Compete for the Best Ink
Tattoo Contests
Show off your ink and compete against the best at the All American Tattoo Convention. Contests run all three days with categories judged by a panel of professional tattoo artists from across the country.
Vote for your favorite tattoos in the Tattoo Collectors Award
Vote Now - Tattoo Collectors AwardContest Categories by Day
Six categories judged each day. Enter as many categories as you qualify for.
Friday, April 16
- Large Color Tattoo
- Small Color Tattoo
- Large Black & Gray Tattoo
- Small Black & Gray Tattoo
- Best Military Tattoo
- American Pride Tattoo
- Best Geometric / Dotwork
- Best Asian Inspired Tattoo
- Best Hand Tattoo
- Best Neck / Face Tattoo
- Best Cover Up Tattoo
- Tattoo of the Day - Black & Gray
- Tattoo of the Day - Color
Saturday, April 17
- Large Color Tattoo
- Small Color Tattoo
- Large Black & Gray Tattoo
- Small Black & Gray Tattoo
- Best Lettering Tattoo
- Best American Traditional
- Best Neotraditional Tattoo
- Best Watercolor Tattoo
- Best Small Color Portrait
- Best Large Color Portrait
- Small Black & Gray Portrait
- Large Black & Gray Portrait
- Best Back Piece
- Best Arm Sleeve
- Best Leg Sleeve
- Best Chest Piece
- Best Overall Male
- Best Overall Female
- Tattoo of the Day - Black & Gray
- Tattoo of the Day - Color
Sunday, April 18
- Large Color Tattoo
- Small Color Tattoo
- Large Black & Gray Tattoo
- Small Black & Gray Tattoo
- Best Tattoo by a Veteran
- Best Comic / Superhero
- Best Anime Tattoo
- Best Disney Themed Tattoo
- Most Unusual Tattoo
- Best Tattooed Flesh (Fake Skin)
- Best Original Flash
- Best Temporary Tattoo (Kids)
- Tattoo of the Day - Black & Gray
- Tattoo of the Day - Color
- Best in Show - Black & Gray
- Best in Show - Color
How to Enter
Register at the Contest Booth
Visit the contest registration booth located near the main stage. Registration and start times for each day are in the schedule below.
Pay the Entry Fee
Entry is $10 per category. You may enter as many categories as you like. Cash and card accepted at the booth.
Listen for Your Category
Categories are called live from the main stage, one after another, rather than at fixed times. When yours is called, bring your entry to the judging area. Our panel of professional artists evaluates each entry on technical execution, creativity and overall impact.
Stay for the Result
Each category is judged as it is called and its winner announced from the main stage before the next one is called, so results come through the day rather than in one block at the end. You must be present to accept your award.
Daily Contest Schedule
Categories are called one after another from the main stage. Each one is judged as it is called and its winner is announced before the next category is called, so no single category has a set time. Around 6 PM the judges take a break, and judging picks up again at the time listed for that day.
Set times
Contest Rules
- 1.All tattoos entered can be fresh or healed work, with the exception of Tattoo of the Day and Best in Show.
- 2.Contestants must be present when their category is called to be eligible for awards.
- 3.Each entry must be registered and paid for before the contest begins.
- 4.There is no limit on the number of categories you may enter.
- 5.Judges decisions are final. No appeals or disputes will be entertained.
- 6.By entering, you consent to having your tattoo photographed for AATC promotional purposes.
- 7.Contestants must be 18 or older to enter the tattoo contests. The only exception is the Kids' Temporary Tattoo Contest, which is free to enter and takes place on Sunday - see /events/kids-contest.
Meet the Judges
Our panel of industry professionals will be announced closer to the event.
Judges to be announced.
Prizes
Prizes are the same across all daily contest categories. Tattoo of the Day and Best in Show receive additional prizes from our sponsors.
Prize Sponsors
Thank you to these brands for providing products and prizes to our contest winners.
Sponsor TBA
Sponsor TBA
Sponsor TBA
Sponsor TBA
Sponsor TBA
Sponsor TBA
Tattoo Collectors Award
Can't make it to the convention? You can still participate by voting for your favorite tattoos online.
Vote NowQuestions about the contests?
Contact us at info@allamericantattooconvention.com
AATC 2027
Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this happen for Fayetteville & Ft Bragg NC!
