‘Ink Master’ exclusive: Ryan Hadley talks elimination, St. Marq and who he thinks will win
Before “Ink Master” season 6 started this year, Ryan Hadley was one of our tops picks to sweep the competition. His portfolio is so solid and he has done some really incredible tattoos, so when he went home during the second week of the competition we were really shocked. We already miss his fire on the show and wish there was some sort of “redemption island” twist a la “Survivor” where artists could win a second chance to come back into the game, but unfortunately Ryan won’t be coming back this season.
Luckily we had a chance to talk with Ryan about his experience on “Ink Master” and we loved how candid he was with his responses including who he felt had the best chance at taking down his mentor St. Marq. Before we give everything away since we can’t contain our excitement much longer, we are going to dive right in and give you the goods straight from Ryan.
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CarterMatt.com: You tattooed a really amazing eagle last night, were you surprised that you went home over Kito or Earl?
Ryan Hadley: I wasn’t surprised that I was chosen to be eliminated over the two just for the fact of me being a smartass on the first tattoo I did.
You mentioned to the judges that St. Marq was making tattooing the eagle difficult for you – do you feel that he was trying to help or get you out of the game?
I had a feeling it was both, just for the fact that myself and Chris Blinston were the only ones that could beat him in a competition. I felt like Marq was trying to sabotage me by getting between me and the canvas, there were plenty of times I had to move my hands back because he was getting in between my canvas and me. Besides that, Marq was trying to have me add colors to my tattoo simply when I should’ve listened to myself and kept it black and gray.
If you had a chance to tattoo the skull and dagger over again, is there anything you would do differently and if so then what would that be?
The entire design. My reason for saying that is from me being a smart ass simply because of Oliver and Kruseman, but I’ve done my fair share of traditional in my career. With the style of work I do now, I have clients from everywhere coming to see me.
What made you want to go on Ink Master?
The 100,000 and a new experience in my life.
Is the environment as stressful as it looks?
For me it wasn’t, for others it was. I kept one foot planted in reality. You just have to remember who you are before you come to the show.
Who are you rooting for to win the competition now that you have been eliminated?
Chris and Tyler
If someone wants to book you for a tattoo, what’s the best way for them to go about doing that?
My website ryanhadley.com and Instagram @ryanhadleytattoo.
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We want to thank Ryan for chatting with us about his time on the show and sharing his experience with us. We were disappointed to see him go as early as he did (especially since he was one of our pre-season picks to make it to the finale). We also have to say that we love the fact that the two people he is rooting for to win this season are Master and Apprentice!
Were you surprised to see Ryan go home so early? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think.