Exploring the Future of Tattoos: AR Tattoo Technology for Immersive Tattoo Previews

Kelvinlukita
3 min readMay 31, 2023

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Tattoos have long been a popular form of self-expression and art. However, committing to a permanent design can be a daunting decision. Thanks to advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology, individuals now have the opportunity to preview their tattoos before making a lifelong commitment. In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of AR tattoo technology, which allows users to visualize and experience tattoo designs in augmented reality, revolutionizing the tattoo industry.

The Power of AR Tattoo Previews:
AR tattoo technology bridges the gap between imagination and reality by enabling users to superimpose digital tattoo designs onto their skin in real time. This transformative experience offers numerous benefits, including:
1. Visualizing Design Placement:
With AR tattoo technology, users can see how a design looks on their body from different angles and perspectives. This allows for a more accurate representation of the final tattoo, helping individuals make informed decisions about the placement of their chosen design.

2. Trying Out Multiple Designs:
AR tattoo platforms enable users to explore a wide range of designs without the need for temporary tattoos or tedious Photoshop mock-ups. Users can browse through an extensive library of designs or even upload their custom artwork to see how it fits their body before committing to the actual tattooing process.

3. Customization and Personalization:
AR tattoo technology allows users to modify the size, color, and orientation of a design, ensuring that it perfectly aligns with their preferences. This level of customization enables individuals to create truly unique and personalized tattoos that reflect their individuality.

4. Enhancing Communication with Tattoo Artists:
AR tattoo previews serve as valuable communication tools between users and tattoo artists. Users can present their desired designs in AR, providing artists with a clear visual reference that facilitates better collaboration. This technology fosters effective communication, minimizing misunderstandings and helping artists bring clients’ visions to life.

As an example of an AR tattoo app that works well is called InkHunter, I have tried to reinvent this app and I called it InkSight
this app is capable to show tattoos on all of your body parts to show some preview, before tattooing your skin. This helps consider the tattoo model, and where the tattoo will be.
Im using Xcode to create InkSight by using reality composer. I could insert some image assets, and insert an image as an anchor point of the tattoo will be shown. My application is created specifically for the inner hands part. As my application get feedback, I’m considering machine learning for the apps to read anchor point, not as an image, but as a pattern, so you can just draw an anchor point, and the tattoo will be shown at your drawn anchor point. And I have an idea to use a pencil kit for this app, so tattoo artists could draw or edit the tattoo model, and reuse the model for another customer. It will be helpful for tattoo artists that use IPad and Apple Pencils, to do fitting tattoos, at customer body parts.

InkSight AR

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