CONTEST CATEGORY DEFINITIONS: HEALED LARGE BLACK & GREY

HEALED LARGE BLACK AND GREY TATTOO

Definition: A fully healed black and grey tattoo that measures 8x8 inches and larger in any direction, demonstrating advanced monochromatic artistry, complex shading techniques, and masterful execution on a large-scale canvas.
Requirements & Guidelines:
Size Specifications:
  • Minimum dimension: 8x8 inches and larger in height, width, or diameter
  • No maximum size limit
  • Must cover significant skin area to showcase large-scale black and grey mastery
Healing Requirements:
  • Tattoo must be completely healed (minimum 6-8 weeks post-completion due to size)
  • No scabbing, peeling, or signs of fresh tattooing
  • Skin texture normalized across entire piece
  • Consistent healing across all shaded areas and tonal variations
Black and Grey Criteria:
  • Exclusively black ink with grey wash/shading techniques
  • No color pigments permitted (pure monochromatic work)
  • OPAQUES are considered Color. If your work consists of more than 25% OPAQUES, please enter it in COLOR.
  • Must demonstrate full spectrum of tonal values from solid black to light grey
  • Advanced gradient work across large surface area
  • Consistent grey tones throughout the entire piece
Technical Standards:
  • Exceptional linework precision and consistency across large area
  • Masterful advanced shading techniques (smooth wash, stippling, whip shading, soft shading)
  • Complex contrast ratios creating depth and dimension
  • Seamless transitions between different tonal sections
  • No muddy or inconsistent grey areas
  • No technical flaws (blowouts, patchy shading, inconsistent saturation)
  • Demonstrates mastery of large-scale black and grey techniques
Artistic Composition:
  • Complex design elements and sophisticated composition
  • Advanced use of light and shadow to create dramatic effect
  • Proper flow with body contours across large area
  • Balanced visual weight and contrast throughout
  • Effective use of negative space within large design
  • Cohesive artistic vision across entire piece
Submission Requirements:
  • The attendance and booth registration requirements ensure fair judging and proper artist verification, while if a coverup, coverup detail shots help judges appreciate the skill involved in transforming existing work.
  • Before/during progress photos (optional but encouraged)
Judging Criteria:
  • Shading technique mastery and consistency across large area
  • Contrast and tonal range complexity
  • Technical execution and precision
  • Artistic composition and flow
  • Overall healing quality
  • Innovation in black and grey techniques
  • Demonstration of advanced skill level