That's right I said it. People keep asking what we think of the new show and I'd say that about sums it up. I only saw the first episode. We've been expecting the worst and it's the worst. Chris Torres is the only artist in fact from New York and he was cast as TLC's tattooed answer to Jersey Shore. Their space is reminiscent of the set of Friends. Ami's shop, or I should say TLC's new tattoo parlour on Wooster Street is the unrealistic equivalent of  Monica's huge apartment that only a character on TV could afford. All the "I hope I can pay the bills" is a joke. Real life tattoo shops do not have ads on the sides of buses. They're casting the same sorry customers. Dead babies, cancer, tragic endings are needed for inspirational subject matter. (nothing against memorial tattoos except TLC thinks that's the only compelling reason to get tattooed)

I'm surprised at how many people actually think there's any reality involved. The scenarios are scripted it's become an hour of bad acting and cheesy scripts. As interesting as a tattoo shop can be and as much fun as it is to get glimpses into our customers lives and their motivations for getting tattooed the reality is that these shows are orchesrated by people who have no actual interest in our industry. There is no understanding or appreciation for the truly fascinating stories and backgrounds of the people who come through our doors (not just the sob stories).  It's a caricature written by squares who think they know what a tattoo shop is about. It takes a lot of talent to really portray people's reality in a way that is respectful and truly compelling. I'm a huge fan of documentaries. I love learning about other people's realities. But it takes thought and vision to capture that spark that can be so interesting. Something that doesn't easily fit into the drive by format of a TV series I guess. It's too bad that there is no respect for our industry involved in the creation of these shows. Tattooing is such a rich subject matter it's dissapointing to see it dumbed down for the masses but I guess we shouldn't expect anything else.

By the way shame on TLC for knocking off our friend Mark Mahoney's shop name SHAMROCK SOCIAL CLUB.

Tattoo above is by our own Chuck D.

Comments (4)

Show/Hide comments

Joe Manutti said:

Hey Michelle -- BRILLIANTLY PUT!! Those shows paint our business in a very poor light. The "reality" is that its not about the drama, its about our clients. Making them happy, surpassing their expectations, and having a little fun while we do it. Working in the LES I've always said -- if you want a great reality show, put a camera in the shop and tape the outragious cast of characters that flaunt their eccentricities on a daily basis! Its killer material! As for Ami being the reason we have any business -- are you serious??!! I was on a 4 month long waiting list to Have Stephanie Tamez start my sleeve YEEEEEARS before Miami Ink was ever even pitched to producers! Treat your clientele with respect, give them high quality work at a fair price and you will do very well for yourself in this industry. The TV shows do bring a lot of attention to our industry, I'm just not sure its the right kind of attention.

January 24, 2012

dave said:

Lost in the above ramble is that ami and his miami ink show did more for tattoo artists in america than anything else in history Your beef is misplaced, the show at its heart is about 2 things,, Ami and Tattoos, so was Miami ink... you should all give him a couple bucks on every piece you do because he made all you guys allot of $

January 05, 2012

Michelle said:

Thanks Mark!

June 24, 2011

Mark said:

Well said. I Couldn't agree more.

June 23, 2011

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment