BROWNSBURG, Indiana — Tattoo artist Joshua Short is spearheading an initiative to break the stigma surrounding tattoos and mental health through the first-ever Tattoos Saved My Life Convention, scheduled for January 1-3, 2027. With more than 30% of U.S. adults now sporting at least one tattoo, according to the Pew Research Center, Short aims to highlight how tattoos can serve as a form of emotional healing.
For nearly two decades, Short has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of tattoos. He founded the nonprofit organization, Tattoos Saved My Life, after observing that many individuals view the tattooing process as a therapeutic outlet. “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. His work has drawn a diverse clientele, including healthcare professionals and law enforcement.
The upcoming convention is designed to showcase the stories of tattoo artists and their clients, emphasizing the healing aspects of their craft. “I felt it would be a really awesome way to be able to broadcast to the community what tattoo artists are all about,” Short noted. This gathering will provide a platform for artists to share their experiences and discuss how their work intersects with mental health.
Many in the tattoo community, like fellow artist Ryan Dearringer, believe that personal connections can be just as impactful as the artwork itself. “I have people that I know that don’t 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?’” Dearringer shared. This sense of community is essential in fostering support among those who experience mental health challenges.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, the convention represents a significant step in normalizing discussions about emotional wellness and self-expression through body art. Tickets for the event will go on sale on March 14, 2026, and the convention promises to serve as an engaging space for dialogue, healing, and artistry.
For further details about the convention and the nonprofit’s mission, interested individuals can visit the official website. This initiative not only aims to celebrate the artistry of tattoos but also to foster understanding and acceptance of mental health issues within the broader community.
