Miami Ink

Miami Ink: Updates on the Ink Masters Plus Spoilers for the Upcoming Episodes

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

We've seen how the men of Miami Ink have evolved through the seasons, and today, we're about to take a closer look into the lives of the ink men who have made our primetime viewing even more colorful. We've already seen Kat Von D's departure from the series, and how the guys dealt with it. A couple of months ago, there was a controversy linking Kat Von D to a photo with an obscene message which she allegedly wrote for Miami Ink artist, Ami James. In response, Ami wrote a long entry in his MySpace blog, giving thanks to those who continually supported Miami Ink, and retaliation on Kat Von D's claims that the signature and note on the photo were forged.

'Miami Ink' Owner in Anti-Semitic Controversy with 'LA Ink' Star

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Miami Ink's Ami James is currently at the center of a controversy that began several months ago, involving him and his former artist, Kat Von D. Kat, who now headlines the Miami Ink spin-off, LA Ink, allegedly sent her former boss a headshot with an anti-Semitic message written on it.

Not surprisingly, Ami and Kat have opposing claims regarding the controversial photograph. According to the Miami Ink star, a handwriting analysis has revealed a 99 percent probability that it is Kat's own handwriting. LA Ink's resident artist however, insists it is a forgery done by jealous people.

'Miami Ink' Star Says He's Broke

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Miami Ink is one of the highest-rated reality series on TLC, and has catapulted a small group of Miami-based tattoo artists into stardom. Surprisingly though, despite all the fame the show and its stars has earned, one of those tattoo artists claims he hasn't exactly been rolling in dough.

“I'm the most broke famous guy you've ever met,” tattooist Chris Nunez recently told George Stroumboulopoulos, host of the Canadian show The Hour. Nunez admitted, however, that having their tattoo shop featured on a hit reality series has been good for business.

'Miami Ink' Stars Opening New Shops

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:00:00 GMT

There's no doubt TLC's reality series, Miami Ink, helped to boost the popularity of Ami James and Chris Nunez's tattoo shop, Love/Hate Tattoo, and now, the boys are in the process of expanding their business, with Nunez announcing in his MySpace that they are opening shops in two new prime locations.

“We are proud to announce that we're in the process of working on two new Love/Hate Tattoo shops,” Nunez posted on his MySpace blog. “One located in Vegas and one in New York.”

Miami Ink: Ami James Appears in New PETA Ads

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

PETA, the world's biggest youth animal rights group, has recruited Miami Ink star Ami James to appear in its latest ads against the fur industry. In the ad, the 35-year-old tattoo artist can be seen showing off his amply inked body next to the clever tagline, “Ink, Not Mink.”

James unveiled the ad last Thursday at the Love Hate Lounge, a South Beach bar that he co-owns with Miami Ink costar and fellow tattoo artist Chris Nunez. To further show his support for Peta2's fight against fur, he has implemented a policy banning fur at the club, which he renamed “Love Animals, Hate Fur” for the night, and designed a special tattoo for the organization.

'Miami Ink' Changing Public Perception and Revolutionizing the Workplace

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:53:08 GMT

Nowadays, studies show that one in seven adults now sport one or more tattoos. Much can be credited to shows TLC's Miami Ink, its spin-off series LA Ink, and A&E's Inked as they have taken body art out of the realm of bikers, rock stars and rebellious teenagers.

Among the tattoo-themed programs, Miami Ink has originally established the art of tattoo as a mainstream form of self expression. The show features shop owner Ami James and Chris Nunez as they rise to the top of their field as professional tattoo artists, while they reach out to a number of customers, who also reveals their back stories and motivations for choosing their tattoos.

WWE Diva on Tonight's 'LA Ink,' Producer at Sundance for Film Debut

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:09:43 GMT

Tonight, one of World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) Divas will drop in to get her very first tattoo on TLC's LA Ink. Candice Michelle, currently sidelined by an injury, is getting inked ahead of her anticipated return to WWE some time next month.

In other news, the man behind both LA Ink and its predecessor, Miami Ink, will be among those attending the Sundance Film Festival for the world premiere of his latest film project.

'Miami Ink' Star Had to See a Shrink

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Viewers know Yoji Harada as the happy go lucky tattoo artist who catapulted to fame as Ami James' apprentice on TLC's reality series, Miami Ink. By now, this reality TV star is already used to the glitz and glamour of showbiz since he has been under the spotlight since the show premiered in 2005. On the other hand, coping up with fame hasn't always been easy for the Japanese native, who initially went to the United States as a tourist in 1995.

In an interview with Brightcove, Harada shares his previous fan encounters and what he did to be able to handle the pressures of being a celebrity.

Miami Ink: Recap of Episode 3.13 "Through Thick and Thin"

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Last week, TLC took viewers to the intriguing world of tattoo artistry in Miami Ink as the motley crew worked on a bunch of new clients, including several artists, a tourist, a musician and a basketball player, while tattoo shop co-owner Ami James stressed out on the business.

“Through Thick and Thin” opens with an attractive young lady who enters the tattoo shop to ask Chris Nunez and James if they can serve as judges for a bikini fashion show, and obviously, the boys agree to do it.

TLC Stages Battle of the Inks

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, December 18, tattoo enthusiasts can enjoy back-to-back-to-back episodes, along with the first-ever Battle of the Inks as TLC launches the “ultimate showdown” of Miami Ink, L.A. Ink and London Ink, three popular reality series that showcase the art of tattooing through tattoo shops run by some of the most respected artists in the world.

Though each of the three series have earned much acclaim and popularity, this face-off will determine if the original series, its spin-off or the new import will prevail and capture the crowd's attention the most. For one night only, viewers will be given the opportunity to support their favorite shop by casting their votes through TLC's official website, with the declaration of the winner announced the following day at 10am on Battle of the Ink's website.

'Miami Ink' Stars Face Cloudy Future

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Although Ami James and Chris Nuñez own the Florida tattoo shop featured on the TLC reality series, it doesn't mean that they hold the rights to the name Miami Ink. At present, the two co-owners are facing the future with much uncertainty, worried that their business will soon fade from the limelight once that series ends it run on cable TV.

For those who are not familiar, Miami Ink is a series that follows the events that take place at a tattoo store in Miami Beach. The shop, which shares the same name as the title of the show, has rapidly become a tourist spot and has generated much profit with the help of some notable guest celebrities plus a little drama from its resident tattoo artists, James, Nuñez, Chris Garver, Darren Brass, and Yoji Harada. Now, the show draws more than one million viewers a night with dozens of fans showing up daily for a glimpse of their idols.

'Miami Ink' Star Graces Fundraising Gala

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:00:00 GMT

This November, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) will finally open its doors after nearly seven years of building renovation and expansion to bring forth a fresh perspective of its world-class art collection. Many exciting events will be marking this long-anticipated celebration, including the Arts Alive! fundraising gala which includes Miami Ink's Chris Nuñez.

The fundraising event will commence this Saturday, November 10, prior to the grand opening of the DIA, which will officially launch on November 23. Those who will be attending the occasion will have the chance to preview the new DIA as they enjoy and experience art on many levels.

'Miami Ink' Stars Head to Brevard for Shuttle Launch

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Tattoo artist Ami James and the Miami Ink crew were at Brevard County, Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 23 and 24, to watch the Shuttle Discovery Launch at Cape Canaveral and to immerse themselves in the Space Coast culture, which includes shuttles, shooting ranges and airboat rides.

"I was surprised how cool it was to actually see [the shuttle]," James told Florida Today. "I don't think you can really grasp it until you see it. It's kind of like seeing an elephant for the first time. You can't believe how big it is."

Ami James is a "Very Private Person," Doesn't Flaunt What He's Got

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Ami James has become quite a television celebrity thanks to the TLC reality series, Miami Ink. However, the 35-year-old tattoo artist, who claims to be a “private person” has been wise enough not to let all the fame and glamour get to his head.

"I am a very private person and I do not have the tendency to kiss-and-tell about other people. I do not flaunt what I have but I am very content with my life," James told the New Straits Times. "Every day I wake up and think about another plan to be successful and to be more positive. I am fortunate enough to be able to use my success to do better things.”

Chris Nunez Graces SPI BikeFest

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Chris Nuñez, one of the tattoo artists featured in TLC's Miami Ink, graced the 14th annual South Padre Island BikeFest on Saturday, October 13. The event, which is the Island's largest motorcycle festival, kicked off last Thursday, October 11, at the SPI Convention Center and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

Nuñez's appearance at SPI BikeFest proved to be one of the event's highlights. SPI BikeFest coordinator Mark Lacy expected as much, as “these guys from the cable channels bring in a lot of fans.

'Miami Ink' Star Talks About Living with Diabetes

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:00:00 GMT

As a tattoo artist, Darren Brass is accustomed to handling needles. However, the Miami Ink star is also very familiar with needles of another variety, particularly the ones that have to do with diabetes.

Brass is a type 1 diabetic, and has been since he was only 18 months old. His diagnosis came as a shock because there was no history of the disease in his family whatsoever.

'Miami Ink' Star Reminisces About GI Joe Days

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Growing up in Tel Aviv, Israel, tattoo artist and Miami Ink star Ami James knew that he would someday serve in the Israeli Army, and naturally dreamed of becoming a soldier. He also developed an affinity for playing with action figures, particularly GI Joe, but such toys were not available in his homeland. He instead had to get his GI Joe figures and equipment from his grandparents who lived in the United States.

"In Israel, you usually just play with marbles, so for us to have GI Joes, it was pretty cool," James told Brian Truitt for USA Weekend. He also admitted to having blown up some of the figures with firecrackers. "I always used to do it to my friends' GI Joes. Definitely not mine."

'Miami Ink' Star Talks Client Comfort

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Undoubtedly, getting inked is a painful experience, which is why a lot of people shy away from the art. Tattoo artists, however, have ways of making their clients feel more comfortable as they are getting tattooed, and for Miami Ink star Chris Nunez, it's injecting some humor into the experience.

“Trying to make them laugh, trying to keep it lighthearted, and then painkillers… painkillers help,” Nunez told davesdetours.com when asked how he makes his customers feel more at ease. “I try to take their mind off it by chit-chatting with them once I get through the beginning… once we get to the color we just try to have fun and kick it.”

Miami Ink: Chris Nunez Talks About Love Hate Lounge

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT

The Love Hate Lounge, the latest venture from the boys of Miami Ink, has become a social pad where fans can hang out and most likely catch their favorite tattoo artists. Chris Nunez, one of the owners of the nightclub, talks about the inspiration behind the bar and reveals just what sets his new bar apart from the rest of Miami's club scene.

Located in South Beach, Miami Florida, Love Hate Lounge features tattoo designs inspired by Miami Ink artists, Ami James and Chris Nunez. It is described as a relaxed bar with a variety of drinks that conveys a fun atmosphere where people can enjoy hits from the 90's, hip hop, rock and a mix of top 40.

'Miami Ink' Star Talks About His Love for Music and Tattoos

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:40:00 GMT

Yojiro Harada, popularly known as the humble apprentice on TLC’s Miami Ink, is trying to make a name in both the music circuit and the tattoo industry. But while these goals often compete and clash with each other, the Japanese native still continues to pursue both passions.

“When people ask me what I love more, tattooing or music, it’s a very difficult question for me. I love music. I love tattooing. Music was my first passion, but I love all art too. I don't know,” he

Though Harada’s eagerness to become a full-time tattoo artist is often featured on Miami Ink, his first love, which is punk rock music, is what he wants everyone to know about. said.

LA Ink: Is Kat Von D's Success Getting Under Ami James' Skin?

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:52:04 GMT

It's certainly no secret that there aren't a lot of warm feelings between Kat Von D and Ami James. In fact, the difficulties between the two, which culminated in Kat leaving the show Miami Ink and its eponymous shop, were a central plot point of the final episodes of the second season of Miami Ink.

Kat has since moved on to open her own shop and start her own show, LA Ink. Since Kat's presence in his shop appeared to be a discordant element for Ami, it would seem that her absence would be nothing but good news. But, some sources close to the show say, he's apparently just as bothered by her current success as he was by her time in his own shop.

'Miami Ink' Star Not Blinded by Fame

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

For many, becoming a celebrity means living a more fast-paced and eventful life, but the same cannot be said for Yojiro “Yoji” Harada, a featured tattoo artist on TLC's Miami Ink. Being stopped in the streets by fans desperate for an autograph has not made Harada more desirous of fame. In fact, he often shies away from the attention.

“Before he met me, he partied every night,” Bridget, Harada's wife, told AAJA Voices. “Now, he would prefer to stay home. A typical family night is going to get sushi, renting a Blockbuster movie, or going to the beach with [our daughter] Sidney. He likes to keep it simple.”

Removable Ink Not Allowed in 'Miami Ink' Tattoo Shop

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:00:00 GMT

A company in New York, Freedom-2 Inc., has come up with a new technology that makes the removal of tattoos much easier. Although this may be perceived as good news by people who regret having their bodies inked, those who value the permanent nature of tattoos see the innovation as an insult. One of them is Ana Gonzales, an employee at the featured tattoo shop in TLC's reality series, Miami Ink.

"If you hate your tattoo cover it up but at least you've given the artist the benefit of the doubt," Gonzales, a secretary and personal assistant to the tattoo artists who regularly appear on Miami Ink, told CTV.ca in a telephone interview from Miami, Florida.

Kat Von D Talks About Being in the Limelight and 'LA Ink'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Starring in the TLC reality series, Miami Ink, has made Kat Von D a prominent television figure in America, but not everything associated with her success has been good.

"I feel like I have a lot more responsibility as far as showing tattooing in a good light," Von D told the New York Daily News. "The tattooing industry, they love me or hate me. It's different when you're on TV, everything you're doing is overanalyzed by your peers."

Kat Von D Inked by Tom Green

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Kat Von D recently appeared as a guest on Tom Green's online talk show, The Channel, in order to promote her new reality series, LA INK. The 25-year-old tattoo artist also discussed her non-firing from Miami Ink, shared some stories about her tattoos and got herself inked by the Canadian comedian.

Von D's departure from Miami Ink was a result of her constant clashing with shop owner, Ami James. She happily moved back to Los Angeles and recently opened her own tattoo shop, which will be the center of LA INK.

Yoji Harada Did Not Dream of Becoming a Tattoo Artist

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Thanks to TLC's reality series, Miami Ink, Yoji Harada is presently one of the most well-known tattoo artists. However, it may surprise many to know that when Harada was growing up, he never dreamed of becoming a high-profile tattoo artist. Rather, he wanted to make it big as a musician in the United States.

“When the radio started playing The Clash, I was just in complete and total shock. I really liked it and I thought, ‘This is something I can do,'” Harada said in an article he wrote for Orato, an online magazine. “I was in a band in Japan, but I really wanted to make music in the United States. That was my dream.”