James Tex, a seasoned tattoo artist from Calgary, has claimed the top spot in the latest season of Ink Master, a high-stakes American reality competition series. The 50-year-old artist, who owns Deadly Tattoos in southwest Calgary, won the prestigious title during Season 16 of the show, which aired on Paramount+. As the winner, Tex took home a grand prize of US$250,000.
Tex’s career spans more than 26 years, beginning in Victoria, B.C., where he first honed his craft. His victory on Ink Master follows years of dedication and skill-building in the tattoo industry. Notably, Tex wasn’t alone in the competition—his son also participated in the season, making it a family affair. Season 16 divided the artists into two teams: The OGs, featuring veterans with over a decade of experience, and the Young Guns, comprised of those with less than 10 years in the industry.
Throughout the season, contestants were challenged with a variety of tattooing techniques designed to test their versatility, creativity, and precision. Tasks included intricate designs such as metallic tattoos, face tattoos, and creating a full back piece within a demanding 24-hour deadline. The competition pushed the limits of each artist’s ability to adapt and showcase their artistry under pressure.
In an interview with CTV News last month, Tex spoke about the unique experience of competing on Ink Master, emphasizing the support he received from his son during the competition. “He provided a little bit of a support system,” Tex shared. Despite being the oldest contestant on the show, Tex found the other artists to be “super nice,” which helped ease the intense pressure of the competition.
Tex’s victory in Ink Master is a significant milestone in his career and further establishes him as a leading tattoo artist in Calgary and beyond. The win has also garnered attention for his local tattoo studio, Deadly Tattoos, which has built a reputation for its skilled artistry and distinctive style. Tex’s triumph on the show serves as a testament to his decades of dedication to his craft, as well as his ability to rise to the top in a highly competitive environment.
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