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Tattoo artist Ryan Ashley Malarkey is the first woman to claim Ink Master title

[Photo by Jeremy Saffer]

Scene-loved tattoo artist Ryan Ashley Malarkey is the first woman to take home the Ink Master crown.

Known for her intricate black-and-gray style, Malarkey’s new school tattoo was vibrant with heavy lines, proving that she could successfully create work outside of her comfort zone.

Read more: 14 amazing tattoos inspired by lyrics

Of course, her win is not only a feat for her as an artist, but to all hardworking female tattoo artists.

“It’s time that a strong, dedicated woman isn’t afraid to be herself and work hard for this title,” Malarkey told Spike.

Pennsylvania-based Malarkey co-owns and operates oddities parlor The Strange and Unusual, with her fiancé, Motionless In White keyboardist Josh Balz.

Plus, the artist is no stranger to the musicians in our scene. Her work can be seen on New Years Day’s Ash Costello and In This Moment’s Maria Brink, and members of Pierce The Veil and Asking Alexandria are among the many hoping to have her artwork inked on their skin. 

As winner, the talented artist took home the $100,000 prize, a residency in coach Oliver Peck’s studio in Dallas, a Dodge Charger and a feature in Inked magazine. Check out her winning chest piece below:

Check out more of her rad work here.