“Ink Master” is a reality show where tattoo artists compete in various challenges. The show’s “reality” is not as authentic as it appears, with much of the drama and conflict portrayed being fabricated and benefiting from creative editing. The contestants, known as “human canvases”, are not allowed to leave with unfinished tattoos that look horrible unless it takes stupidly long. Screen Rant ranked the show’s worst tattoos, with some awful ink among them.
Ink Master consistently showcases some of the most impressive ink ever seen on television, with talented artists pushing the boundaries of making a tattoo look real. There is a spin-off called Ink Master: Redemption, where some canvases who receive bad tattoos come back and get them reworked or covered up. Human canvases may have limited input on tattoo designs, but negotiations can include accommodations like travel expenses and hotel stays.
Despite the drama showcased on the show, artists and contestants are real tattoo artists. Some are very good, while others are not so much. The winner of “Ink Master” is not actually the best, as the show’s “reality” is completely staged. Some Ink Master human canvases received terrible tattoos, and the show’s “reality” is not as authentic as it appears.
In summary, “Ink Master” is a reality show where tattoo artists compete in various challenges, with some contestants finishing their tattoos well before the time limit, making the last-minute drama all for the show.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| How fake is the show? : r/Inkmaster | Most of the drama between the artists is fake, or at least “engineered”. Some of the canvases play up their craziness and bitchiness to get air time. | reddit.com |
| I Got Tattooed on ‘Ink Master’: What It Was Really Like | It took me six years to get tattooed on “Ink Master,” a reality series where tattoo artists compete in various challenges. | businessinsider.com |
| What do the ‘human canvases’ on Ink master do if they don’ … | They are real tattoo artists. Some of them very good, but many of them not so much. Obviously the winner or “Ink Master” isn’t actually the best … | quora.com |
📹 Let’s Talk About INK Master…
INK Master is by far the most popular tattoo realatiy tv show around but is what you see on TV actually real? Well in this video we …
Does Ink Masters Pay For Tattoo Removal?
On "Ink Master," canvases leave with the tattoos they receive, and the show is not responsible for any subsequent costs related to fixing, removing, or covering up the tattoos. Contestants are primarily motivated by exposure rather than financial gain, as they do not receive payment for their participation; however, some have successfully negotiated for travel and hotel expenses to be covered. Canvases do not pay for their tattoos, making it an appealing situation for those selected, as the tattoos are provided free of charge.
The series revolves around 17 tattoo artists competing for the grand prize, undergoing weekly flash challenges and tattooing sessions, typically lasting four to six hours, followed by critiques from judges.
"Ink Master: Redemption" is a spin-off where canvases unsatisfied with their tattoos can return to have them reworked, often by the original artists. A common inquiry regards whether canvases receive any form of payment; the answer is no, as they are compensated with the tattoo itself, free of charge. Any dissatisfaction with the tattoo results in canvases bearing the financial burden of corrections or removals.
Moreover, much of the show's drama is exaggerated or edited for entertainment purposes. Canvases are explicitly informed that they will be responsible for the permanence of their chosen tattoos, reinforcing the concept that what they receive is what they must accept. The show does utilize advanced technologies for tattoo removal, such as laser procedures, which vary in cost. As the format continues, artists compete for the title of "Ink Master" along with a cash prize—recent seasons featuring 15 new artists. Ultimately, this reality series captures the intense competition and artistry involved in tattooing while highlighting the contentious relationship between artists and their canvases.
Are Marisa And Tyler Still Together?
Tyler Nolan and Marisa LaRen are still married, despite separating for at least six years after their time on the reality show "Ink Master." They briefly attempted to maintain their relationship post-show, but ultimately split. Marisa worked at a tattoo shop in South Florida for about two years after the show, and insights suggest that Tyler's personality remains consistent with his on-screen persona—passionate, fun, and outspoken.
Their relationship was notably highlighted during Season 6, where their budding romance became a point of interest for viewers. Recently, Tyler confirmed they have moved into a house together, and they appear to be thriving as a couple.
In the context of other reality TV romances, there are ongoing discussions regarding the status of couples from Season 7 of "Love Is Blind," such as Tyler and Ashley, who have been married for almost a year, and other pairs like Garrett and Taylor, Marissa and Ramses, among others. The finale for this season, airing on October 23, includes three remaining couples. Additionally, there's a reflection on Tyler and Marisa's enduring bond, as they revealed in a reunion that they are indeed still together after a year of marriage, expressing gratitude for their shared journey.
Their love story, which serves as a noteworthy example of a reality TV power couple, continues to captivate both fans and viewers alike. In conclusion, congratulations to Marisa and Tyler on their marriage, highlighting their ongoing commitment to each other.
Do People Pay For Their Tattoos On Ink Master?
Ink Master canvases do not pay for their tattoos. If selected to appear on the show, participants receive their tattoos free of charge from the competing tattoo artists, as well as no financial obligation to the show's producers. This is one of the key appeals of being a canvas on Ink Master, offering an opportunity to get tattooed without any costs involved.
A common question regarding the show is whether contestants are compensated for their participation, and the answer is no—they do not receive payment. Instead, their primary incentive lies in gaining exposure and being showcased in the competitive tattooing landscape. The show centers around 17 tattoo artists who compete against one another for a grand prize, engaging in weekly challenges. During these challenges, artists are paired with canvases and tasked with creating tattoos within a time frame of four to six hours. Upon completion, the contestants and their canvases convene with judges who provide critiques of the artwork.
Despite not receiving any monetary compensation, canvases benefit from the experience of being tattooed by skilled artists, and they are not responsible for any costs associated with fixing, removing, or covering up tattoos post-show. Information on the application process for becoming a human canvas explicitly states that no financial remuneration will be provided for their participation, reiterating that the tattoos are offered at no cost.
While it’s understood that many canvases are enthusiastic about obtaining tattoos without paying for them, there's acknowledgment that individuals who choose to be canvases may often be seeking affordable tattoo options. There have been instances where some canvases have successfully negotiated for their travel or hotel expenses to be covered by the show, although reimbursement for these costs is typically not a given.
It is also mentioned that while canvases may initially be excited about their tattoos, there are occasions where individuals express dissatisfaction with the outcome. This dissatisfaction can stem from various factors, including artist choices or unmet expectations. Nevertheless, the premise of being a canvas on Ink Master remains enticing as a means of receiving ink from talented artists without any financial burden.
Overall, the arrangement offers a unique opportunity for both canvases and artists, albeit without monetary transactions involved. Canvases, therefore, leave with a tattoo at no cost, while artists gain valuable exposure and experience in the competitive tattooing environment.
Does DJ Tambe Still Tattoo?
DJ Tambe, an acclaimed tattoo artist, currently works at Old Town Ink in Arizona. With over 20 years of experience, his impressive career spans from his beginnings in Rochester, New York, to becoming an industry leader based in Las Vegas, Nevada. DJ Tambe is a two-time winner of the reality show "Ink Master" and serves as a judge on the series, showcasing his expertise and artistic prowess. He started tattooing at Bad Apple Tattoo in Las Vegas, where he developed his signature style and gained recognition at numerous conventions nationwide. Born on May 4, 1981, DJ has built a substantial online following, with 464K Instagram followers and over 3, 000 posts celebrating his work.
Throughout his career, DJ Tambe has continually pushed the boundaries of tattoo artistry, earning accolades and deep respect within the industry. Known for his detailed and innovative designs, DJ has a knack for creating tattoos that resonate with clients, and he often shares his artistic journey on social media. Clients appreciate his collaborative approach, allowing personal stories and interests to inspire unique pieces.
Beyond tattooing, DJ Tambe embraces his adventurous side, enjoying activities such as scuba diving and shark diving with his wife. His multifaceted career and adventurous spirit contribute to his legendary status in the tattoo world, positioning him as a master artist who influences new generations of tattoo enthusiasts. He remains committed to inspiring others through his art and ongoing participation in tattoo conventions and events.
Did Jamie Davies Ever Get A Tattoo?
Jamie Davies, a tattoo artist from Redding, California, is known for his work at his shop, Tattooz Ink, which he established in 2004. Before venturing into tattooing, Jamie began his career as a comic book artist but found the repetitiveness of that field unsatisfying. He considers tattooing a better match for his artistic skills. Although he tattoos others for a living, Jamie has only one tattoo himself—a black light piece on the side of his neck. His decision to remain minimally tattooed has drawn mixed reactions, particularly during his time on the reality show "Ink Master."
In season 2 of "Ink Master," Jamie faced criticism from guest judge Forrest Cavacco for not having tattoos on his own body, with the judge questioning how an artist could work without them. This judgment led to significant controversy when Jamie was eliminated from the competition. Fans of the show noted that it seemed unfair, especially considering another contestant, Sebastian, advanced to the finale with what many deemed mediocre tattoos.
Some viewers speculated that Jamie's lack of tattoos was merely a plot device to create drama rather than a legitimate reason for his dismissal, pointing out that he was a strong performer throughout the season.
Jamie describes himself as an obsessive-compulsive workaholic, indicating that he dedicates a lot of his time to his clients rather than focusing on his own body art. He emphasizes that personal choices regarding tattoos should not overshadow his professional talent. The conversation around Jamie's tattoos raises questions about the expectations of tattoo artists and the scrutiny they face regarding their body art.
Since graduating high school in 1995, Jamie has been tattooing professionally, driven by a mission to provide high-quality custom tattoos in Northern California. His experiences highlight the tension between societal expectations and personal choices within the tattoo community.
Fans of Jamie can follow him on social media platforms, where he shares his work and engages with clients. Despite the controversies, Jamie continues to focus on his art and the satisfaction of his clients, illustrating the complexities of identity and expression within the tattoo industry.
Do Ink Master Canvases Get Their Tattoos Finished?
In "Ink Master," the time constraints imposed on tattoo artists serve more as a dramatic element rather than a strict guideline, with many contestants completing their work well in advance. Some artists may end up exceeding the time limit, and, importantly, no tattoo remains unfinished—this is all part of the show's theatrics. Human canvases, who receive tattoos on the show, often lack sufficient briefings with the artists and are frequently left with the final product, regardless of their satisfaction.
A former canvas recounted in a Reddit AMA that there are no guarantees of a finished tattoo, and artists are not obligated to complete their work. This presents challenges, particularly when an artist faces a task outside their specialty or runs short on time.
There is a spin-off called "Ink Master: Redemption," which allows certain participants with unsatisfactory tattoos to return for touch-ups or corrections, typically conducted by the original artist. Corey Matchem, who has been featured twice, disclosed that the notion of artists completing their tattoos at the last minute is misleading; these conclusions are often manipulated through post-production editing to create compelling narratives, not reflective of reality.
With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to the cancellation of the "Ink Master" finale, the artists will share details about their canvas tattoos in an upcoming discussion. Human canvases have reported dissatisfaction with their tattoos yet received no compensation for their participation; the burden of any desired alterations or cover-ups falls on them. Overall, the reality faced by human canvases is complex, as they often leave with semi-finished tattoos and minimal control over the final result.
Are The Ink Master Judges Tattoo Artists?
Ink Master is a reality competition series that showcases tattoo artists competing in various challenges that evaluate their tattooing and artistic skills. Each episode features renowned judges, including musician Dave Navarro and tattoo artists Chris Nunez and Oliver Peck, who critique the contestants' work and eliminate one or more participants. The show, which initially aired on January 17, 2012, on Paramount Network and is now available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, emphasizes technical proficiency over just artistic design, examining factors like skin trauma and color saturation.
For the judging process, a notable tattoo artist, Nikko Hurtado, joins the panel in Season 16. DJ Tambe, a three-time Ink Master winner, also contributes to the judging, alongside his work at Bad Apple Tattoo in Las Vegas. The vibrant competition features 15 talented artists striving for the prestigious title of 'Ink Master,' each bringing unique skills to the fore.
Throughout the series, various artists, including Kelly Doty, have gained recognition for their versatility. The show not only highlights the creativity of these tattoo artists but also the pressure and intensity of the competition, setting a stage for memorable performances and critiques. In every episode, the tattoos are displayed on-screen for judges to evaluate before making elimination decisions.
Despite its popularity, some tattoo professionals express discontent with the show, claiming it lacks authenticity. Past contestants, including those who were eliminated early, have gone on to succeed in the tattoo industry, further illustrating the varying opinions about the show's impact on real tattoo artistry.
Overall, Ink Master combines artistic expression with competitive tension, showcasing the skill and dedication of tattoo artists while offering an engaging viewing experience for fans and enthusiasts alike.
How Profitable Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
The cost of laser tattoo removal varies based on size, area, and color, typically ranging from $50 to $300 per session. On average, clients may need 10 to 12 sessions to achieve desired results, suggesting potential earnings of thousands per client. In the USA, a session generally costs between $200 and $500, with most clients needing 6 to 10 sessions. This translates to revenue generation of $1, 200 to $5, 000 per client.
The global tattoo removal market was valued at $478 million in 2019, projected to reach $795 million by 2027, according to Allied Market Research. The industry features various removal techniques, with laser methods becoming popular due to their low-risk profile and minimal side effects, making them preferable over surgical options. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that as of 2023, laser procedures typically require 7 to 10 sessions.
Several factors contribute to the growing profitability of the laser tattoo removal industry. The high demand for these services is evident from a 2019 Grand View Research report highlighting the expanding market. Incorporating laser tattoo removal into existing practices can lead to substantial financial gains, potentially adding between $8, 000 and $20, 000 per month in profit within three to six months for medical professionals.
With suitable training, technology, and robust marketing strategies, launching a laser tattoo removal business can be lucrative, as patients often pay a premium for each treatment. The average treatment cost stands at approximately $200, with laser equipment investments ranging from $100, 000 to $350, 000, and specialized eyewear costing about $300 each.
The global tattoo removal lasers market was valued at roughly $160 million in 2017, projected to grow to $285 million by 2026, indicating a healthy growth trajectory. Earnings vary per tattoo size: small (2x2 inches) treatments cost $80 to $140 for 6-8 sessions, totaling $480 to $1, 120, while medium (4x4 inches) treatments range from $140 to $280, resulting in $840 to $2, 240 across 6-8 sessions.
Overall, while geographical factors may influence success—since tattoo prevalence differs by region—the increasing demand for tattoo removal services suggests a promising outlook for entrepreneurs in this expanding market. However, navigating potential pitfalls is crucial for sustained profitability in the laser tattoo removal business.
📹 Ink Master Is Fake And This Is Why
The reality competition show Ink Master may give tattoo artists a chance to prove that they’re the best at what they do, but it doesn’t …
I knew it was fake when the judges criticized Jamie Davies for not having tattoos instead of his art. I’m not a tattoo artist but his work was amazing. When He got disqualified/booted I knew it was scripted and the judges (except for Dave) truly disliked him. Everyone coming along to help him draw fake tattoos on him was a nice jester on his send off.
I applied for Ink Masters to be a canvas, and glad I wasn’t picked. I’m sorry I don’t want my artist rushing to get a piece done all because of a competition. My tattoo decisions are not a competition to fuck up in 4 hours for a full back piece. No. I want the time it takes. Ten minutes. Or ten hours. This process. Takes. Time. Nuff said. Let’s get inky ✍️ 🤌🏼
I’ve always been a fan of the show. It’s reality TV, I know it’s fake with a splash of wack. But I think the show does a good job educating on pain levels; puts your expectations in line but also shows canvases who experience both extreme pain and seemingly high pain tolerance which allows some nuance. Teaches a lot of different styles which gives you more to work with. It also platforms people who get tattoos, sometimes they have cancer survivors, trauma/abuse survivors which fights the negative stigma of tattoos. This allows people to feel justified in their interest of tattoos; that it’s not taboo and it’s okay for any reason (unless it’s offensive). It’s a show that focuses on visual arts, which is nice in comparison to all the music focus shows lol. It shows tattoos that have gone wrong, that turn out badly, which shows the consequences you can experience. It also shows difficult canvases who won’t work with their artists; which isn’t good (especially on a show with a time crunch). I know the show has it’s problems but it introduced me to tattoos when I had a lot of questions and now I’m apart of a really cool community of people who can make fun of all those people on the show 😂
I personally know a tattooist that was on the show, and she isn’t trash. She also hated the experience and doesn’t even display that she was on the show in her shop or at conventions. She stated that at least when the show started, that the prize money isn’t real either. They told them that the publicity will give them more than enough free exposure, to make money. They also push who they want to advance, that have the personality to make good drama tv in their eyes.
I don’t think “Fake” is the word, it’s more like “Scripted”. I have a half sleeve done by Juan Salgado, contestant on Season 10. If anyone saw the Final, it was Juan Salgado vs Josh Payne and, not because my work is done by him, but Salgado’s final piece was superior in many ways to Josh Payne’s. Why do I believe Payne “won”? Because throughout the whole season, yes, he tattoed nice pieces, but he was always made to be the “bad guy”. Juan Salgado already had a huge following and fame in the industry BEFORE the Ink Masters show and waiting list for him was 2 years minimum. Salgado doesn’t even have any promo concerning Ink Master in his shop or website and the show, to this day, has not influenced his popularity in any way.
I really love Ink Master for what it is, entertainment. What I like most is how it showcases different genres/styles of tattoos. I would have never learned about bio-mech or trash-polka just from the limited amount of shops in my region. Like most(all) reality shows, it’s mostly fluff, but sometimes you just crave empty calories.
I wouldn’t say it was canceled because of oliver Peck doing black face. It was postponed due to the pandy. An internet keyboard warriors decided to dig up old photos of Peck doing black face was from many years prior to 2020. So at that time they were not recent. It still doesn’t give him the right to ever do that. And the fact that you think it was canceled because of that is bonkers. It was never canceled in the first place. It was airing on Spike. Spike changed the name to paramount the show continued through the name change. And then Viacom moved to it to paramount +. It was all under the same umbrella of the company. Do better research. I didn’t even have to look any of this up. How do you not know who Chris Nuñez or Dave Navarro are? If you are in to tattoos as much as you are you would at least know who Nuñez is. He was on Miami Ink. Navarro was in two legendary bands red hot chili peppers, and jane’s addiction.
Speaking as an older mid-income housewife type I am not what you would call a “bad ass” but I really enjoyed Ink Masters. Of course, we all know that it has it’s staged or fake moments, but I found it interesting to see all the different styles of tattoos there are. Still you have to give it props for bringing tattoos more into the main stream. The first tattoo show I watched was Miami Ink. It later branched off with with LA Ink with Kat VonD. The problem I found with those shows is that they started doing more of the personal lives of…. vs tattoos. Then you get those horrible tattoo shows like Just Tattoo of Us where friends and family decide on each others tattoo and the recipients are blind folded, with 99% just horrible! I am not sure if there will be an Ink Master Season 16, but if there is I will be perusal. P.S. I have 2 small simple memorial tattoos (size of a silver dollar) on each wrist, and likely wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been perusal Tattoo shows. Now I watch a number of YouTube/TikTok content.
My artist who’s been on the show a few times is Matt O’Baugh. He is a genuine guy who does quality work. He doesn’t push his time on the show as part of his marketing today and I’ve always appreciated that about him. I’m sure a lot of the artist do use is like you said. I’ve spent many hours in his chair and talked to him a bit about the show. There is definitely a high level of editing to make it more nail biting and suspenseful. You can’t edit big personalities though so there really are just some straight asshole artist on there. I’ve never been a fan of the judging either because tattoos are just so subjective. I loved the composition and color scheme of some of the pieces they tore apart. I will say though that I don’t have to be a good artist myself to be able to critique a tattoo. Just because I may not be as good of an artist as another that doesn’t mean I can’t give a fair judgement on it. BUT I won’t present my opinion on it as an actual fact like they do.
As you mentioned all reality shows are fake, this one is so exception. Although most of the show is BS, the tattoos are still real, which is why I still keep perusal and have seen every season. The show definitely fueled my desire to get tattoos, even when I was interested in them but didn’t have the money to do so. By the time I was in the spot to afford quality work I had alrady been thinking about what I would get for years thanks to this show, now I’m covered in tattoos. This show was the most popular of all the tattoo shows and helped put the industry more into the mainstream, and I will always be thankful for that.
hi! new to your website, i see alot of tattoo content, but im curious, do you tattoo? do you have or like traditional tattoos? seems unesassery to be so harsh on oliver pecks work (only person i know who is on ink master) if thats not your cup of tea that fine tho, but it does not suck, it looks how traditional is suppossed to look. say what you want about him, but the work is fine.
You have to keep in mind is that just because a tattoo artist may have sub-par looking tattoos on their own bodies doesn’t mean they can’t produce way better tattoos than the ones who they got their ink from. Chris Nunez is a talented artist who specializes in Japanese work and the tattoos he does are pretty top notch if you watched him when he was on the Miami Ink TV series. There are a lot of artists who’s skill usually surpasses their mentors. By the way….the main host’s name is Dave N-A-V-A-R-R-O. If you don’t know who he is, he is the guitar player for Jane’s Addiction and one time for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Art critique and being able to do art are two different skillsets. I am an artist who has a difficult time talking about the art concepts while my husband who has no art skills is able to critique art and point out what works and what doesn’t on the level that me and all of my art peers at the university level could only dream off. However, in case of Ink Master, I agree with you cuss it’s not just their art, their judgements are full of double standards, some of them were outright sexist, some of them were outright favoritism. . .
Binge perusal s5 now. lol. Like a lot of people said, I watch for the art and to see what the styles are. I could do without the screaming drama. Then you have the people who come in with set characters that just annoy right out of the gate (St. Marq, Emily Elegado, Josh Hibbard, etc.) and make it hard to enjoy the show without it being on mute most of the time. I feel bad for anyone who gets to be a canvas on that show and always wonder who ends up fixing bad tattoos if anyone. And let’s talk about the canvas juries. Who coached them? That room gets ugly, too. As far as artists, I love love love Kelly Doty’s stuff. Ryan Ashley also impressed me. Haven’t seen any of the new eps or spin off shows yet. But perusal the early shows has prompted me to book an appointment with a new artist next week. 😁
Honestly who doesn’t have at least a love hate (mostly hate lolo) relationship with Ink Masters? XD I personally only like perusal bits and pieces of it. I like seeing the tattoos and the art challenges. I get bored/annoyed with all the drama, especially involving Cleen and Christian. Also the sound effects are the worst. #1 by far worst thing though about the show is the racism and sexism. No idea what the newest seasons are like though. I hope they made some serious improvements.
Hey Mike,I really didn’t believe that Ink Masters was a legit tv show. One of my favorites was Tattoo Nightmare & Inked which started in 2005 & ran until 2006. Ink Master’s started in 2011. And the one thing that I didn’t get was what do the ppl do if their tattoos came out crappy? Like who fixes that? Do they get compensated for their time? And if their tattoo looks awful does a master end up fixing it for them? Or are they recommend to someone else who is actually a real tattoo artist to fix it?? And they never addressed these things so I never really thought it was a real show! I like your content dude. Thanks for doing this article & I appreciate your website. Have a Blessed & Beautiful night in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
the judges werent the most creative artists around but their work is solid as far as application goes and their critiques were valid imo. most people like any tattoo as long as its not a total mess. theyre being particularly critical because its a competition. solid linework and proper saturation is important but not something the average person will notice or care about
It’s a reality show, of course it’s “fake.” But, I still enjoy perusal it, and I watched “Epic Ink” when it was on for 1 or 2 seasons. After perusal Epic Ink, I realized one of the artists was close enough to travel for me. So, now I have collected quite a few pieces from Josh Bodwell and get comments all the time because of the quality.
My honest opinion is Ink Master is a disgusting concept. They are under stress and are given limited time to put permanent work on someone’s body. I’ve seen bits and pieces and some of the shit that went on was ridiculous. I can understand needing to make a show full of drama so people want to watch, but not when it involves real people getting real tattoos.
I have watched every episode (as the seasons and episodes came out, even) mostly because I like to watch tattoo content . The first episode came out in 2012 I think, and back then YouTube wasn’t what it is now. Nowadays, I lean into YouTube to find tattoo content with the knowledge that Ink Master is entertainment with writers and directors and costume/wardrobe. I hope there will eventually be a genuine legitimate tattoo related TV program where peoplecan be themselves and dress as they normally would,, but I don’t see it happening because they need ratings to make $ and sadly drama = ratings.
As entertainment, the show is great. Does it select a real ink master, I think not. My suggestion for judging would be a cumulative scoring system. Eliminations would only occur every 3 or 4 episodes. Points would be assigned based on meeting tattoo criteria, color, line work, and artistry, and we would be able to see each tattoo score breakdown. Any other judging ideas out there?
I’ve always been entertained by Ink Master, though tbh I miss the old crew..prob just the nostalgia from when I used to watch it. The only thing that used to irk me was all the fighting between the artists bc it was so obviously staged and over the top. 😂 But I loved it even if it wasn’t so ‘reality’ based
It’s reality TV so I’m not surprised that it’s fake as hell. My main tattoo artist used to work for a shop owned by a former Ink Master artist. The ink master guy is a sweetheart, but I think my main artist’s tattoos are so much better than the Ink Master guy’s. Ink Master is just a weird show. I’ve seen some spectacular tattoos get shit on so hard by the judges. I feel like if I ever got judged by them they’d hate all my tattoos. 😅
Ink Master is to set up artists for failure and unhappy clients. When the artists get invited back for redemption, it’s a typical appt then. No crazy time rush, no forced body parts or styles, etc. I would NEVER be a human canvas for a show like that knowing the tattoo will likely be bad. I’d rather pay for a quality tattoo.
Oliver is one of the modern day innovators of traditional and has developed his own style of it and done very well for himself. A lot of what ppl consider to be “good traditional” these days is not even truly traditional if you look back at some of the OG artists and the way it used to look. As the art has evolved so have the artists. I think today it’s more about the art and less about the tattooing, just my opinion, but you can look at a lot of the younger ppl in the biz now and see what I mean. I think trying to compare somebody old school like Oliver to modern artists is like comparing a baseball player from the 70s to the super freaks playing the game now. Not only has the game changed, the players are just at a different level. It doesn’t discount the past but it has just elevated. I like your website and have gone from no ink to 5 larger tattoos and planning my 6th en route to my right arm being fully sleeved. I was a little disappointed to hear you shit on some established names in the biz just due to roles they played on a show you disliked. What do I know though, you’re the YouTuber and I’m just a watcher 🤷🏻♂️
I think you should be abit more grateful for ink masters, reason being it brings new people into tattooing, which in turn will bring people to your website, don’t get me wrong the show is entertainment and I think it is better than any other tattoo reality show…. Looking back now I personally wouldn’t of found your website at all if it wasn’t for these stupid reality tattoo shows
INK master is no more a show about tattooing than The Bachelor is about love or Hells Kitchen about food. It’s all the same formula . Tattoos are just a backdrop for a trending scripted TV show ABOUT a competition. Replace tattoos with cupcakes, cookies, whittling etc… it’s the same thing . The fake drama is eye-rolling!. That being said, as someone who doesn’t know anything about tattoos, i have enjoyed it for what it is and have seen beautiful work, and have gained a great deal of respect for the art form. All the judges are annoying —- especially Nunez !
Biggest issue wit ink masters is when you finally get around to observing the judges tattoing work, theyre all garbage, 8/10 at best artists. Mark Cross & Francesco Ferrera off the top of my head are better than any of the long time members who overcharge due to the popularity from a fake, staged show.
The first judges were FAR better at judging. At least they have been tattooing long enough to know what works and what does not. Most people think the show is just an art contest. There is way more to tattoos than just the immediate result ( mainly how it ages ) And like it or not, traditionally, traditional tattooers were not great artist. If it were just the art they were judging ( which is mostly what the current judges do ) then I would agree. But, traditional tattoos are a bit like outsider art. The wonkiness is somewhat endearing. So, I do think Oliver and Nunez were much more qualified to be judging. However, in the current state of tattooing, which is mostly focused on how it looks when you walk out the door ( or how it looks on your gram ), the new judges are more appropriate. Personally I think it is not a good thing. But, that is how it is currently!
I do find it entertaining, but the artists’ reactions to the challenges really get me. An “old school style” artist will act soooo surprised and annoyed when they are given a black and gray neotraditional style challenge. They knew damned well when they signed up for the competition that they were going to be tasked with things they’ve never done before – and the whole premise of the show, in my opinion, is to show the growth and versatility of an artist. The reactions are just over the top – so that’s where I feel they are prompted to be “extra”. Just my two cents LOL!!
I thought it was obvious to everyone that the bickering, the little cutscenes of the artists talking to the cameras, and even the countdowns were scripted/fake. I guess not. like the artists talking to the camera especially is pretty corny like they don’t talk like that. The critiques seem pretty genuine though at least from the judges who actually tattoo, but I have seen them say things like “clean outline” but on the close-up they look pretty rough in some areas. And another one I saw had really terrible looking clouds as a background but they didn’t chew him up on at all, i wouldn’t have been able to guess they were supposed to be clouds.
The culture of celebrity in the tattoo industry (as is the case in many industries) does numb people to reality. There are very few ‘celebrity tattoo artists’ that I would travel to get work done from. The artist I go to is easily as good as the folks I see on Instagram and I have a great rapport with. He’s not a ‘celebrity’ but he’s awesome and good to me. There are a few I would travel for, like Nikko Hurtado or Myke Chambers. But, the list is short for me. Being on Ink Masters does nothing for me.
I started perusal the show when it first came on. At first it seemed like it was going to be interesting. Then as the seasons went by the drama and the arguing got to be too much. I found the show to be entertaining until it became very annoying to watch. I got really disinterested around season 5 and stopped perusal all together.
Bro doesn’t know tattoos styles and fundamentals. Oliver and Nunez are great tattoo artists and so are most of the competitors. The problem is just that they had two traditional old school tattooers judging. Also Dave learned so much about art and tattooing throughout the course of the show that he was an informed opinion on it, moreso than you at least. This guy has really wild opinions and no idea what a traditional american or japanese tattoo is supposed to look like. Also just because Tyler said the judges were told what to say doesn’t mean that’s true. He was one of the whiniest artists to ever be on the show lmao I guarantee he’s still waxing long about how unfair it was. Anyway, I definitely believe there’s a lot of fakeness to it and that the judges were at times, off base but to say they’re shit tattooers and most of the competitors are too, is hilarious honestly. Shows you don’t know what you’re talking about. And it got cancelled because of the pandemic not because of Oliver’s blackface. Nunez is from Miami ink with Kat Von D which was one of the first tattoo shows and Oliver married Kat Von D, hence why they’re on the show and famous.
I think it’s definitely the best tattoo show ever made. Definitely a lot better than every other one I’ve ever seen. I think it shows a lot of the best and worst aspects of being a part of the tattoo industry especially the big personalities that have emerged from being a tattoo artist. The absolute assholes you meet as a tattoo and a canvas. And I find it to be funny to listen to tattoos complain. It’s always so much fun. But they do hype it up for the camera I’ve watched a lot of the canvases and they say it’s basically just like an average tattoo but they edited it to look different on the show so yeah I thought the show stopped because one of the judges was racist. I’m surprises still going
I know a lot of shit is bogus, but I just watch to see the actual tattoo. The tattoo’s you showed with the judges where you say the judges liked them were actually destroyed by them and the 1 you showed where the judges disliked was actually applauded by the new judges and was done by the winner of season 15
I only really watch it to see the tattoos. I don’t root for anyone to win or anything. Some of them are sweet but there’s still alot that turn out like shit for being a supposedly awesome artists. Way I see it is most people that actually are good tattoo artists are probably already booked solid and couldn’t care less about being a “ink master”.
What about where they get the contestants? I like seeing the creation of art (just not in this reality competition setting so much) and every episode was always something like this. Navarro: We’re looking for the best tattoo artist in the world that is a master at every style. Contestant: I have been tattooing for 35 years. There is nothing I haven’t done or can’t do. When a client comes in, I give exactly what they want. Navarro: You will tattoo in the style of Traditional Japanese. Canvas: I want a coy fish on my chest. Contestant: What the f**k! This is ridiculous. I’ve never tattooed in the traditional Japanese style and I don’t even know what that is. Now the skull challenge winner sticks me with the this bulls**t coy guy? He doesn’t even realize how hard of a tattoo he’s asking for. This is a f**king ridiculous challenge. Clearly the skull challenge winner is it a b***h with no b**ls. He’s intimidated by my skills. Navarro: You’re hear because the judges deemed you have the worst tattoo. Contestant: I don’t think I deserve to be at the bottom. I’ve never done traditional Japanese and it’s not fair I should be judge for that.