Ryan Ashley Malarkey, an American tattoo artist, became popular by winning season 8 of the reality competition show “Ink Master” in 2016. She then made appearances as a judge in subsequent seasons of the same show.
Wiki/Biography
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Ryan Ashley Malarkey, also known as Ryan Ashley DiCristina ((Ryan Ashley Malarkey – Instagram)), was born on Wednesday, April 29, 1987 (age 36 years old; as of 2023), in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. During her childhood, she was always keen on drawing and sketching which developed further in her school and college years. In 2007, she completed her graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York.
A childhood picture of Ryan Ashley Malarkey with her mother
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 8″
Weight (approx.): 50 kg
Hair Colour: Blonde
Eye Colour: Blue
Figure Measurements (approx.): 36-26-36
Family
Parents & Siblings
Ryan was brought up by a single mother who worked as a waitress and was also an artist.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey with her mother
Ryan has a twin sister named Autumn Husdon, who is also a tattoo artist.
Ryan with her sister Autumn
Ryan also has a younger sister named Lauren Malarkey.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey with her younger sister Lauren
Husband & Children
She was married to Arlo DiCristina, a fellow tattoo artist, in October 2019. The couple also have a son, Atheus Omni DiCristina, who was born on May 16, 2020.
Ryan with her husband and son
Relationships/Affairs
Before her marriage to DiCristina in 2019, she was engaged to Josh Balz, the former keyboardist of the metal band Motionless in White. Their relationship was nearly five years long until the dynamics shifted following Ryan Ashley’s victory in season 8 of Ink Master. Reports suggest that Josh Balz felt uneasy as Ryan began receiving more offers to participate in reality shows. While he claimed not to be jealous or insecure, he confessed to being uncomfortable with Ryan’s rising popularity. Ultimately, the engagement was called off, yet they continue to maintain a cordial relationship. ((Alternative Press))
Ryan Ashley Malarkey with Josh Balz
Career
Fashion Designing and Tattooing
Ryan was always passionate about drawing and sketching which was furthered by her mother, grandmother, and sisters. She belongs to a family of artists. The tattoo artist furthered her skills in sewing and fashion too due to which she got her formal education in designing. Following her graduation in 2007, she spent five years sharpening her skills in fashion design in New York, working for private labels like Chico’s and Boscov’s. She came back to Pennsylvania, where she got her first job as a tattoo apprentice.
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Ryan Ashley’s distinctive forte lies in her mastery of black and grey designs along with beadwork, intricate lace detailing, and elaborate jewelry-inspired motifs.
Reality Shows
Ryan participated in the 8th season of Ink Masters in which she became the first female to win the show. This was a groundbreaking moment for her as well as the women in the tattoo industry which is primarily male-dominated. Interestingly, she was able to win the show just after five years of tattooing experience. Ryan was then invited to be a judge on the Ink Master spinoffs, Angels, and Grudge Match. In 2022, she also became a judge of the 14th season of Ink Master.
Ryan on the TV show Ink Master Grudge Match
Ryan Ashley Malarkey in Ink Masters Angels
Ryan Ashley’s Tattoo Shops
The Strange and the Unusual Oddities Parlor, Pennsylvania
In 2013, together with Josh Balz, she opened The Strange and Unusual Oddities Parlor in Pennsylvania. This unique establishment has an antique goods store at the front, while Ryan Ashley’s tattoo studio is at the back.
The Strange and the Unusual Oddities Parlor, Philadelphia
Collaborating with partners from the taxidermy business, the couple expanded their ventures by opening a second shop in Philadelphia.
Elysium Studios, Grand Junction, Colorado
She now owns a tattoo studio in Grand Junction, Colorado with her husband named Elysium Studios.
To know more about Ryan Ashley’s Tattoo Studios, check this page ➡️ Ryan Ashley Malarkey’s Tattoo Studios
Celebrities Inked by Ryan
Ryan is featured on multiple shows where she is seen tattooing various celebrities.
Drew Barrymore: In May 2021, she inked the American actress Drew Barrymore‘s forearm.
Ryan making a tattoo on Drew Barrymore
Maria Brink: She has also inked celebrities like Maria Brink.
A tattoo by Ryan Ashley on Maria Brink
Ryan Ashley’s Maria Brink tattoo
Ash Costello: Ash Costello, the singer of the band New Year’s Day, also got herself inked by Ryan.
Clinton Kelly: Ryan has also inked the co-host of ABC’s The Chew, Clinton Kelly, at the Inked magazine’s headquarters for a special segment of The Chew.
To know more about Ryan Ashley’s Celebrity Tattoos, check this page ➡️ Celebrities inked by Rya Ashley Malarkey
Favourites
- Destination: Mexico
- Music: Gaslight Anthem, The National, Angel Olsen, Post Malone, and Lana del Rey
- Series: Cosmic Disclosure (lectures by David Wilcock and Corey Goode)
Tattoos
Most of her body parts are covered with several tattoos like roses, snakes, birds, clocks, butterflies, ornaments, beads, portraits, etc.
Facts/Trivia
- Ryan first made an appearance on the pages of a tattoo magazine when she was just 20 years old, during the London tattoo convention.
- In 2016, Ryan achieved a milestone by becoming the first female tattoo artist to clinch the title of “Ink Master” in its 8th season. Along with the title, Malarkey took home $100,000, earned a residency at Peck’s Elm Street Tattoo studio in Dallas, Texas, and received a brand-new Dodge Charger. Additionally, she also made an appearance in an editorial piece for Inked magazine. ((Times Leader))
- Ryan has been on the covers of many ink magazines since her win in 2016. She appeared in Inked Magazine in February 2020 and in 2021 she was on the cover page of Skin & Ink magazine. Some other magazines in which she appeared are Tattoo Society, Tattoo Life, Dark Pinup, Tattoo Expo, and many more.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey on covers of different magazines
- Ryan is the only tattoo artist to collaborate with Apple; she was a part of the inaugural of the tattoo-themed “Today at Apple” seminar in Brooklyn.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey’s post on Twitter about her collaboration with Apple
- She disclosed her relationship and pregnancy with DiCristina to the world through the cover of Inked magazine.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey announcing her wedding on Instagram
- Ryan’s affection for animals is quite evident in her Instagram posts. Together with her partner, she parents a pitbull named Anubis. Previously, Ryan had four Pomeranians: Toronto, Travolta, Gucci, and Casper, and had also adopted a cat named Pia. Volta, one of the Pomeranians, became a part of her life during the filming of Ink Master Angels and accompanied the team for two seasons.
A picture of Anubis posted by Ryan on her Instagram
Ryan Ashley Malarkey with her cat Pia
Ryan Ashley Malarkey’s dogs
- In an interview, Ryan revealed that she had some extra-terrestrial experiences when she was a kid. She did not talk about it in the beginning because she thought that she would be made fun of. However, she started researching it on her own and found out that there are other people who have had similar experiences like this. Ryan and many members of her family including her mom and sister have experienced much paranormal activity- firsthand seeing apparitions, visions, and hearing voices clearly. ((Inked Magazine)) ((Screen Rant))
- Ryan confessed that late-night online shopping on Amazon and Poshmark is her guilty pleasure.
- The tattoo artist has a giant sweet tooth. In an interview, she revealed that she could survive only on M&M’s and Cinnabon if given a chance.
- Ryan likes to get unique nail art done on her fingers. She often posts about it on her social media profile.
- In her free time, Ryan likes to cook, go on shopping sprees, and buy quirky antique items.
- The tattoo artist loves traveling and exploring new places. One can often see her posting about her travel adventures on her social media with family and friends
- Ryan Ashley likes to drink and smoke on special occasions.
Ryan Ashley Malarkey smoking
Ryan holding a glass of alcohol
