The Illustrative Master: 5 Stunning Facts About Bob Jones After Ink Master Seasons 13 & 14

Bob Jones, the Portland-based tattoo artist who captivated audiences across two seasons of the reality competition show *Ink Master*, has firmly established himself as a dominant force in the world of colorful, illustrative tattooing. As of December 2025, Jones continues to push the boundaries of his unique style, moving beyond the competitive spotlight to focus on his thriving clientele and studio work in the Pacific Northwest. His journey from an unassuming contestant on *Ink Master: Turf War* to a fan-favorite finalist and then a top-three finisher in *Ink Master: Return of the Masters* is a testament to his versatility, technical skill, and distinctive artistic vision.

The latest updates on Bob Jones’s career show a dedicated focus on his craft and a commitment to the Portland tattoo scene. He is one of the rare artists to have successfully navigated the intense pressure of the show twice, and his post-show career is marked by a specialization in the vibrant, anime-infused illustrative style that made him famous. This article dives into the five most stunning facts about Bob Jones, from his biography to his current shop and the specific style that has garnered him a massive following.

Bob Jones: Biography, Career Start, and Ink Master Journey

Bob Jones’s path to becoming a recognized name in the tattoo industry is rooted in years of dedication to his unique artistic vision. While specific personal details like his birth date are kept private, his professional timeline is well-documented, showing a steady rise in skill and recognition.

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• Full Name: Bob Jones (goes by Bob)
• Hometown: Portland, Oregon
• Years Tattooing: Approximately 16 years (as of 2025)
• Primary Style: Colorful Illustrative Tattooing, heavily influenced by Anime, New School, and Neo-Traditional elements.
• Original Shop: Esoteric Tattoo, Portland, Oregon
• Current Shop (2025): Shokunin Tattoo, Portland, Oregon
• Ink Master Season 13 (Turf War): Finalist. The live finale was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no winner was declared, though all three finalists (Jones, Angel Rose, and Jimmy Snaz) were awarded a feature in *Inked* magazine.
• Ink Master Season 14 (Return of the Masters): Third Place. He was eliminated in the final stage, finishing behind Gian Karle and winner DJ Tambe.
• Social Media: Active on Instagram under the handle @badcaseofpurpose, with a following of over 80,000.

Jones first appeared on *Ink Master* Season 13, titled "Turf War," as part of the West Side team. He quickly became known for his consistency and ability to execute complex, detailed tattoos under pressure. His performance was so strong that he returned for Season 14, "Return of the Masters," where he competed against other fan-favorite veterans and placed third overall, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier artist.

1. The Move to Shokunin Tattoo: A New Chapter in Portland’s Tattoo Scene

One of the most significant and recent updates in Bob Jones’s career is his move to a new studio in his home city of Portland, Oregon. While he was long associated with Esoteric Tattoo, recent information confirms he is currently booking appointments at Shokunin Tattoo.

This transition highlights his status as a key figure in the competitive Portland tattoo scene. Shokunin Tattoo is known for housing highly skilled artists, making it a perfect fit for Jones’s sought-after illustrative style. His work at the new studio continues to draw national attention, with clients eager to get tattooed by the *Ink Master* veteran. The new location allows him to further refine his craft, focusing on the large-scale, intricate pieces that have become his signature.

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The environment of a dedicated, high-level studio like Shokunin allows Jones to maintain the high standards he demonstrated on the show, ensuring that every piece—from a detailed robot to a complex Neo-Traditional pin-up—is executed with precision and vibrant color saturation.

2. Mastering the Anime-Illustrative Style: The "Bad Case of Purpose" Aesthetic

Bob Jones’s artistic identity is intrinsically linked to his unique Illustrative style, which he describes as being heavily influenced by anime and pop culture. His Instagram handle, @badcaseofpurpose, is a nod to the intentionality and detail he pours into every piece.

Unlike traditional styles, Jones’s work stands out for its:

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• Vivid Color Palettes: He employs a wide spectrum of saturated colors, giving his tattoos a dynamic, almost glowing quality.
• Clean Linework: Despite the complexity of his designs, his tattoos are grounded in crisp, clean outlines that define the illustrative elements.
• Manga/Anime Influence: His portfolio is filled with pieces inspired by Japanese animation and manga, including original characters, Oni Girls, and intricate fantasy creatures.
• New School Elements: He often incorporates the exaggerated features and dynamic movement characteristic of the New School style, as seen in his famous New School taco tattoo on *Ink Master*.

This specific blend of influences has created a distinct niche for Jones, making him one of the most sought-after artists for clients looking for permanent, colorful artwork that jumps off the skin. His ability to translate complex digital art concepts into lasting, readable tattoos is a hallmark of his technical expertise.

3. The Ink Master Redemption: S14’s Consistent Performance

Bob Jones’s return for *Ink Master* Season 14, *Return of the Masters*, was a true redemption arc for the artist who saw his Season 13 finale canceled. His second run proved that his initial success was no fluke, but rather a reflection of his consistent, high-level skill.

In Season 14, he faced off against some of the show's most legendary artists, including DJ Tambe, Gian Karle, and Creepy Jason. His key to success was his versatility, a quality the judges consistently praised. He excelled in a variety of challenging styles, including:

• Black and Gray Realism: Proving he wasn't just a color artist, his technical application in black and gray was often top-tier.
• Japanese Style: His ability to handle the flow and composition of traditional Japanese elements, such as his elimination tattoo, showed a deep understanding of tattoo history.
• Illustrative and Neo-Traditional: These challenges were his bread and butter, allowing him to showcase his signature style, often earning him "Best Tattoo of the Day."

Ultimately placing third, Jones cemented his legacy as one of the most consistent artists in *Ink Master* history. His ability to perform under the intense time constraints of the show, while maintaining his signature aesthetic, is what sets him apart from many of his peers.

4. Fan-Favorite Tattoos: From Cyberpunk Ronin to the Futakuchi-onna

A deep dive into Bob Jones’s *Ink Master* portfolio reveals several tattoos that have achieved "fan-favorite" status, often being cited in online forums and discussions as examples of his mastery. These pieces highlight his technical skill and his commitment to unique subject matter.

• The Cyberpunk Ronin: A highly detailed, futuristic take on the traditional Japanese warrior, this piece is a perfect marriage of his anime influence and technical illustrative skill. It’s frequently shared as a prime example of his post-show work.
• The Futakuchi-onna: A Japanese mythical creature (a woman with a second mouth on the back of her head), this piece from Season 13 showcased his ability to render complex mythological figures with a colorful, New School flair, making it a standout tattoo.
• The Detailed Robot: His robot tattoo was noted for its incredible complexity and precision, demonstrating his ability to handle mechanical details and tight geometry, which is a significant challenge in tattooing.
• The Giraffe Pin-Up: This quirky, colorful piece perfectly captured his fun, illustrative side and remains one of the most memorable tattoos of his run on the show.

The enduring popularity of these specific tattoos is a testament to the topical authority Jones holds in the Illustrative Tattooing community. He is not just executing designs; he is creating memorable, conversation-starting pieces of art.

5. The Current Focus: Conventions, Guest Spots, and Exclusive Appointments

Since his time on *Ink Master*, Bob Jones has transitioned from reality TV star back to a full-time, highly demanded working artist. His career is now characterized by a focus on quality over quantity, with a significant portion of his time dedicated to large-scale projects like full sleeves and back pieces.

In addition to his regular schedule at Shokunin Tattoo, Jones maintains a presence in the larger tattoo community by appearing at major tattoo conventions both nationally and internationally. These appearances allow him to connect with a broader audience, book exclusive appointments, and continue to learn and collaborate with other top artists.

For fans and clients looking to book with Bob Jones, the process is highly competitive. He typically books in specific windows, prioritizing clients whose ideas align with his signature anime-illustrative style—a clear indication that the Ink Master veteran is now in a position to select projects that truly inspire his "bad case of purpose." His continued visibility and active social media presence ensure that his work remains fresh, relevant, and highly influential in the modern tattoo landscape.