Tattoo Contests

All rules are non-negotiable. By entering a tattoo contest at the Live Free or Die Tattoo Expo, you accept the following rules:

• Each contestant must pay a $5 entry fee per entry per category.
• There will be no refunds for contestants who do not attend the contest.
• One plaque will be awarded to each winner of each tattoo contest category.
• One plaque will also be awarded to the artist that designed the winner’s piece.
• Tattoo of the Day contest winners will receive a $100 cash prize for 1st place or a $50 cash prize for 2nd place.
• Tattoos must be entered into the correct category to compete.
• You must be present 15 minutes prior to competing.
• Large, medium & small tattoos will be measured day of entry into competition to decide the correct category it belongs in.
• Large tattoos may be entered into the “Large” category if it is a single tattoo, not a collection of tattoos making up one large piece and not a full-coverage back piece.
• Sleeves and back pieces may not be entered in any single piece categories unless it is one individual piece contained within a sleeve or back piece.
• A sleeve must be a half or full arm sleeve or a half or full leg sleeve and it must be complete.
• A back piece is a large collection of tattoos or one single piece which covers the entire back and it must be complete.
• A back piece consisting of one single piece may be entered into the “Back Piece” category only.
• Black and gray tattoos may have only up to 10% accenting color.
• Horror tattoos consist of shocking, terrifying, revolting or horror movie related pieces. They may be a single tattoo or a collection of horror specific piece(s).
• To enter the “Best Cover Up” category, a photo of the original piece to be covered (before any stencil or artwork was done) must be present.
• To enter the “Portrait” category, a reference photo of what the portrait piece was based on must be present.
• A full body suit must be entered into the “Full Body Suit” category, but single pieces may be entered into appropriate categories.
• Pieces done at the show are eligible for entry into ALL tattoo contests.
• If you are a judge, you may not enter any category you are scheduled to judge. You also may not judge a category that one of your artistic pieces has been entered into. If you need to be excused from judging a specific category, an alternate judge will be provided.
• No complete disrobing during competition.