Best Ink

Seasons

2012

6.3

TV-14

Oxygen Media gets under the skin of the art of tattooing in Best Ink, a new competition reality series laying bare the cutthroat and wildly unpredictable world of tattoo artistry. Every rose or dragon tattoo tells a story - not only of the person wearing it, but of the artist who created it. The contestants are guided through the competition by television host and recording artist Kimberly Caldwell. A tattoo fanatic who is inked with several meaningful images, Caldwell epitomizes the show's gutsy attitude, as shown by her fearless vocals, passionate performances, and the earthy charisma of her American Idol appearances.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Something to Hide

10 tattoo artists compete for a chance to win $100,000 and the cover of Tattoo Magazine. One challenge tests their artistic ability and the 2nd they cover bad ink with new art.

S1 • E2

Pin-Up Showdown

Using live models as inspiration, the artists create classic pin-up girl tattoos, but tensions rise as the contenders are forced to swap designs. Hannah Aitchison guest judges.

S1 • E3

Emotional Skin-Pact

The artists are asked to create a tattoo that commemorates a life-changing event in their client's life. Singer Aaron Carter guest judges.

S1 • E4

Tattoo Virgins

The 3 remaining artists are caught off-guard by a frantic flash challenge in Venice Beach. The final 2 artists battle for a life changing grand prize.

S1 • E5

Face Off

The contestants must ink portraits of their client's loved ones, causing one of the artists to break down about the permanent effect of their work. Franco Vescovi guest judges.

S1 • E6

Purrfect Ink

The artists try to satisfy their clients' animal love with pet-themed tattoos, but one eccentric lady's demands seem almost impossible to achieve. Kim Saigh guest judges.

S1 • E7

The King of Ink

The stakes are raised when the final four contestants are asked to create tribute tattoos to Michael Jackson, judged by his brother, Jermaine Jackson.

S1 • E8

For the Love of Ink

The final three contestants tattoo three returning clients with three different symbols of love. Margaret Cho helps decide who has the Best Ink and wins the $100,000 prize.