Calling all values-aligned tattoo artists,
tattooers and apprentices across the US:
we want to see your immigrant solidarity tattoo designs!
Winners are compensated, and winning designs will
become free downloadable flash, temporary tattoos,
and merch to fundraise for the Ohio Immigrant Hotline
and OIA's immigrant justice work.
Art as Protest.
Ink as Solidarity.
Tattoos are one of the oldest forms of human expression, and one of the most democratic. They cross economic lines, cultural boundaries, languages, and generations. For many people, they carry deep
personal meaning: memory, identity, love, survival.
Migration is as old as time, as basic as breathing. Moving to a new place takes courage, strength, and love.
Ohio Immigrant Alliance is inviting tattoo artists across the U.S. to help create a shared, visible symbol of solidarity with immigrants. The winning designs will be made available as free downloadable flash for tattoo artists nationwide, and sold as a limited-edition temporary tattoo booklet to support OIA's work.
This project was inspired in part by the U.S. Venezuelan community, which has been scapegoated by the current authoritarian regime for their tattoos — marks that often carry profound personal significance.
We're reclaiming ink as a symbol of courage, family, and belonging.
Five Themes
Your design should express solidarity with immigrants and people on the move. These themes below are offered as creative inspiration, not requirements.
We welcome all interpretations.
Prizes & Recognition
- $500 cash prize
- Design featured on tattoo booklet cover
- Design included in limited-edition tattoo booklet
- Free downloadable flash distribution nationwide
- Featured in OIA online merchandise store
- Recognition on OIA website and social media
- $250 cash prize
- Design included in tattoo booklet
- Free downloadable flash distribution
- Recognition on OIA website and social media
Retain
Copyright
- Full copyright stays with you
- Tattoo your design on clients freely
- Use in your portfolio and personal work
Eligibility
Open to All US
Tattoo Artists
- ✓ Licensed tattoo artists residing in the United States
- ✓ Tattooers working in the US at time of submission
- ✓ Professional tattoo apprentices based in the US
- ✓ Must be 18 years of age or older
- ✓ Up to 3 separate design entries per artist
Conflicts of
Interest Excluded
- ✗ OIA Employees, Board Members, and contractors
- ✗ Members of the Judging Committee
- ✗ Immediate family of OIA staff, Board, or judges
Judging Criteria
Submission Requirements
Design Requirements
- * Original artwork by the submitting artist. No AI-generated designs
- * Designed for use as a tattoo: clean lines, skin tone consideration
- * Must express immigrant solidarity consistent with #BraveOfUS
- * One design per entry. Up to 3 entries total per artist
- * No copyrighted imagery, trademarked logos, or third-party IP
- * Appropriate for all audiences. No explicit content
- * Color or black & white accepted; 1 to 4 color palettes encouraged
File Requirements
- * Vector (preferred): AI, SVG, or EPS. Fonts converted to outlines
- * Raster accepted: PNG (transparent bg), PSD (layered), or TIFF at 300 DPI min
- * Small designs: 4"×6"
- * Large designs: 8"×10"
- * Max file size: 50MB per file
- * Bold, high-contrast designs work best as tattoos
Submit Your Design
You may submit up to 3 separate designs.
Complete one form per entry.
Click the image above to open the submission form in a new tab.
FAQ
Contest Timeline
11:59pm EST
Ready to Make
Your Mark?
Your art can make an impact. Ink your solidarity. Submit your design by June 30, 2026.
Submit Your Design →