Season pulse
Episodes
16 episodes
The Ink Will Speak For Itself
Nine men and nine women kick off an epic battle of the sexes by going head to head in a team collaboration tattoo to prove they have what it takes to be the next Ink Master.
A Storm Is Brewin'
The judges unveil a new twist and bring in heavy-hitting veterans Joey Hamilton and Ryan Ashley to coach the teams, whose black-and-gray shading skills are put to the test.
Down to the Wire
Two-time veterans Bubba Irwin and Sarah Miller return to coach the men's and women's teams, and the artists showcase their knack for legibility by inking surrealistic tattoos.
The Hunter & The Hunted
Cam's arrogant behavior continues to irritate his team members during a color contrast challenge, and the gang bands together to sabotage Cam's standing in the competition.
The Art Stands Alone
It's every man and woman for themselves when the artists tattoo any design in any style before a blind critique from the judges.
Art of War
In a test of consistency, the teams must engrave full suits of armor, then a cross-stitch style elimination tattoo throws all the artists for a loop.
Sabotage
The artists go head-to-head in a test of technical application, and the losers fight for their survival in an elimination tattoo challenge dictated by the victors.
Pins & No Needles
The judges test the artists' understanding of color theory; two coaches take the artists to school; the battle intensifies for $100K and the title of "Ink Master."
By Accident or By Design
The battle for the grand prize and title of Ink Master continues as the judges test the artists' adaptability.
Roll of the Dice
The artists find themselves in a dicey situation with confrontational coaches Josh Payne and Nikki Simpson.
Put Your Ink Where Your Mouth Is
The competition tests the artists' ability to market themselves when the power is in the hands of the canvases.
Moving Pictures
The artists are on their own in a test of finesse as the six remaining competitors fight for the cash prize and the title of Ink Master.
Unfriendly Fire
It's a battle of the sexes as the men's team takes aim at the women during an illustrative portrait challenge.
Step Up or Shut Up
The last four artists remaining battle it out in a tattoo marathon to secure their spot in the season finale.
Battle of the Sexes Finale
Seven veteran artists battle it out in the "Clash of the Coaches Face Off"; the battle of the sexes comes to an end as the three finalists reveal their 35-hour Master Canvas tattoos and one artist wins the title of Ink Master.