Ink Masters

[Dusk]

After this most recent episode with the "hannya" mask.

That thing was pretty bad...I couldn't get past the egg-shaped negative space on it's forehead.

That elephant definitely had a cut and paste feel to it but I would rather wear that then have that horribly drawn melting mask tattooed on me forever. An ugly drawing tattooed well is still an ugly tattoo.

[misterJ]

Yea the stacking images concept is very amateur.

EDIT: I just went back to look up the egg shaped negative space you mentioned... oooooo yeah :confused: good choice

My gripe really is that they went with a decidedly Japanese piece and they missed it from the literal drawing board. The design, shading, colorwork/ palette, everything was a miss. It really does look like a dragon hit with a baseball bat.

Japanese is far and away my favorite style for tattoos and to watch these people vying for a master title not be able to do something this popular is shocking. It's a hannya mask... I have over a dozen friends with different incarnations of them.

I feel this is also why they stopped having american traditional day because it was infuriating watching these people fail at making an american traditional anything. Case in point was I think 2 seasons ago when the people jacked up the american flag designs on those (veterans?) people then follow it up with I don't like this style anyway.

[scubaron]

Bad designs last night. Scott's was really terrible. At least they explained the elimination included overall performance and gave Melissa props. Not bad for only 5 years experience.

[misterJ]

Bad designs last night. Scott's was really terrible. At least they explained the elimination included overall performance and gave Melissa props. Not bad for only 5 years experience.

I think that Gentle Jay's implications were correct, it looks like without "references" Scott cannot draw. That snake was abysmal. I think it is kinda lame that he is almost untouchable even when he has the worst tattoo of the day. Even his lady liberty tattoo was mediocre with a mistake in the crown (only 6 spikes). I said it before, I love Japanese day when all the artists scramble to say it isn't their style and how it's mega lame sauce then they fail completely.

I liked how Horitaka spoke about the finer points of a Japanese tattoo along with the judging. I think this sense of history throughout the show is what ink master needs to move forward. For anyone that watches Face Off, I kind of wish that ink master was as fraternal as that show. It is a competition, but there is a great comradery to those contestants.

[scubaron]

Tough to say what brings in viewers and ratings these days. I think there is less fake drama because viewers have caught onto it. Producers work there way around this through casting and instigating.

It is interesting to see where each artist struggles as they deviate from their typical style. Probably not far off what happens in the real world. In my city, specialists seem to be the norm. As a customer, I prefer it that way. I'm not going to the photo realism specialist for a Japanese style tattoo and vice/versa.

I agree, I would like to see a "face off" type show where top artists in each style compete against each other. I think there was a show like this already, but it got cancelled. Probably not enough drama for the general viewing public.

[Hogrider]

I said it before, I love Japanese day when all the artists scramble to say it isn't their style and how it's mega lame sauce then they fail completely.

There have been enough seasons that everyone knows there will be portraits, pinups and Japanese contests at least. Anyone that doesn't prepare for it is a dumbass. The best thing about this show is that every time I watch it I appreciate my tattoos and the guy who does them even more!

[misterJ]

The best thing about this show is that every time I watch it I appreciate my tattoos and the guy who does them even more!

100%

The portrait day is still the most difficult for me to watch. The x-men ones this year were so jacked up. I feel like working in a permanent field you would need the wherewithal to admit that you cannot do something rather then ruining someone's skin.

I've been into art my whole life, I cannot do realistic faces. Portraits would obviously not be my thing.

[Hogrider]

100%

The portrait day is still the most difficult for me to watch. The x-men ones this year were so jacked up. I feel like working in a permanent field you would need the wherewithal to admit that you cannot do something rather then ruining someone's skin.

They should at least wait until the mutts are kicked off before they do the really difficult challenges.

[DJDeepFried]

An "Iron Chef" like tattoo show would be awesome but they'd really have to book some great tattoo artists and may have alienated some of them with so much bad reality TV.

[misterJ]

have to book some great tattoo artists and may have alienated some of them with so much bad reality TV.

An iron chef tattoo show would be awesome. I started watching that on old school food network when it was all japanese lol.

I think almost anyone worth their salt is avoiding reality tattoo

[tatB]

I think almost anyone worth their salt is avoiding reality tattoo

Or getting paid $$,$$$ to be a judge.

[DJDeepFried]

It may yet happen.

My main objection to these shows -- and we've watched 'em all -- is that tattoos shouldn't be done under a time limit. With the cooking shows the worst that can happen is that one of the judges gets a bad meal and poops it out later. With bad tattoos it's a different story cos you're stuck with it forever -- or the financial and physical pain of the laser. That's got to be at least part of the reason why no one's done it yet.

At the same time it's hard to blame someone like Oliver or Taki or any of the other guest judges from going on to promote their brand. I do think the bias against some of the tattooers who have appeared on these shows is a little unfair.

[misterJ]

It may yet happen.

My main objection to these shows -- and we've watched 'em all -- is that tattoos shouldn't be done under a time limit. With the cooking shows the worst that can happen is that one of the judges gets a bad meal and poops it out later. With bad tattoos it's a different story cos you're stuck with it forever -- or the financial and physical pain of the laser. That's got to be at least part of the reason why no one's done it yet.

At the same time it's hard to blame someone like Oliver or Taki or any of the other guest judges from going on to promote their brand. I do think the bias against some of the tattooers who have appeared on these shows is a little unfair.

I think you make some very good points. My question is that on the cooking shows these people are often high level dudes. Is this the case here? Only people I've heard of usually go

On to win with the exception of jesse smith.

Is this the same

Situation and the talent pool really is this extreme?

Edit: also I think Nunez is mediocre at best, am I missing something that a pro would know about him or his "skill?"

[DJDeepFried]

I agree Nunez is overrated. I asked my artist about this. Why don't the hotshots go on and grab a quick hundred grand? He said they don't allow established tattooers to compete -- that they're disqualified.

[misterJ]

I agree Nunez is overrated. I asked my artist about this. Why don't the hotshots go on and grab a quick hundred grand? He said they don't allow established tattooers to compete -- that they're disqualified.

But what about these dudes with 15 years experience? That's not established?

Disqualifying talent is like promoting the minor leagues screw that

[DJDeepFried]

It depends what you call "established." I never heard of any of 'em except for Jesse but only because people on here were talking about him. Furthermore, they all pretty much suck. Even the winners are competent tattooers at best IMO.

[kingofcosta]

'Established' or 'hotshot' tattooists are booked up months in advance. They also tend to be tattooers because they respect and love the craft. So they would have to sacrifice both their loyal and waiting customers and their professional integrity to compete on the show. You live and die by your reputation in tattooing and the best of the best simply wouldn't entertain taking part in something that would diminish their reputation in any way. It's only my opinion, of course, but appearing as a contestant on these shows is a fast way to sacrifice a chunk of your integrity.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[misterJ]

'Established' or 'hotshot' tattooists are booked up months in advance. They also tend to be tattooers because they respect and love the craft. So they would have to sacrifice both their loyal and waiting customers and their professional integrity to compete on the show. You live and die by your reputation in tattooing and the best of the best simply wouldn't entertain taking part in something that would diminish their reputation in any way. It's only my opinion, of course, but appearing as a contestant on these shows is a fast way to sacrifice a chunk of your integrity.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I think the overall behavior reflects the integrity. I wouldn't go to Scott (this seasons "favorite") because I think he is a pompous douche that only wants to come off as a tough guy. I personally want to disconnect from the people that get tattoos to become "tougher."

But sausage (I hate calling him that) is respectful and while he isn't top

In America I could see getting a piece from

Someone that conducts themselves with his level of integrity.

The person I go to, besides being the fuckin best, is an absolute gentleman and that makes me only want to stick with him more

[kingofcosta]

I think the overall behavior reflects the integrity. I wouldn't go to Scott (this seasons "favorite") because I think he is a pompous douche that only wants to come off as a tough guy. I personally want to disconnect from the people that get tattoos to become "tougher."

But sausage (I hate calling him that) is respectful and while he isn't top

In America I could see getting a piece from

Someone that conducts themselves with his level of integrity.

The person I go to, besides being the fuckin best, is an absolute gentleman and that makes me only want to stick with him more

I wouldn't dream of going to Sausage, mainly because he said in one of the episodes that he had recently found Jesus. I spent ages trying to lose the self-righteous 'son of God' and I wouldn't want anyone pointing out where he was.

[misterJ]

I wouldn't dream of going to Sausage, mainly because he said in one of the episodes that he had recently found Jesus. I spent ages trying to lose the self-righteous 'son of God' and I wouldn't want anyone pointing out where he was.

I define myself as atheist as Richard Dawkins and I don't find myself bothered with that aspect of him. If he starts preaching to a captive audience then........ Yuck.

But if we talk sports or cars or something I'm in

[DJDeepFried]

Haha. Whenever anyone says, "I found Jesus," I think: I didn't know he was lost.

[misterJ]

Haha. Whenever anyone says, "I found Jesus," I think: I didn't know he was lost.

Honestly I go towards the negatives. I know you made a joke but I always go to substance problems or jail. Those are where many find Jesus. I'm curious to know about sausage's bad boy past.

I looked him up, his name is Walter. Just call yourself Walter damnit

[DJDeepFried]

Or:

"

[misterJ]

You're awful... Lol

I still think sausage is better than the names like b tat, tatu baby, or ink bitch...

What was this disagreement over again? Lol

[Hogrider]

Another season in the crapper. I thought the back pieces in the finale were good, but nothing spectacular. Next season they are having rival tattooers on. Imagine the drama ... and run like a deer. I have an idea - what if they made the show about tattoos?????