Tattoo Convention In Bogota, Colombia, Gets Lots Of Ink In South America (VIDEO)

Tattoos are getting a lot of ink these days, especially in South America, where interest in body modification has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years.

Case in point: the Colombian International Tattoo Artists Convention, which took place recently in Bogota, Colombia.

More than 15,000 people from all over South America attended the event, which showcased the latest in body art designs and techniques and featured an appearance by Mary Jose Cristerna, also known as the "Mexican Vampire Woman" thanks to the piercings, tattoos and titanium horns embedded in her skull.

Cristerna began modifying her body at the age of 21, after a troubling break-up with her husband, according to Colombia Reports, and is now remarried, works as a lawyer and is a proud mother of four.

While Cristerna was the most famous attendee, the convention also attracted less explicitly inked-up fans like Andres Villa, who told ITN of the importance of thinking before inking.

"You have to at least be sure what you want and know that it will be with you for your whole life," he cautioned.

Check out some of the craziest permanent art in the gallery below.