Ep 8. Ink Master Explosion

Three tattoo artists remain on Ink Master season 4, battling it out for the title of Ink Master and a $100,000 grand prize. In episode 8, "Ink Master Explosion," the competitors face their toughest challenge yet: designing and executing an explosive tattoo.

Host Dave Navarro explains that the artists will have to create a piece that incorporates an exploding object or concept, whether it's a grenade, a firework, or a volcanic eruption. They'll also have to demonstrate their technical skills by using color, texture, and composition to bring their designs to life. But there's a twist: each artist will have to switch canvases halfway through the competition, forcing them to adapt to each other's styles.

The first artist up is Sausage, who draws inspiration from his love of heavy metal to create a design that features a skull surrounded by flames. He uses bold, contrasting colors and strong lines to make the image pop, and incorporates smoke and clouds to add depth and dimension. However, he struggles with the canvas switch, as his new client is not comfortable with the level of pain involved in getting a tattoo.

Next is Matti, who has a background in graffiti art and specializes in bold, urban designs. She chooses to depict a phoenix rising from the ashes, using vibrant oranges and yellows to evoke the image of fire. She also incorporates texture by using a dotwork technique to create the phoenix's feathers. While she initially struggles with the canvas switch, she eventually adjusts and creates a cohesive piece that showcases both her own style and her partner's.

Finally, there's Scott, a self-taught artist who specializes in realistic portraits. He decides to depict a mushroom cloud, using a black and white color scheme to create a stark contrast between the explosion and the surrounding landscape. He also uses shading and fine detail to create the illusion of smoke and debris. However, he has a difficult time adapting to his new canvas, whose skin tone and texture are vastly different from his previous client's.

Throughout the competition, the judges critique each artist's design and technique, offering both praise and constructive criticism. They note Sausage's strong use of color and composition, but express concern over the lack of detail in certain areas. They praise Matti's boldness and experimentation, but criticize the lack of cohesion between the two halves of the tattoo. And they acknowledge Scott's technical skill, but express disappointment in the lack of dynamism in his design.

In the end, one artist is eliminated and two move on to the final competition. But before they do, they face a final challenge: tattooing a large, intricate piece on a live human canvas for a panel of guest judges. The pressure is high, but the remaining artists are more determined than ever to prove that they have what it takes to become Ink Master.