Gian Karle Cruz Final ‘Ink Master’ Tattoo Is Absent From His Instagram Page

“Ink Master” contestant Gian Karle Cruz made it to the finale, which meant he got to tattoo a 24-hour design on his canvas. Even though his art was broadcast during the live show Tuesday in New York City, Cruz did not post it on his social media pages. Instead, the Season 8 contestant posted a picture with competitors Kelly Doty and Ryan Ashley Malarkey, who ultimately became the first woman to win “Ink Master.”

“Hey, guys. Thanks for all the support and love you all have given me. ‘Ink Master’ was a great experience and I am very happy to have made it all the way to the finale with @ryanashleymalarkey and@kellydotylovessoup,” he wrote Thursday. “They are amazing artists and I’m honored to have them as friends! Thanks again guys love ya!!!!!”

For his final tattoo, Cruz was assigned to do a watercolor piece. Even though he didn’t share a picture of his final work on social media, Spike’s “Ink Master” Twitter page posted it after the finale Wednesday.

He tattooed an underwater scene with a skull at the center. “Congratulations to runner-up @giankarle, who showed consistency and versatility all season long. #InkMaster,” Spike’s reality show tweeted Thursday. A photo of the tattoo from Tuesday’s finale garnered more than 2,800 likes from “Ink Master’s” 267,000 followers.

For his 7-hour flash tattoo during the live finale, Cruz tattooed a Japanese-style dragon. While the fans voted Malarkey into the finale, judges Oliver Peck, Chris Nunez and Dave Navarro chose Cruz.

Before the finale aired, Cruz told “Ink Master” why he deserved to win. “I can do a little bit of everything,” Cruz said. “I haven’t been to the bottom. I got what it takes to be ‘Ink Master.’”

By Friday, an airdate for “Ink Master” Season 9 was not revealed.

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