This category includes traditional tattoos (Old School, Traditional) created during the competition. Emphasis is placed on bold lines, saturated colors, classic motifs, and proper adherence to traditional style.
Large-scale color tattoos created and completed during the competition. These may cover larger areas (e.g. back, leg, arm) and are not limited by style. Minimum acceptable size is A4 format.
Large black-and-grey tattoos created and completed during the competition. Realistic, illustrative, or abstract styles without color are welcome. Minimum acceptable size is A4 format.
Smaller color tattoos created during the competition. These may be detailed, illustrative, or symbolic, with emphasis on color execution. Maximal tattoo size is A4.
Smaller black-and-grey tattoos created during the competition. Focus is on delicate shading and clean, precise lines. Maximal tattoo size is A4.
The best tattoo of the day, selected from all fresh works. Style and size do not matter. The tattoo must be created on the same day. Only 1st place is awarded in this category.
Main competition category – the best tattoo of the entire event. Any style, size, or technique is allowed, but the tattoo must be completed during the festival.
This category is dedicated to tattoos inspired by the Danube River – its nature, history, cities, cultures, and life along its banks. As the second longest river in Europe, the Danube connects many nations, traditions, and stories. Tattoos may include realistic or symbolic elements such as water, boats, bridges, animals, landmarks, folklore, or personal stories related to the Danube.
All styles are allowed (realism, graphic, old school, linework, watercolor, etc.), but the Danube theme must be clearly visible and dominant.
Two or three tattoo artists work on one tattoo directly during the event. The tattoo must be created entirely on site and can showcase a combination of multiple styles in a single final result.
A fully healed sleeve, either color or black-and-grey. The goal is to show how the tattoo looks over time.
A healed leg sleeve, regardless of color, covering most of the leg. The goal is to demonstrate long-term quality on a large surface.
Large-scale healed tattoo on the back or front of the body. Must cover most of the area and show how the work has aged.
👉 These categories aim to highlight not only fresh ink, but also the long-term quality of tattoos – how colors, lines, and shading hold up over time. This is the best proof of a tattoo artist’s professionalism and craftsmanship.
Tattoos entered in categories marked as “freshly made” must be created exclusively during the festival and within the festival premises.
Tattoos started prior to the event or retouched afterward will not be accepted.
Tattoos created by multiple tattoo artists during the festival may only be entered in the Collaboration category. The maximum number of tattoo artists allowed in this category is three (3).
Each tattoo may be submitted to one category only.
Tattoos entered in “healed” categories must be fully healed.
Daily contest registration opens at 10:30 AM.
Entries must be submitted no later than 60 minutes before the start of the respective category.
During registration, participants must present the tattoo itself or a photograph of the tattoo for preliminary verification.
The organizer reserves the right to reject any entry if the tattoo does not meet the criteria of the selected category or does not reach the required quality standard.
Results and award ceremonies will take place:
By submitting a tattoo, the participant confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted the contest rules and the conditions of the selected category.
Serious violations of the rules may result in disqualification and/or revocation of awards.
In such cases, the organizer reserves the right to inform the public via official channels (Facebook, Instagram, newsletter) and select a new winner.
The organizer has the final authority in resolving disputes and interpreting the rules.
Contest participants — tattoo artists and their models — agree to the use of photos and videos of their work for promotional purposes.
The convention will be strictly inspected regarding hygiene, both for our reputation and for the reputation of the tattoo community as a whole.
Strict compliance with hygiene regulations is required throughout the entire convention.
Any person failing to follow these principles (cross-contamination, use of non-sterile materials, etc.) will be immediately removed from the convention and permanently banned from the Danube Tattoo Show.
Each sold booth is designated exclusively for one tattoo artist and may not be used by other artists or brands.
Partners and sponsors may not occupy more than one third (1/3) of the total visual space of the booth.
Friday, May 15, starting at 4:00 PM.
Please be prepared to pay for your booth if you have not already done so.
After registration, a welcome drink will follow, hosted by the Danube Tattoo Show crew & ITAL MARKET.
Please inform us in advance if you plan to arrive after 9:00 PM or the following morning.
We encourage walk-in tattoos and flash designs, as we expect high attendance, including many visitors without prior appointments.
If you plan to offer walk-in tattoos or flash designs, please let us know and we will repost the information on our social media channels.
