Ep 6. Off the Chain

In Ink Master season 13 episode 6, titled "Off the Chain," the competition intensifies as the remaining tattoo artists face off in a new challenge. Host Dave Navarro and judges Chris Nunez and Oliver Peck are joined by guest judge Sullen Clothing founder Ryan Smith.

The episode starts off with a flash challenge that tests the artists' precision and concentration. They are challenged to create a symmetrical tattoo design on a balloon, which they must then inflate without causing the design to distort. The stakes are high, as the winner of the flash challenge gets to assign the human canvases for the elimination tattoo round.

After a tense flash challenge, the artists move on to the elimination tattoo round, where they must create a chain tattoo. The catch? The chains must be linked together, and each artist is only responsible for one link in the chain. Collaboration is key, and the artists must work together to ensure that the links fit together seamlessly. The judges are looking for a cohesive design that showcases each artist's style and technical ability.

Several of the artists struggle with the collaborative aspect of the challenge. Some try to take control of the design, while others struggle to communicate their vision. As the clock ticks down, tensions rise and mistakes are made. Some artists struggle to create convincing 3D effects, while others battle technical difficulties like ink blowouts and shaky hands.

At the judging, the artists face their fate as the judges critique their designs. The judges praise some artists for their technical skill and creative vision, while others are harshly criticized for their lack of teamwork or technical flaws. One artist in particular is singled out for their inability to take direction and work collaboratively.

Ultimately, one artist is chosen as the winner of the episode, while another is eliminated from the competition. Under the harsh lights of the judging panel, the artists must face their triumphs and failures, and try to learn from their mistakes. With each elimination, the competition grows fiercer, and the remaining artists must step up their game if they hope to win the title of Ink Master.