Watch Epic Ink

Epic Ink was a reality television series that focused on a remarkably skilled tattoo shop in Oregon, USA. With Chris 51 as the lead artist and the owner of Area 51 Tattoo, Josh Bodwell as the shop manager, and Kasey Brown as the typical “shop girl”, this trio was known for their unparalleled talent in creating epic tattoos for their clients. The show premiered on A&E in August 2014, and lasted for just one season of 10 episodes.

Epic Ink broke away from the typical tattoo reality shows by infusing a bit of geek culture into the tattoo artistry. The team of tattoo artists frequently created tattoos that were inspired by comic books, video games, and pop culture icons. It was a unique approach that set them apart from the mundane world of tattooing. The show also showcased their process of creating intricate tattoo designs and their dedication toward excellent customer service.

The show had an interesting premise, which was to tattoo amazing artwork on the clientele while incorporating their personalities and interests. The customers would often bring their ideas to the artists, asking them to create an epic tattoo that represented their passion. Additionally, the show had a strong focus on promoting tattoo culture, which helped attract a broad audience who became interested in tattooing in general.

Epic Ink was a gritty show that exposed viewers to the raw and unglamorous side of the often idealized industry of tattooing. In reality, the tattooing process is messy and painful, with customers often screaming out in pain. While the show was not overly graphic, it didn’t shy away from showcasing the sometimes uncomfortable realities of tattooing. The show transformed the concept of tattooing from a simple, artistic expression to a comprehensive example of human interaction and experience.

The series gave viewers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Area 51 Tattoo shop. The show chronicled the day-to-day activities of the crew, from their brainstorming sessions for new tattoo ideas to their in-depth consultations with clients to the tattooing process itself. We watched as the trio interacted with their customers, and often learned about the customer’s life story, values, and preferences. It led to emotional moments between the artists and customers, as they shared their experiences.

One thing that stood out in Epic Ink was the camaraderie among the tattoo artists. Chris, Josh, and Kasey worked seamlessly as a team, often bouncing ideas off each other to design the perfect customer tattoos. There was always an element of friendly competition among them to outdo each other creatively. Viewers also got to see the artists’ pop culture references and their sense of humor, which helped lighten the intensity of tattooing.

One of the notable aspects of this series was its attention to detail in every scene. They covered every step from designing the tattoo to the final touches, and to the customers’ reaction. Every detail from the sketchbook to the tattoos themselves was presented with meticulous precision. It was a valuable lesson for those interested in pursuing tattoo artistry, showing the dedication and passion required to excel in the field.

On the downside, the show failed to attract a significant audience and was canceled after just one season. Despite its exceptional presentation, the show’s execution didn’t resonate with A&E's viewership, causing a decline in ratings that ultimately resulted in the show’s cancellation.

In conclusion, Epic Ink was an impressive and educative series that gave audiences a unique look into the world of tattooing. With a blend of geek culture and the raw personalities of the tattoo artists, the show presented a fresh perspective on why people got tattoos and how artists created them. Even though it was short-lived, the innovative creation of this reality television series will remain a fascinating to explore for tattoo lovers everywhere.

Epic Ink is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on August 20, 2014.