November 7 - 9, 2025 • Nashville Fairgrounds
Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo
Presented by Safe House Tattoo Studio
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.
Tattoo Contests
Schedule
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Fri 11/7
5PM
Traditional
Lettering
Portrait
Geometric
Best Flash Sheet
Best Body Suit Art
Best Booth
Best Banner9PM
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” Spec7PM
Collab
Tattoo of the Day
Best In Show
Guidelines
Sign-ups must occur 30 minutes before the start of each contest. Come find us at the table near the Main Stage - you’ll see a sign!
Entry fee is $10 per tattoo (cash only).
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.
Best Flash Sheet, Best Body Suit Art, Best Booth, and Best Banner are for attending artists only and do not cost to enter.
Anyone can enter (artist or client!) a tattoo 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.