Celebrities leading tattoo demand

The social stigma attached to a tattoo is disappearing, say the organisers of a major convention.
As celebrities like David Beckham show off their body art, the popularity of the once-maligned tattoo increases. The Tattoo Jam, organised by Skin Deep magazine at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, brings together about 150 tattooists from more than 20 different countries. Skin Deep editor Neil Dalleywater said celebrity culture played a part in the increased demand for tattoos. "You do tend to see a lot more ink on pop stars and film stars in the media," he said.
"The social stigma of tattoos is breaking down although you still come across it in places but it's becoming far more socially acceptable. Several Welsh tattooists are taking part in the three-day convention alongside others from as far afield as New Zealand and Singapore. "The number of studios in Wales is phenomenal for the size of the country," said Mr Dalleywater.