For artists
Entry is selective. Artists and studios apply for a category, are reviewed individually, and join a battle only after confirmation from the organizer.
How participation works
Apply and be selected
Send your details, preferred category, Instagram profile, and five of your best tattoo works. Every application is reviewed individually and entry is confirmed by email.
Receive a balanced matchup
Opponents are chosen by style, skill level, work quality, experience, and category—not at random. Battles can be artist vs artist or studio collaboration vs studio collaboration.
Create and document
From the official start, you have exactly one month to create a new category-specific tattoo. Follow the filming requirements: horizontal 16:9, original unedited footage, at least 5 process videos, and final videos with and without a CPL filter.
Send two separate packs
Use WeTransfer or SwissTransfer to send a Video Editor Pack with all raw footage and a separate Judges Pack with at least 5 final photos and 2 final videos. Do not mix vlog footage with judging material. See the filming requirements below.
Receive the verdict and feedback
Three judges each cast one independent vote and record feedback for both sides. The result is 3:0 or 2:1, with no draw, and the complete story becomes a World Ink Battle episode.
How to film your battle
Film everything horizontally in 16:9 with a good-quality smartphone or, preferably, a camera. Keep it steady and the tattoo clearly visible. Send original, unedited footage: no digital filters, effects, or color adjustments. Introduce yourself with your name, where you are from, years of tattooing, sponsors, and category. Record your design process, stencil application, and workstation preparation. Include at least 5 tattoo-process videos covering the beginning, different stages, details, progress, and final stages, plus at least 2 finished-tattoo videos: one without a CPL filter and one with a CPL filter. Talk to the camera and capture plenty of footage for your vlog-style episode. You may speak your native language; English subtitles will be added.
Send TWO SEPARATE PACKAGES via WeTransfer or SwissTransfer. Video Editor Pack: all your raw footage for the YouTube episode, together in one package. Judges Pack: only the finished tattoo, with at least 5 high-quality photos with and without a CPL filter, and 2 videos — one without CPL in natural daylight and one with CPL. Keep judging material separate from the vlog footage. The required physical CPL filter is not a digital effect; do not edit or retouch the tattoo. Missing material makes it difficult to produce the episode and judge your work fairly. Read the complete checklist below before sending.
Read the complete artist rules