As someone who both loves tattoos and has one, I have to admit I was pretty excited to cover the Star Wars Tattoo Contest at C3 this year. It's not every day that you see so many tattooed fans in one spot who are all chatting about why they choose to show their permanent pride for a galaxy far, far away.

That's why I wanted to write the article "Fandom is More Than Skin Deep: Star Wars Tattoos at C3." To give readers on starwars.com a closer look at the fans who make their bodies shrines to some of the best skin art I've ever seen.

Case in point -- Graphic Designer Hilary Gillespie from Canada. She has the most amazing full sleeve work done of Jango Fett and troopers I've ever seen. She aptly names the concept piece "Evolution of the Stormtrooper" and for her dedication won first prize for the Large Color competition.

Another contestant -- New York welder/mechanic Jason Semrau -- showed off his beautifully intricate line tattoo work of Yoda, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, the Emperor, General Grievous, Mace Windu, Plo Kloon and Aalya Secura.

As I was researching the article I came across Star Wars fan and tattoo aficionado Shane Turgeon, who also ran the contest at C3. His site Tattoosandtoys.com is a great place for inked fans everywhere to showcase their elaborate skin art. Turgeon's site features over 400 photos of Star Wars tattoo designs and the list keeps growing thanks to tattooing events like these.

So please take a second and read my article -- "Fandom is More Than Skin Deep: Star Wars Tattoos at C3" starwars.com and let me know what you think!