General rules for attendees and artists:​

• Age: 

  Clients must be at least 18 years old; parental consent is not required. 

• Health and safety: 

  Artists must follow health standards, use disposable gloves and supplies, sterilize surfaces, and properly dispose of sharps. 

• Drug and alcohol policy: 

  None of the artists or clients should be under drugs or heavy alcohol, and may be checked upon entry. 

• Double Booth:

• To book a double booth, both artists should be from the same tattoo parlor.

• Booth and workspace: 

  Artists must keep their booths clean, organized, and respectful of other artists' space. 

• Piercing: 

  Piercing is often prohibited unless the booth is specifically approved for it. 

• Substances: 

  No eating or drinking is allowed in the booth area. 

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       Contest rules:

• (Realism is an artistic style that aims to reproduce images as lifelike as possible, mimicking a photograph. Black and grey is a tattooing technique that uses only black and grey inks to create designs. A black and grey tattoo is not necessarily realistic, but a realistic tattoo can be done in black and grey or in color.)

• (opaque grey can and is often used in black and grey realism tattoos, typically alongside the more traditional grey wash technique. It is one of several tools an artist can use to achieve the intricate detail and tonal range required for a photorealistic look.)

• Eligibility: 

  Tattoos entered into contests are typically required to be performed by an artist attending the convention. 

• Healed tattoos: 

  Healed tattoos can be entered in specific categories at tattoo conventions, but they are not eligible for Tattoo of the Day or some "Best of Show" categories, which require work to be completed at the convention. To enter a healed tattoo, the tattoo must be completely healed before the convention begins, and both the artist and collector typically must be present during registration and judging.  

• Mini tattoo can be any style and less then 12 cm.

• Micro Realism most be less then 12 cm.

• Black and grey, Realism, Color tattoo, Japanese Tattoo and Color Realism most be more then 15 cm.

• "Tattoo of the Day/Show": 

  These categories usually require the tattoo to be completed at the convention within the specified timeframe. 

• Both the tattoo artist and the client should sign a consent and liability waiver form before the tattoo process begins. This form is a critical legal document for the business, covering issues like item loss and any complications, and confirming the client's understanding of the procedure. The client, as the "human canvas," must also provide consent for the tattooing process itself, ensuring they are aware of and agree to the risks and what they are signing up for. 

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     Judging criteria: ​

• Cleanliness: This assesses the technical execution of the tattoo, looking for shaky lines, blowouts, inconsistent shading, or a patchy and unfinished appearance. 

• Composition: This evaluates how well the tattoo is designed and how the elements work together. Judges look for contrast, depth, and structure to ensure the tattoo is legible and well-structured. 

• Placement: The tattoo's placement is crucial; it must be natural-looking and complement the body's form. Judges also consider how the tattoo interacts with other existing tattoos on the body. 

• Creativity: This is often the tie-breaker. It looks for originality in the concept and execution, rewarding unique designs that stand out from the competition. 

• Originality and flow: The tattoo's originality, as well as its flow and movement with the body, is also taken into account. 

• Factors that can affect judgment: Judges may also consider the tattoo's difficulty, scale, age, and whether it appears unfinished. For some categories, there may be specific requirements, like using only black and grey ink for a black and grey category.

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     Getting tattooed​:

• Book in advance: 

  It is best to book appointments with artists in advance, as many popular artists may be fully booked.

• Walk-ins: 

  Artists are often available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, but you may need to arrive early to secure a spot.

• Admission: 

  Convention admission does not include the tattoo itself; it only covers entry to the event.