‘Ink Master: Rivals’ exclusive: Robbie Ripoll on Jayvo, playing the game, and casting
Robbie Ripoll’s elimination from “Ink Master: Rivals” was a bit of a shock for us considering that Emily had been in the bottom two weeks in a row, but here we are… losing Robbie from the show.
We had a chance to chat with Robbie about his time on the show, how his relationship with his brother Jayvo has had it’s ups and downs since filming and how he ended up getting casted for “Ink Master”.
CarterMatt: We were sorry to see you go, it felt way too early: Were you surprised that you went home over Emily?
Robbie Ripoll: Emily has less experience than I do, but she knows how to play the game. The artists that stayed there longer were “playing the game”. I felt that being with my family and running my business was more important.
Had you watched “Ink Master” before being on this season, and what made you want to try out for the show?
I didn’t try out, my brother called me out at an audition saying I was his rival, which is stupid, because I see no reason for the conflict or needing to settle it on TV. Initially watching “Ink Master” was a good way for me to get mad at the TV. I’d also watch here and there to see my friends on it.
There were a lot of really cool challenges this season, which one stood out for you and why?
The match tape challenge was my favorite, because it reminded me that my brother and I can work together effectively when neither one of us is being a dick bag.
You and Angel reacted strongly to Emily coming back to the loft over Ryan: Was Emily making things that difficult for everyone?
I didn’t specifically have an issue with Emily still being there, I just didn’t want to see Ryan go home. He worked at my studio before we were picked to be on the show, so we had created a bond.
We saw you and Jayvo hug it out when he was eliminated from the competition, how has your relationship with him been since the show?
Since the show our relationship has been up and down. As of right now it’s up and as long as we can both stay on the same page it will continue in a positive direction.
There are a lot of great artists left in the competition, is there anyone that you hope will win it all?
At this time I am putting my money on Josh Hibbard.
If clients want to book you for a tattoo, what is the best way for them to get a hold of you?
They can send an email to [email protected] or call the shop at 321.210.9078 and speak to Vanessa or Erika, and they will get you all set up and taken care of!
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We’ve said this in our review of Robbie’s elimination episode, but we were honestly surprised and sad to see him go home. We may not see him again on TV, but we were glad to get this opportunity to get to know a bit about him on this season of “Ink Master”.