Tattoo Contest

All tattoos entered in the contest must adhere to an anime theme. This includes, but is not limited to, designs inspired by anime characters, scenes, symbols, or any artistic elements that are prominently featured in anime culture.

Your first tattoo will have a $20 entry fee, you can enter the same tattoo into a second category for $35.

The Melanated Skin category will not have an entry fee. 

Individual tattoos can only be entered into two categories. 

Individual tattoos can only be entered  into two categories. 

There are three themed categories each day of the convention that will allow for healed entries, they are listed below. All other categories must be done at the convention. 

Friday

• Manga 

• Kawaii

• Lewd 

Saturday

• Pokemon 

• Shōjo

• Video Game

Sunday

• Shounen

• Mash-up 

• Anime XL

Entries will be judged based on creativity, adherence to the anime theme, 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 in the tattoo industry and knowledgeable in both tattoo artistry and anime culture.

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 15 minutes before the category starts. 

For example, on Friday you can register for the Kawaii category until 6:00pm as judging starts at 6:15pm. 

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.