Ep 13. Through Thick and Thin

Miami Ink cast returns with a new episode, "Through Thick and Thin", and this time the crew welcomes a young woman with an interesting story. The episode showcases emotional and touching moments mixed with creative tattoo artwork, pushing the boundaries of what is possible to create with ink and skin.

The episode opens up with the crew discussing their latest customer, Alex, and her tough journey of losing 150 pounds. They comment that she has extreme loose skin after the weight loss and asks how they can help her get through this new phase of her life. The crew decides to give her a tattoo that is not only meaningful but will also cover the excess skin that now she's uncomfortable with.

Ami and Darren are charged with creating a design for Alex's lower stomach area, a place where she once carried all her excess weight. Alex reveals to them that this tattoo is about taking control of her life again, embracing her new body, and not being ashamed of what she has accomplished. Ami's design includes an intricate mandala and a lotus flower, which symbolizes new beginnings and strength - perfect for Alex.

Meanwhile, Garver takes on a young woman who wants to honor her late grandfather with a portrait tattoo. She brings in a black and white photo of him, and Garver is incredibly respectful of the image. He studies the photograph for a moment, assesses the facial features and style, and then begins building a sketch. He emphasizes the importance of capturing the likeness of her grandfather in the portrait and pours his heart into the design process. The result is a portrait so lifelike that it's hard to tell it's inked on the skin.

Later on, Yoji is in the studio, finishing off a large back piece for a man who was regaining control of his life after beating cancer. He had initially started the tattoo, hoping to commemorate the end of his treatment, and slowly it turned into a masterpiece that reflected the way cancer and his recovery had influenced him. It is an emotional moment when Yoji adds the final touches to the artwork and presents it to the man.

Towards the end of the episode, Darren, Nunez, Ami, and Yoji work on covering up a tattoo that a man had received when he was young and drunk. The tattoo had a crude image on it, and he was desperate to hide it before his wedding. The four work together in a hilarious attempt to create a cover-up that will not only hide the original tattoo but also make it disappear altogether.

The crew goes through a range of emotions in "Through Thick and Thin". They use their art to emphasize the beauty of transformation, the importance of honoring family memories, and the need to embrace the past. The show also showcases the team's creativity, flexibility, and ability to make people feel beautiful. Throughout all these processes, they lend their ears, hear their customers' stories, and provide meaningful support. Miami Ink Season 3, Episode 13 "Through Thick and Thin" is a beautiful portrayal of the intricate emotions tattooing can invoke, and the way it can be used to create something meaningful for each person.