Tattoo Contest & Convention Survival Tips

Ink hard. Travel smart. Win big.

Tattoo conventions are a whirlwind of buzzing machines, legendary artists, and live creativity. But if you’re not prepared — especially for contests — you can miss out on the full experience.

Whether you’re a collector entering your first tattoo competition or an artist navigating a packed expo weekend, these survival tips will help you stand out, stay sane, and maximize the moment.

Before the Convention

1. Book Early — Hotels, Appointments, and Passes

  • VIP passes often include skip-the-line perks

  • Book your hotel near the venue — you’ll thank yourself later

  • Follow attending artists and book appointments through their DMs or websites

2. Prep Your Contest Ink

  • Contests usually require healed tattoos unless it’s a “tattoo of the day”

  • Bring aftercare with you in case your artist works the same weekend

  • Practice your pose and wear clothes that make your tattoo easy to display

3. Know the Contest Categories

  • Categories vary, but often include:

    Best Black & Grey

    Best Color

    Best Sleeve

    Best Small / Large

    Tattoo of the Day

    Read the rules beforehand — some require registration hours in advance

During the Convention

4. Stay Hydrated & Fed

  • It’s easy to forget to eat during all the action

  • Carry a refillable water bottle and high-protein snacks

  • Be cautious with alcohol if you’re competing or being tattooed

5. Register for Contests Early

  • Spots fill fast — especially for “Best of Show” or high-stakes categories

  • Have a clean, high-res photo of your piece for registration (some events require it)

  • Get there early and plan your schedule around contest timing

6. Be Contest-Ready

  • Wear neutral clothes and avoid patterns that distract from the tattoo

  • Practice posing to highlight the piece (angles matter)

  • Be patient — contests can run behind schedule

After the Convention

10. Follow Up & Stay Visible

  • Post your work, contest wins, and shoutouts

  • Follow up with any client inquiries you got during the show

  • Submit your convention pieces to blogs or magazines

11. Heal Right

  • Tattooed during the event? Start your aftercare routine immediately

  • Avoid long travel stress, sun exposure, or picking at healing pieces

  • Enter healed pieces in future contests for better odds

Bonus Tip: Bring a Survival Kit

Pack these:

Cash

Pain relievers

Aftercare balm

Breath mints

Charging cable or power bank

Mini first aid kit

Small towel

Comfortable shoes

Need a Convention to Attend?

Check out our Best Tattoo Conventions in the USA list or view our full Convention Calendar.