In the electrifying world of tattoo artistry, Ink Master stands as a thrilling testament to the fusion of creativity, skill, and ink. As a show brimming with drama, intense competition, and jaw-dropping body art, it’s no wonder that Ink Master has inked its place in the hearts of viewers for over a decade. With multiple spin-offs and more than 14 seasons under its belt, it’s a sensation in the tattoo universe. The show, available to stream on Paramount+, offers talented artists a shot at both glory and a generous cash prize, not to mention a coveted feature in Inked Magazine. But what’s become of the past victors who etched their names into Ink Master history? Let’s delve into the stories of these accomplished Ink Master winners and find out where they are today.
What do we know about Ink Master series?
Ink Master is a highly popular and long-running reality competition series that kicked off in 2012 and focuses on the art of tattooing. Contestants, often experienced tattoo artists, compete in various challenges to showcase their skills, creativity, and adaptability in the world of body art. Hosted by renowned tattoo artists and judges, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base over its many seasons, thanks to its dramatic twists, fierce rivalries, and incredible tattoo designs. The ultimate prize for the winner includes a significant cash reward, a feature in the prestigious Inked Magazine, and the title of Ink Master. The show’s enduring success has led to several spin-off series, cementing its status as a heavyweight in the world of tattoo competitions.
How many seasons does Ink Master have?
With 14 distinctive seasons under name, Ink Master has always been unafraid to innovate and explore new horizons. Now, the highly anticipated 15th season is on the horizon, and the battle lines are clearly defined. The official trailer for the upcoming season promises a spectacular display of tattooing skills and intense competition.
Fans can mark their calendars as the 15th season is set to premiere on November 1st, exclusively on Paramount+. Adding to the excitement, the charismatic host Joel Madden, lead singer of the American rock band Good Charlotte, will be making a return, ready to guide contestants through this challenging ink-filled journey once again. Furthermore, if you haven’t yet subscribed to the platform, be sure to checkout Paramount+ pricing plans. Additionally, you have the option to avail Paramount+ free trial and cancel Paramount subscription, whenever you want.
All about the Ink Masters winners
Over the years, the show has seen numerous contestants vying for the coveted title of “Ink Master,” with winners from various seasons making their mark. In the following section, we’ll delve into the journeys of these talented tattoo artists, exploring where they are now and what they’ve achieved after emerging as champions on the show.
1. Season 1- Shane O’Neill
Shane O’Neill, the inaugural winner of Ink Master, is a self-taught artist with over 15 years of tattooing experience. Since his victory, Shane has established Infamous Tattoo in Middletown, Delaware, where he predominantly focuses on creating lifelike portraits. Although he maintains a relatively low profile on Instagram, he has managed to amass around 60,000 followers, testifying to his enduring popularity and the demand for his appointment-only tattoo sessions.
2. Season 2-Steve Tefft
Steve Tefft, champion of season 2 and a returning coach, has solidified his position as a prominent tattoo artist. He is now the proud owner of 12 Tattoos, a renowned tattoo shop situated in Groton, CT, where he consistently showcases his exceptional tattooing prowess by crafting stunning and unique designs.
3. Season 3- Joey Hamilton
Joey Hamilton, the victor of the first season, has since embarked on a life journey that includes marriage and co-ownership of Revolt Tattoos in Las Vegas, alongside his fellow Ink Master star, Sausage. Their tattoo shop perpetuates the legacy of Ink Master, symbolizing their unwavering dedication to the art and the tattooing community.
4. Season 4-Scott Marshall
Scott Marshall, celebrated as the season’s winner, was known for his understated demeanor but consistently delivered jaw-dropping tattoo pieces throughout the competition. Tragically, Scott unexpectedly passed away in 2015, a mere year after his resounding victory. His untimely demise has left an indelible mark on the world of tattooing, and fans continue to cherish his memory and artistic contribution.
5. Season 5-Jason Clay Dunn
Jason Clay Dunn, renowned for his mastery of Japanese-style tattoos, emerged victorious in season 5 of Ink Master. He formerly operated from Tattoo Alchemy, Montclair, CA, specializing in Asian artwork, American Traditional designs, and black and gray custom work. However, in a recent career shift, Jason transitioned towards accepting personal commission pieces through appointments made on his website, showcasing his artistic versatility.
6. Season 6-Dave Kruseman
Dave Kruseman, winner of season 6, also known as the Masters vs. Apprentices season, is recognized as an American Traditional tattoo specialist. His victory earned him a brand new Dodge Challenger, in addition to the cash prize and feature in Inked Magazine. Today, Dave is happily married, a devoted father, and practices his craft at Old Line Tattoo in Hagerstown, Maryland. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, he remains a highly respected figure in the tattoo community.
7. Season 7-Anthony Michaels
Anthony Michaels, a deeply talented artist known for his humility and skill, clinched the title of Ink Master. His journey has taken him to Tucson, Arizona, where he currently plies his trade at Twenty Five Twelve, a tattoo and piercing studio. His specialization remains focused on the art of black and gray portraits, and he continues to be featured on the social media accounts of Inked Magazine, affirming his status as one of the most esteemed winners in the history of the show.
8. Season 8-Ryan Ashley
Ryan Ashley, a beloved fan favorite celebrated for her distinctive ornamental tattoo style, achieved the monumental feat of becoming Ink Master‘s first female winner. Her journey beyond the show has seen her take on commissions directly from her personal website, emphasizing her commitment to producing custom tattoo art. With a staggering following of over 1 million on Instagram, she has cemented her status as a preeminent and highly popular winner.
9. Season 9-Old Town Ink
Old Town Ink, a collaborative duo comprising Bubba Irwin and DJ Tambe, emerged victorious on Ink Master. DJ Tambe made history by securing consecutive wins and returning as a coach, earning him the respect of the tattoo community. Today, DJ practices his craft at Bad Apple Tattoo in Las Vegas, while Bubba Irwin owns Branded Tattoo Company in Nashville. Additionally, Bubba continues to co-own the Scottsdale and Mesa locations in Arizona, assuring fans of the enduring legacy of Old Town Ink.
10. Season 10-Joshua Payne
Joshua Payne, a pivotal member of DJ Tambe’s team in the 10th season of Ink Master, made a lasting impression on the show. While he may have been depicted as a brash and confident contestant, it was evident from the outset that his tattooing prowess set him apart. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Joshua works at the Long Live Tattoo Collective shop, demonstrating his mastery of Japanese-inspired tattoo styles and vibrant colorwork. His diverse portfolio, displayed on his Instagram page, showcases the versatility and creativity that continue to define his tattoo artistry.
11. Season 11-Tony Medellin
In the eleventh season of Ink Master, the title of champion was secured by Tony Medellin, hailing from Reno, Nevada, USA. This season introduced a grudge match, dividing the contestants into two groups, each led by veteran coaches Cleen Rock One and Christian Buckingham. Medellin emerged victorious under the mentorship of Cleen Rock One. Today, he heads his own enterprise, Gold English Goods, which specializes in tattoo-inspired clothing merchandise, drawing from his rich experiences in the world of ink.
12. Season 12- Laura Marie Read
Laura Marie, a standout artist, claimed the title of the season 12 winner. She holds the distinction of being one of the two female Ink Master champions, following in the footsteps of Ryan Ashley. Marie’s roots are in Rochester, New York, USA. She is the co-owner of Atomic Rod Tattoo, where her exceptional skills continue to flourish, showcasing her artistry on the canvas of human skin.
13. Season 13- Bob Jones, Angel Rose and Jimmy Snaz
Season 13, which premiered on January 7, 2020, faced an unexpected early conclusion due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, three finalists emerged: Bob Jones, Angel Rose, and Jimmy Snaz. In the wake of the unforeseen conclusion, these talented artists were awarded a cash prize to recognize their extraordinary skills. Jimmy Snaz, plying his craft at North Street Salem studio in Salem, Massachusetts, USA, and Angel Rose, co-founder of Shokunin Tattoo in Mississipi, Portland, United States, continue to leave their indelible mark in the world of tattoo artistry. Bob Jones, a renowned tattoo artist, practices his craft at Esoteric Tattoo, and their work continues to captivate the world of ink.
14. Season 14- DJ Tambe
The latest season, number 14, of Ink Master, premiered on September 7, 2022, and concluded on November 2, 2022. Distinguished from previous seasons, the grand prize swelled to an impressive $250,000, setting the stakes higher than ever before. In this electrifying season, DJ Tambe, who already clinched victory in season 10, returned to emerge triumphant once more. Alongside his work at Bad Apple Tattoo and co-ownership of Branded Tattoo with Bubba Arwin, DJ Tambe’s second victory solidifies his standing as one of the most revered tattoo artists in the business.
Summing it up!
These Ink Master winners have not only etched their names in the tattoo world but have also continued to leave a lasting impression on the canvas of life. From building successful tattoo careers to pursuing various artistic endeavours, their journeys post-Ink Master have been nothing short of remarkable. As we celebrate their triumphs, it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and the indelible mark they’ve left in the world of body art. The ink may fade, but their impact remains as vibrant as ever!
