Gerry Effing Kramer

For the last couple of years, I’ve been trying new things. I don’t want to let my fears rule my life, so I’ve been really pushing myself to the edges of my comfort zones.

I started small. A road-trip here, a vacation there….and I eventually have come to realize I don’t have to be afraid of people or things that I’m unfamiliar with. I started flying places. In airplanes. And after the first terrifying flight that I nearly passed out on, things have been smooth sailing. Helicopter trips, floatplanes, you name it. If I’m afraid of it, I’ve been trying to get into it.

And thats what led me to the Calgary Tattoo Convention. When my newest co-worker Cody asked me if I wanted to go, I immediately said “yes”. And then after I thought about it, I freaked out a little. But I persevered. The result? A fantastic whirlwind of air travel, tattooing, eating, meeting, drinking, and general all around shmoozing.

I have been tattooing for almost 15 years now, and this was the first convention I have ever worked at. I have always been really apprehensive abut putting myself out there, in an uncontrolled situation, surrounded by hundreds of my peers. But for some reason, I just decided that this weekend was going to be my weekend to tear down that wall.

And it worked!

The trip was a hit.

Whiskey and samosas before the flight, just chilling in the airport lounge.

We set up our booth early Friday, and Cody got right to work.

Later that evening, my new buds Ollie, Bill and Dan Take me to Tubby Dog for the most unbelievably huge veggie dog.

And when things got a little overwhelming, I could hide behind the curtains.

And of course, I did some tattooing.

Without this Garden burger from the concession stand ( I think I may have eaten 6 or 7 of them) I might have died.

I remain cheerful throughout the weekend!

All in all, this trip was wonderful. Special thanks to Cody for dragging me there. I needed a little kick in the pants.

Now I’m off to work, inspired and invigorated!