Competitions & rules
Clear categories and consistent rules – easy to follow.
General rules
- Register max two competitions per tattoo per day: one category + Best of Day and/or Best of Show.
- Best of Day must be made the same day and cannot be started earlier.
- Tattoos on hands, neck and face cannot participate (DK law). If a sleeve covers the hand, the hand can be covered during judging.
- Sign up at Info/Print/Shop no later than 15 minutes before the competition begins. You receive a number for the stage.
- Client with the tattoo and the artist must be present at Prison Ink to participate.
- Judgement: overall appearance + technique, originality, lines, colors, shadows, flow, depth and movement. Scale 1–10.
How to sign up
- Go to Info/Print/Shop no later than 15 min before start.
- Choose category + optional Best of Day/Show.
- You receive a number – bring it to the stage.
- Artists are anonymous to the judges.
Categories
Best Weird
Placement and motive matter. The more weird – the better.
Best Black’n’Grey
Only black/white. Contrast, flow and shadows. Not realistic/portraits.
Best Old School
Classic bold and simple designs; often black, red, green, blue, yellow.
Best Neo Traditional
Modern style influenced by old school, often realistic motives with a twist.
Best Color
Color tattoos in all styles. Requirement: visible color and dynamics.
Best Realistic
Realistic tattoos and portraits (color or B&G). Bring reference photo if possible.
Best Oriental
All types of Asian style tattoos.
Best Large
Large piece: full sleeve, back, leg, chest etc. All styles.
Best Ornamental
Ornamental: Celtic, tribal, Nordic, Polynesian, mandala, geometric etc.
Best Apprentice
Apprentices only. All styles.
Best of Day
Open to all categories. Tattoo must be done the same day.
Best of Show
Open to all categories. Tattoo must be done at this year’s convention.