When Spike TV launched Ink Master Season 7 (subtitled Revenge) on March 1, 2016, the reality competition introduced a high-stakes format. Instead of featuring an entirely fresh roster of hopefuls, the season pitted eight new artists against eight returning fan-favorite veterans. Among the standout fresh faces was Megan Jean Morris, a skilled realism and surrealism painter and shop owner from Wallingford, Connecticut. Her inclusion in the cast immediately shifted the competitive dynamics, proving that newcomers could stand toe-to-toe with seasoned television veterans.
This comprehensive look examines Megan Jean Morris's explosive debut on the show, how she navigated the intense twists of Season 7, and what made her run memorable for fans of body art competitions.
The Unique Premise of Ink Master Season 7
The core concept driving Season 7 was built around unfinished business. The producers brought back eight former contestants who fell just short of the title in their respective past seasons, giving them a second shot at the grand prize. Meanwhile, eight new artists entered the shop with something to prove.
The format created instant friction. Veterans arrived with pre-established fanbases, television experience, and knowledge of how the production machinery worked. Rookies had to adapt to the pressure cooker environment of the Spike TV soundstage while simultaneously dealing with hostile returning competitors who wanted total redemption.
Megan Jean Morris Makes Her Mark
Megan Jean Morris entered the competition with seven years of professional tattooing experience and a distinct background in fine art, realism, and surrealism. Rather than fading into the background among loud personalities and returning heavyweights, she established her presence right away during the premiere episode.
During the opening flash challenge, the rookies had to sketch a nude model, assemble their own liner and shader machines from component parts, and execute a tattoo on a dead pig. Following that initial trial, the first returning veteran—St. MarQ—was revealed to the cast.
In the elimination challenge, the artists were tasked with tattooing the seven deadly sins using black and grey ink and strict shading machine limitations. While veteran St. MarQ struggled heavily with the constraints, Megan delivered a standout piece that caught the judges' attention. Her execution earned her Best Tattoo of the Day, instantly cementing her as a frontrunner and signaling to the veterans that the rookie class was not going to roll over.
Key Highlights of Her Season 7 Run
Throughout her time on the show, Megan consistently demonstrated versatility, though she faced the brutal elimination standard that defines the series.
- Flash Challenge Dominance: She proved her collaborative and creative skills mid-season, winning a notable team flash challenge alongside Christian Buckingham by using salt to construct intricate artwork.
- Surrealist Mastery: Leaning heavily into her artistic wheelhouse, she captured another Best Tattoo of the Day honor during an elimination round requiring a surrealistic female figure.
- The Elimination Turning Point: Despite multiple high placements and strong performances, Megan found herself in the bottom during the Japanese dragon and water challenge in Episode 8, ultimately resulting in her elimination and a 9th-place finish overall.
Her exit marked the departure of one of the season's most technically precise artists, though she left behind a portfolio of memorable tattoos that resonated with viewers.
Where Are They Now? Life After Ink Master
Appearing on a high-profile platform like Ink Master alters the trajectory of a tattoo artist's career. For Megan Jean Morris, the exposure amplified an already established professional path.
She continued operating her studio, Painted Soul Tattoos, located in Wallingford, Connecticut, where she focuses on custom realism, surrealism, and vibrant color work. Her journey from a small town in Maine—where she grew up drawing and creating art—to a nationally televised competitor highlights the dedication required to succeed in modern skin art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What season of Ink Master was Megan Jean Morris on?
She competed on Season 7 of the show, which aired in 2016 and was subtitled Revenge due to the format featuring returning veterans versus new artists.
Where is Megan Jean Morris from and where does she tattoo?
She is originally from Maine and later established her professional career and tattoo shop, Painted Soul Tattoos, in Wallingford, Connecticut.
What place did Megan Jean Morris finish in?
She finished in 9th place overall after being eliminated in the eighth episode of Season 7 during the Japanese dragon challenge.
What is her signature tattoo style?
Her primary artistic styles lean heavily into realism, surrealism, and detailed illustrative color or black-and-grey work, stemming from her background as a fine painter.
