‘Ink Master: Rivals’ exclusive: Ty’Esha Reels on LT, elimination and challenges

Ty’Esha Reels may have lost her rival, LT, early on in the “Ink Master” competition this season, but it didn’t stop her from pushing forward and taking out many of her competitors.

Losing Ty’Esha during the American Traditional challenge was tough, because no one really did a bad tattoo n(and her line work was easily the best). At the same time though it’s got to be a good feeling to go out on a good tattoo rather then a bad one. We had an opportunity to talk with Ty’Esha about her time on the show, where her rivalry with LT stands now and what made her want to try out for “Ink Master.

CarterMatt: Going head to head is always stressful, but did you feel you had a good chance of beating Don and Julia?

Ty’Esha Reels: Actually yes, I had the best line work, and way better color then Don, even the judges agreed. The only reason I went home was because it was “backwards”. As I explained on the show, my canvas did NOT want the skull facing her lady stuff, I tried to talk her into a different spot, but no luck. Me as a woman, I can understand why she did not want the skull facing that direction and as an artist, had to respect her decision. Even though I knew it was going [to send me] home, at least I was doing a great tattoo.

Had you watched “Ink Master” before being on this season, and what made you want to try out for the show?

I was actually a big fan of “Ink Master”, and never really thought about competing until meeting a past contestant/winner of Ink Master at a local convention that I was also tattooing at and that person loved my work and told me I should really apply. So I put my big girl pants on and did the NY open call, and to my surprise was chosen.

There were a lot of really cool challenges this season, which one stood out for you and why?

The dimension challenge was my favorite! I am in love with realism and I was able to show my ability that day, by not only beating Emily, but having one of the best tattoos. Thriving in that challenge earned me a lot of respect, which is what I wanted to do.

Since being on the show, how is your rivalry with LT?

He’s still a little punk kid that has a lot to learn, but now acknowledges that I am a better artist, and actually wants to learn from me.

There are a lot of great artists left in the competition, is there anyone that you hope will win it all?

There are so many artists to choose from, but if I had to choose one it will be Cleen Rock One. He has not been on the bottom yet. Excited to see who wins it all.

If clients want to book you for a tattoo what is the best way for them to get a hold of you?

There are many ways to get a hold of me: You can text me at 401.559.4974, you can email me at [email protected], direct message me on social media, which my Twitter and IG is ty_tattoos and you can  look me up on Facebook using my first and last name Ty’Esha Reels.

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We want to thank Ty’Esha for taking the time to chat with us about her time on the show since she will be someone that we will miss watching every week. Ty’Esha had a good perspective about the competition, which isn’t something we always get to see on reality TV.