This week, TLC aired the season finale of L.A. Ink, Kat Von D’s spin-off of the wildly popular Miami Ink. Just like it had all season, it was full of tons of talent, a little bit of drama, and some really, really amazing tattoos.

Ever since she hit our screens in Miami Ink, Kat’s been wowing us with her portrait work, and now that she’s enlisted her incredibly gifted friends to help her in her own shop, we’ve been treated to some of the best ink there is to offer.

First, Kat reunites with her friend Pixie (love her!) and lets her in on her plans to open her own shop. Then she meets up with Corey Miller who is one of her inspirations:

Then, she tattooed actor Eric Balfour:

Something really endearing about L.A. Ink (and TLC in general) is it’s ability to show what seems like cheesy moments and morph them into something heart-wearming but not cringe-worthy. In this clip, a grandfather is memorialized and the family gets together to watch Corey play with his band!

It’s awesome to see in the world of body modification, woman tattoo artists are getting the proper platform it needs…if just to prove that the business doesn’t need to be dominated by the guys!

Do you have a tattoo? What is it? What’s the story behind it?