Battle of The Sexes: Part 1

Miami Ink is TLC’s inside look into the world of tattooing. It follows the lives of five tattoo artists, owner Ami James, Chris Nunez, Chris Garver, Darren Bass and their apprentice, Yojiro Harada. “Miami Ink is a rare show that challenges cultural stereotypes of tattoos and shows how talented the tattoo artists really are. Shot in a documentary/'reality' fashion with shop owner Ami James' narration, the show follows both patrons (who explain the deeper meaning behind their requested tattoo)and the artists who apply their exceptional talent on the skin of their clients.” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472014/ )

History
James, Garver, Nunez and Bass “studied in Miami under the world famous tattoo artist, the late Lou Sciberras. During their apprenticeship they all lived and worked together becoming the best of friends. Eventually they went their separate ways and opened up their own tattoo parlors in Los Angeles, New York, Connecticut, and South Beach. Their dream was to one day reunite and open their own tattoo parlor together as partners,” explained Tv.com. The show premiered in 2005, and takes place at their tattoo shop, 305 Ink (Miami Ink), on Miami Beach.

The Artists
When watching the show it’s hard to not pick a favorite artist or not be touched by some of the stories that are on there. My favorite artist is Chris Garver, while Ami James and Chris Nunez take the gold eye candy wise. The artists “all with world-class talent and dynamic personalities - live and work together to promote the art of tattoo while running a new business. Miami Ink shows them in and out of their workspace from noon 'til night - and follows their late-night shenanigans, brotherly hazing and camaraderie,” says TattooFinder.

Ami James is the co-owner of the shop and the main focus. He narrates throughout the episodes and is seen as the “tough guy” of the group. His passion for tattooing is apparent while you watch. He was born in Israel and is Jewish. His first tattoo was that of a dragon when he was only 15. He started tattooing when he was 20. He has a hot temper and isn’t shy to let people know he’s in charge.

Chris Garver is the oldest of the five. He seems to be the most laid back of them all. He grew up in Pittsburgh and received his first tattoo at age 15. He sold his bass guitar when he was 17, so he could buy his own tattooing equipment. His favorite tattoo was “from a monk when he was in Thailand - a Buddhist passage that can only be read by monks. Its meaning is "to protect."

Chris Nunez is of French and Cuban decent and was raised in Miami. He travels a lot and spends most of his time partying. His first tattoos were of his parents names when he was 16.

Darren Bass isn’t featured as much as the others but is still quite talented. He is the quietest and nicest of them all. He’s often joked on because he’s so mellow and because he’s only 5’4. Last season he went through a touch divorce and find comfort from the guys at the shop. He is half Polish and Irish and got his first tattoo on his 18th birthday.

Last, but certainly not least is Yoji, the trusted apprentice. He gets the most crap from the guys because of his low rank. He is from Tokyo and a lead singer of a punk rock band. He gave himself his first tattoo.

“Each episode features a number of customers along with their back stories and motivations for choosing their tattoos. There is also some focus on the personal lives of the artists.”

I love this show, especially with the narration the artists give. This season the guys are continuing their search for another artist while dealing with drama and clients. “Bottom line, even if you don't have tattoos, you'll enjoy the show because of the clients' thoughtful stories and the interesting dynamic of the four artists and their apprentice”