You remember the hair. You remember the anxiety. And if you’re a fan of reality TV drama, you definitely remember the absolute chaos that was the live finale of Ink Master Season 5.
When the confetti fell, the winner Ink Master season 5 was officially crowned: Jason Clay Dunn.
But let’s be real for a second. If you head over to any tattoo forum or Reddit thread today, people are still arguing about whether he actually deserved that $100,000 check. Why? Because standing right next to him was James "Cleen Rock One" Steinke, a man many considered an unstoppable machine throughout the entire competition.
The Underdog or the Undeserved?
Jason Clay Dunn didn’t have an easy path. Honestly, his "report card" during the season was kinda messy. He was in the bottom four times. He struggled with a panic disorder that the show—in typical 2014 reality TV fashion—milked for every ounce of drama.
Then there was the "Rivals" theme. Jason was brought back to settle a score with Joshua Hibbard from Season 3. But things took a sharp left turn when Josh, who was arguably one of the strongest contenders, got disqualified for smoking weed.
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Suddenly, the path to the finale was wide open.
Why the Winner Ink Master Season 5 Took the Crown
It all came down to the Master Canvas. This is where the "Super Bowl" analogy that Dave Navarro loves to use actually makes sense. It doesn't matter if you went undefeated all season; if you fumble in the final game, you lose.
The finalists—Jason, Cleen Rock One, and Erik Siuda—were tasked with a 35-hour back piece. In a classic "gotcha" moment, the rivals got to pick each other’s styles. Cleen and Erik tried to bury Jason by giving him New School.
The irony? Jason actually liked New School. He just told them he hated it as a tactical move. Talk about playing the game.
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His final piece was a vibrant, massive scene featuring a girl, a tiger, and a caterpillar. It was feminine, technical, and—most importantly—it hit every single requirement of the challenge.
Cleen Rock One, on the other hand, turned in a Neo-Traditional lady-head with a skull. It was flawless. It was "bulletproof," as the judges often say. But the judges, including Oliver Peck and Chris Nuñez, felt Cleen didn't push the boundaries of the specific "color realism" challenge he was assigned quite as hard as Jason did with his New School piece.
The Canvas That Walked Out
One detail people often forget when talking about the winner Ink Master season 5 is the sheer bad luck Jason had. During the lead-up to the finale, his original human canvas actually walked out on him. Imagine being that close to the finish line and having your "living art" just leave the building.
He had to start over from scratch with a new canvas. That kind of pressure would break most people, especially someone already dealing with severe anxiety. But he pulled it off.
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Life After the Win
So, where is Jason Clay Dunn now? Unlike some winners who stay in the spotlight, Jason has taken a slightly more low-key route. For a long time, he was the face of Tattoo Alchemy in Montclair, California.
Nowadays, he’s shifted away from the standard shop grind. He mostly does personal commission pieces and custom work via his website. He still charges around $150 an hour—which, for an Ink Master winner, is actually a pretty solid deal for fans looking to get work from a TV legend.
Actionable Insights for Tattoo Fans
If you're looking to get tattooed by a former winner or just want to learn from the Season 5 drama, here's the takeaway:
- Check the Artist’s Versatility: Jason won because he could handle a style he didn't "specialize" in. When picking an artist, look at their "off-style" work to see their true technical skill.
- The "Ink Master" Premium: Expect to pay at least $150–$250 per hour for any artist featured on the show. Winners often have waitlists stretching months or even years.
- Portfolio over TV Titles: While Jason is the winner Ink Master season 5, Cleen Rock One went on to become one of the most successful and recurring artists in the franchise's history. Always look at the long-term body of work, not just a trophy.
If you’re planning a large-scale piece like a back tattoo, remember Jason’s advice: healing time is everything. Rushing a 35-hour piece into two-week intervals is brutal on the skin. If you want it to look good for decades, give your body time to breathe.