Watch LA Ink

LA Ink was a reality TV show that aired on TLC from 2007 to 2011. The show chronicled the lives of the tattoo artists working at High Voltage Tattoo, a renowned tattoo shop located in West Hollywood, California. The show revolved around the shop's owner and one of the most famous tattoo artists in the world, Kat Von D, as well as her colleagues Corey Miller, Hannah Aitchison, Kim Saigh, Dan Smith, and Amy Nicoletto.

The show followed the artists as they worked on their clients' tattoos, discussing the meaning behind each design and the stories that brought their clients to their chairs. Often, viewers were brought along on emotional journeys as the tattoo artists worked on poignant and meaningful tattoos that represented important moments in their clients' lives.

Aside from showcasing the artists' tattooing skills, the show also provided insight into the artists' personal lives. The show highlighted the various artists' unique personalities, personal struggles, and the relationships they had with one another. The sense of camaraderie and family-like atmosphere within the shop was a significant part of LA Ink's appeal.

Throughout the series, viewers got to know the diverse crew of artists. Kat Von D was the primary focus of the show, as she was a renowned tattoo artist and the shop's owner. Kat was the show's breakout star, and her larger-than-life personality and iconic appearance, which included tattoos on her face and body, made her an instant fan favorite. Corey Miller was also a notable presence on the show, as he was one of the most experienced tattoo artists in the business, with more than 25 years of experience under his belt. His expertise and guidance were highly valued among the other artists at the shop.

Hannah Aitchison was known for her colorful, whimsical designs, while Kim Saigh was known for her elegant, fine-line work. Dan Smith was the resident "new school" artist, often working on vivid and cartoonish designs, whereas Amy Nicoletto was known for her edgy and sometimes controversial designs.

The show also featured guest artists, often celebrities or musicians looking to get inked. In these episodes, the artists would work on a one-of-a-kind design specifically tailored to their famous clients.

As the show progressed, viewers watched as the artists tackled bigger and more complex projects and challenges, such as entering tattoo competitions and creating designs for charity auctions. The show provided a glimpse into the business side of running a tattoo shop, including managing employees, balancing finances, and dealing with difficult clients.

Aside from the tattoo artistry, LA Ink also explored the personal lives of the artists. The show dealt with themes of love, loss, and addiction. For example, viewers saw Kat's tumultuous relationship with her fiance, Nikki Sixx, a member of the band Motley Crue. They also witnessed Corey's struggles with addiction and his dedication to sobriety. Hannah's insecurities about her rocky love life were touched upon, as were Kim's struggles to balance her artistry with her personal life.

Overall, LA Ink was an engaging and entertaining show that allowed viewers to witness the inner workings of a tattoo shop while getting to know the dynamic group of artists who worked there. It was a show about art, community, and exploring the depths of human emotions through the medium of tattoos.

LA Ink is a series that ran for 7 seasons (85 episodes) between August 7, 2007 and on TLC