Official Rules

Each eligible tattoo will be scored using six criteria totaling 100 possible points.

• Technical Execution — 25 points — Application, consistency, cleanliness and overall technical quality.
• Linework — 20 points — Consistency, precision, cleanliness and execution of applicable linework.
• Shading / Color — 20 points — Smoothness, saturation, contrast, transitions and execution appropriate to the tattoo style.
• Composition & Placement — 15 points — How effectively the tattoo is composed and works with the placement on the body.
• Creativity & Originality — 10 points — Originality, artistic interpretation and overall concept.
• Overall Presentation — 10 points — Visual impact and how successfully the completed tattoo comes together as a whole.

There will be NO random tiebreaker. If two or more entries receive the same final score, the tied entries will first be compared using their Technical Execution scores. If they remain tied, Linework scores will be compared. If they remain tied, Shading/Color scores will be compared. If a tie still remains, the judges will conduct a second blind evaluation of only the tied tattoos using the same published judging criteria. At no point will a winner be selected randomly.

Judges will evaluate entries without being told the identity of the tattoo artist. Judges must score entries according to the published Ink Wars judging criteria. Judges may not intentionally favor or penalize an entry based on the identity, reputation, shop affiliation, friendship or personal relationship of an artist.

The exact prize for each Ink Wars competition will be announced before entries are accepted. The announced prize will not depend on a random event or drawing. The winner will receive the prize stated in that competition's official announcement, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these rules.

• Submitted tattoos must be genuine tattoo work.
• Entrants must have the necessary permission to submit the photographs used for their entry.
• Entries must satisfy the requirements of the specific competition.
• Stolen photographs or artwork, false information or images manipulated to misrepresent the actual tattoo may result in disqualification.
• Ink Wars may request reasonable verification of an entry before awarding a prize.
• A confirmation email will be sent along with the final step of payment.

By entering, you confirm that you have the necessary permission to submit the photographs and content provided with your entry. You grant Ink Wars permission to display, repost and use submitted photographs for purposes related to operating, judging, announcing and promoting Ink Wars competitions. Ownership of the underlying tattoo artwork is not transferred to Ink Wars.

An entry may be disqualified for:

• Revealing the artist's identity before judging is complete.
• Attempting to influence or contact judges concerning an entry.
• Attempting to manipulate the judging process.
• Submitting stolen work or photographs.
• Providing false or misleading information.
• Manipulating photographs to materially misrepresent the tattoo.
• Harassing judges, entrants or participating artists.
• Violating these Official Rules or requirements announced for the applicable competition.
• When an entrant is disqualified because they violated the competition rules, the $20 entry fee is non-refundable.
• No payment received for the entry fee.

The winner will be announced through the official Ink Wars Facebook Page after judging has been completed. Only after the winning entry has officially been selected may the winning artist's identity be revealed, credited and publicly celebrated. Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes or reporting obligations associated with their prize.

Ink Wars is operated independently and is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Meta. Participants acknowledge that Facebook and Meta are not responsible for the administration of the competition or fulfillment of prizes.