Best Ink

Best Ink is an American reality competition television series that aired on the Oxygen Network from 2012. Produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, the same company responsible for landmark reality shows such as The Real World, Best Ink added a unique twist to the television competition landscape by focusing on the world of tattooing.

The concept revolves around a group of professional tattoo artists who are brought together to compete in various artistic and tattooing challenges. Each artist is driven by the potential to be crowned the ultimate winner, which comes with a cash prize and a career-boosting opportunity - a feature in a well-known tattoo magazine.

The tension and drama of Best Ink come from both the competition itself and the interpersonal dynamics between the contestants. The diverse backgrounds, art styles, and personalities of the artists naturally lead to conflicts and alliances, contributing to the human, relatable element of the show. However, it's the artistry and skill showcased in each episode that truly set this series apart.

At the center of Best Ink is its host, Pete Wentz, a well-renowned musician and bassist for the band Fall Out Boy. Pete's cool demeanor and popular music background are perfect fits for the show's hip and edgy vibe. He introduces the challenges, fosters interactions among the contestants, and brings a sense of balance between the competitive element and the creative process.

Judging the competition is a panel of industry professionals who evaluate the contestants' work and make critical decisions that affect the artists' fates on the show. Key figures in the panel include tattoo icons Joe Capobianco, known for his influence in the "new school" genre of tattooing, and Sabina Kelley, an internationally acclaimed pin-up model and tattoo removal shop owner. They are joined by guest judges in some of the episodes - distinguished persons in the world of art, fashion, and tattoos who bring added depths and perspectives to the judging process.

Central to each episode of Best Ink is a series of challenges. The first challenge, known as the "Flash Challenge," focuses on the contestants' artistic skills but does not necessarily involve tattooing. Instead, it tests their creativity, adaptability, and technical skills through tasks such as creating a piece of art from unexpected materials or designing a pattern under specific constraints. The contestants' performances in these challenges can provide advantages in the subsequent “Ink Challenge.”

The "Ink Challenge" is where the tattooing talent of each artist comes into play. Contestants are given specific themes or styles to incorporate into their tattoos. These tattoos are then inked onto 'Skin' - the term used in the show to denote the human canvases that volunteer to be tattooed by the contestants. The pressure of creating permanent artwork on clients adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition.

In addition to the professional critique from the judges, the 'Skins' offer their real-time feedback, reflections, and sometimes, emotional responses to the tattoos they receive. This inclusion of the actual wearers of the tattoos provides a fascinating and authentic feel to the judging process, reinforcing the stakes of the competition.

Best Ink offers a mix of the classic reality television staples, like competition and human drama, with a visually engaging art form that is often misunderstood or, at times, marginalized. It gives viewers an insider's look into the world of tattooing - the creativity, the skill, the commitment, and the passion that go with it.

Beyond the competition, the show also taps into the personal lives and journeys of the contestants. Their backstories, dreams, struggles, and aspirations humanize them and offer a diverse and insightful perspective into the tattoo artist profession.

In summary, Best Ink stands as an exciting glimpse into the world of professional tattooing merged with the thrilling dynamics of competitive reality television. Whether you're interested in art, tattoos, or simply love reality TV, the series provides a captivating watch from start to finish.