TATTOOS.

ADVOCACY.

COMMUNITY.

Ink for Impact

A PGH TATTOO FLASH FEST BENEFITING PAAR

Join us for a powerful day of ink, music, and community as Pittsburgh’s top tattoo artists, creators, and advocates unite to support survivors of sexual violence. Every tattoo tells a story. Be part of the impact.

Date/Time
Sunday, October 5^th 2025
Doors Open at 12pm

Location
Velum Fermentation – South Side
2120 Jane St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Click above to secure your VIP Early Access pass!

A Celebration of Art, Advocacy, and Community

Ink for Impact is more than a tattoo event. It’s a powerful gathering where creativity meets purpose. Hosted by Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), this one-of-a-kind day brings together artists, advocates, and supporters to stand with survivors of sexual violence.

Join us for flash tattoos, local art, food trucks, live music, and a vibrant community committed to change. Whether you’re getting inked or just showing up in support, your presence matters.

Our Artists

Meet the creatives behind the ink and the impact.

Each artist brings their own style and flash sheet to the event. By getting tattooed, you are supporting their work and contributing directly to PAAR’s mission to support survivors and end sexual violence.

Kindred Spirit Tattoo

See All Artists

Tattoos That Tell a Story

Top local artists. Bold designs. Real meaning.

Get inked by some of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after tattoo artists. Each design is carefully curated for the event and created with purpose—every tattoo supports survivors and sparks conversation.

Expert Ink Work

Every line, every detail, done with purpose and precision.

Our artists bring years of experience and a deep passion for their work. From crisp linework to smooth shading, each tattoo is created using high-quality equipment and trusted techniques.

Safety You Can Trust

Certified artists. Clean tools. Trauma-informed care.

All participating artists follow strict hygiene standards and hold current bloodborne pathogen certifications. They also complete PAAR’s training to ensure a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to make a reservation to get a tattoo?

The event is first-come, first-served. We are unable to hold any reservations for a tattoo.

Am I able to come even though I don’t plan to get a tattoo? 

Absolutely! We will have artists, vendors, live music, and delicious food and drink available. Come and show your support for PAAR!

How do I choose the design that I want to get tattooed? 

Each booth/artist will have their own sign-up sheet, managed by an event staff volunteer. You’ll provide your information and select a design, and a volunteer will contact you when it’s almost your turn to get inked.

What payment types are accepted? 

You will pay the tattoo artist directly. Each artist accepts different payment types, which will be noted prior to and at the event – typically Venmo and Cash are the most widely accepted forms of payment.

Am I able to see the artwork that will be available prior to the event? 

Absolutely! Each artist will provide a “flash sheet” with their available designs. These will be shared leading up to the event, and each booth will display all available artwork as well.

What is the minimum age to get a tattoo? 

18 years old. NO EXCEPTIONS. Bring a valid ID if you plan to get a tattoo.

Do you have to be over 18 to attend? 

Nope! While you must be 18 or older to receive a tattoo (no exceptions), the event is open to all ages. Ink for Impact is hosted at Velum Fermentation, a kid-friendly brewery with a full arcade and plenty of space to hang out. We’ll also have temporary tattoos, great food, music, and more. Kids must be supervised at all times by an adult over 25, including when using the restroom—as noted in Velum’s house rules.

Is there a cost to attend the event? 

None at all—this is a free event.

What is the pricing for each tattoo? 

Each artist sets their own prices, generally ranging from $100–$200.

Can I bring my own design? 

Unfortunately, no. Only the flash designs provided by the artists will be available.

Is it safe to get a tattoo at an event like this?

Yes! All artists follow universal safety precautions and are required to provide current bloodborne pathogen certifications. They also attend a PAAR-led training to help ensure they are providing a safe, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment.

Will there be piercings available as well? 

Yes—we will have one artist offering piercing services.

How do I make sure I am able to get a tattoo at the event? 

Come early! This is a first-come, first-served event. Sign up early for your favorite design and artist. Artists will be tattooing throughout the day until approximately 8 PM.

Are food and beverages available at the event? 

Yes! There will be food trucks outside providing amazing food options. Velum also will be providing their standard selection of beverages, both alcoholic and N/A options available.

Is the event ADA accessible? 

Yes! The ADA entrance is at 2141 Mary Street; the shared entrance with Ascend Climbing gym. There is a ramp that leads down to the main space and the rest of Velum.

Where do the proceeds for the event go?

Each artist is required to donate 70% of their total sales – many choose to donate well over that amount! All proceeds benefit Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). PAAR is Allegheny County’s first victim service agency and one of the first rape crisis centers in the nation. For over 50 years, PAAR has provided free, essential services to over 3,000 survivors of sexual violence each year.