Dave Navarro's respect for the art and culture of tattooing makes him perfect for host and judge of Ink Master. With his six-string skills best described as a merger between heavy metal, psychedelia, and modern rock, Navarro is one of alternative rock's first true guitar heroes. Best known as the guitarist for Jane's Addiction, the band recently released their highly anticipated new album The Great Escape Artist.

VIDEO: Dave Navarro Tells The Stories Behind His Tattoos

Chris Nunez sits on the Ink Master judge's panel along with Dave Navarro and Oliver Peck. Nunez, 38, is of Cuban descent and grew up in Miami, FL. He entered into the realm of tattooing after beginning his career as a graffiti artist. At 21, Nunez packed his bags for a short trip to Brazil and ended up staying for five years. He then traveled through Europe for three years, which enabled him to work with his favorite tattoo artists. The experience expanded both his artistic sense and his knowledge of tattooing. He was a star and fan favorite on the popular tattoo-reality series, "Miami Ink." Nunez is a partner in Ridgeline Empire, a strategic multiplatform content and media corporation, which operates the subsidiaries Ink Skins and Upset Gentlemen and an animation studio with two animated series in development, "Hoodbrats" and "Toothians." He is also getting ready to open a new tattoo venture to be based in his hometown of Miami.

VIDEO: In Focus: Chris Nuñez

HandCrafted Miami

 

Oliver Peck, judge of Ink Master, is an artist whose whole life revolves around tattooing. He began tattooing when he was just 19 years old in his hometown of Dallas, TX and has perfected his precise and traditional tattooing style making him one of the best and well-known 'old school' American style artists. In 2008, Peck inked his way into the Guinness Book of World Records when he completed 415 tattoos of the number 13 in a consecutive 24-hour period. He is one of the most traveled tattoo artists on the circuit, tattooing all over Europe including England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Norway and in the Far East, including Japan and Thailand. Peck is co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, TX and the owner of True Tattoo located in Hollywood, CA.

VIDEO: In Focus: Oliver Peck

ElmStreetTattoo

Aaron "Is" Michalowski Las Vegas, NV Clearwater, FL Artist, Golden Skull Tattoo Foolish Pride 2 19 years' experience Season 5 Veteran While Aaron "Is" Michalowski made it to the top six during Season 5, he believes he has the skills to claim the title this season. His experience in photorealism, dotwork, and sacred geometry has landed him features in several tattoo publications. Is believes he is skilled diverse tattooer and plans to prove his worth this season.

Allisin Riot
Baltimore, MD
Artist, Pinz N Needlez
Website: AllisinTattoos.com     
4 years' experience
 
Allisin Riot feels confident that she and her best friend Jessy Knuckles will be "the" team to beat this season because between the two of them they are ready to get the recognition they believe their work deserves. Her tattoo style consists of new school, geometric, realism and watercolor and while she hasn't been in the industry too long, she feels she is ready to take on any artist and any style of tattooing. 

PHOTOS: See a gallery of Allisin's work

April Nicole
Indianapolis, IN
Artist, Artistic Skin Design

8 years' experience

April Nicole describes herself as a headstrong artist with loud opinions. The Long Island born artist, who specializes in feminine and colorful tattoo styles, says she sticks to her beliefs and won't let anyone call her out on something that she doesn't believe in. April Nicole considers herself a well-rounded artist and is ready to prove that she has what it takes to claim the title of "Ink Master."

Aric Taylor Hesperia, CA Artist, Black Anchor Collective 25 years' experience Aric Taylor describes himself as very humble and admits he is his own worst critic. The Black Anchor Collective artist, whose favorite tattoo styles include realism with his own twist, says he has picked up many styles over the years and plans to let his art speak for itself.

Babiery Hernandez
White Plains, NY
Artist, Thicker Than Blood

6 years' experience

Babiery Hernandez has always loved art and is confident that he has great tattooing skills. He is very passionate about drawing and feels his artistry will help put him above the rest. Hernandez is coming into the competition to represent his family, who he credits as his inspiration to be a great artist.

Bang
Atlanta, GA
Artist, Tri-Cities Tattoo

4 years' experience

Bang began tattooing out of her dorm room in college before becoming an apprentice. After graduating college and commissioning as an Army Officer, she says she stuck with art and tattooing to continue on a positive path in life. The Georgia artist, whose styles include photorealism, portraits, sci-fi and surrealism, is on a mission to prove that artists of color are a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Bang is confident that she can take on anyone in the competition.

Anwon "Boneface" Johnson
Pensacola, FL
Owner/Artist, Boneface Ink
Website: bonefaceink.com
19 years' experience
Season 8 Veteran 

Anwon "Boneface" Johnson, who has been in the tattoo business since he was 15 years old, is ready to clear the air from his prior appearance on Ink Master.  While he didn't walk away best friends with everyone from his last season, he is entering the competition this time with Season 8 alum Hobo Ink. After making it to the top seven during his season, the self-taught artist says he is planning to plot his way to the top this time.

PHOTOS: See a gallery of Boneface's work

Bubba Irwin Scottsdale, AZ Owner, Old Town Ink 10 years' experience Season 4 Veteran Bubba Irwin predicts he will be the most improved contestant to ever return to "Ink Master. He says he has listened to every critique he received during the competition and has studied up in anticipation of his second chance at the title. Irwin's strategy is to prey on people's weaknesses both mentally and artistically. He feels he played it too safe during Season 4 and is ready to win this time around.

Carlos Rojas
Hesperia, CA
Artist, Black Anchor Collective

15 years' experience

Carlos Rojas prides himself in his attention to detail in his tattoo work and considers himself to be one of the best realism artists in the country. The Black Anchor Collective artist describes himself as a bulldog who tells it like he sees it. Rojas says he is not going to let anyone bully him through the competition and plans to get to the finish line.

Christian Buckingham
Las Vegas, NV
Co-Owner/ Artist, Basilica Tattoo

14 years' experience
Season 7 Veteran

Christian Buckingham feels he was robbed of the title of Ink Master back in Season 7 and is out to claim what he feels he rightfully deserves. He's been dreaming of coming back ever since he left the competition and is determined to play an even stronger mental game this time around. Buckingham says he has taken the judges advice, improving his tattooing speed, and is ready to represent his new shop.

Cleen Rock One
Las Vegas, NV
Owner/Artist, Golden Skull Tattoo

22 years' experience
Season 5 and 7 Veteran

After falling just shy of winning "Ink Master" twice, Cleen Rock One is ready to claim the title he believes he deserves once and for all. The Las Vegas artist feels he has the biggest advantage as he has been around the competition more than anyone else. Cleen is confident that his consistency as an artist will bring him to the top and his past experiences on the show have provided him with enough skill and strategy to dominate the competition this time around.

Dane Smith
Indianapolis, IN
Artist, Artistic Skin Design

6 years' experience

Dane Smith says he thrives in competitive settings and enjoys creating tattoos that flow and fit well on his client's bodies. While he prides himself in his tattoo art, he has expanded his portfolio to other works of art including designing the 2012 Olympic synchronized swim teams' uniforms.

David Morris
Atlanta, GA
Artist, Tri-Cities Tattoo

9 years' experience

As a son of a preacher, Danger Dave grew up in a conservative family before rebelling and becoming a tattoo artist. While he describes himself as laid-back, he is not afraid to get loud if needed. The Georgia-based artist, whose signature style is sculpture and draws inspiration from African themes, wants to prove that people of color are known for more than "urban tattoos."

Derek Zielinski
Plains, PA
Artist, Classic Trilogy Tattoo

12 years' experience

Derek Zielinski says he's pretty sure he'll get under people's skin in the competition. Zielinski, who is into a holistic and vegan living, says that just because his lifestyle is clean doesn't mean he won't fight dirty to win it all. The Classic Trilogy Tattoo artist, whose styles include traditional, portrait, new school and realism, is confident that his work will do all the talking.

DJ Tambe
Scottsdale, AZ
Artist, Old Town Ink

20 years' experience

DJ Tambe feels that his many years in the industry and his portfolio speak for itself. The artist, who is known for black and grey realism and color illustrative style, refers to his personal style as "exagger-realism." Tambe has been trying to get on the show since Season 1 and is ready to show the world why he is worth of the title of "Ink Master."

Doom Kitten
Richmond, VA
Artist, Unkindness Art

6 years' experience

Though Doom Kitten hasn't been tattooing very long, he feels confident that his neo-traditional style will blow the competition out of the water. The artist, who is a self-professed gamer, plans to come into the competition with a well thought out strategy and will take down the strong artists one by one.

DTATSTAR
Queens, NY
Artist, Think Before You Ink

14 years' experience

Originally an advertising and psychology major, DTATSTAR dropped out of school and found his way into the tattoo business. DTATSTAR, whose style consists of black and grey and illustrative, describes himself as a calm guy but is not afraid to hit you from behind when you least expect it. He plans to use his problem solving skills to help advance in the competition.

E.S.
Las Vegas, NV/Bridgeport, CT
Artist, Black Spade Tattoo/Owner, Steel Points Gallery

20 years' experience
Season 3 Veteran

Since his appearance on Season 3, E.S. says he has learned many new techniques making him much more skilled than his first go-around. He is excited for a second chance to prove himself and is ready to have a good time winning.

Erin Chance
Richmond, VA
Owner/Artist, Unkindness Art
10 years' experience
Erin Chance moved across the world in hopes of broadening her art and career. She is passionate about tattooing and plans to let her work speak for itself in the competition.

Eva Huber
Florence, AL
Co-owner/Artist, Allegory Arts

13 years' experience

Eva Huber, who describes herself as a gypsy spirit, says she's great at reading people and will be able to analyze her competition. The Alabama-based artist, whose favorite styles include traditional with an illustrative flair, comes into the competition with her husband Ulyss, with whom she co-owns Allegory Arts. Huber takes pride in her hometown and is hoping competing on Ink Master will help put Alabama tattooing on the map.

Hobo Ink
Pensacola, FL
Artist, Boneface Ink

9 years' experience
Season 8 Veteran

As a boy who was once homeless, Brandon "Hobo Ink" Allen considers not ending up in jail his biggest accomplishment in life. Even though he has only been in the industry a short time, he considers himself the go-to for Atlanta's professional athletes and rappers and feels he is always ready to take it to the next level. After being cut from the top 30 during Season 8, Hobo Ink feels he has sharpened his skills and is ready for his voice to be heard this season.

Jessy Knuckles
Baltimore, MD
Artist, Pinz & Needlez
Website: Jessyknuckles.com
5 years' experience

Jessy Knuckles says she is known for her wildlife and animal portraits in the Baltimore tattooing scene. In addition to cover up tattoos, Knuckles favorite tatoo styles includes black and grey and color realism but she feels she can outperform the competition in any style thrown her way.  As a mother of one, the self-described "fun loving bad ass chick" is motivated to fight till the bitter end till she takes home the title of "Ink Master." 

PHOTOS: See a gallery of Jessy's work

Jhon Campuzano
White Plains, NY
Artist, Thicker Than Blood

8 years' experience

Jhon Campuzano feels the rough times he faced growing up have helped to mold him into a strong person and better tattoo artist. While he says he is well-versed in all types of tattoos, his go-to style is black and grey. Campuzano, who has dreamed of competing on Ink Master, plans to use his patience and ability to work well under pressure to help push him through the competition and bring home the win to his wife and daughter.

Katie McGowan
Sherwood, AR
Artist, Black Cobra Tattoos

7 years' experience
Season 6 Veteran

Katie McGowan describes her style as bold and colorful with a traditional influence. The Arkansas artist feels lucky to get to compete again and is determined to make it to the finale, especially with having her boss, Season 6 veteran Matt O'Baugh, on her team.

King Ruck
Las Vegas, NV
Owner/Artist, Black Spade Tattoo

12 years' experience
Season 4 Veteran

King Ruck, a veteran, feels he let people bully him during Season 4 and didn't play the game right. He feels as though he has a lot of unfished business and has learned from his mistakes. King Ruck enjoys all styles of tattooing, but tends to lean toward animal realism, realism, new school, and any illustrated style of work and is confident that he has what it takes to be the next "Ink Master."

Lalo Brooklyn, NY Owner/Artist, House of Monkey 23 years' experience Season 2 Veteran While Lalo describes himself as a loud personality, he feels he was the opposite during his time on Season 2 and is now ready for his voice to be heard. Lalo says the stakes are higher than ever for him this time as he wants to build a legacy for his child.

Made Rich Queens, NY Owner/Artist, Think Before You Ink 10 years' experience Season 3 Veteran Made Rich says competing on Season 3 was just a warm up. He comes into this competition with a completely different mindset from his first time and says he is not going to play nice this time. As a father to a newborn son, he says he's in the competition to give his son a better life than the one he knew growing up.

Marvin Silva
Amityville, NY
Artist, Empire State Studio

12 years' experience

Marvin Silva is confident that he can produce any kind of tattoo he is challenged to create. While he doesn't have a specialty, he enjoys tattooing portraits, color and flowers. This New York artist feels coming into the competition with Season 1 veteran Tommy Helm, gives him an edge above the rest as Helm has been through this before.

Matt O'Baugh
Sherwood, AR
Owner, Black Cobra Tattoo

16 years' experience
Season 6 Veteran

After making it to the finals in Season 6, Matt O'Baugh still feels that there is unfinished business on the Ink Master stage. Matt prides himself in making well-crafted tattoos and believes his versatile knowledge of various tattoo styles will put him above the other competitors. O'Baugh is confident he will claim the title of "Master Shop" with Katie by his side!

Mike Petroskie
McDonough, GA
Co-Owner/Artist, The Marked Society

5 years' experience

Mike P describes himself as laid back and funny but warns others that he loses his charm the second anyone crosses him. The Georgia-based artist, who describes his work as well rounded, is confident that the judges will never find a messy line in any of his art.

Noelin Wheeler
Las Vegas, NV
Artist, Basilica Tattoo

19 years' experience

Originally from Alaska, Noelin Wheeler moved to Las Vegas at age 23 to become a great tattoo artist. Wheeler says if someone rubs him the wrong way, he's not shy to let them know. He believes his artistic ability and integrity to hold his own will make him a warrior in the competition.

Picasso Dular
Brooklyn, NY
Artist, House of Monkey

17 years' experience
Season 7 Veteran

Picasso Dular feels that he was his own worst enemy when he competed during Season 7 and is ready to come back for revenge. He prides himself in his realism and new school styles but believes that his artwork and creativity expands to all styles. Dular says he has worked on focusing more and not overthinking things this time around and will let his art do the talking.

Thom Bulman
Syracuse, NY
Owner/Artist, Classic Trilogy Tattoo

10 years' experience

While Thom Bulman knows he looks tough on the outside, he describes himself as a big softy. Bulman, whose favorite styles include new school and cartoony tattoos, prides himself in his social following and is ready to prove his worth. He is confident that his talent and skills has what it takes to be 'Ink Master.'

Tommy Helm
Amityville, NY
Owner, Empire State Studio

23 years' experience
Season 1 Veteran

Tommy Helm feels he still has something to prove after coming in second place during Season 1. Since he left the competition, he has continued to grow as an artist and believes he has what it takes to earn the title of Ink Master. He believes his shop is the best in the country and is ready to show everyone where he stands in the tattoo industry.

Ulyss Blair
Florence, AL
Co-owner/Artist, Allegory Arts

12 years' experience

Ulyss Blair is the first to admit that his bold personality and competitive nature can be a turn-off to many. The Alabama based artist, whose favorite tattoo styles include traditional and realism, comes into the competition with his wife Eva, who co-owns Allegory Arts with him and feels the two of them together are a force to be reckoned with. Blair warns others that he has a few tricks up his sleeve and isn't afraid to use them to his advantage.

Wes Hogan
McDonough, GA
Artist, The Marked Society

17 years' experience

Wes Hogan describes himself as kind, wise and knowledgeable with a big beard that you can spot from a mile away. He describes his style as diverse and is confident that he will excel at any style thrown his way. Hogan plans to let artists self-destruct before taking the rest out one at a time until he is the only one standing.