Inked - Summer 2022

In this issue

Welcome to 2022’s Moto Issue! It doesn’t matter whether you ride a custom chopper, drive an ’81 Camaro or take the bus, this issue’s got something for everybody.

On our cover we have pop superstar Demi Lovato shot by renowned photographer Ellen von Unwerth. Drawing inspiration from classic pin-up models like Bettie Page, Lovato looks simply stunning throughout the shoot. Afterwards, they sat down with Julia Rubin to discuss tattoos, coming out as non-binary and what musical direction Lovato appears to be headed.

Suge Knight’s favorite rapper, YG, appears on our second cover. In a conversation with Christina Lee, YG spoke about his upcoming album, the importance of karma and the Ferrari he plans to buy as a treat for finishing “Pray For Me.”

After more than two decades as a band, Mastodon continues to innovate with each subsequent album. Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher spoke with us about the band’s eighth studio album, “Hushed and Grim,” and how it all came together during an intense emotional time.

Jenna Romaine spoke to rapper Vic Mensa about how he is a man of two very different worlds—Ghana and Chicago—and how that has made him into the person he is today. We had a conversation with Shina Novalinga, an Inuk woman who has brought indigenous culture to the masses via TikTok of all places. Renowned tattoo artist and avid sneakerhead BJ Betts plays the role of journalist for us by interviewing designer Frank Cooke, where the two talk about shoes, tattoos and life.

Our culture section was put together by stand-up comic and motorcycle enthusiast Natalie Cuomo. Cuomo focuses on the bikes she’s psyched to ride, the gear that helps her get from point A to point B and the tunes she’ll be blasting along the way.

This year's Moto Issue is one of the most exciting magazines you'll ever find, be sure to pick yours up today.

A Flower Growing In Concrete

Creating art has helped Jose López navigate through the darkest periods of his life

7 mins

JULY JONES

July Jones is on track to become Slovenia’s No. 1 popstar. Jones’ native country occupies a small corner of Eastern Europe; it’s best known for its dramatic scenery and for having some of the best ski resorts in Europe.

4 mins

SNITCHERY

When you see Eleanor Barnes—known online as Snitchery—in one of her stunning cosplays, one of the first things you’ll notice is her striking Japanese sleeve.

3 mins

JESSICA KENT

Jessica Kent’s life was on the brink of falling apart completely. The 23-year-old was sitting in a jail cell hundreds of miles from home, awaiting a two-year prison sentence on drug-and gun-related charges.

5 mins

MATT VANASSE DAN BRENNDORFER

INDESTRUCTIBLE MFG

3 mins

SUECO

Sueco’s breakout single, “fast,” introduced him as an artist who was on the precipice of making it big. He wasn’t quite balling yet, but once he got that first big check, he could finally splurge on a Crunchwrap Supreme AND a Baja Blast.

4 mins

A Phoenix Rising

Salice Rose turned to social media when she was at her lowest. In doing so, she found her true calling

7 mins

PRAY FOR YG

AFTER CRANKING OUT ALBUMS AT A PROLIFIC PACE FOR MOST OF HIS CAREER, YG HAS LEARNED TO CHILL OUT AND TAKE HIS TIME

9 mins

MASTODON

CREATED AS THE BAND WAS BOTH REELING FROM LOSING THEIR LONGTIME FRIEND AND MANAGER NICK JOHN AND COOPED UP DEALING WITH THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC, MASTODON'S “HUSHED AND GRIM” DEALS WITH THE GRIEF AND GUILT THAT COME IN THE WAKE OF DEATH.

10+ mins

Leaving Her Mark

Shina Novalinga discusses her entry into throat singing, going viral on TikTok and getting her face tattooed

6 mins

Living For the Morment

Mindful and focused on staying in the present, Demi Lovato is ready to rock once again

9 mins

REDEMPTION SONG

VIC MENSA DRAWS ON HIS UNIQUE ROOTS - ONE PART CHICAGO AND ONE PARI GHANA - AS HE CREATES MUSIC THAT RESONATES WITH HIS WORLDVIEW

10 mins

STORYTELLING IS EVERYTHING

Tattoo artist BJ Betts sits down with designer Frank Cooke to discuss the creative process, finding inspiration and the importance of storytelling

10+ mins

MAT RULE

Some artists specialize in doing cartoon tattoos. Others have made black-and-grey realism their forte. Mat Rule is the rare artist who has mastered both. After falling in love with traditional and black-and-grey tattooing, he decided to combine the opposing genres to create an exceptionally unique signature style. His work literally pops off the skin and reminds us of movies like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Cool World" which brought cartoons into the real world. We sat down with Rule to learn how he came up with such a show-stopping style, which characters he loves tattooing most and much more.

3 mins

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Inked Magazine Description:

Inked is the convergence of culture, style, and art. It’s the celebration of “rebellious lifestyle” and the voice of hip, edgy, and creative individualists. Packed with stunning photography, cutting-edge content, and the latest in fashion, music, art, and pop culture, Inked provides a unique platform for your brand to connect with this audience of innovators in an effective and unparalleled way.