Artist Applications — We’re Back in 2027
Applications open Friday 13 November 2026!
Closes Wednesday 13 January 2027 | Invitations late January–early February
Important: You must apply to be considered. If you don’t apply, we won’t know you want to join!
What to Prepare
- 5 sample images of your work (required) + 1 portrait (optional)
- Instagram handle and a short artist bio (1-2 lines is fine)
- Contact details
- Studio/Shop name (if applicable)
- NSW artists: tattoo licence details
- TSP number (if you have one already). If not, that’s okay — more info below.
Applying for multiple booths as a shop? Each artist must submit their own application. Final booth counts per shop are determined by the organisers; shops typically roster artists across allocated booths.
Key Dates
Opens
Fri 13 Nov 2026
Closes
Wed 13 Jan 2027
Invites
Late Jan–Early Feb 2027
Artist FAQ
Who can apply?
Australian tattooers from the big cities to the small towns, plus international artists. We curate for range, quality and style diversity.
How are booths allocated?
Allocation is carefully considered to ensure a diverse and fair lineup that represents all styles, regions, and levels of experience. Selection takes into account the quality of tattoo work, time in the craft, style diversity, previous involvement, and how each artist contributes to the overall balance and integrity of the convention. Shops may be offered multiple booths; each booth is for one artist tattooing at a time.
Applying as a shop with multiple artists
Each artist must apply individually. Final shop booth counts are at organiser discretion. Most shops roster artists across their allocated booths across the weekend.
Licensing (NSW) & TSP numbers
NSW artists should include their tattoo licence details in the application.
If you have a TSP number already, add it. If not, that’s fine — guidance will be provided with your invite pack if successful.
If you have a TSP number already, add it. If not, that’s fine — guidance will be provided with your invite pack if successful.
Bump-in / Bump-out
TBA (Thursday Evening & Friday Morning bump-in, Sunday bump-out). Final times, loading dock procedure and access points will be sent with your invite pack if successful.
Competition categories & schedule
Categories include on-site and healed work (Tattoo of the Day, Style-specific, Collaboration, Multi-day, etc.).
Schedule TBA. Full rules and entry links will be posted closer to the event.
Schedule TBA. Full rules and entry links will be posted closer to the event.
I didn’t get in — why not?
We know it’s disappointing. We receive hundreds of applications each year but have a hard cap of around 180 booths due to venue capacity. We review every application carefully and build a lineup that’s fair, diverse, and balanced across styles and experience.
If you’re not selected this time, it isn’t a judgement of your worth or future with STC — it’s simply a space limit. Please apply again next year, and keep an eye out for any waitlist opportunities we may open. Even if you’re not tattooing this year, we’d still love to see you there as a ticketholder — come hang out, support your mates, and be part of the weekend.
If you’re not selected this time, it isn’t a judgement of your worth or future with STC — it’s simply a space limit. Please apply again next year, and keep an eye out for any waitlist opportunities we may open. Even if you’re not tattooing this year, we’d still love to see you there as a ticketholder — come hang out, support your mates, and be part of the weekend.
I applied last year — do I still need to apply?
Yes. You must submit a fresh application each year to be considered for the new lineup.
Reminder: You must apply within the window (Fri 13 Nov 2026 → Wed 13 Jan 2027) to be considered.