Ep 10. Skate or Die!

In Miami Ink season 3 episode 10, titled "Skate or Die!," the artists at the tattoo shop are challenged by some unique tattoo requests inspired by the skateboarding community.

The episode opens with Ami James, shop owner and lead tattoo artist, visiting a local skate park to get a better understanding of the culture and art associated with skateboarding. He meets with professional skateboarder Mike Vallely, who shares his passion for the sport and his love for tattoos. This inspires Ami and his team to take on some intricate and unique tattoo requests from fellow skaters.

One client, a professional skateboarder named Timmy, asks for a tattoo of his skateboard on his back, with intricate details and shading to make it look as realistic as possible. However, Timmy is nervous about the pain of the tattoo and struggles to stay still during the process. Meanwhile, artist Garver takes on a request to create a tattoo of a scorpion and skateboard combined, which proves to be a technical challenge to get the placement and size just right.

In addition to these custom tattoos, the episode also features some emotional moments as the artists pay tribute to their own family members who have passed away. Ami creates a large, detailed tattoo in memory of his mother, who he lost to cancer, while artist Yoji pays tribute to his grandfather with a portrait tattoo on his own arm.

Throughout the episode, the artists showcase their talent and creativity in bringing these unique tattoo ideas to life, while also delving into the personal stories and emotions behind each tattoo. "Skate or Die!" offers a glimpse into the world of skateboarding and how it intersects with the art of tattooing, showcasing the diversity and individuality of the Miami Ink team and their clients.