The Ouches Tattoo Awards: The Official Guide by Sixtyink Tattoo Studio

The Ouches Tattoo Awards are an annual tattoo competition created by Sixtyink Tattoo Studio in London.The awards are designed to celebrate tattoos earned through pain, commitment, and personal story, recognising outstanding tattoo work created exclusively by Sixtyink artists.

Unlike open tattoo contests, The Ouches are reserved only for tattoos created at Sixtyink or by official Sixtyink artists. This ensures every entry represents the studio’s standards of craftsmanship, authenticity, and artistic integrity.

This guide explains everything you need to know about The Ouches Tattoo Awards, including eligibility, categories, how to enter, how the winner is chosen, prizes, and important dates.

What Are The Ouches Tattoo Awards?

The Ouches Tattoo Awards are a London-based tattoo competition hosted by Sixtyink Tattoo Studio.The awards honour tattoos that required endurance, trust, and artistic commitment, focusing not only on how a tattoo looks, but on the experience behind it.

The name “The Ouches” reflects a core truth of tattoo culture: meaningful tattoos are earned. Pain fades, but ink remains. Each entry represents a story, a moment, and a collaboration between client and artist.

The awards exist to document and celebrate those moments.

Who Can Enter The Ouches Tattoo Awards?

The Ouches Tattoo Awards are exclusively open to clients who have received their tattoo at Sixtyink Tattoo Studio or from an official Sixtyink artist.

To be eligible:

• The tattoo must be created by a Sixtyink artist

• The tattoo must be healed

• The participant must share their tattoo on Instagram and tag @sixtyink

• The entry must be submitted using the official form on the Sixtyink website

Tattoos created at other studios are not eligible. This exclusivity ensures a curated archive that reflects the quality and values of Sixtyink.

How to Enter The Ouches Tattoo Awards

Entering The Ouches Tattoo Awards is designed to be simple, transparent, and community-driven.

How to enter:

1. Receive a tattoo at Sixtyink or from an official Sixtyink artist

2. Follow @sixtyink on Instagram

3. Post your tattoo on Instagram and tag @sixtyink

4. Select your category when submitting your entry

5. Tag two people in the comments

6. Share the post to your Instagram story

7. Submit your tattoo using the official entry form

Only entries that follow all steps will be considered eligible.

Tattoo Categories at The Ouches

Participants must select a category when submitting their tattoo.Categories are designed to represent different styles, scales, and challenges in tattooing.

The Ouches Tattoo Awards categories include:

• Best Black & Grey Tattoo

• Best Colour Tattoo

• Best Fine Line Tattoo

• Best Script Tattoo

• Best Cover-Up Tattoo

• Best Micro realism Tattoo

• Best Avant-garde

• Best Geometric Tattoo

• Best Traditional Tattoo

• Best Anime Tattoo

• Best Engraving Tattoo

• Best funny Tattoo

• Best Selfie with your Tattoo

• My Mum hated This Tattoo

• F**k my Ex Tattoo

Each category allows tattoos to be compared fairly while recognising different artistic approaches.

How the Winner Is Chosen

The Ouches Tattoo Awards are decided by community engagement.

The winner of the competition is the tattoo entry with the highest number of likes on Instagram.

If there is a tie, the winner is determined by the combined total of likes and comments on the Instagram post.

All engagement must be genuine. Any attempt to manipulate engagement may result in disqualification.

This system ensures the community plays an active role in celebrating the most impactful tattoo of the year.

What the Winner Receives

Winning The Ouches Tattoo Awards is about recognition, not chance.

The winner will receive an official Ouches Award, recognising their tattoo as the most celebrated piece of the year.

In addition, the winner will receive special prizes curated by Sixtyink and friends, including exclusive surprises, free gifts, and tattoo-related rewards.

Prizes may vary and are subject to availability, but the recognition is permanent.

Entry Deadline for The Ouches Tattoo Awards

All tattoo entries for The Ouches Tattoo Awards must be submitted by:

📅 20 February 2026

Entries submitted after this date will not be considered.Selected entries will be featured following the submission deadline.

Why The Ouches Tattoo Awards Exist

The Ouches Tattoo Awards exist to document tattoo culture from the inside — from the perspective of artists and clients who commit to the process.

They are not about trends or fleeting aesthetics.They are about:

• Trust between artist and client

• Endurance and experience

• Storytelling through tattooing

The awards form a living archive of Sixtyink’s work and the people who wear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are The Ouches Tattoo Awards?The Ouches Tattoo Awards are a tattoo competition created by Sixtyink Tattoo Studio in London, celebrating tattoos earned through pain, commitment, and personal meaning.

Who can enter The Ouches Tattoo Awards?Only clients who have received a tattoo at Sixtyink Tattoo Studio or from an official Sixtyink artist are eligible.

Are tattoos from other studios allowed?No. The competition is exclusive to tattoos created by Sixtyink artists.

How is the winner chosen?The winner is the entry with the highest number of likes on Instagram. In case of a tie, comments are used as a tie-breaker.

When is the deadline to enter?The deadline to submit entries is 20 February 2026.

Enter The Ouches Tattoo Awards

If your tattoo was created at Sixtyink and carries a story worth sharing, The Ouches Tattoo Awards are your invitation to be seen.

👉 Enter via the official submission page on https://www.sixtyink.com/the-ouches-tattoo-awards