a reason to stay home.
Forgetting to network. He says being around great Tattoo Artists is one of the best parts of conventions.
Overthinking your reputation. Even after 14 years, Jared stays humble and focused on the work.
Why Does Human Connection Beat the Algorithm?
Tattooing depends on trust between a Tattoo Artist and a client. That’s something a feed or an algorithm can’t replace.
Conventions put that connection front and center. Clients meet you in person, watch you work, and decide whether to sit in your chair. Other Tattoo Artists get to know you, too, and that networking is exactly what Jared values.
Your online presence still matters. Explore these platforms to help tattoo artists build their brand. And read why tattoo artists are still essential.
How Does Ink Different Prepare You for the Convention Floor?
Ink Different Tattoos prepares beginners through the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship, an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship with hands-on training and licensing support.
Get Serious About Your Tattoo Career With Ink Different Tattoos
Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years. It’s also a college alternative for people who want a hands-on craft.
What You Can Expect From Our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship
Length: 18 to 24 months across four phases.
Format: In-person, hands-on training with experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required.
Outcome: Job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios.
A Career That Comes With Confidence
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios.
Mentorship That Pushes Your Brand and Skills Further
Once you’ve built your foundation, Ink Different’s Master Mentorship connects you with Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, and Jordi Pla.
Making Tattoo Training Accessible for Everyone
Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego. You’ll also join a “Good Humans” community that supports you from day one.
Remember: Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
Ready to Build Your Convention Connection?
Fourteen years in, Jared Soto still packs up and travels to tattoo conventions. He goes to represent his tattoo shop, see what other Tattoo Artists are doing, and tattoo whoever walks up. He admits the scene is crowded, but he says it pushes everyone to get better.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply now to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer. Not sure yet? Fill out our quick questionnaire to see if it’s right for you.
To get tattooed by Jared, message him on Instagram at @jars_tat2 or visit Greyscale Tattoo Collective in downtown Pueblo, Colorado. Follow Chico at @m4l_chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jared Soto?
Jared Soto is a black and gray portrait Tattoo Artist with 14 years of experience at Greyscale Tattoo Collective in Pueblo, Colorado.
How does Jared Soto approach portraits from imperfect photos?
He looks for references, considers what will work best as a tattoo, and sometimes uses Procreate to render a better image before tattooing.
Are tattoo conventions worth it today?
Jared says conventions feel saturated, with events nearly every weekend. But he believes they push Tattoo Artists to improve through networking.
How can I book a tattoo with Jared Soto?
Message him on Instagram at @jars_tat2.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer.
Where can I complete a tattoo apprenticeship?
Ink Different's tattoo apprenticeship has 60+ locations nationwide, including Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
