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.

Each entry costs $15. 

Individual tattoos can only be entered  into two categories. 

Small Tattoos categories are for tattoos that are 4” x 4” in size / Large is anything within 12” x 12”. Anything larger than 12” x 12” should be entered into Anime XL. 

All categories, except Best of Day/Best of Show, accept healed and fresh entries. Best of Day/Best of Show must have been completed at the convention.

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, we 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 Saturday you can register for the Melanated Skin category until 5:45pm as judging starts at 6:00pm. 

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.