New technologies are changing every field for the better, and the tattoo industry isn’t an exception. As tattoos are more mainstream than ever, many companies have created new and innovative ways to improve tattoo artists’ designs, accuracy, and consistency and protect customer safety.
The emergence of more innovative products, forward-thinking apps, and social media is changing the way tattoo artists work and secure customers. Continue reading to learn how new technology has changed the tattoo industry.
The Rise of Cartridges and Grips
Nowadays, most artists use tattoo cartridges and disposable grips to improve safety and accuracy while saving time. In the past, tattoo artists would clean the tubes and run an autoclave for effective sterilization each night. Also, they would solder their needles, which can be dangerous. Yet, now they can use individually wrapped cartridges in sterile packaging and, once a tattoo is finished, they can place the used cartridge and grip into a biohazard container. Also, there is no longer a need to solder needles unless a tattoo artist wants to do so.
Hassle-Free Rotaries and Pen Machines
Tattoo artists were dependent on coil machines for many decades, but this has all changed in the past ten years due to the release of rotaries and pen machines. Some tattoo artists still like to use coil machines, but they often require much fine-tuning. Modern rotaries and pen machines don’t require manual tuning, making it easier than ever for artists to set up their workspaces. Also, the devices are helping new artists kickstart their careers, as they are often much easier to use than coil machines and feature fewer settings.
A Choice of Versatile Art Apps
The emergence of various art apps is improving tattoo artists’ designs and helping them save considerable time throughout the week. For instance, many talented artists are using the likes of Procreate and Adobe Draw to produce jaw-dropping designs at a fast rate, which limits their need to carry many materials.
Artists can even use the innovative apps to show a customer how a tattoo will appear on their skin. Also, it is changing how coverup tattoo artists produce designs, as they can ditch tracing paper for the app. All they must do is add an image of the tattoo they are covering into their tablet before designing over it.
Game-Changing Augmented Reality Tattoos
Many clients are hesitant to take the plunge on a design as they might be unsure if they will like it on a specific body part. As a result, this often leads to many time-wasting hours discussing various designs and styles with clients until they find the best option. Fortunately, technology is helping customers to make quicker tattoo decisions. Many tattoo parlors now provide an augmented reality experience, allowing clients to see what a design will look like on their bodies. Also, they can take images home to reach a faster decision. It is transforming the tattoo shop experience while saving artists countless hours.
The Promotional Power of Social Media
Social media has transformed the tattoo industry. Nowadays, people want to receive amazing body art from the most talented artists, and the likes of Instagram is the best place to discover them. No longer must customers visit a parlor to browse various designs and speak to artists directly, as they can browse their portfolio online, learn about an artist’s specializations, and read positive or negative customer reviews. The more impressive a tattoo artist’s designs, the more customers they could secure throughout their career and the stronger their industry reputation. People are often willing to travel halfway across the country to use a particular tattoo artist’s skills.
A Simplified Booking System
Customers no longer need to pick up the phone or visit a tattoo shop to organize a consultation or tattoo appointment with an artist. Nowadays, they can use an online booking tool to quickly make an appointment, avoiding time-consuming conversations with a tattoo artist about a time that works for both parties. Also, online booking systems can even save tattoo parlors money, as clients could pay a deposit to protect the business’s income.
Temporary Tattoos for People with Diabetes
Temporary tattoos might no longer be restricted to the likes of Henna, as nano-tech engineers at the University of California San Diego are developing temporary tattoos for medical purposes.
The innovative tattoo will extract and measure blood glucose levels using fluid from skin cells, which will serve as a non-invasive method for glucose testing for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The temporary tattoo will be a first of its kind in the tattoo and healthcare industry and will use specialized biosensor ink over traditional tattoo ink.
Online Apprenticeships and Training
Technology is changing how tattoo artists enter the industry and master new styles. For example, aspiring artists could join an online apprenticeship program to develop their skills around their busy career, family, or social life. Therefore, it is helping people with full-time jobs expand their skills in their spare time, allowing them to change careers once they are ready to enter a tattoo studio as a professional artist.
Also, articles, videos, courses, and tutorials are helping new and experienced tattoo artists to grow their knowledge and skills. As a result, they can produce better quality designs that will wow every client who sits on their tattoo bed.
Conclusion
New technologies have changed the tattoo industry and will continue to do so in new and exciting ways. It has led to the creation of simplified devices and accessories while helping clients make faster, more informed tattoo decisions. Not to mention it is saving artists many hours, as various apps are helping to create cool designs in an instant and simplify booking.
Emerging tattoo technologies may even transform the lives of people living with various health conditions, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Also, the internet is now making it easier than ever to become a professional tattoo artist and develop existing skills and styles to ensure they never disappoint a customer who walks through their studio’s door.
