Tattoo artists from all over Australia take clients they have tattooed over the past 12 months to the annual Professional Tattoo Association of Australia National Convention to compete in 32 categories ranging from best back piece to best small colour tattoo.

This year’s event was held in Melbourne and Mr Drechsler won five trophies, one in all the categories he entered.

Brooke Giles won “best side female” tattoo; Keely Rawles came second in “best side female” tattoo and second in “best large black” tattoo; Dearne Smith got third place for a “back piece” she had designed herself; and David Spencer got third place for “most realistic portrait”.

Mr Drechsler said he was most proud of the portrait award because it was an area he prided himself on and it was his first award in that category.

He said Dearne Smith’s trophy was also a credit to her because it was rare for a tattoo designed by a client to win.

Mr Spencer also won Tattoo of the Convention for a tattoo he got at the convention by a well-known American tattoo artist.