The First Lady

Ink Master finally crowned its first female, the well-deserved Ryan Ashley Malarkey.

- Devon Preston

Bow in the presence of greatness. Ryan Ashley Malarkey became the first female winner of Spike’s Ink Master after eight seasons and succeeded at what dozens in her position had hoped to attain on the preeminent tattoo competition show. Before she won over America and legendary tattoo artist, Oliver Peck, Malarkey was a fashion designer and the owner of the Strange and Unusual Oddities shop with a mere five years of tattooing under her belt. However, despite the odds posed against her, Malarkey used raw talent, fearless ambition and what proved to be the unstoppable power of an all-female alliance to prove to the judges, as well as the nation, that she was the top tattooer of Season Eight. Malarkey is an artist who has shown that she can adapt in any situation, which is why the tattoo industry and fans alike should stay tuned to her next tattoos and moves.

How does it feel to be Ink Master?

Of all the words, I could use to describe this feeling, I would have to say “honored” would be the most accurate. It’s crazy to believe I ended up winning this game, considering how many insanely talented and diverse artists competed this season. Ink Master is an insane, multifaceted, triathlon obstacle course of tattooing—but in the end, it is ART. Art is so personal and so subjective, and in this instance used in a competition game, where one artist fights their way to victory. And though I ended up victorious, I’ve got to recognize the skill level of so many of my competitors and acknowledge that the game could have gone so many other ways—and many other “winners” would have been equally as deserving.

How was your experience on the show?