In a groundbreaking initiative to address the stigma surrounding tattoos and mental health, tattoo artist Joshua Short is organizing the first-ever “Tattoos Saved My Life Convention,” scheduled for January 1-3, 2027, in Brownsburg, Indiana. Short, who has dedicated nearly two decades to the art of tattooing, aims to highlight the therapeutic role tattoos can play in emotional healing.
According to the Pew Research Center, over 30% of adults in the United States now have at least one tattoo. For many, obtaining a tattoo serves as a form of therapy, assisting individuals in processing their emotions and experiences. Short founded his nonprofit organization, Tattoos Saved My Life, to raise awareness about how tattoos can be a means of healing and self-expression.
“On a day-to-day basis, I am able to help turn people’s stories into art. I help celebrate, commemorate, and memorialize,” Short explained, emphasizing the personal connections formed through his work. He observed a significant shift in his clientele, noting an increase in professionals from various fields, including medicine and law enforcement, who seek his services.
To further promote this message, the upcoming convention will bring together tattoo artists from across the nation. They will share their personal stories and discuss how their craft has impacted their lives and those of their clients. “I felt it would be a really awesome way to be able to broadcast to the community what tattoo artists are all about,” Short added.
Additionally, the convention aims to foster dialogue about mental health and the importance of support systems. Fellow tattoo artist Ryan Dearringer highlighted the role of community in mental health, stating, “I have people that I know that don’t even have a whole bunch of people in their life that have struggled with mental health, where I will call them on Christmas and be like, ‘Hey, how you doing?’”
Tickets for the convention will go on sale on March 14, 2027. The event promises to be a significant gathering for those interested in the intersection of art and mental health, aiming to destigmatize both tattoos and the discussions around mental health challenges.
For more details on the convention and the activities of Tattoos Saved My Life, interested parties can visit their official website. This event not only celebrates the artistry of tattooing but also serves as a vital platform for promoting mental health awareness and support within communities.