Tattoo Contest
Important Information
Registration for ALL "HEALED" categories will begin as soon as doors open on Friday.
Registration will take place at the Tattoo Contest Registration Booth to the left of the main stage, and are $15 per entry.
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If you are not present for judging, no refunds can be provided.
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1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners will be selected for all HEALED category contests. There will only be ONE winner for tattoo of the day, best in show and best overall male and female categories.
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*Small and Medium categories are 8"x8" or smaller.
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**Large categories are over 8"x8" (you can breakdown a sleeve or leg piece and enter multiple categories).
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Please scroll back up for daily registration deadlines, judging times, and categories.
You do not have to wait until the day category will be judged to register. In fact, the earlier - the better!
Tattoos done AT the expo are NOT eligible for HEALED contest categories, however, you may enter the daily "Tattoo of the Day Contests and/or Best in Show.
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***To be eligible for Tattoo of the Day - tattoo must have been started and finished for the daily contest you are entering.
****To be eligible for Best in Show - tattoo must have been started and finished anytime during the expo (yes, even if it took 1, 2 or 3 days). This is a separate category, and entry fee of $15.
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By entering the tattoo contest at the Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo, you release the Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo, and/or it's sponsors, emcees, and judges, from any and all legalities stemming from copyrighted tattoos, artwork, material or anything in regards to copyrighted tattoos, photographs, clothing or anything else deemed copyrighted or trademarked.












Work in Progress
Subject to Change on or before Jan 2024
Stay Tuned
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Healed Category Entries ONLY
Judging Begins at 6:00pm
$15 Per Entry
Best Hand/Foot
Best Head/Face/Neck
Best Traditional
Best Blackwork (Tribal/Geometric/Mandala)
Most Creative
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Tattoo of the Day***
Registration - All Day
Judging Begins at 10:00pm
$15 Per Entry
- Tattoo of the Day (Color Sm/Med)
Tattoo of the Day (Color Large)
- Tattoo of the Day (Black & Grey Sm/Med)
Tattoo of the Date (Black & Grey Large)
Healed Category Entries ONLY
Judging Begins at 1:00pm
$15 Per Entry
Best Lettering
Best Asian Inspired
Best Back/Chest
Best Color (Large)**
Best Black & Grey (Large)**
Best Illustrative (New School/Neo-Traditional)
Best Portrait
Best Overall Male
Best Over Female
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Fresh Category Entries ONLY
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Tattoo of the Day***
Registration - All Day
Judging Begins at 10:00pm
$15 Per Entry
- Tattoo of the Day (Color Sm/Med)
Tattoo of the Day (Color Large)
- Tattoo of the Day (Black & Grey Sm/Med)
Tattoo of the Day (Black & Grey Large)
Click Here for Artist Booth Application
Click Here for Vendor Booth Application
Click Here for Vendor Table Application
Click Here for Hotel Information
SUNDAY
Healed Category Entries ONLY
Judging Begins at 3:00pm
$15 Per Entry
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Best Anime
Most Realistic
Best Floral/Botanical
Best Sleeve (Arm/Leg)
Best Color (Small/Medium)*
Best Black & Grey (Small/Medium)*
Best Cover Up (Must Have Before Photo)
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Tattoo of the Day***
Registration - All Day
Judging Begins at 5:00pm
$15 Per Entry
- Tattoo of the Day (Color)
- Tattoo of the Day (Black & Grey)
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Best in Show****
Registration - All Weekend Until 5:00pm
Judging Immediately Follows Tattoo of the Day
$15 Per Entry