Tattoo Contests

The tattoo contests are open to all tattoo-lovers & attending artists who want to showcase their work! Entries are judged by a panel of three artists, and winners receive custom MTTE awards. Whether you're entering a fresh tattoo or a healed masterpiece, we want to see your best! Check out the schedule and guidelines below.

Schedule

  • Fri 11/7

    5PM

    Traditional
    Lettering
    Portrait
    Geometric
    Best Flash Sheet
    Best Body Suit Art
    Best Booth
    Best Banner

    9PM

    Tattoo of the Day

  • Sat 11/8

    12PM

    Black & Gray: Small, Medium, Large, Sleeve, Torso

    6PM

    Color: Small, Medium, Large, Sleeve, Torso

    9PM

    Tattoo of the Day

  • Sun 11/9

    12PM

    Skull
    Flower
    Snake
    Tennessee Themed
    Pop Culture
    “Fishbowl” Spec

    7PM

    Collab
    Tattoo of the Day
    Best In Show

Guidelines

  • Unless otherwise indicated, each category is any style, size, and color.

  • Sizing is based on a standard 8.5 x 11” piece of paper.

    • Small: Smaller than half a sheet of paper.

    • Medium: Larger than half but smaller than a full sheet of paper.

    • Large: Larger than a full sheet but less than full coverage of a limb or torso.

    • Sleeve: Full arm or leg.

    • Torso: Full back or front.

  • Entry fee is $10 per tattoo (Cash Only).

  • Anyone can enter a category - except Tattoo of the Day and Best In Show, which are reserved and free for attending artists only.

    • Tattoo of the Day: Must be started and finished on the same day.

    • Best In Show: Must be started and completed during the expo.

Locally planned. Locally loved.

The Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo is brought to you by Nashville's very own Safe House Tattoo Studio. Read More About Us.