Ep 8. Kat's Gnarley Day

Kat's Gnarley Day is the eighth episode of the first season of L.A. Ink. The episode focuses on the daily grind of the tattoo shop, with a particular emphasis on how the staff handles stress and difficult clients.

The episode begins with Kat Von D and her team receiving a call from a client who wants a portrait of his recently-deceased father on his back. While the team is excited to tackle such a meaningful project, the client turns out to be difficult to work with, demanding constant changes and causing tension in the shop.

The episode also shows the tattoo artists dealing with their personal lives. Corey Miller is shown preparing for a father-daughter tattoo session with his young daughter, while Hannah Aitchison grapples with her fear of water as she prepares to go wakeboarding with her boyfriend.

As the day wears on, tensions continue to rise in the shop. The client with the portrait tattoo becomes even more demanding and confrontational, leading to a heated argument between him and the other clients waiting to be tattooed. Kat is forced to step in and diffuse the situation, reminding everyone that respect and patience are key to a successful tattoo experience.

Despite the stress, the artists manage to pull themselves together and produce some impressive work. Corey Miller's father-daughter tattoo session turns out beautifully, while Hannah conquers her fear of the water and spends a fun day wakeboarding.

The episode ends with the client with the portrait tattoo finally leaving the shop, satisfied with the finished product. The artists are left to reflect on the ups and downs of their job and the importance of staying professional in even the most difficult situations.