Winter is Coming: Meet the Finalists of the Inked Cover Contest

We’ve got a new Inked Cover Contest winner on the horizon and she’s bringing with her a seriously impressive collection of ink. Once again, we scoured near and far to find over next cover model. From every inch of the United States and even abroad, no stone was left unturned. Take a look at our brand new cover girl as well as the other nine finalists in the gallery below, then let us know if you’ll be entering the 2020 contest in the comments section.

First Place: Chelsea Schaefer

With “a ballerina’s soul, a wolf’s mind and a lion’s heart,” our new Inked Cover Girl is a beautifully authentic fierce female who has grown through adversity. After being thrown curveballs in life, she decided to slow down and focus on her goals: expanding her education in veterinary medicine, modeling and traveling. One of her greatest passions is advocating for the Apex Protection Project, a non-profit dedicated to protecting wolves. Follow Chelsea @Ballerina_wolf

Second Place: Rena Mattern

If Rena could give her younger self advice, she would say “stay focused on your dream. Everyone achieves that dream at their own pace, so be patient.” She did just that by walking away with second place in the Inked Cover Girl competition. Rena touts herself to be a fun-loving small-town girl, who moved to the glimmering lights of Las Vegas to enjoy life while moving toward her goals and dreams. Her positive attitude is contagious. Look to her left thigh for her favorite tattoo, a poem about an unapologetic girl who realizes her self-worth. Follow Rena @rpmistake

Third Place: Shannon Fieste

A womanly tomboy who rides both dirt and street bikes, Shannon is not afraid to get dirty but also likes to get fancy—she loves to cook and get dolled up. This go-getter lives by the mantra ‘radical sacrifice brings radical change,’ so expect to see more of her. Follow Shannon @blondie_braaps

Fourth Place: Desiree Willis

An authentic heart with a visionary soul, Desiree has accomplished one of her greatest goals—to be featured in Inked. Now, onto her next adventure, to create an organic skincare line. Follow Desiree @desireeroseoc

Fifth Place: Shawnna Sharmaynne

Shawnna, a.k.a. Thug Life, relocated from the South to the desert and lives happily with her five bulldogs. A little country, a little hardcore, she’s a sharp, sultry songstress and will never settle for less. Follow Shawnna @s_maynne

Sixth Place: Hawk

She’s an honest, compassionate, fun-loving artist who has gotten to a place where she can confidently say, “I love myself and have found my happiness.” Hawk is an eclectic, self-proclaimed goofball who loves to laugh. Follow Hawk @hawk.marquardt

Seventh Place: Samantha Book

“Embrace your inner weirdo instead of trying to be like everyone else,” is advice Samantha would give her troubled younger self. Today, she’s a loving mom to her son, dog, cat, python, bearded dragon and cockatoo. Follow Samantha @Hammyb29

Eighth Place: Lisa Sturkey

The hardest sacrifice Lisa had to make to get to the Inked Cover Girl Top 10 was “youth for wisdom.” She’s an insightful beauty who advises others to “find what you love and do it.” Follow Lisa @sturketti.

Ninth Place: Brandi Snyder

Brandi is a girl boss whose love of tattoos brought her to tattooing brows in Florida. She is a mom of three who is completely obsessed with vacations and her boho-inspired art. Follow Brandi @Brandisnyder33

Tenth Place: Virginia Kutsop

Virginia spends her time in the garage building her custom 1993 Ford truck, proving that women can live in the mechanical “man’s world.” She’s career-driven and plans to be on the cover of Inked one day. Follow Virginia @diesel_barbie_