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Tattoo artists from Brazil and around the world gathered on Friday in Rio de Janeiro for the opening of the city's 'Tattoo Week'. 

With over two hundred stands, tattoo aficionados were able to pick and choose from thousands of designs from the best and most diverse tattoo artists participating in the event, which is now on its third edition. 

The fair also holds several contests, including 'Miss Tattoo', and results will be made public on the tomorrow, the last day of the event. 

Meet Rato: The man with both his EYES tattooed blue

This man has a very intricate design on his back which he was happy to show off at the convention

As well as admire each other's designs, the convention allowed visitors to get some new tattoos

Tatto artist and Miss Tattoo 2014 Barbara Alt said that the tattoo scene has changed a lot over the years. 

'Ten years ago it was quite different than it is today. 'Nowadays there are these events, which popularise tattoos even more,' she said. 

Not only has this man, Rato, got a 'split tongue' (out of choice), but he has also got both his eyes tattooed

One person opts to get a tattoo of his favourite superhero, Batman, etched onto their arm

This man is almost entirely unrecognisable after using his face as a canvas for unique designs

'This is very good for us because it becomes more accessible, and people can see we are not seven-headed monsters,' she added. 

British tattoo artist known as Tarly Marr also performed his traditional bamboo tattoos, an ancient technique he learned in Thailand in which the skin is perforated with handmade needles attached to a bamboo stick.

Priscilla Santos, tattoo enthusiast from Portugal said: 'I have a lot of tattoos because I love them. My husband is a tattoo artist so I have to take advantage of that.' 

Totolinha, left, and Rato pose for a photo during Rio Tattoo Week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Women sporting tattoos pose for the press during Rio Tattoo Week, running for the third year

For this fan of tattoos, there's still a bit more space left on her back to get some new additions