Watch Best Ink

Best Ink was a reality tattoo competition show that aired on Oxygen from 2012 to 2013. The show followed twelve tattoo artists from across the United States as they competed in various challenges to showcase their skills and creativity in the art of tattooing. Each episode, the contestants were given a new challenge and a theme to work with, ranging from portraits to elaborate full-body tattoos. They had a limited amount of time to design and execute their tattoos on a client provided by the show. The judges, led by renowned tattoo artist Joe Capobianco, would then critique the designs and decide which artist was the winner of the challenge.

The judges also included tattoo model Sabina Kelley, who provided a different perspective on the artwork, and musician Pete Wentz, who didn't have much experience in the tattoo world, but added an interesting dynamic as an outsider looking in.

Throughout the competition, the contestants lived and worked together in a loft, creating a dynamic environment of camaraderie and competition. While some artists formed strong bonds with each other, tensions ran high as the pressure mounted to deliver their best work and avoid elimination.

The stakes were high in Best Ink, with the winner of the competition receiving a cash prize of $100,000 and a feature in the tattoo magazine, Inked. The losing artist each week had to leave the competition, with Capobianco delivering the final verdict each episode as he eliminated one or more artists.

What made Best Ink stand out from other tattoo shows was its focus on the creative process of tattooing. Rather than just showing finished tattoos, the show provided a glimpse into the artistry and vision of each artist as they worked through their designs and executed them on their clients. The show also highlighted the technical skills required in tattooing, such as shading, line work, and color theory, which was informative for viewers who were not familiar with the art form.

In addition to the challenges, the show also featured behind-the-scenes footage of the artists outside of the competition, including their personal lives and journeys to become tattoo artists. Many of the artists had compelling backstories and motivations for pursuing the art form, which added depth to the show and helped viewers connect with the contestants.

Overall, Best Ink was an entertaining and informative look into the world of tattooing, featuring talented artists competing to prove their worth and showcase their creativity. While the competitive element added drama and tension, the heart of the show was the art itself, with each episode highlighting the beauty and complexity of the tattoo medium.

Best Ink is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (30 episodes). The series first aired on March 27, 2012.