This is something that has bothered me all along and after seeing previews for next weeks show I had to say it...

Yoji is NOT an artist!

He may be a nice guy and a good musician but he is no artist. That he is even in a position where they are letting him pick up a tattoo machine and touch a living, breathing human with it makes me want to scream. He has no artistic talent to even just sit down and draw and here he has been given an opportunity that many talented artist would love to have. Even worse is that it is obvious that he has no true desire to be doing tattoos. His passion is music and he would rather be playing his guitar. And IMO that is what he should be doing.

I apologize if this is something that has been discussed before but I have a feeling it is going to be a hot topic after next weeks show.

OK, I am definitely NOT an Artist so I will not comment specifically on Yoji's skill. I will say that after 4 seasons as an apprentice he should be showing some growth as an artist and it seems he is still right where he started.

IMO he(yoji) does not have the ability or the true desire to be a great artist when it comes to drawing/tattooing. I just feel that this opportunity is wasted on him. And you are right ratdog, after four years he should be doing some pretty decent work but he is still in the remedial stages of tattooing. It isn't his passion and it shows. I would much rather see someone in the shop that is passionate about learning the trade. The whole Yoji/musician thing is old and they need to move on.

Should I clarify that I am an artisit? It was something I was born being able to do. My medium happens to be paint, not tattoos. I am not saying people can't develop talent but it is much easier for someone that has a natural ability. I just get irritated that they make it seem like anyone that wants to learn to tattoo can walk into a shop and get an apprenticeship. Tattooing is not something just anyone should be doing.

I am glad you posted this i've been a fan of tattooing for a long time way before the thought of even having a tattoo reality show even existed, before it was mainstream.The thing that ultimately counts is the art i've been an artist my entire life. I can appreciate good tattooing, I know my stuff,the artists, the history etc. it seems since the start of these reality shows everyone wants to be a tattoo artist with or without the ability.Very few of them have a understanding or respect for the industry. tattoodduchess thank you for this post.By the way anyone who reads this comment who automatically calls Miami Ink the best check out the links below(keep in mind i'm NOT saying they aren't art is opinion).

http://www.mdtattoos.com/
http://www.rhernandeztattoos.com/
http://www.tomrenshaw.com/
http://www.tattoomonster.com/New%20Site/Tattoo%20Gallery%20Entry.html
http://slavetotheneedle.com/tattoos/aaron.asp
http://www.psychotats.com/images/cook/cook_frames.html
http://www.plurabella.com/
http://images.hyperspacestudios.com/guy_gallery_index.html
http://www.allornothingtattoo.com/gallery/index.php?cat=2
http://www.bobtyrrell.com/
http://www.meganhoogland.com/
http://gallery.graphicaderme.com/
http://fixedarmy.com/artists.php
http://www.nickbaxter.com/tattoos/

agree: and the scary part is someone let him do it! this is on your body not a piece of paper.no erasing here....