Ep 6. I'm Steampunk'd

In this episode of Skin Wars Season 2, titled "I'm Steampunk'd," the competitors are challenged to create steampunk-inspired body art. Guest judge Molly Crabapple, a well-known artist and writer, joins the regular judges RuPaul Charles and Craig Tracy to evaluate the contestants' work.

The challenge is introduced by host Rebecca Romijn, who demonstrates the steampunk aesthetic with her own elaborately decorated outfit, complete with goggles, leather, and gears. The artists are tasked with creating their own original characters based on the steampunk genre, incorporating elements such as clockwork, machinery, and Victorian fashion. They must also use a variety of materials to enhance their designs, including metal, leather, and fabrics.

The contestants dive into their work, with some struggling to come up with creative ideas while others are already sketching out intricate designs. As they work, they share their personal backgrounds and inspirations, revealing how they became interested in body art and what their hopes are for the competition.

During the challenge, some artists encounter setbacks, such as technical difficulties with their airbrushes or difficulty getting their materials to adhere to the skin. Others face interpersonal conflicts, with tensions rising between a few of the contestants over perceived rude behavior and territorialism.

When time is up, the judges evaluate each design, looking for creativity, technique, and adherence to the steampunk theme. Some artists impress the judges with their attention to detail and bold choices, while others are criticized for playing it too safe or for being sloppy in their execution.

Eventually, the judges narrow down the contestants to the top three and bottom three. The top three artists are praised for their innovative designs and execution, while the bottom three face criticism for lacking creativity or technical skill.

In the end, one artist is declared the winner of the challenge, receiving praise for their impressive use of materials and unique character design. The bottom three artists face the danger of elimination, with one ultimately being sent home for their lackluster performance.

As always, Skin Wars delivers an exciting and visually stunning showcase of body art, as well as personal insights from the contestants who bring their own stories and motivations to the competition. This episode in particular showcases the steampunk aesthetic and its potential for creative expression on the human canvas. With expert judges and dynamic challenges, the show continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of body art.