When Paramount announced the Ink Master season 12 cast, the "Battle of the Sexes" theme felt like a massive gamble. We’d seen rivals before, and we’d seen shops go head-to-head, but splitting the room down gender lines? That was a recipe for either brilliant TV or a total disaster. Honestly, looking back on it now, it was a bit of both.
Eighteen artists walked into that shop. Nine men. Nine women. Most of them didn't even know they'd be working in teams until Dave Navarro dropped the news. The tension was immediate.
The Heavy Hitters and the Dark Horses
Basically, the season 12 cast was a mix of seasoned veterans and total newcomers. You had guys like Big Jaz with 24 years of experience and then Dani Ryan, who had only been tattooing for two and a half years. People totally counted Dani out at first.
Big mistake.
While the men's team boasted some serious technical skill, the women's team—led by artists like Laura Marie and Holli Marie—showed a level of adaptability that kept the judges on their toes.
Laura Marie was the standout from day one. She didn't just tattoo; she illustrated. Her ability to blend colors and handle composition was miles ahead of most of the room. It wasn't just luck. She had this quiet, intense focus that made you realize she wasn't there for the drama—she was there to win the $100,000.
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Why the Ink Master Season 12 Cast Still Matters Today
A lot of fans still argue that this was the most "political" season. Some viewers on Reddit and tattoo forums felt like the wins were lopsided to favor the season's theme. But if you actually look at the skin, the results speak for themselves.
The cast wasn't just a bunch of reality TV characters. They were real professionals.
- Creepy Jason: Hailing from Maryland with 13 years under his belt, Jason became a fan favorite. His style was weird, illustrative, and technically sound. He stayed out of the petty bickering for the most part, which probably helped him make it all the way to the finale.
- Cam Pohl: Every season needs a villain, or at least someone who talks a big game. Cam filled that role. He was talented, sure, but his confidence rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Especially when he clashed with the female artists.
- Pon: Antonio "Pon" DeCaro was the guy everyone loved to watch. He wasn't the most technical, but his personality was huge. He eventually landed in 5th place, proving he had more than just a loud mouth.
The Coach Twist
One thing that really shook up the Ink Master season 12 cast was the arrival of the coaches. Every week, legends like Ryan Ashley, DJ Tambe, and Nikki Simpson showed up. This wasn't just a cameo. They were actually coaching the teams, which added a layer of mentorship (and ego) that we hadn't seen in that specific format before.
Nikki Simpson and Josh Payne returning was particularly chaotic. They didn't just give advice; they went to war for their teams. Seeing Nikki go after the men's team tattoos during critiques was peak reality TV. It wasn't just about the art anymore; it was about defending the "honor" of their respective genders.
The Finale: A Two-Woman Showdown
By the time the finale rolled around in Las Vegas, the "Battle of the Sexes" had narrowed down to three: Laura Marie, Dani Ryan, and Creepy Jason.
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It’s rare to see two finalists from the same team, but the women dominated the back half of the season. Jason put up a hell of a fight with a black and grey realism piece, but it was the two women who really stole the show.
Dani Ryan, the "rookie" with only 2.5 years of experience, turned in a biomechanical back piece that looked like it was done by someone with twenty years in the game. It was clean. It was bold. It was arguably one of the best "underdog" stories in the history of the show.
But Laura Marie was undeniable. Her traditional Japanese back piece—a 35-hour Master Canvas—was a masterclass in saturation and flow. When Oliver Peck (before his eventual departure from the show) said "bold will hold," he was looking at Laura’s work. She became the second female Ink Master, following Ryan Ashley’s footsteps.
Where are they now?
If you're wondering what happened to the Ink Master season 12 cast after the cameras stopped rolling, most of them are doing better than ever.
- Laura Marie: She’s still at Atomic Rock Tattoo in New York. She doesn't do much TV anymore, but her books are constantly full.
- Dani Ryan: She proved the doubters wrong and is currently one of the most sought-after artists in New England. She specializes in that same high-contrast style that got her to the finale.
- Pon: He actually started a show called Collector's Ink with some of his fellow alumni. He’s leaning into the media side of things while still tattooing in New York.
- Creepy Jason: He’s still doing his thing in Maryland, remains very active in the convention circuit, and still posts those bizarre, beautiful designs on social media.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to get tattooed by anyone from the season 12 cast, you need to be patient. Most of these artists have waitlists that are months—if not years—long.
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Don't just email and ask for "a tattoo." Most of these pros want to work on pieces that fit their specific style. If you want a portrait, go to someone like Fon. If you want something illustrative and weird, hit up Creepy Jason.
Follow them on Instagram for "cancelation" spots. That’s the secret way to get in early. Sometimes a client flakes, and they’ll post a last-minute opening. If you’re fast, you can skip the six-month wait.
Study the styles. Season 12 was a great education in the difference between "New School," "Japanese Traditional," and "Bio-Organic." Before you book a session with an Ink Master alum, make sure you actually like the style they specialize in. Don't ask a color specialist for a black and grey realism piece just because they were on TV.
The legacy of the season 12 cast isn't just about who won. It was about proving that the gap between male and female artists in the industry had finally closed. The "Battle of the Sexes" might have started as a gimmick, but it ended by showing the world that elite talent has nothing to do with gender.
If you're planning on booking an appointment, check the artist's current shop location first, as many have moved or opened their own private studios since 2019. Prepare a clear concept, be ready to pay a premium for their "TV fame" status, and most importantly, trust their artistic vision. That's how they became masters in the first place.