E.S.

Kyle Dunbar

Jason Clay Dunn

Tatu Baby

Craig Foster

Joey “Hollywood” Hamilton

Joshua Hibbard

James Danger

Jackie Jennings

Ally Lee

Jime Litwalk

Chris May

Madison “Maddie la Belle” Loftis

Frank McManus

“Made Rich” Parker

“Mystical Mike” Paterek

Season 3 of “Ink Master” cast and series host Dave Navarro & judges Oliver Peck and Chris Nunez

 ”Ink Master” Season 3 – Contestant Biographies

(in alphabetical order)

E.S. – Bridgeport, CT
16 years experience
Artist at Forever Custom Tattoos (htt://www.es1.me)

Originally a graffiti muralist, E.S. credits this form of street art for teaching him how to direct his creative talents and how to stay in control of almost any situation.  Although he is based out of Forever Custom Tattoos, E.S. takes his talent on the road as he travels up and down the East Coast to tattoo clients.  He takes extreme pride in all of his original work and prefers his custom pieces over traditional styles which he feels are too easy and non-challenging.  E.S. is predominantly known for his use of bold and hard lines, which creates a clean and timeless tattoo.

Kyle Dunbar – Flint, MI
20 years experience
Owner/ Artist at Almighty Tattoo (www.facebook.com/almightykyledunbar)

Kyle Dunbar is a self-taught tattoo artist who hasn’t built his reputation on being the nice guy.  He says that he worked at almost every tattoo shop in Genesee County, MI, his hometown, only to have been fired from every one of them because of his abrasive attitude.  Dunbar dislikes tattoo styles with strict rules and prefers to create his own world of “badass art” where he can control gravity and twist reality to his own liking.  Dunbar opened his own shop Almighty Tattoo in 2003 with his wife and has clients coming to him from all over to get inked in his signature extreme realism tattoo style.

Jason Clay Dunn – Montclair, CA
20 years experience 
Owner/Artist at Tattoo Alchemy (http://www.tattooalchemy.com and   http://www.jasonclaydunn.com)

Jason Clay Dunn is a professional fine artist and tattooist and from a very young age he always had a need to create. After a long, painstaking traditional apprenticeship at the early age of 19, Dunn set out on a journey to carve his niche in the tattoo industry.  Whether it be a work of art, or a business venture, he has found that the combination of both is what really inspires his passion for art, tattooing and life.  Dunn has always been, and still is, truly amazed by seeing colors beneath the skin.   Despite his life-long challenges with panic disorder and anxiety, Dunn has persevered to become a leading tattoo artist in the Neo-Asian styles.

Katherine “Tatu Baby” Flores – Miami, FL
6 years experience
Self-employed tattoo artist (www.tatubaby.com)

Tatu Baby isn’t shy when it comes to her looks and admits to have used her sex appeal to her advantage, but don’t judge this book by its cover, she’s got talent to back her up.  She became interested in tattoos after getting her first ink at the age of 14.  Tatu Baby has been tattooing professionally since she was 19 and proved herself right of the gate by taking home a “best of day” trophy at a tattoo convention.  Known for her work in black and gray and photorealism, she has a true appreciation for the way the body can be used as a canvas to express yourself.   A fan favorite in last year’s competition, Tatu Baby made it all the way to the final four before being eliminated.  In a first-ever surprise twist in the season finale, viewers went online and voted Tatu Baby back for a chance to redeem herself  in Season 3.

Craig Foster – Carlton, GA
18 years experience
Owner/ Artist at Skinwerks Tattoo (www.skinwerks.com)

After being incarcerated for three years, Craig Foster knew that he needed to turn his life around.  He immediately found the art of tattooing and has made it a full time career ever since. Being one of the few black tattoo artists in his region, Foster has felt that he has something extra to prove and thrives off of being considered an underdog by his peers.  A “working class” artist, Foster prides himself in his ability to relate to his clients and to never forget a face or tattoo he has worked on. Although he is primarily a “new skool” artist, Foster knows that his talents are balanced and can handle any challenge the judges give to him.

Joey “Hollywood” Hamilton – Las Vegas, NV
16 years experience
Artist at Club Tattoo Las Vegas (http://clubtattoo.com/artists/joey-hamilton/)

During a ten year stint in the US Air Force, Joey “Hollywood” Hamilton became widely exposed to tattoos and immediately fell in love with the art.  After getting out of the service, he began refining his technique in Florida before establishing himself in Sin City.  Today, Hamilton travels all around the country to promote his work and is primarily known for his realism and photo reproduction skills.  Although he may come off as arrogant, Hamilton really has a “Hollywood” laid back persona, but he is here to show that he is a fierce competitor who should not be underestimated.

James “Danger” Harvey – Sacramento, CA
8 years experience
Owner/Artist at Skin Gallery Tattoo (http://jamesdangerharvey.com)

James “Danger” Harvey has always had a passion for art. In high school it was common practice for him to turn in his math tests covered in doodles and funny character drawings.  He has always been a “Jack of all trades,” holding jobs such as junkyard puller, strip club bouncer / DJ, landscaper and carpenter. Danger was able to funnel his first love for art into tattooing and is the owner of Skin Gallery Tattoo. He dedicates all of his time and energy into art and tattooing, which he believes are one in the same and should be without boundaries.  He is not particular to any one style of tattooing and finds that his natural talent is proficient in all genres. Reflecting his middle name, Danger tends to live life on the edge as he is trained in the Israeli self-defense system, Krav Maga, an avid motorcyclist, and overall adrenaline addict.

Joshua Hibbard – Portland, OR
10 years experience
Artist at No Hope, No Fear Tattoo (www.nohopenofeartattoo.com and www.joshuahibbard.com)

It was only when he was homeless did Joshua Hibbard recognize the importance of being brash, loud, and a little cocky.  Hibbard used his art as a means of showing his personality, a way to express his pent up thoughts, and overall a way to survive. Today, he isn’t afraid to call anyone out and will constructively criticize the art work of his peers.  Hibbard believes that the tattoo industry needs to improve its professional standards because he is tired of how some “artists” make a mockery of the art. His work consistently challenges traditional pieces as Hibbard focuses on the contrast of layers and realistic color images.

Jackie “Ink Bitch” Jennings – Philadelphia, PA
11 years experience
Artist at Tru Blu (www.inkbitch.com)

Creativity has always come naturally to Jackie “Ink Bitch” Jennings.  Even at a young age, art was a way for her to express herself and she transformed that talent into a career in tattooing more than a decade ago.  Jennings doesn’t limit herself to any one tattoo style and is known for her versatility across a range of styles.  She creates custom pieces for each of her clients that are vastly different from tattoo work others do.

Ally Lee – Santa Cruz, CA
9 years experience
Owner/Artist at Hot Rod Alley Tattoo (http://hotrodalleytattoo.com/)

This heavy metal/rockabilly-listening mamma is obsessed with rebuilding old hot rods when she’s not busy tattooing in her own shop, Hot Rod Alley Tattoo.  When it comes to her tattoo work, Ally Lee is just as determined and strives to please her clients. Known for her photorealism and vibrant colored floral work, Lee is determined to show the world her expertise in all styles of tattooing.  A self-taught artist, Lee has refined her skills and transferred her love of drawing into a different medium, using a tattoo machine as a tool and skin as her canvas.

Jime Litwalk – Orlando, FL
20 years experience
Artist at Hart & Huntington Co. & Steadfast Brand (http://www.hartandhuntingtontattoo.com/
and http://www.jimelitwalk.com/)

With over 20 years in the tattoo industry, Jime Litwalk does his best to pass on his experience and knowledge to the other competitors. Fast-paced and precise, Litwalk has built up a solid clientele from his years of travel on the international tattoo circuit.  Litwalk works in Orlando at Hart and Huntington and at his private studio located at the Steadfast Brand headquarters. His tattoo and illustration career has brought him numerous awards, magazine mentions, and feature articles. While he is comfortable tattooing in almost any genre, Litwalk’s passion is in his signature animated “classic new skool” style. This married father of two is a true perfectionist and his work has been featured on multiple TV shows including, “The Real World,” “The Life of Ryan,” and “Nitro Circus.”

Madison “Maddie la Belle” Loftis – Greensboro, NC
5 years experience
Artist at Corrupted Arts Studio (www.facebook.com/tattoosbymadison)

A true Southern belle, Madison “Maddie la Belle” Loftis uses her charm and hospitality to maintain a large following of clients.  She is a self-taught tattoo artist and learned the basics of the industry underground in South Carolina.  Maddie is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy as she is out to make sure that she gets the respect that she deserves and consistently reminds the men to not underestimate her as a competitor.  She refuses to be damsel in distress and is not afraid to tell other girls to “buck up” when things are getting tough. Maddie’s work is extremely versatile, but she is often best recognized for her portrait work and her black and grey artistry.

Chris May – Creston, IL
16 years experience
Owner/Artist at Proton Tattoo (http://www.protontattoo.com/)

Clients of Chris May get a one of a kind experience as they receive a tattoo from him, complete with a comedic performance.  May is a trained stand-up comedian having studied at the world famous Second City Theatre in Chicago, IL.  While he is blunt when speaking with clients, he uses humor as a way to tell them that their idea won’t work.  His style focuses on illustrative and aesthetic pieces that use clean colors and detailed lines.  May refuses to tattoo according to the “Google style,” a generic style that is pulled right off of Google images. Although he has a light hearted attitude, competitors beware because he is serious about winning.

Frank McManus – New Cumberland, PA
6 years experience
Artist at Bryan Campbell Tattoo Studio (www.frankmcmanus.com)

Although he is still fairly new to the industry, Frank McManus is ready to prove that he can surpass tattoo veterans. McManus believes that it does not matter how many years you have been in the business, if you want it bad enough you will work for it. Outspoken and confident, McManus embraces his standoff-ish persona. He focuses on American tradition pieces and often uses bright and vibrant colors to highlight his work.

Richard “Made Rich” Parker -Queens, NY
5.5 years experience
Owner/Artist at Think Before You Ink (www.thinkbeforeyouink.comand www.maderichtattoos.com)

After he hung his football cleats up and graduated from Wagner College with a BA in Fine Arts, Made Rich worked in two different shops before opening “Think Before You Ink” in Long Island City, NY.  Competitive by nature, Made Rich was a long time athlete before taking his talent from the playing field to the tattoo machine. His competitiveness has helped him strive to better himself daily. Dark shadowing and shading are his specialties and argues that he can tattoo any style or genre with ease.  He rarely puts anyone before himself and will eliminate anyone who stands in the way of his progress and winning the competition.

“Mystical” Mike Paterek – Bronx, New York
8 years experience
Artist at Red Dragon Tattoo (http://wwww.reddragontat.com and http://www.injectintelligence.com)

After working his way up from the street shops on 6^th Avenue in the West Village of New York City, Mystical Mike believes that he has possesses the talent to raise industry standards. Recognized for his detail saturated illustrations, he derives the majority of his inspiration from comic book superheroes. An intellectual with a passion for satire, Mystical Mike strives for excellence with his art; conveying his own unique interpretation with each and every client.

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RANKING AS THE #1 ORIGINAL SERIES ON ALL OF CABLE

Finale Also Out Delivers All Competition on Cable in Time Slot,

Ranking #1 with Men 18-34, Persons 18-34 & Men 18-49

New York, NY, December 19, 2012 – The live finale of Season 2 of Spike’s “Ink Master” delivered 2.4 million viewers last night, Tuesday, December 18 (10:01 – 11:04 PM, ET/PT), making it the most-watched episode in series history and the fifth largest audience in network history for a non-sports original series telecast.

The one-hour live (ET) finale featured a victory by Connecticut tattoo artist and business owner Steve Tefft, was the #1 original series on cable last night among Persons 18-49.  The finale also out delivered all of the competition on cable in the time slot, ranking #1 with Men 18-34, Persons 18-34 and with Men 18-49.  Overall, the finale drew a 2.1 rating in Men 18-34, 1.7 with Persons 18-34 and a 1.7 with Men 18-49 and a household rating of 1.6.

“Ink Master” has furthered the network’s mission to create broader-appealing shows with real stakes involved.  Currently the highest-rated original series on the network, the Season 2 finale of “Ink Master” posted a 24% increase in total viewers and a 17% increase in Persons 18-49 versus last season’s finale.  “Ink Master” Season 2 averaged 1.9 million viewers, an 89% increase vs the YAGO time period, a 1.5 rating with Persons 18-34, up 159%, 1.5 with Men 18-34, up 122% and a 1.3 with Persons 18-49, up 137%.

In a finale that was filled with both controversy and surprise, series host Dave Navarro and judges Chris Nunez and Oliver Peck awarded a $100,000 cash prize, a feature in Inked magazine and the title of ‘Ink Master’ to Tefft.  In a first-ever series twist during the live telecast, viewers went online and gave one artist, Tatu Baby, a second chance at becoming “Ink Master,” putting her into the competition for Season 3, which is set to air next year.

The “Ink Master” live finale was also a hit on social media.   “Ink Master” ranked #1 on cable and #2 on all networks (behind only ‘The Voice’) on the day of the finale, its highest ranking ever  (Source: SocialGuide).  The show also trended on Twitter with #InkMasterLive and #TatuBaby making it to the top 10 trending topics in the US and worldwide

“Ink Master” is produced for Spike by Original Media, with Charlie Corwin, Jay Peterson, and Andrea Richter as Executive Producers of the series.  Original Media currently has seventeen television series on air including the hit shows “NY Ink,” “Comic Book Men,” “The Rachel Zoe Project,” “Swamp People,” “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Dual Survival” and “Mudcats.”  Headquartered in New York, Original Media is a subsidiary of Endemol USA.

Sharon Levy is Spike TV’s Executive Vice President, Original Series and Chris Rantamaki and is Vice President of Original Programming for Spike TV and oversees production of “Ink Master.”

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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Contact:

Debra Fazio-Rutt        Spike               212-767-8649              debra.fazio@spiketv.com

IN LIVE SERIES FINALE

Season 2 Wins $100,000, Feature in Inked Magazine &

Bragging Rights Title of ‘Ink Master’

New York, NY, December 19, 2012 – In a live finale that was filled with both controversy and surprises, Steve Tefft was named the winner of season 2 of “Ink Master.”   Teft wins a cash prize of $100,000, a feature article in the premiere tattoo publication Inked and the ultimate bragging rights title of ‘Ink Master.’  In a first-ever series twist during the live telecast, viewers went online and voted one artist, Tatu Baby, back for a second chance which will put them into competition for “Ink Master” season 3 airing next year.

Sixteen of the top tattoo artists from around the country battled it out in permanent ink each week, competing in various tattoo challenges that not only tested the artists’ technical skills, but also their on-the-spot creativity where they had to create and execute an original tattoo on a ‘human canvas.’  The challenges focused on different tattooing techniques and styles.  The masterpieces these artists created will last forever, but so will their mistakes.

After every challenge the contestants faced a tough panel made up of Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction), renowned tattoo artists Chris Nunez (“Miami Ink”) and Oliver Peck (Elm Street Tattoo) and a roster of guest judges including tattoo legends Forrest Cavacco, Freddy Negrette, Mike Rubendahl, Richard Stell and Bob Tyrell.   Each individual artist’s work was critiqued and each week at least one contestant was sent home.

The final three contestants: Sarah Miller, owner and tattoo artist at Wyld Chyld Tattoo in Pittsburgh, PA, Sebastian Murphy, tattoo artist at Detroit Ink in Mt. Clemens, MI and Steve Tefft, owner and artist at 12 Tattoos in Groton, CT were each assigned their own master canvas.   They were sent back to their home bases to complete a 24-hour tattoo, where they had four, six-hour sessions with their master canvas to create a tattoo design that was completely left up to the discretion of each artist.

In last night’s finale Miller, Murphy and Tefft revealed their master canvases to the judges and America.   Murphy was eliminated from the competition after receiving the lowest number of votes based on season-long online fan voting.  In a surprise twist, season 2 contestant Tatu Baby was voted by viewers to get a second chance at the “Ink Master” title, by awarding them a spot in the Season 3 competition.

In the end, it came down to Miller and Tefft with the judges in a close call, ultimately naming Tefft the season 2 winner of “Ink Master.”

“Ink Master” is produced for Spike by Original Media, with Charlie Corwin, Jay Peterson, and Andrea Richter as Executive Producers of the series.  Original Media currently has seventeen television series on air including the hit shows “NY Ink,” “Comic Book Men,” “The Rachel Zoe Project,” “Swamp People,” “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Dual Survival” and “Mudcats.”  Headquartered in New York, Original Media is a subsidiary of Endemol USA.

Sharon Levy is Spike TV’s Executive Vice President, Original Series and Chris Rantamaki and is Vice President of Original Programming for Spike TV and oversees production of “Ink Master.”

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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Contact:

Debra Fazio-Rutt        Spike               212-767-8649              debra.fazio@spiketv.com

“Ink Master” Returns For A Third Season of 13 Episodes In Summer 2013 

Network Orders 26 Episodes of “Tattoo Nightmares”

New York, NY, December 3, 2012 – Furthering the network’s mission to expand its audience and demographics, Spike TV has greenlit new seasons of two of the network’s most broad-appealing and highest-rated series, “Ink Master” and “Tattoo Nightmares.” Season three of “Ink Master,” will debut in the summer of 2013 with 13 one-hour episodes. The 26 new episodes of “Tattoo Nightmares” will run in 2013. Both series will go back into production early in 2013.

“The real stakes and compelling drama that both ‘Ink Master’ and ‘Tattoo Nightmares’ deliver resonates with our ever-expanding audience,” said Sharon Levy, Spike TV’s Executive Vice President, Original Series.

Season two (through 8 episodes, Oct 9-Nov 27) of “Ink Master,” is averaging 1.8 million viewers and has improved the timeslot with Persons 18-49 by 105% and Persons 18-34 by 132%.  “Ink Master” is hosted by music legend and tattoo aficionado Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and judged by renowned tattoo artists Chris Nunez (“Miami Ink”) and Oliver Peck (Elm Street Tattoo). The show is produced for Spike by Original Media (“Swamp People,” “NY Ink,” “Comic Book Men,” “The Rachel Zoe Project,”) with Charlie Corwin and Andrea Richter  serving as Executive Producers.

Premiering in October 2012 (through 7 episodes, Oct 16-Nov 27), “Tattoo Nightmares” is averaging 1.5 million viewers and has improved the timeslot with Persons 18-49 by an astounding 187%.  The show is produced by 495 Productions (“Jersey Shore,” “Friend Zone,” “Nail Files,” “Repo Games,” “Snooki & JWOWW”) with SallyAnn Salsano and Joel Zimmer as Executive Producers.  The series showcases real people with really bad tattoos who seek the help of some of the best cover-up artists in the business to fix them.

Chris Rantamaki is Vice President of Original Programming for Spike TV and oversees production of “Ink Master” and “Tattoo Nightmares.”

About “Ink Master”:

Tattoo artists compete in various challenges that not only test their technical skills, but also their on-the-spot creativity, where they must create and execute an original tattoo on a ‘human canvas.’  These ‘human canvases’ range from tattoo virgins to connoisseurs to those who want to cover up a prior tattoo misstep.  The challenges focus on different tattooing techniques such as contrast, adaptability, balance and dimension as well as styles including New School, photorealism, American traditional and pin-up.  After every challenge the contestants face a tough panel made up of Navarro, Nunez, and Peck and a roster of guest judges.  Each individual artists’ work is critiqued and one contestant is sent home.   The masterpieces these artists create will last forever, but so will their mistakes.

About “Tattoo Nightmares”:

With more than 40 million Americans having at least one tattoo somewhere on their body, you are bound to come across bad permanent ink, ranging from hilarious tattoos to ones that are just downright disturbing pieces. The stakes are high as regretful clients go under the tattoo gun a second time to see if one of the three expert artists at Tattoo Nightmares (Big Gus, Tommy Helm and Jasmine Rodriguez) can work a miracle and turn their disaster pieces into masterpieces. Through re-enactments, clients reveal the stories behind how their dreadful ink came to be.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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Press Contacts:

David Schwarz          Spike TV         212-767-8639              david.schwarz@mtvstaff.com