Blending artists

Get inked, have a drink, and rock out.

The second annual Musink Tattoo and Music Festival, sponsored by Monster Energy drink and Affliction, will take place Friday through Sunday at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

The event will feature some of the most talented tattoo artists worldwide, including Oliver Peck, Kari Barba and Durb Morrison.

“It will be an amazing time,” said Sean Akhavan, Musink’s spokesman.  

“We’ve got live bands [including Reverend Horton Heat, Atreyu and Winds of Plague], 300 amazing tattoo artists, great food and beer.”

The 2008 festival attracted 15,000 people with only 200 tattooists and a smaller music line-up, so Akhavan said he expects the turnout this year to be even greater.

The event will also feature various workshops and seminars for tattoo artists, which will cover topics such as color theory, machine maintenance and black-and-gray inking.

Artists will have the opportunity to learn about By Roman’s unique mixing techniques and John Montgomery’s Alla Prima style tattooing, which deals with color blending in the skin and in the tube to achieve all tones and effects sought out in new tattoo styles.

After a nine-year sabbatical from giving seminars, experienced tattoo artist and machine builder Seth Ciferri will return to discuss tips and tricks to tune and trouble-shoot machine problems (bring your own defective machines).

Big Gus, master of black and gray tattooing, will share his secret to perfecting the application to achieve the best black and gray ink possible.

He also invites artists to bring pictures of their own work so he can provide constructive criticism, and help them to take their inking abilities to the next level.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Musink

WHEN: Friday through Sunday

WHERE: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

INFORMATION: Cost is $25 to 60. Visit www.musink.org for information or to purchase tickets.