• Membership is open to artists from any country and across all styles, with acceptance based on artistry, originality, and contribution to the progression of tattoo culture.

  • Eligibility & Application

    • Membership is by application only.
    • Applications are open to professional tattoo artists worldwide who can demonstrate excellence in their chosen style(s).
    • Artwork is assessed on uniqueness and originality of artistic vision.
    • Technical execution and mastery of craft.
    • Innovation using trailblazing concepts or new techniques carry weight in assessment decisions.


    Social footprint, following, or popularity are not factors     in assessment. Decisions are based solely on artistry and contribution.

Membership Tiers

  • The entry-level tier of the GRAPHICA Program. Membership is conferred on artists who demonstrate world-class skill and artistry in their chosen style(s), even if they are not yet featured in SKINGRAPHICA’s Global Rankings.

    PRIMA is limited to a maximum of 500 active memberships worldwide at any one time, ensuring exclusivity and maintaining the integrity of the program.

    PRIMA status is recognition of genuine mastery, innovation, and commitment to craft — without influence from social media following or popularity metrics. It serves as the gateway to higher tiers, placing artists within an elite circle of globally verified talent.

  • GRAPHICA status is awarded to artists featured within the Top 100 of SKINGRAPHICA’s Global Artist Rankings.

    This tier recognises those who have achieved international standing through consistently exceptional artistry, originality, and technical innovation.

    GRAPHICA members are recognised as leaders in tattoo culture, with access to collaborations, brand features, and ongoing global visibility. Their work not only represents individual mastery but also helps shape the evolving landscape of tattoo art.

  • The highest honour within the GRAPHICA Program, reserved for the Top 10 ranked artists globally.

    This tier acknowledges those whose artistry transcends convention, setting new benchmarks for technique, creativity, and influence.

    Membership in Black Ivy confers permanent recognition as a world leader in tattoo artistry, with priority access to SKINGRAPHICA’s most prestigious initiatives, global showcases, and collaborative projects. Black Ivy is both a title of distinction and a legacy — celebrating the artists who define the very pinnacle of tattoo excellence.

    PRIVILEGES NOT PUBLICY DISCLOSED

Privileges

  • PRIMA

    World-class artist status

    • 2.5% commision on all SYSTEM kits ordered by clients using your unique code.
    • Access to complimentary Artist Academy courses (coming soon).
    • Automatic consideration for inclusion in Global Top 100 rankings list (2026).

  • GRAPHICA

    Listing as 'Global Top 100' artist

    • 5% commission on all SYSTEM kit orders by clients using your unique code.
    • Access to GRAPHICA artist product previews and events.
    • Consideration for award of GRAPHICA Grants to assist with business development and marketing efforts.
    • Collaboration opportunities with 50:50 profit share with SKINGRAPHICA.
    • Complimentary personalised GRAPHICA 'Global Top 100 artist' award for personal/studio display.
    • Access to complimentary Artist Academy courses (coming soon).

  • BLACK IVY

    Listing as 'Global Top 10 artist'

    • Blacky Ivy privileges are not publicy disclosed.

Selection criteria

  • Membership in the GRAPHICA Program is awarded only to artists who demonstrate world-class excellence in tattooing and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the craft. Assessment is based on artistry, technical prowess, and influence within the tattoo industry.

  • 1. Artistic Distinction

    • Work must demonstrate originality, creativity, and strong artistic vision.
    • Artists should display mastery of composition, flow, balance, and overall aesthetic impact.
    • Preference is given to individuals pushing the boundaries of tattooing through distinctive styles or pioneering concepts.


    2. Technical Prowess

    • Tattoos must exhibit precision, control, and technical excellence in linework, shading, colour saturation, and healing outcomes.
    • Consistency of quality across a broad body of work is essential.
    • Artists may be recognised for advancing or refining technical methods that set new standards in the industry.


    3. Influence and Industry Impact

    • Contribution to the evolution of tattoo styles or the development of new techniques is a key consideration.
    • Artists who elevate the status of tattooing as a global art form, mentor others, or inspire new creative movements will be strongly regarded.
    • Influence is measured by artistic and professional impact, not popularity.


    4. Advancement of Styles and Techniques

    • Members are expected to contribute to the progression of specific styles or subgenres, whether through innovation, refinement, or preservation.
    • This includes introducing unique hybrid styles, modernising traditional approaches, or creating techniques that become benchmarks for others.


    5. Integrity of Practice

    • All submissions must represent the artist’s own original work, free of digital manipulation or misrepresentation.
    • Ethical standards in practice, respect for clients, and professionalism in the industry form part of the evaluation.

Program rules

  • We follow strict rules to protect the integrity and exclusivity of the program.

  • 1. Authenticity of Submissions

    • All images uploaded by artists must represent their own, original tattoo work.
    • Images must not be digitally manipulated, AI-generated, or otherwise altered beyond standard photographic adjustments (e.g. cropping or lighting balance).
    • SKINGRAPHICA reserves the right to verify authenticity, which may include AI-detection analysis, manual review, and direct confirmation with studios or clients.


    2. Rights & Artist Credit

    • By submitting images, artists grant SKINGRAPHICA a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to feature their work across brand platforms, media, and campaigns.
    • Ownership of all artwork remains with the artist. SKINGRAPHICA’s license exists solely for promotional, educational, and community purposes.
    • SKINGRAPHICA will always attribute work to the rightful artist and/or studio wherever submitted images are used publicly. Clear crediting is a core value of the GRAPHICA Program.


    3. Global Rankings & Status Assignment

    • Artists featured in the SKINGRAPHICA Global Rankings are automatically conferred their respective tier:

      Black Ivy (Top 10 ranked artists)
      GRAPHICA (Top 100 ranked artists)

    • Applications will be immediately approved upon verification and awarded the respective tier status.
    • Assigned status includes all privileges, benefits, and acknowledgements outlined in the GRAPHICA section of the SKINGRAPHICA website.


    4. Plaques & Privileges

    • A status tier plaque is created once for each Black Ivy and GRAPHICA artist upon confirmation of membership.
    • Additional plaques (including replacements) may be ordered for a nominal fee.
    • Plaques, product previews, and any other privilege entitlements will be delivered to the address provided at application. Artists must ensure this address is accurate and kept up to date in their profile.


    5. Conduct & Integrity

    • Artists must represent themselves and their work with honesty and integrity.
    • Misrepresentation of authorship, submission of work not personally created, or fraudulent activity will result in removal from the GRAPHICA Program and disqualification from Global Rankings.

Application Process

  • Submit

    Applications are submitted through the SKINGRAPHICA platform, with required image uploads, supporting details, and verification checks.

  • Process

    Applications typically take 5–10 business days for a decision to be communicated to the applicant.

  • Approval

    Artists in the Global Rankings are fast-tracked, with applications immediately approved upon verification.
APPLY FOR GRAPHICA