Let’s see!
I have mixed feelings when it comes to the “Ink” shows especially when things get out of hand and everything become overly TV-reality drama with rivalries between different people and even between different shows altogether.
I also have to admit that I used to be really enamored with the show’s concept when it first started. (what with making ME wanting to tattoo!) The core does show a good insight on how a tattoo carreer and the process of getting a tattoo done. Though of course it’s a little hollywoodian with all the drama/exagerations and the flow of time is sped up. Really, coming up with a arm sleeve design doesn’t take 10 mins and tattooing it takes more than 2-3 sessions of at least 5 hours!

So yes it’s a show after all. It did help break the social stigma that skewered the populace’s views on tattoos and helped a great deal to make tattoos more accessible and acceptable now more than ever.
But it’s always a nice thing to not assume you know everything because of a TV show.
Remember to ask your local tattoo shop for more info if needed!