Anime Ink Con 2024 just wrapped up, and if you missed it—seriously, what were you doing? This epic event went down at the Greater Richmond Convention Center from October 4-6, and it brought together the best of both the anime and tattoo worlds in one place. We're talking cosplay contests, gaming, live music, panels, afterparties, and of course—the tattoo contests.
We at animetattoos.com even tossed some custom skateboards into the prize pool for the lucky winners (you're welcome), while the artists walked away with even more awesome prizes. But let’s be real—what everyone was really hyped for was the Best of Day competition, where the most jaw-dropping, anime-inspired tattoos took center stage.
In this post, we’re looking at the top 3 tattoos that totally owned the Best of Day category.
The Best of Day competition was an absolute showstopper, with top-notch judges Ishnard, Matsy, and Deadmeat calling the shots. Artists brought their A-game, showcasing a wide range of styles and sizes, all created on the spot that day.
Best of Day – Friday, October 4: Top 3 Tattoos
1st Place: Serena Armstrong
Serena took the top spot with a jaw-dropping full-color My Hero Academia Deku tattoo. The composition and coloring are on point, with Deku in his hero costume, mid-action, and using his One For All powers. The dynamic pose, vibrant greens, and the energy radiating from his powers brought this piece to life. It’s no wonder Serena snagged 1st place!
2nd Place: Javier Davila
Javier earned 2nd place with a stunning black-and-gray tattoo of Trafalgar D. Water Law from One Piece. The tattoo shows Law holding his Ope Ope no Mi devil fruit, encased in a glass cube to symbolize his "Mes" ability. The intricate linework and shading made this piece stand out, capturing both Law’s stoic nature and his iconic ability with killer precision.
3rd Place: Dani Phantom
Dani secured 3rd place with a bold Perfect Blue tattoo. The design featured Rumi in her iconic red dress from the film’s climactic scene, symbolizing her fractured psyche. The blend of blue and red, paired with shattered mirror effects, made this tattoo visually stunning. The colors were so saturated that it looked like the scene was ripped straight from the movie.
Best of Day – Saturday, October 5: Top 3 Tattoos
1st Place: Beerye
Beerye’s first-place tattoo was a full-color masterpiece of Lucifer Morningstar from Hazbin Hotel. Lucifer’s smug expression and iconic rubber duck were perfectly captured in this vibrant piece. The colors and shadows gave the character depth and feel that totally matched the chaotic energy of the show. All hail the short king of Hell—this tattoo radiated pride in every sense of the word!
2nd Place: Troy Slack
Troy came in second with an epic Demon Slayer tattoo of Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. His design showed Uzui in full battle stance, with his dual nichirin blades out and his jewelry sparkling. The vibrant colors brought Uzui to life, and the attention to detail in his jewelry and weapons was next level. This piece was straight-up fire!
3rd Place: Evan Olin & Andy Large
Evan and Andy grabbed 3rd place with a collaborative piece that, while we don’t have a picture of it yet, absolutely earned its spot. Knowing these two artists, it was definitely a banger worthy of the top ranks!
Best of Show – Sunday, October 6: Minh Pham
The grand finale on Sunday saw Minh Pham take home the Best of Show title with a jaw-dropping piece of an Oni Bride Doll. Minh’s mastery of color saturation left even the other tattoo artists asking for his secrets. The soft yet vibrant colors, coupled with insanely detailed linework, made this tattoo a true work of art. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable weekend at Anime Ink Con 2024!
