I AM INKED - SEASON ONE
Docu-Film Title: I AM INKED I Produced by: Fear Marvelous Studios I Genre: Documentary | Streaming Platform: Prime Video, Summer 2025
I AM INKED is a captivating documentary film that shines a powerful light on the tattoo entrepreneurs redefining the industry. Through personal stories of ambition, struggle, and creative triumph, the film delves deep beyond the ink to reveal the passion, artistry, and business acumen driving this vibrant community. Offering an intimate, inspiring look at the lives of artists who have transformed their craft into a lifestyle and a brand, I AM INKED captures the true spirit of tattoo culture like never before.
I AM INKED: STEPH JORDAN
Stephanie Jordan, a dynamic South Jersey tattoo artist, has transformed her life and career with grit, passion, and raw talent. Raised by a hardworking single mother, Stephanie found her artistic spark early, drawing influence from cartoons, graffiti, and fashion icons. Though recognized for her creativity in school, she once doubted art could offer stability—especially after a tumultuous chapter in her early 20s that included a federal prison sentence. But in 2017, she picked up a tattoo machine and never looked back. Specializing in black and gray realism and stunning color realism florals, she quickly rose in the industry, and by 2020, she opened her own studio—where she now mentors seven rising artists. Juggling the demands of business and personal growth, Stephanie continues to evolve, fueled by her determination to thrive and inspire others through her powerful story of redemption and resilience.
I AM INKED: NED DE LEON
Ned De Leon’s journey from the riverbanks of Sta. Ana, Manila to the tattoo studios of South Jersey is a story of grit, rebellion, and redemption. A natural-born artist, Ned always felt like an outsider after high school, drifting through life until a chance encounter with Ernie, a local punk, introduced him to the raw world of street tattooing—using whatever scraps they could find, from cassette motors to guitar strings. After migrating to the U.S. in 2004 with the help of his grandfather, he worked at a casino until fate led him to Lucky Lou’s Tattoos, where he began an apprenticeship in 2009 and was tattooing full-time by the next year. Despite wrestling with depression and addiction, Ned fought his way back with faith, family, and the healing power of ink and ocean. Now, he embraces a life centered on God, tattooing, and surfing—grateful every day for the love of his wife and three children.
I AM INKED: MATTHEW EVANS
Matthew Evans, a proud tattoo artist from Freehold, NJ, and the owner of Drop ‘n Ink Tattoos in Toms River, has spent the last 16 years transforming passion into purpose. Raised by his adoptive mother and grandmother, Matthew’s love for art started young, but his path to tattooing was anything but conventional. After studying Psychology at Morehouse College and working as a VP of Sales, he bought a tattoo machine on a whim, practiced on himself, and quickly realized he had found his calling. His journey took a life-altering turn when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; after a grueling year and a half of chemotherapy, he committed fully to the art that saved him. Known for his bold colorbombing style, anime-inspired designs, and vibrant color work, Matthew has built not just a business, but a legacy—powered by the love and support of his wife Monika, their three children, and a family that’s stood beside him every step of the way. For Matthew, every tattoo is more than ink—it’s healing, confidence, and a chance to chase perfection on skin.
I AM INKED: ANGEL HANDS CALDERON
Miguel Angel Calderon’s journey from the tough streets of Cali, Colombia to the creative world of tattooing in the United States is a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and transformation. Moving to the U.S. at just 15 opened a new chapter in his life—one that gave him the chance to break cycles, embrace change, and chase his dreams. From a young age, Miguel had a sharp eye for patterns and an intuitive ability to recognize potential in others, which sparked a realization that while talent may be innate, skills can be learned—and even self-taught. This belief fueled his path through various industries until he found his true calling in the world of tattoo and art. Now with six years under his belt, Miguel channels his passion into every piece he creates, using his craft not just to express creativity but to show how art can elevate and transform everyday life.
I AM INKED: HECTOR MARTINEZ
Hector Martinez, a seasoned tattoo artist from Camden, New Jersey, has carved out a powerful legacy built on perseverance, passion, and purpose. After losing his mother to HIV/AIDS at a young age and navigating a tough upbringing, Hector found himself on the streets—until becoming a father in high school shifted his focus and set him on a new path. With a natural talent for art and the encouragement of a neighbor, he began tattooing and pushed through countless rejections to land apprenticeships that honed his craft. Under the mentorship of artists at Camden House of Ink and Spanky’s Tattoo, Hector developed a bold style blending black and gray realism with striking color work. Just as his career was gaining momentum, life threw another curveball: his fifth child was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. Taking time off to be by his child’s side, Hector returned with renewed strength and, in 2022, opened Greywash Tattoo in the very spot where his journey began. Now with a team of five and a growing presence at conventions, he balances fatherhood, business, and artistry—driven by a relentless determination to turn pain into power and leave a lasting mark on the industry.
I AM INKED: DEANNA VERRICO
Deanna Verrico’s journey into the world of tattooing is as bold and spirited as the life she leads. Born and raised in New Jersey as one of six siblings—including her twin—she defied convention by picking up a tattoo machine while still in high school in 2010, launching a career before most her age had even considered their path. With a natural talent for ink and an unstoppable drive, she quickly built a loyal clientele and later passed on her skills to her husband and a close high school friend, both now successful tattoo artists in their own right. But what many don’t know is that beyond her vibrant tattoo work, Deanna lives a life steeped in mystery and curiosity—her home is a living cabinet of wonders, packed with oddities and rare finds that would blow your mind. When she’s not tattooing or drawing, she’s hitting the road in her 1982 Volkswagen van, exploring forgotten places and hunting down strange treasures. Deanna is a true original—part artist, part adventurer, and completely unforgettable.
I AM INKED: ITALO ROMERO
Italo Romero was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the U.S. at age five or six due to political and economic challenges in his home country. As the youngest of three, he grew up surrounded by creativity, with siblings who had a natural artistic flair, while his father, though not artistic, had an architectural mindset that shaped Italo’s ability to see things dimensionally. This blend of influences sparked his imagination, which found outlets beyond traditional art, including poetry and pushing boundaries. Graffiti became his form of rebellion and self-expression, though his parents weren’t fully supportive. After high school, he shifted his focus to studying chemistry and biochemistry, but art remained central to his life. Science deepened his understanding of body art, particularly how the body interacts with ink. As his career progressed, moving from his first walk-in shop gave him the freedom to develop a unique style, and despite the early struggles of balancing his new career with supporting his daughter, the pressure helped him hone the focus needed to succeed.
I AM INKED: BRETT STUHLER
Brett Stuhler’s journey reflects the transformative power of art. Inspired by comic books, he found a passion for drawing that led him to tattooing, eventually joining the GeeksterInk Legends Tour and sharing space with admired artists. Transitioning from a struggling janitorial business, he found purpose in tattooing, achieving highs like inking Morgan Rose of Sevendust, partying with “We As Human” on their tour bus, and opening his shops, TATTOINE BODY ART and INKCElSIOR. Despite the challenge of a difficult divorce, which tested him, Brett embraced each day as an opportunity to create. Running his shops, traveling with the INKCElSIOR crew, and forging strong client relationships, he pours his energy into every moment. Tattooing gave him more than just a career—it gave him a life he’s proud of. Through it all, Brett has maintained a deep belief that the sky is the limit, and his resilience and passion continue to push him toward greater success. For Brett, tattooing is more than just a profession—it’s his salvation, his way to embrace life’s challenges, and an unstoppable force driving him forward.
I AM INKED: ED BARBA
Edwin Barba is a Nicaraguan-born tattoo artist whose passion for art began early, inspired by watching his uncle tattoo at home. After moving to Los Angeles at 14, he started as a graffiti artist with the BND crew in Hollywood. A life-changing visit to Camden, New Jersey, introduced him to Fabian, an airbrush shop owner who recognized Edwin’s talent and encouraged him to pursue tattooing. With no formal training, Edwin taught himself through YouTube videos and relentless practice. He’s now known for his mastery of realism, creating lifelike tattoos that showcase remarkable detail and depth. His work stands out for its ability to bring portraits, nature, and everyday scenes to life. Though his journey was filled with challenges, Edwin’s drive and resilience helped him rise in a competitive field. In New Jersey, he met his wife, started a family, and made the state his home. Even as a child, his creativity stood out—he once sketched gargoyles during church ceremonies as an altar boy and hid them in his mother’s Bible, a fitting preview of his future as a bold and imaginative artist.
