Ep 16 - Ryan Ashley: World's MOST FAMOUS Tattoo Artist

Ryan Ashley was the winner of Ink Master Season 7, hosted of Ink Master: Angels, and was an Ink Master judge on seasons 14 and 15. Ryan will ALSO be a judge on the upcoming season of Ink Master: OGs and Young Guns! She is a master of tattoo design and composition. While she's versatile in all styles, Ryan is best known for her detailed tattoo designs that combine fine line and realism elements in black and grey and color, often using jewelry as her subject matter to decorate the body. She is the co-owner of Elysium Studios in Grand Junction, CO with Arlo DiCristina. She works with incredibly talented tattoo artists such as Jacob Sheffield, Autumn Hudson, and Kristina Taylor, and has hosted some of finest artists in the world.
In this episode, we talked about how Ryan got into tattooing, the importance of sharing knowledge as a tattoo artist, the night she won Ink Master, being an Ink Master judge, new technology in the tattoo industry, and more.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: / eden.pod
STUDIO INSTAGRAM: / edenbodyartstudios
STUDIO TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com...
RYAN'S INSTAGRAM: / ryanashleymalarkey
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: www.edenbodyar...
TAKE A SEMINAR: www.edenbodyar...
3:11 How fashion and anatomy translates to tattooing
7:14 How to stencil tattoos and how to freehand
14:38 How tattoo apprenticeships work and how to become a tattoo artist
27:45 Opening a studio, building a portfolio and clientele
34:54 Positivity and collaboration
41:53 Ink Master season 15 and Bobby Johnson
52:08 Ink Master season 8 finale
1:20:20 Gian Karle and how Ink Master works
1:08:42 How to balance running a business, having a family, and tattooing
1:17:45 How to grow as a person and artist
1:26:38 AI and automated tattoo machines
1:33:55 Leaving a legacy
#edenbodyartstudios #tattoo #tattooprocess #tattooideas #podcast #tattoodesigns #tattooartist

[@edenbodyartstudios]

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/eden.pod/ instagram.com/deanna_art/ instagram.com/edenbodyartstudios/ RYAN'S INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ryanashleymalarkey/

[@kayla216kz]

I’m not a tattoo person, but I liked ink master for some reason lol I’ve been following Ryan since her season. She’s a beautiful person with good energy ✨💫

[@edenbodyartstudios]

She really is!!

[@theresekortte5450]

this podcast deserves more attention. im not even a tattooist but the conversation yall had was very important and touching

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Thank you so much! We're working on it!

[@yuth145]

should check out unemployable podcast aswell they are fun too

[@lyn5420]

I recently lost my dog to his quickly progressing diabetes all the while I was coming to terms with my bladder cancer diagnosis. Luckily, I was able to catch it on its early stages and while I was dealing with this my dogs health was deteriorating. On the day of my surgery for the biopsy and complete tumor removal, my dog was driven 2 hours to an emergency vet hospital that I could afford to pay treatment for him. He was put down the day after my tumor removal was considered successful. It felt like he gave his life for my betterment even though I was hoping we’d both be able to recover and continue seeing more of the world together. I love all of my dogs but this boy was my baby boy, he is so very special to my heart and I will truly never forget my Oso. Ryan’s story hits incredibly close to home and it makes me admire this woman more than I already had. She’s so well spoken and has so much wisdom and consideration for people it’s genuinely not something you see nowadays and it’s refreshing. Much love for y’all.

[@Briannadawn20]

I love how humble she is with her skill level and talents.

[@handle_as]

Deanna’s ability to fill up someone else’s cup, giving Ryan her flowers and assuring her she is worthy is beautiful. What a soul.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

She is truly the greatest!

[@inksbyjosh]

This was a great podcast. I recently lost both of my dogs at the same time due to a tragedy that I blame myself everyday. I totally lost it and balled when Ryan talked about her dog. I understand the feeling. I just started tattooing full time and yall are such an inspiration.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

So sorry to hear that :(((

[@DajiaMack_]

The beautiful thing about Eden pod is that you don't have to be a tattooer to connect with this podcast & I absolutely love that. Plus as someone who is a tattoo collector you learn more about the industry from past to present. I've always had respect for the tattoo industry & even more now.

[@jennifers2561]

Ryan you deserve all the success in the world. Not just because you’re incredibly talented. You’re genuinely a good person.

[@JesusBlones]

I'm impressed by how quickly Colton responded with that "The Office" quote 😂.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Listen. My brain has a VERY limited capacity. 90% of it is reserved for random Office quotes. -Colton

[@alora98]

Absolutely glued to my seat through this, I just started my apprenticeship one month ago and loved hearing all of the stories! The good, bad and ugly. Thank you for sharing, can't wait for more ❤‍🔥

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Yessss!! Good luck!!

[@shaythesensei]

Listening to these videos have been what I’ve been needing for years, being a female in the industry is nearly never talked about. And even if it is talked about, it’s brushed over and not seriously talked about. So empowering to finally hear these big artists share their stories, a day in their lives, and how they’re moving forward. I’ve never been so inspired to keep going like how these videos have made me feel. Thank you for creating these videos and shedding light on these vulnerable moments.

[@aubreytomboc6385]

Tattoo artists of their calibre are so humble. Very impressive and inspiring..

[@salemkittie]

SQUEAKING IN WITH THE FIRST COMMENT ✨ Gonna listen to this while I draw!! Also, Ryan is one of the prettiest people I've ever seen 😭💕

[@salemkittie]

I'm about halfway in and stunned at the absolutely *massive* emotional whiplash Ryan went through. Like, hard to fathom a higher high and a lower low happening at once. I can't even begin to imagine.

[@salemkittie]

Just finished, and wanted to say thanks to all of you for sharing these stories. I might not be in this industry yet, but every podcast makes me more excited, feel more assured this is where I belong, and welcomed. I love that my wishes for a compassionate industry are being vocalized by the biggest names in the game. I can't wait to be in remotely the same league as you guys. 🖤

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Thank you so much for listening!! We felt so lucky Ryan shared her story with us. Also yes she's so pretty she doesn't even look real.

[@cloudx8972]

she’s the coolest ever

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Truly!!!

[@sosoo000]

Like the others here, I really appreciate this conversation. I have been treated horribly at work in very similar ways to what was spoken about, mainly from other women. This has helped me feel less alone, thank you.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

You're not alone!! Thanks for listening

[@Briannadawn20]

A network of connections via friends and groups who can be walking advertisements of your work will promote you to the top. Right place right time. Love her attitude of positivity and being a successful female artist who is willing to share knowledge and skills is amazing. Working in a culture of women, it’s rare for women to build up other women. A terrific trait to have. Great story of humility

[@BossMovesOfficial]

Awesome interveiw. Thank you for sharing all of that with us 🙏

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Thanks for watching!!

[@j_me]

This was so freaking interesting to listen to, I have no idea how you guys still only have 800 subscribers

[@edenbodyartstudios]

We're just getting started, working on it though! Thanks so much!

[@chateaulobby]

i really like that ryan can make a black and grey tattoo pop and stand out plus her line work is very clean

[@chateaulobby]

did i have a crush on her when i watched ink master angels oh shucks we don't need to talk about that! lol

[@edenbodyartstudios]

She’s incredible!!

[@sushinktattoo1366]

Why does this not have more views and subscribers? Our skills get casted over by algorithm.

[@YaStarz]

She is a real one. Told some amazing stories. I wished someone loved me as much as she loves Bobby.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

She is!! And to be fair, have you met Bobby?? 😂😂 he’s easy to love a lot!

[@YaStarz]

@@edenbodyartstudios No, but he is a great artist for sure and seems like a really great guy as well!

[@basakunsal8733]

Wow, such a powerful conversation between talented artists 🌸 thank you guys

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Thanks for watching!!

[@daniellediaz003]

Loved listening and hearing more about your journey and when you won ink master makes me love you even more that you’re a family before anything♥️

[@edenbodyartstudios]

That story was insane!

[@AlyPanteraTattoos]

That was 10 for 10 exactly how my first apprenticeship went

[@CameronDC-Grimes]

I agree with Ryan Ashley, just because we went through long brutal apprenticeship doesn't justify incoming tattoo artists having to brave the same treatment. The apprenticeship pathway is not supposed to be a gateway into tattooing, there's many other paths. It's a way to get a mentor to learn and evolve your skills. What you push for is what you will get out of it. If you put in constant work and continue learning from skilled artists, you can join the ranks.

[@TheFforEffortCampaign]

I freaking love this so so hard!!! The positivity and good advice and warm energy throughout this whole discussion Actually brought me so much joy, hope, and clarity for humanity! I’m a mommy of 8 and a new baby tattoo artist facing complete rejection from family and loved ones, but I feel so moved to tattoo and help people in various ways have a positive beautiful experience. I was an at home illustrator and hobby musician (Diana Dai’lyn) for a long time and just always wanted to tattoo! Thank you so much all you inspiring artists for giving us little folks hope!🥹💖🙏🏻🫶🏻

[@sashaxandriasmith]

AAAAWWWEEE the dog story made me blubber 😭😭😭

[@edenbodyartstudios]

WE TRIED TO HARD TO KEEP IT TOGETHER

[@TaraPhillips-u3i]

Just finished listening to this and I had to come in and say a couple things (I never leave KZbin comments and have no idea if this is an appropriate comment). So many little tidbits that I'm spinning off on, but overall I am extremely drawn to the vision that you all have for the future of the industry. I'm an artist, Art Director and now leadership in the Video Game industry for nearly 15 years, and I can draw SO MANY COMPARISONS to what the game industry has gone through as what you all talk about in this episode and what I've seen in the tattoo industry. Gatekeeping issues, poor work environment issues.... to where it is today, the Game industry has come a long way (not perfect, but getting there). Thank you for being a champion for this continual growth and legitimacy in the tattoo industry - it's worth the effort! Finally, the point that really made me come to comment was an idea from Ryan about how cool it would be to have someone who could connect the right Clients to the right Tattooer. I work for a very large Video Game services company with over 70+ studios across the world who partner with Game Developers to get all the games made. 3 years or so ago, I pioneered a new role in my company which pulled me OUT of a specific studio in the group, to represent 26 studios that focus on Art and Game Development. My job is called "Solutions Architect", but I refer to myself with clients as a "Spirit Guide" for my company to help our partners navigate our studios and find the best possible team for them to work with using my deep knowledge of game development to understand what a client needs, and the goals, strengths, capabilities and culture of every one of our studios. I help take the guesswork out of "who should I be working with in your group" and provide them with an honest recommendation - because it's not about making a sale, it's about building longstanding partnerships that live beyond just the immediate need. This is how you create sustainable business with a longterm view rather than just focusing on the immediate sale. What I've seen become possible by providing this to our partners has been amazing, and has actually fuelled a lot more opportunity for collaboration across our teams. I'm SO encouraged to see that there are similar sentiments happening in the industry... I would love to discuss this further as an idea, Ryan...hit me up ;-)

[@edenbodyartstudios]

That's so neat! It's been cool to have so much feedback from so many different industries and the parallels between them in this episode specifically.

[@TaraPhillips-u3i]

@@edenbodyartstudios Totally - especially in creative, passion-driven spaces where it's so easy for people to take advantage of the desire to make and express things by reinforcing the misguided and frankly belittling mentality of "Well, you love what you do, that should be enough and you should just be happy you 'get' to do this as your career". This exists all over different industries. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for producing an awesome, uplifting podcast and I can't wait to see where you guys take it. Deanna is so inspiring in how she gives back to the industry, I hope it continues to grow and build and 'make ripples' that last.

[@mcbrizzle82]

I just lost my boxer a month ago. He was that one dog of a lifetime to me. That was the absolute worst day of my life. But I'm so happy that I got to have him in my life.

[@edenbodyartstudios]

So sorry to hear that. We completely understand how special dogs can be!

[@Salm-mb8sg]

Love this! Very underrated

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Thank you so much!

[@ambervaughn8332]

I love Ryan ❤️

[@1LeggedAdventures]

an idea for you in regards to 3D scanning from an amputee - go talk to a good prosthetist and talk to them about the software they use. then adapt that to your needs. their stuff is more advanced than the app Ryan is talking about.

[@ipaintu]

My mentor was BOOG back in 2000, when he managed Fine Line

[@HeyYoJoe]

Omg pick me for the colab piece! 🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@edenbodyartstudios]

They'll be booking for it soon!

[@sdferro926]

I’ll be your collab client 😂 great episode guys!

[@edenbodyartstudios]

Keep an eye out!!

[@iiles1]

Is there a reason why one who tattoo's isn't called a tattooist instead of tattooer ?

[@MimiDidi121]

Also, with politics not everyone’s wrong is the same thing. If you disagree with someone’s opinion it doesn’t make either one right or wrong. For example, my beliefs make homosexuality a sin, therefore I’m not a homosexual, but it’s not job to decide if it’s wrong for you! If you’re a true Christian, the Bible says that you will be judged with the same measuring cup. You judge others by. That is very heavily paraphrased lol but I can’t decide what’s right for another person. I can only decide what’s right for me!

[@MimiDidi121]

Bobby was worthy of the title, but my opinion, Freddie deserved it more. But opinions are not facts! It’s not a fact that Freddy deserved it more, it’s an opinion.

[@bobbywalker2980]

She endorsed magic ink . Can't trust her.

[@maxwelld23]

Just want to remind everyone Gian Karle was the rightful winner of ink master. Ryan only won because it was a publicity stunt for a girl to win it. That is all thank you.