While a piece of art to hang on the wall can compliment the décor of a room, a meaningful fixture on the skin can nicely compliment a one's personality.

For hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts in Carlton today, permanent ink was in high demand.

For 17 years, the Tattoo You convention has provided a space for artists to showcase their work and given others a chance to be the canvas.

With record setting attendance, this year was no exception.

Over 2- hundred of those folks entered into various contests and over 4- hundred tattoos were judged on everything including coloring, shading, and line work.

According to event promoter Dave Nelson, a patriotic theme seems to be dominating the ink, "I think we all love our country. There are certain things going on in the world that we want to show our support for."

Whatever the design, Nelson emphasizes form over function, "Whatever that symbol is or whatever that feeling is, that's going on your body now, so it's getting more personal."

His son Skylar agrees, "Tattoos mean something. Like the phoenix means a second chance at life."

From lawyers and housewives, to bikers and brutes It seems like the clientele are getting just as varied as the designs.

"This industry is really jumping over the stereotypical things of tattoos of the past. This industry is evolving right into the mainstream of our culture," says Nelson.

Sixty artists from 8 states were on hand to show their skills.

And while not everyone got inked... many left with a lasting impression.

Plans have already been set for next year's Tattoo You Festival