Four of “Ink Master’s” finest competitors literally took the country by storm with their own spinoff show, “Ink Master: Angels.” Season 8 Ink Master winner, Ryan Ashley Malarkey, along with fierce season competitors Kelly Doty, Nikki Simpson, and Gia Rose were on a mission to find the best tattooers in the country to compete against, and whoever could match their skills earned a spot on season 10 of “Ink Master.”
Watching these ladies host and compete on this spin off is like watching them walk over the remains of glass after breaking the glass ceiling. With the way they flawlessly run the show, the matter seems more casual than it is. Seeing women empowered and openly expressing themselves on TV is something that should feel so casual on every station.
It’s no secret that the tattoo industry, among many other fields, is male dominated. Women aren’t always enabled the same opportunities, and the horror stories will likely make you feel sick. On season 8, these women showed just how powerful women in the industry can be as they empowered one another, celebrating their success throughout the season. Seeing their alliance and talent shine to produce "Ink Master's" first female master as well as the Angels running own show illustrates a shift is occurring here, and it can elsewhere too.
These ladies aren’t just squad goals; they’re role models. They’re not afraid to be who they are and express themselves how they see fit. They’re not made from the same cookie cutter (as no one should be), but one thing they all have in common is that they are confident, driven and believe in the art that they are producing. They are all proof that we should keep chasing our goals because one day we’ll reach our destination.
When I discovered that the show would be calling them “Angels,” I was skeptical. I had this visual in my brain of a hyper-feminine angel painting gently guarding a child. I thought it was titled to appeal to the stereotype that women should be dainty and delicate.
After watching the first episode, I soon realized exactly why they chose the word choice they did. Many of the canvases on the show ask for tattoos as a form of healing. They have commemorated veterans, those affected by Parkinson's Disease and survivors of natural disasters, among others.
They use their art for the greater good to close wounds and benefit a person’s experience with positivity. They put their whole heart into their tattoos and even if they feel that it may not be the “crowd pleaser,” they give each person exactly what they ask for. This because at the end of the day, that is what is most important. Not only that, but they always show great pride in the art they produce.
The Angels also give blessings to future competitors. Numerous competitors including Tim Furlow, Rachel Helmich and Daniel Silva have managed to pull a win over on an Angel and earn their spot on season 10. The Angels are essentially showcasing new artists and giving them a taste of the competition.
I knew that I loved the show, but I wondered how it was doing ratings wise. After all, that’s what defines if there will be another season. My prayers were answered because “Ink Master Angels” has been renewed for a second season and I couldn’t be more excited.
Keep your head up, they may fly in to your city next!
