(Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio)
SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A local tattoo artist is a featured contestant on the upcoming season of "Ink Master," a reality show on Paramount Network.
K Lenore Siner works at Witch City Ink in Salem. She said she was surprised when the show reached out to her via her Instagram last summer, and told WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens what it felt like when she got the call they'd chosen her.
"When I actually found out that I was going to be on the show, my mind was blown," she said. "I couldn't believe that I was gonna be part of that really small group of artists that get to do something like that."
She finished taping, and is under contract not to say anything about how it went. She said being on the show wasn't easy, but she's glad to have learned from the process.
"I learned about how to perform under stress," she said. "I also learned a lot about tattooing. I got to be around the judges, who, they critique you, and it's hard, but you're also learning in that process."
On the show's new season, contestants from the East, West, South, and Midwest of the United States will represent their "turf."
"The show has a very good reputation for being an amazing showcase of both tattoos and the art that goes behind it—and what it is to make a tattoo, and a good one," she said.
So what makes a good tattoo artist, in Siner's opinion?
"I think one of the things that makes a good tattoo artist is someone who is willing to be really present with their clients, to listen to them, and to make something that they want that is also going to stand the test of time, be something that serves them in the long run—because it's something you have to wear for the rest of your life, right?" she said.
Hear the full interview with Siner below, and check out some of her work on her Instagram. You can see Siner compete when "Ink Master: Turf War" premieres on Paramount Network at 10 p.m. on January 7.
WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) reports
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