Ink Master: Angels

Ink Master: Angels is a captivating reality TV series from Spike TV, premiering in 2017. This show was crafted as a spin-off from the high-stakes competitive series, "Ink Master". The show gives the viewer a unique, immersive insight into the gritty, intense, and extraordinarily-artistic world of tattooing.

Ink Master: Angels spotlights four female powerhouses from the world of tattoo, who also featured as contestants in the original Ink Master series. These are the ‘Angels’ - Ryan Ashley, Kelly Doty, Nikki Simpson, and Gia Rose. Strong, talented, and successful in a male-dominated industry, these women personify female empowerment and stand as role models. Each of these talented artists brings distinct perspectives, distinctive artistic styles and a reservoir of experience to the canvas.

The premise of the show is ingeniously laid out. The quartet of Angels' traverses cities across the United States, to challenge local tattoo artists to display their skills through a needle. The chosen local talents are given a chance to prove themselves against one of the Angels in an intense head-to-head competition, creating awe-inspiring living pieces of art on human canvases.

In each episode, the Angels visit a different city, encountering up-and-coming tattoo artists who are eager to display their talent and earn respect within the industry. The aspiring locals are subject to two rounds of riveting competition. The first round, ‘Angel Faceoff’, involves the local artists vying against each other for a chance to go head-to-head with one of the Angels. The second round, ‘Angel Tattoo’, pins the winner of the first round against an Angel.

Judging criteria for the competing tattoos cover a holistic evaluation of the art, including criteria like style precision, shading subtlety, contour clarity, color vibrancy, and overall design. While the playing field is tense and the stakes high, the atmosphere is not devoid of camaraderie and good-hearted humor.

Notably, the winner of the face-off against the Angel, if successful, earns a spot on the new season of Ink Master. Thus, the show isn’t just an extension of enlightening entertainment, but a breeding ground of opportunities for budding tattoo artists.

Beyond just competitions, Ink Master: Angels delves deeper into the art of tattooing, showcasing its evolution and variety. The series vividly sheds light on various complex tattoo techniques, a diverse range of styles from fine line to realism, and a myriad of design concepts, ranging from traditional tribal symbols to intricate modern portraits.

Moreover, Ink Master: Angels takes a detour from the formulaic chaos of reality television to highlight the cultural significance of tattooing across different U.S cities. The stories behind the tattoos reveal personal battles, triumphs, or simple mark important life milestones, giving viewers insight into how intricately personal and significant a tattoo can be to the person wearing it.

Ink Master: Angels also goes a step beyond art and competition. It uses tattooing as a lens to exhibit human stories, highlighting the real-life narratives of the guest tattoo artists, their ceaseless journey of honing their craft, their dedication and resilience in the face of challenges, and their unquenchable passion for art that needles in their hearts.

The Angels, besides being competitors, also play the role of mentors and judging panel. Their camaraderie and chemistry make the show enjoyably watchable. Their own journey in the tattoo industry, triumphs against challenges, and commitment to art that got them through the grueling competition of Ink Master, make them authoritative, yet relatable judges. They bring to the show a unique blend of skill, creativity, wit, and charm.

Therefore, while Ink Master: Angels does git the nail of edgy reality TV drama on its head, it is ultimately a celebration of art and artists. It rigorously challenges the competitors while pushing them to up their game, tease their creative boundaries, and perfect their craftsmanship. It is a journey through the wild world of tattooing, with a healthy dose of human connection, skillful artistry, and vibrant city cultures contrasted against the bold backdrop of striking pieces of tattoo art. With its unique premise and heartening storytelling, Ink Master: Angels fundamentally stands as an inspiring exploration of the possibilities of canvas art, personal struggle, and the triumph of human spirit.