Tattoo Contest

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! 

There will be a $15 entry fee for all 

Individual tattoos can only be entered into two categories. 

Individual tattoos can only be entered  into two categories. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

You may register your tattoo for the tattoo contest categories up to 15 minutes before the category starts. 

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.

By participating, contestants agree to allow photography and videography of themselves for promotional and archival purposes by the Ghost Tattoo Expo organizers.