South Texas Iron & Ink — Artist Information & Rules

                                                                                                            Where Steel Meets Skin
                                                                               Feb 26–28, 2027 • Seguin Coliseum & Expo Center

Welcome artists. We’re thrilled to host tattooists from across the region and beyond. Below are the official rules and guidelines for participating in South Texas Iron & Ink. These standards protect you, the clients, and the integrity of the event.

1. Health, Safety, and Sanitation

All artists must maintain a clean, sterile, and professional environment.

Required Practices:
• Follow local, state, and venue health codes and regulations.
• Use single-use needles, tubes, grips, and sterilized equipment.
• Gloves must be worn during all tattooing procedures.
• Booths must be stocked with appropriate disinfectants and barrier protections.
• Sharps containers and proper waste disposal bins are mandatory and will be provided by event staff.
• Artists must wash hands and sanitize stations between clients.

Documentation:
• Proof of Bloodborne Pathogen training and current certification will be required.
• Artists will be asked to provide proof of tattooing / health licensing where applicable.

2. Licenses and Documentation

Before setup, all required documentation must be submitted and approved.

Must Provide:
• Valid tattoo artist license (if required by your home jurisdiction).
• Proof of event insurance is provided by event staff.

Artists traveling from out of state are responsible for ensuring they meet all Texas licensing and permit obligations.

3. Booth Setup & Operations

Artists are expected to uphold professional booth standards at all times.

Arrival & Hours:
• Artists are encouraged to be present during all public event hours.
• If early break down is necessary, please notify event staff.

Setup Requirements:
• Bring all your equipment: lighting, tables, power cords, etc.
• Your booth must be clean, organized, and visually professional.
• Only registered artists may tattoo in their assigned space.

Conduct:
• No alcohol, drugs, eating, or vaping in your booth area.
• Artists are responsible for proper disposal of trash and medical waste.

4. Client Safety & Consent

Protecting clients is priority one.

Age & Consent:
• Clients must be 18 years or older with a valid photo ID.
• Minors with parental consent will only be permitted as allowed by Texas law.

Aftercare:
• Artists must provide clear, written aftercare instructions.
• Tattoos performed at the event are subject to standard hygiene expectations.

5. Professional Conduct

Represent yourself and the show with respect and professionalism.

Expectations:
• Treat staff, attendees, fellow artists, and judges courteously.
• No personal speakers at booth, headphones are allowed.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Respect other artists’ space and clientele.

Organizers reserve the right to remove any artist violating rules, codes of conduct, or venue policies.

6. Branding, Promotion & Rights

By participating in South Texas Iron & Ink:
• You grant permission for event photos and video to be used in promotional materials.
• Artists may promote their personal brands but must not interfere with official festival branding or signage.

7. Miscellaneous Rules

• Your booth space must stay within décor and safety guidelines.
• All equipment must be in safe, working order.
• Artists are responsible for securing their own belongings.
• Any damage caused to venue property by artist negligence is the artist’s responsibility.