Ep 11. Duck and Cover Up

Ink Master season 8 episode 11 is titled "Duck and Cover Up" and it features the remaining six contestants facing their next elimination challenge. The episode begins with a flash challenge inspired by the art of origami. The artists are tasked with creating a landscape piece using only origami paper and unraveled paper clips. The catch is that the piece must be created entirely with one hand, and the other hand must be hidden behind their back. The results of the flash challenge are varied, with some artists struggling to create something coherent despite the limitations.

Following the flash challenge, the main challenge is introduced. The artists are tasked with creating a cover-up tattoo, a task that is notoriously difficult in the tattooing world. Each artist will be working with a client who has a tattoo they regret and wish to cover up. The tattoos they are covering up range from small and simple to large and complex, and the artists are given free reign to come up with a design to cover them up. This challenge is particularly challenging because not only do they have to create a design that covers up an existing tattoo, but it also has to look better than the original. Additionally, the artists only have six hours to complete the task, adding to the pressure and stakes of the challenge.

As the artists begin to work on their designs, tensions rise as some of them struggle to come up with an effective way to cover up their clients' tattoos. One artist in particular, who has struggled with cover-ups in the past, voices their concern about their ability to complete the task. Meanwhile, other artists seem to be making confident progress and appear to have a strong grasp on how they want to cover up their clients' tattoos.

As the six-hour time limit approaches, the artists begin to wrap up their work and make final touches to their designs. The judges then examine each cover-up and provide their critiques. Some artists receive high praise for their work, with the judges commending them on their creativity and technique. Other artists receive criticism for their designs, with the judges pointing out flaws in shading or composition. One artist in particular is given a harsh critique, with the judges noting that their design not only fails to cover up the original tattoo effectively but actually makes it look worse.

After the judges evaluate each cover-up, they deliberate and determine which artist will be sent home. There is tension in the air as the judges discuss each artist's strengths and weaknesses, and it is clear that they have a difficult decision to make. Finally, they call the artists back to the stage and deliver their verdict. One artist is sent home, and the remaining five move on to the next challenge.

Overall, "Duck and Cover Up" is a tense and challenging episode of Ink Master that exemplifies the high stakes and pressure of the competition. The difficulty of the cover-up challenge forces the artists to push themselves and think creatively to come up with effective designs that will please both their clients and the judges. As the competition narrows down, the remaining artists will continue to be pushed to their limits and tested in new, unexpected ways.