CONTEST CATEGORY DEFINITIONS: FRESH : BEST AMERICAN TRADITIONAL

FRESH BEST AMERICAN TRADITIONAL

Definition: A freshly completed American Traditional tattoo showcasing classic tattooing style with bold lines, limited color palette, and traditional subject matter while still in the fresh healing stage.
Requirements & Guidelines: SIZE: NOT RESTRICTED TO ANY SIZES.
Fresh Tattoo Requirements:
  • Tattoo must be started and completed within show hours for each day
  • Multiple Day Pieces can ONLY enter Sunday's Multi-day or Collab Contest
  • May NOT show signs of partially healed
  • Should be clean, will be wiped at the stage, do not send to the stage in bandages
American Traditional Style Criteria:
  • Bold, clean black outlines. No Less Than a 9 Liner Needle. 
  • Limited traditional color palette (red, yellow, blue, green, black)
  • Traditional subject matter (roses, eagles, anchors, pin-ups, ships, etc.)
  • Flat color application with minimal shading
  • Classic American tattoo aesthetics
Technical Standards:
  • Bold, consistent linework
  • Clean color fills within lines
  • Proper contrast and readability
  • Authentic traditional style execution
  • No modern techniques that deviate from traditional style
Submission Requirements:
  • Both Client and Artist must be in attendance at the contest
  • Artist must be registered with the show and assigned to a booth
  • If a coverup: Detail shots showing the coverup work and transformation details