Best Ink Returns!!!

TATTOOS AND ART COLLIDE WHEN OXYGEN’S “BEST INK” RETURNS FOR SEASON TWO WITH NEW HOST PETE WENTZ ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, AT 10 PM ET/PT     Twelve of America’s Top Tattoo Artists Battle For $100,000 and Tattoo Magazine Cover Story   NEW YORK – February 19, 2013 – Taking tattoo competition to new heights, Oxygen Media returns its fan favorite reality series “Best Ink” for season two on Wednesday, April 3, at 10 PM ET/PT.

Fall Out Boy bassist, musician and tattoo enthusiast Pete Wentz will host the 10-episode series that lays bare the cutthroat and wildly unpredictable world of tattoo artistry. With nothing but their needles, ink, and passion, twelve of the best tattoo artists from around the country will compete for $100,000 and a cover story in Tattoo magazine.

World-renowned tattoo artist Joe Capobianco returns as the head judge and takes on the role of mentor, alongside international pinup model and tattoo removal shop owner Sabina Kelley and a new judge, distinguished pinup and portrait tattoo specialist Hannah Aitchison.

Throughout the season, an array of celebrities and artists will guest judge the competition, including singer and actor Ray J, Gym Class Heroes lead singer Travie McCoy, designers Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons , legendary urban artist Justin Bua , and tattoo artist Miya Bailey. For more information, visit www.oxygen.com and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OxygenPR.

"Best Ink" is raising the bar this season with big monetary prizes and various incentives for the winner of the “Flash Challenge,” including a highly coveted, game-changing advantage in the “Ink Challenge.” During the “Ink Challenge,” each artist will produce bona fide masterpieces on skin -- a permanence rarely seen in the reality competition world.

Challenges include a “Blood Puddin Challenge," in which the artists must design a darker style of tattoo that turns the classic pin-up on its head. The artists take on cutting edge tattooing styles including animated tattoos, and a “You Can’t See Me Challenge” that tasks the artists to design a tattoo in which portions of the piece cannot be seen with the naked eye. On the season two premiere, legendary urban artist Justin Bua judges the “Flash Challenge,” in which the artists are tasked with spray-painting an L.A. billboard--while hanging six stories in the air! Then one artist’s work could cost him or her everything during the “Ink Challenge” as the contestants create a "street"-style tattoo that tells the story of how their skins (clients) overcame some tough battles in life. MEET THE “BEST INK” SEASON TWO CAST: Pete Wentz HOST: Recording artist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian Pete Wentz guides 12 of the nation’s top tattoo artists through the cutthroat and wildly unpredictable world of tattooing as the season two host of Oxygen’s hit competition series “Best Ink.” Combining his raw musical talent, unique personal style, and love for tattoos, Wentz serves as a passionate and business-savvy role model to the eager and determined contestants. Wentz is best known as the bassist and lyricist of the Grammy-nominated band Fall Out Boy, which released two multiplatinum albums and spawned the chart-topping hits "Sugar, We're Going Down," "Dance, Dance," "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs," and "This Ain't a Scene, It's An Arms Race," among others. After riding to global fame over the past 10 years, Wentz needed to do something completely different, which led to the creation of his new project, Black Cards. Black Cards' music draws from Wentz’s experience on the DJ circuit over the past several years. An entrepreneur by nature, Wentz also founded the record label Decaydance and discovered and signed influential artists including Panic at the Disco, Gym Class Heroes, and Cobra Starship. Wentz is at the helm of his own one-man DJ company, an independent production company, and is co-owner of Angels & Kings, a brand of popular bar and nightlife destinations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, Spain. A Chicago native, Wentz currently resides in Los Angeles.

Joe Capobianco: HEAD JUDGE A highly respected tattoo artist with 20 years of experience in the industry, Joe Capobianco returns as Head Judge on season two of Oxygen’s hit competition reality series “Best Ink.” Capobianco is a “tell it like it is” guy who will not hesitate to cut down a design that doesn’t meet his expectations. Capobianco is also a global brand that reaches audiences beyond the tattoo industry, thanks to his signature "Blood Puddin" style. He has released a variety of products such as books, collectible toys, hair pomade, signature tattoo machines, and specialized inks. Capobianco teaches tattoo seminars around the world, and his work has been featured in countless tattoo publications; magazines such as Rue Morgue, Airbrush Action, and Bizarre; and many international art books.

Sabina Kelley: EXPERT JUDGE Sabina Kelley’s experience as an international pinup model with a deep involvement in the business side of tattooing led to her return as Expert Judge on season two of Oxygen's hit competition reality series “Best Ink.” During Kelley’s early modeling days, photographers warned her not to tattoo both of her arms. However she ignored their advice, and it ended up paying off! She has graced over a dozen magazine covers and is a respected host and judge at tattoo conventions worldwide. More than just a pretty face, Kelley has expanded her career beyond the lens. She is the owner of the tattoo removal shop Bombshell Tattoo Removal.

Hannah Aitchison: EXPERT JUDGE With nearly 16 years of tattooing experience, Hannah Aitchison is a world-renowned tattoo artist and educator who brings an academic voice to the judging panel as she joins the second season of Oxygen’s hit competition reality series “Best Ink.” The Chicago-based tattoo artist is well known for her pinup designs, portraits, and vibrant color work. Her tattoos are so sought-after that she has up to a two-year waiting list. Beyond her work as a tattooist, Aitchison is a classically trained singer and expert knitter. She is also the sister of renowned tattoo artist Guy Aitchison.

For More on the Release of the show, and info on this years artists, check out Best Ink, on Oxygen.com