2025 Artist – Flower City Tattoo

FEATURED ARTISTS
Fall 2026

2026 Events

FLOWER CITY

Nov 20-22

Friday Noon – 11pm

Saturday Noon – 11pm

Sunday Noon – 9Pm

123 E. Main St. Rochester, NY 14604

www.flowercitytattoo.com

Tattoo Legend and Judge

Doc Yager

Mentored under Big Jim Stellato of Papillion Tattoo, Joel “Doc” Yager is a living piece of Rochester tattoo history. With more than four decades dedicated to the craft, Doc helped shape the foundation of tattooing in Western New York long before the industry entered the mainstream. Known for his bold traditional work, uncompromising work ethic, and larger-than-life personality, he earned a reputation as one of Rochester’s true tattoo pioneers.

Over the years, Doc became more than just a tattoo artist — he became a mentor, storyteller, and respected figure within the tattoo community. Generations of artists and collectors have passed through his chair or been influenced by his approach to tattooing, which was built on authenticity, toughness, and respect for the roots of the craft. His impact on Rochester tattoo culture can still be felt today through the artists, shops, and conventions that continue to grow from the groundwork he helped lay.

Whether tattooing, mentoring younger artists, or representing the old-school era of American tattooing, Joel “Doc” Yager remains a symbol of dedication to the art form and one of the most recognizable names in Rochester tattoo history.

Rochester Tattoo OG

Shawn Conn

Shawn Conn is a veteran Rochester tattoo artist whose career has helped shape the Western New York tattoo scene for more than three decades. Tattooing professionally since 1991, Shawn began his apprenticeship under Rochester tattoo legends Todd “Bare” Barry and Joel “Doc” Yager, building a foundation rooted in the traditions of classic tattooing while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Known for his highly detailed black and grey work, portraiture, and abstract realism, Shawn has developed a distinctive style that blends realism, fine art, and expressive abstraction into dynamic, visually striking tattoos. His work moves beyond traditional tattoo concepts, creating pieces that feel both artistic and deeply personal.

Before entering the tattoo industry, Shawn attended the Rochester Institute of Technology studying art and later served in the United States Army. In addition to tattooing, he is also an accomplished fine artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries across the United States and featured in numerous private collections.

Respected as both an artist and mentor, Shawn has played a major role in guiding and developing many tattooers throughout Rochester’s tattoo community. His dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and the evolution of tattooing has earned him numerous awards, publication features, and a lasting reputation as one of Rochester’s most influential tattoo artists.

Ink Master

Seth Holmes

Seth Holmes is a Pittsburgh-based tattoo artist known for his versatility, technical precision, and ability to execute virtually any style of tattooing at a high level. With well over a decade of professional experience, Seth has earned a reputation for creating bold, clean tattoos that are built to last, whether he’s working in American traditional, Japanese, realism, black and grey, or large-scale custom pieces. His focus on strong fundamentals and solid craftsmanship has made him a respected artist among both clients and fellow tattooers.

Seth gained national recognition as a finalist on Season 17 of Ink Master, where he consistently proved himself as one of the competition’s most well-rounded artists. Week after week, he demonstrated the adaptability, creativity, and composure needed to excel under pressure, taking on every challenge with confidence while staying true to his style and attention to detail.

Before discovering tattooing, Seth pursued a career as a musician, a creative background that continues to influence his artistic approach today. When his music career came to an end, tattooing became a new outlet for his creativity and passion. Since then, he has spent years refining his craft, traveling to tattoo conventions and guest spots across North America, and building a loyal following through his dedication to quality and professionalism.

Whether he’s creating a small custom design or a full sleeve, Seth approaches every tattoo with the same commitment to strong design, technical excellence, and giving each client a piece they’ll be proud to wear for a lifetime.

Ink Master

Laura Marie

Laura Marie is one of the most accomplished and versatile tattoo artists in the industry, earning national recognition after winning Season 12 of Ink Master: Battle of the Sexes. Originally from Western New York, she claimed the title of Ink Master with a stunning 35-hour Japanese-inspired master canvas, showcasing the technical precision, creativity, and adaptability that set her apart from the competition. Along with the title, she earned the $100,000 grand prize and cemented her place among the elite artists to ever compete on the show.

Known for her ability to excel in virtually every style of tattooing, Laura’s work ranges from bold Japanese and illustrative designs to delicate black and grey, vibrant color realism, and large-scale custom projects. Her strong fundamentals, clean application, and thoughtful compositions have earned her a reputation as one of the most well-rounded tattooers in the industry. Whether creating a small custom piece or an intricate full-body project, every tattoo reflects her commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design.

Today, Laura continues to travel the country for guest spots and tattoo conventions while maintaining a loyal clientele. Her passion for tattooing, humble approach, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her a favorite among collectors and fellow artists alike. Both on and off the competition stage, Laura Marie has proven that true versatility, technical skill, and artistic vision are what define an Ink Master.

Ink Master and 2X Flower City Best In Show Winner

Hiram Casas

Hiram Casas is an internationally recognized tattoo artist whose work has earned him a reputation as one of the premier black and grey realism artists in the industry. Based in Las Vegas and co-owner of Basilica Tattoo, Hiram is known for creating dramatic, high-contrast tattoos that combine technical precision with striking composition. His ability to blend realism, surrealism, and dark artistic themes has made him one of the most sought-after artists for large-scale custom work.

Tattoo fans around the world were introduced to Hiram during Season 13 of Ink Master, where his consistency, creativity, and technical skill quickly made him one of the competition’s standout artists. Since then, he has continued to build an impressive résumé, traveling internationally for guest spots and major tattoo conventions while collecting top awards for his work.

Hiram’s success at the Flower City Tattoo Convention speaks for itself. In 2023, he teamed up with fellow Ink Masterartist Jordi Pla to win the convention’s prestigious Best in Show award for an extraordinary collaborative piece. He returned in 2025 to once again claim Best in Show, becoming the first two-time Best in Show winner in Flower City Tattoo Convention history. Along the way, he also captured multiple first-place awards across several categories, further cementing his reputation as one of the elite tattoo artists working today.

Whether creating an intricate portrait, a surreal black and grey composition, or a full-body project, Hiram approaches every tattoo with relentless attention to detail and a commitment to pushing his craft even further. His passion for tattooing, world-class technical ability, and growing list of accolades continue to make him one of the most respected artists in the industry.

Ink Master

Cleen Rock One

Cleen Rock One is one of the most recognizable and accomplished artists ever to compete on Ink Master. Known for his fearless approach, larger-than-life personality, and exceptional versatility, Cleen has spent more than two decades building a reputation as an artist who can excel in virtually any style of tattooing. From bold American traditional and vibrant color work to black and grey realism, Japanese, and large-scale custom projects, his technical ability and consistency have made him one of the most respected tattooers in the industry.

Cleen became a fan favorite after finishing as the runner-up on both Seasons 5 and 7 of Ink Master, performances that many fans still consider among the strongest in the show’s history. He returned multiple times as both a competitor and mentor, ultimately coaching the winning team on Season 11 and finally earning the Ink Master title alongside his teammate, Tony Medellin. He later served as a judge on Ink Master: Grudge Match, further cementing his legacy within the franchise.

Outside of television, Cleen is the founder of Chrome Gypsy Tattoo and Chrome Gypsy Compound, where he continues to tattoo, mentor artists, and travel extensively for conventions and guest appearances around the world. His bold artistic style, relentless work ethic, and willingness to push creative boundaries have earned him a loyal following of collectors and fellow artists alike.

Whether he’s creating a full-color sleeve, a black and grey masterpiece, or a custom piece that defies convention, Cleen Rock One brings the same passion, technical excellence, and unmistakable style that have made him one of the most influential tattoo artists of his generation.

Ink Master and 2023 Flower City Best in Show Winner

Jordi Pla

Jordi Pla is an internationally acclaimed tattoo artist celebrated for his breathtaking realism, surrealism, and large-scale custom work. Originally from Spain and now co-owner of Black Flamingo Collective, Jordi has become one of the most respected artists in the industry through his ability to blend technical precision with imaginative, story-driven compositions. His work is instantly recognizable for its dramatic depth, flawless execution, and striking visual impact, earning him more than 50 awards while competing at over 300 tattoo conventions around the world.

Tattoo fans first met Jordi during Season 13 of Ink Master, where his creativity and unique artistic vision made him one of the competition’s standout competitors. Since his appearance on the show, he has continued to build an international reputation by traveling extensively, teaching, judging conventions, and producing award-winning tattoos for collectors across the globe.

Jordi’s talent has also been recognized at the Flower City Tattoo Convention. In 2023, he partnered with fellow Ink Masterartist Hiram Casas to create an extraordinary collaborative tattoo that earned the convention’s prestigious Best in Showaward. The piece showcased the exceptional artistry and technical mastery that have become hallmarks of both artists’ careers.

Whether he’s creating a hyper-realistic portrait, an imaginative surreal composition, or a large-scale custom project, Jordi approaches every tattoo with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. His passion for innovation, combined with world-class technical ability, continues to make him one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in the world.

Ink Master

Jimmy Snaz

Jimmy Snaz is one of the most recognizable artists to come out of the Ink Master franchise, known for his bold creativity, unmistakable personality, and mastery of American traditional and neo-traditional tattooing. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Jimmy is the owner of North Street Tattoo, where he has built a reputation for producing vibrant, timeless tattoos with strong composition, clean linework, and exceptional color saturation. His work combines classic tattoo traditions with a modern approach, making him one of the most sought-after artists in New England.

Jimmy first appeared on Season 11 of Ink Master before returning as a veteran competitor on Season 13: Turf War. During his second run, he emerged as one of the competition’s strongest artists, advancing all the way to the finale through his versatility, consistency, and willingness to tackle any challenge. Although the season’s live finale was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no official winner was crowned, Jimmy finished as one of the three finalists and earned widespread recognition as one of the standout competitors of the season.

Before tattooing, Jimmy found his creative outlet through graffiti art, an influence that can still be seen in the energy, movement, and bold color palettes of his work today. His passion for tattooing, combined with a relentless drive to improve, has taken him to conventions and guest spots across the country, where he continues to earn the respect of collectors and fellow artists alike.

Whether he’s creating a classic American traditional piece, a vibrant neo-traditional design, or a large-scale custom project, Jimmy Snaz brings the same technical precision, artistic vision, and unmistakable style that have made him one of the most respected tattoo artists in the industry.

2026 Summer Poster Artist

Zach Whitley

Born and raised in Nashville, Zach Whitley built a 12-year design career working with artists such as Dolly Parton and Fall Out Boy before making the leap into tattooing.

In 2023, he transitioned to tattooing full time – driven by a love for storytelling through permanent art. Zach gravitates toward Japanese and American traditional styles, but thrives on collaborating with clients to create something meaningful and lasting.

2026 Fall Poster Artist

Woo Jin

Woo Jin is a highly respected tattoo artist whose work is rooted in the traditions of Japanese tattooing. Tattooing out of North Street Tattoo in Salem, Massachusetts, he has earned an international following for his mastery of tebori, the centuries-old Japanese hand-poked tattooing technique. Combining traditional tebori with modern machine tattooing, Woo creates bold, flowing compositions that honor the history and discipline of Japanese tattooing while delivering tattoos that are built to last.

Known for his deep understanding of Japanese imagery, Woo specializes in large-scale bodysuits, sleeves, back pieces, and custom projects featuring dragons, koi, tigers, samurai, masks, and folklore-inspired designs. Every tattoo is carefully composed to complement the natural movement of the body, creating timeless pieces that balance bold design with exceptional craftsmanship.

Beyond his technical skill, Woo is recognized for his dedication to preserving the traditions and philosophy behind Japanese tattooing. His calm, thoughtful approach and commitment to authenticity have made him a sought-after artist for collectors from around the world. Whether working by hand with traditional tebori or with a tattoo machine, every piece reflects a respect for the art form’s history while showcasing the precision and artistry that define his work.