Tattoo Contest

To ensure our tattoo contest runs smoothly, each category will have an entry limit of 60 participants.

If your selected category is full we encourage you submit for a different category! 

Tattoo artists or clients can fill out the form located at the Merch/Info booth by the entrance. It is a $15 fee for each entry paid at the Merch Booth. The tattoo artist and client must be present at the time of the category they are entery to be qualified. You will receive a ticket for each entry and you must present the ticket at the stage to participate in the contest.

1. Eligibility – Open to convention attendees and registered artists only. Tattoos must adhere to the Anime theme to be considered for judging.

2. Registration – Tattoos must be completed by a licensed artist at the event. Fresh tattoos only. You have until 15 minutes prior to the contest time to register.

3. Categories – Contestants may only enter each tattoo into two categories. Tattoos must adhere to the anime theme to be qualified.

4. Fresh vs. Healed – Only fresh tattoos done during the convention will be allowed to enter.

5. Presentation – All entries must be shown on a live model. No photos or stencils allowed.

6. Original Work – Only original tattoos are eligible. Cover-ups allowed if clearly noted at registration. No AI art.

7. Timing – Contestants and models must be present at check-in and lineup. Late arrivals may be disqualified.

8. Judging – Criteria include artistry, application, creativity, and overall impression. Judges’ decisions are final.

9. Conduct – Respect staff, judges, and fellow contestants. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.

10. Awards – Winners and prizes announced on stage at the end of each contest.

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. 

Only fresh tattoos done during the convention will be allowed to enter the tattoo contests.

Criteria include artistry, application, creativity, overall impression, and adherence to the anime theme. Judges’ decisions are final.

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. 

For example, you can register for the Manga Panel category until 5:15pm as judging starts at 5:30pm. 

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 Anime Ink organizers.