Tattoo Contest
contests on:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Join us for an exciting showcase of incredible tattoos. Check out the schedule to see our various categories and when your favorite designs will be on display.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
LOCATION
5:00 PM
Small Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
5:20 PM
Large Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
5:40 PM
Small Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
6:00 PM
Large Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
6:20 PM
Artist’s Choice
Main Stage
Each artist may enter one tattoo that best represents their style, regardless of size or category.
Must be done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
6:40 PM
Best of Show
Main Stage
The single most outstanding tattoo of the entire expo. Winners of previous Best of Day categories automatically qualify, though any exceptional piece may be considered.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
6:40 PM
Small Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:00 PM
Large Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:00 PM
Small Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:20 PM
Small Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:20 PM
Large Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:40 PM
Small Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is smaller than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
7:40 PM
Large Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:00 PM
Large Color
Main Stage
A color tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8".
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:00 PM
Redemption
Main Stage
Transformation award for the best covered-up or reworked tattoo. Must show “before” photo.
Must be done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:20 PM
Love + Death
Main Stage
Tattoos representing passion, loss, or human emotion. Broad interpretation welcome (portraits, symbolic work, etc.)
Must be done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:20 PM
Ritual Red
Main Stage
Any tattoo where red is the dominant color. Can be color or B&G with red accents.
Must be done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:40 PM
Best of Day – Black & Grey
Main Stage
A black and grey tattoo done at the convention that is larger than 8" and contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
8:40 PM
Best of Day – Black & Grey
Main Stage
Any black and grey tattoo done at the convention that contains no color.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
9:00 PM
Best of Day – Color
Main Stage
Any color tattoo done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
9:00 PM
Best of Day – Color
Main Stage
Any color tattoo done at the convention.
TIME
SESSION
JUDGES
Contest Rules
To ensure our tattoo contest runs smoothly, each category will have an entry limit of 60 participants, except for Small Color and Large Color categories.
Both Small Color and Large Color categories will have entries limits of 80.
If your selected category is full we encourage you submit for a different category!
Category Entry Limits
Tattoo contest entries are free! Sign up either at the stage or the merch/ticket booth.
Individual tattoos can only be entered into two categories.
Entry Fee
Individual tattoos can only be entered into two categories.
Multiple Entries
There are themed categories each day of the convention that will allow for healed entries. Please check out our tattoo contest page for more information.
Healed vs Done at the Convention
Entries will be judged based on creativity, artistic skill, and overall impact. Special emphasis will be placed on the quality of application, including line work, shading, color saturation, and overall execution. Judges will be professionals and knowledgeable in the tattoo industry.
Judging
We understand that you want your tattoo to look it's best for judging, so we do allow contestants to have a single gloved hand and a paper towel available to wipe the tattoo.
Contestants, please be wary of cross contamination! DO NOT touch the passes handed out by judges with your gloved hand.
On Stage Safety
As this is a blind judging contest, we kindly ask that artists not stand beside or too closely to their clients right before the contest begins or during the contest judging.
Blind Judging
You may register your tattoo for the tattoo contest categories up to 15 minutes before the category starts.
Registration Timeframes
All contestants must arrive at the stage area and be prepared to go on stage at least 10 minutes before their category timeframe. Late arrivals will be disqualified.
Contestant Punctuality
By participating, contestants agree to allow photography and videography of themselves for promotional and archival purposes by the Ghost Tattoo Expo organizers.
Photography and Media
Judges
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