Ep 9. Sexy Pin-ups

In the ninth episode of Best Ink season 3, the remaining tattoo artists are tasked with creating their own interpretations of classic pin-up girl designs. Host Pete Wentz and resident judges Hannah Aitchison and Joe Capobianco welcome guest judge Sabina Kelley, a renowned pin-up model and tattoo enthusiast, to provide her expertise and critique the artists' creations.

The episode kicks off with a flash challenge where the artists must create their own pin-up illustrations using only a classic medium - pen and paper. Sabina Kelley joins the judges' panel to evaluate the designs and choose the winner of the challenge. The winner receives the advantage of selecting the order in which the artists choose their canvases for the main challenge.

For the main challenge, the artists have four hours to bring their pin-up designs to life on their canvases. The tattoo should capture the essence of the classic pin-up girl but with a modern twist. The artists must not only create a beautiful tattoo, but also showcase their skills in color theory, shading, and composition.

As the artists work, tensions rise as some struggle to properly execute the pin-up style while others struggle with technical issues. One artist in particular, who typically excels in the competition, struggles to properly capture the essence of the design and is met with harsh criticism from the judges.

Once the time is up, the contestants present their tattoos to the judges for critique. Sabina Kelley proves to be a valuable asset to the judges' panel, providing insight and creative feedback on each tattoo. The judges evaluate the tattoos based on technical skill, use of color, and overall interpretation of the pin-up style.

After careful consideration, one artist is deemed the winner of the challenge and receives immunity from elimination in the next round. Three other artists are deemed safe, leaving two artists in the bottom. The judges deliberate and ultimately decide which artist will be sent home.

Overall, the Sexy Pin-ups episode showcases the artistry and creativity required to properly execute the classic pin-up style. With Sabina Kelley's expertise and the judges' critiques, the artists are challenged to push their artistic boundaries and create tattoos that capture the essence of the style.