Ink Master season 10 interview: Anthony Michaels sets up ‘Return of the Masters’ twist
Anthony Michaels is returning this year after being one of the most likable winners in recent memory. Despite having less experience than many of the artists on season 7, including returning show veterans, he managed to still take home the title and keep a level head throughout. He brings a lot to the show as a coach — experience, a thoughtful demeanor, and an understanding of how to make this industry work for an artist after the show is over. We were excited to talk about a number of different topics with Anthony in a new preseason exclusive interview.
CarterMatt – What made you want to be a part of the show this season?
Anthony Michaels – I am on this sort of crazy journey of trying to figure out who the hell I am, not just in the present, but in the past. I’m trying to figure out how I can be a better artist for my clients, so I can be a better father to my children, and be a better husband for my wife. Just be a better person all around.
What I endured and battled on season 7, I wanted to know more about that. I’ve aspired to be a leader of some sort, and to inspire people and help people. What better platform, especially with the layout of season 10, to do that. As reluctant as I was, I went forward with it and was very glad I did.
So what was your approach to being a coach?
At first, I didn’t really have a plan, honestly. I went in with the intention to help whoever needed help around me, but at the same time take from them what I could. One thing I did have above everyone else is that I went through the competition already. Integrity and composure, to me, is huge. I believe that it’s the majority of what’s going to carry you through to the end. That’s one of the things that I really wanted to push forward with my team.
What did you find to be the biggest struggle of being a coach?
All eyes on you, you know what I mean? You’re sitting here, guiding perfect strangers — and some of whom you may have looked up to previously and still do. To sit there and say ‘hey, do this’ or ‘don’t do that,’ and if it doesn’t work out it’s kind of on you. That’s how I took it. At the same time, if it did work out, I was not one to be like ‘hey, I told you so.’ I never expected anything in return. I just really wanted everybody to benefit and succeed.
How receptive then were the artists to your advice?
(Laughs.) At first, there were a huge divide. There were some artists who just weren’t having it. They were very used to home, where they are the man or woman and they call the shots. Nobody’s really telling them anything about what they’re doing. Then, there were people who were in my position on season 7, who were hungry, eager to learn, and wanted to get better. For that, this is the best situation to be in — to be guided by someone who has been through this season already and can help you achieve the goals that you’re wanting.
At first, it was impossible. It was one of those things where I was like ‘I don’t want to do this, but here’s some tough love. If you don’t want to listen, figure it out for yourself. I’ll be here if you need me.’ Eventually, they came around.
You weren’t the most experienced person on your season, but you were still able to win the title. Were you able to use that as a selling point to some of the less-experienced artists this season to get them on your team?
I can’t say if I actually used that as a selling point. I didn’t want to be a salesman. I wanted my artists to be on my team partially because it was their choice, and also because I connected with them or I saw something within them that I could benefit from, as well.
So you were mostly looking for artists who you connected with?
That was first and foremost. I didn’t want to spend most of my time connecting to someone forcefully. I’m big on energy, I’ve always had a certain knack when it comes to that. I was very particular and I’m an empath, so I feel a lot from people. In that situation at first it was tough. Once I got to hear a little bit of their background and their story, that’s where you start to connect the dots and that’s where you see who will benefit your team the best. You’re there to help somebody, but who is also going to help you?
How much competition should we expect to see between you and the coaches?
Whatever the scale is, we smash that scale. It’s off the charts. There’s competition about everything from the shoes that we’re wearing, the artistry, how we’re coaching, how we’re feeling that day and who we are going to impact the most. It’s crazy, the levels of emotions. It’s a rollercoaster ride like you’ve never seen before.
What did you learn about yourself as a coach that you didn’t learn as a contestant?
What I learned the most is that this path that I sought out — I wanted to be a leader — I was unaware of how uneven the path was to achieving that goal. It was difficult. I was thrown into the fire and I was facing personal battles that I wasn’t ready to face, but I had no choice but to deal with it and use that to help my team. The thing I learned is the power in vulnerability and not knowing everything. A lot of people overlook that — I was afraid to accept that I didn’t know everything, especially on this platform. You are there as a leader and a role model, so to sit there and tell your team ‘I don’t know everything,’ that’s a big risk. I know if a coach said that to me I’d be like ‘well coach, how are we going to win this game’? (Laughs.) There is a risk with that, but as much as they’re fighting for something I’m fighting for it even more. I’m the head of this beast, and you’re not cutting my head off. We’re going to figure this out as we go.
I think that’s what I learned — it’s okay to not know everything, because that gives you so much more room to figure things out. It makes you stronger.
Did being a coach change the dynamics between you and the judges?
I think it did. I feel like they can only ask the artists so much, because they can now be like ‘well s–t coach, you let them do this? What happened?’. I take being a Master very seriously. If they mess up, I mess up.
At the same time, the judges are also like ‘the coaches can only do so much. You should know better.’ They gave you this, they told you what to do, and this is the choice you made? Shame on you. It was a double-edged sword.
Related – Check out our interview with DJ Tambe about season 10
Finally, would you ever come back to do an all-winners or an All-Star season?
Halfway through this — I wouldn’t even say halfway — I was just like ‘there’s no f—ing way I’m coming back.’ I knew better, but going in there was a part of me that was like ‘I’ve been through this before. It’s not going to be too bad.’ It was difficult. It was much more difficult than it was the first time around.
Things would have to be very different and I’d have to consider the format. Finances are also a big thing now — I have five kids and a wife and I have goals I’m trying to accomplish for my family. I’d have to see how thick my skin is at that point (laughs).
Now to come back and be a judge? I wouldn’t even hesitate.
I was just talking about that idea with Steve earlier, the idea of winners coming back to be a judge. Would you do that?
I’d go right now. I’d just go in and out. ‘Hey guys, you did this right, you did this wrong. I’m out.’ If I got to be on the panel with those guys all season, I’d do that too. It’s a different perspective. Artists are much more inclined to pay attention to a coach. Viewers are going to see a lot of different dynamics with the coaches. It’s a wild ride.
Related – Check out our interview with Steve Tefft
What do you want to see from Anthony on Ink Master season 10?
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