Sneak Peek: Spike TV Premieres New Season of INK MASTER Today

Spike TV's hit original reality-competition series INK MASTER returns for a ninth season on Tuesday, June 6 at 10pm ET/PT, with the highest STAKES yet and twice as much prize money on the line. This season, shops from all around the country are sending two of their strongest artists to compete for a $200,000 grand prize, an editorial feature in Inked and, for the first time in "Ink Master" history, the title of "Master Shop." The series is produced by Truly Original.

Watch the "Ink Master" promo featuring Dave Navarro performing an original rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner:

This season comes with a new twist, as artists will be competing in pairs and representing their hometown shops. Throughout the competition, the artists are not only tested on their technical skills, but also their on-the-spot creativity, as they must conceive and execute original tattoos on "human canvases." Each episode will focus on a different and distinct style of tattooing, and as always, while the artists' masterpieces will last a lifetime...so will their mistakes.

After every challenge, the contestants face a tough panel comprised of musician, filmmaker and artist Dave Navarro, as well as world-renowned tattoo artists Chris Nuñez ("Miami Ink") and Oliver Peck (Elm Street Tattoo).

Watch the "Ink Master" "Meet The Contestant" video by clicking here

Viewers can find more on each artist including biographies, photo galleries, artwork portfolios and artist introduction videos by visiting inkmaster.spike.com. Throughout the season, fans can watch full episodes and video clips, and are encouraged to join the conversation on social media using #InkMaster. The latest in tattoo culture and series news can be found on the official "Ink Master" Facebook page, on Twitter @spikeinkmaster, Pinterest, Tumblr and on Instagram @spikeinkmaster.