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(PROJECT OVERVIEW)
InkUs: Discover. Connect. Create. Get Inked.
Read Time: 6 Minutes (Approx.)
InkUs is a pioneering mobile app created to redefine the tattoo experience for both enthusiasts and professionals. The platform eliminates the common hurdles of finding the perfect design and connecting with skilled artists. With its intuitive interface, curated galleries, and powerful search tools, InkUs creates a seamless space where creativity meets connection. It’s not just an app—it’s a game-changing hub for tattoo inspiration and discovery.
(PROJECT DETAILS)
Client:
InkUs, Inc
Website:
Industry:
Tattoo, Social, Lifestyle
Headquarters:
Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
Project Type:
Mobile App Design, UI/UX/ Software Development
Roles/Services Provided:
Creative Direction; UX/UI Design & Strategy; Mobile App Design
(KEY ACHIEVEMENTS)
Elevating User Engagement and Industry Standards
By prioritizing user experience and artist-client connections, InkUs has redefined the way tattoos are explored and commissioned. The app has quickly gained a reputation as a trusted platform within the tattoo community, achieving:
on the App Store.
This success is a testament to the app’s ability to resonate with its audience and deliver an engaging, user-focused experience.
(Challenges and Opportunities)
Navigating the Tattoo Boom
Tattoos are more than body art—they’re personal expressions of identity. With one in four Americans now sporting at least one tattoo, the industry is growing at an impressive annual rate of 8.4% (2017–2022), outpacing the broader U.S. economy. However, this growth brings challenges for enthusiasts and artists alike:
- Overwhelming Inspiration Sources: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest inspire but lack tattoo-specific tools for narrowing choices by style, color, or placement.
- Fragmented Search for Artists: Matching with an artist who aligns with your vision often feels like a disjointed process, involving countless platforms and inconsistent information.
For novices and veterans alike, these struggles add unnecessary hurdles. Recognizing this gap, celebrated tattoo artist Joe Ankae envisioned InkUs—a tailored platform that addresses these pain points with precision and innovation.
(THE SOLUTION)
Innovative Solutions for Seamless Tattoo Discovery
While the vision for InkUs came from Joe Ankae’s deep industry insight, the app’s transformation into a cutting-edge platform was guided by creative leadership. Under my direction as Creative Director, the following innovations were brought to life:
- Intuitive UX/UI Design tailored to simplify the user experience, from browsing to booking.
- Dynamic Tattoo Galleries featuring powerful filters by style, placement, size, and color preferences, designed to streamline the design discovery process.
- Comprehensive Artist Profiles, offering insights into style, portfolio, location, and pricing to build trust and connections between users and artists.
By addressing these needs thoughtfully, we created a platform that enhances how tattoos are imagined, planned, and realized.
(Technology and Innovation)
Building Better with Industry Leading Tech
The app’s UX was designed with users at its heart—whether they’re exploring their first tattoo or connecting with their hundredth. Every feature is optimized to make the experience simple yet engaging:
Connecting Users with the Perfect Artist:
InkUs leverages cutting-edge geotargeting technology to match users with local tattoo artists who align with their style and needs. By integrating location data with tailored artist profiles, the app simplifies the search process, offering a seamless experience from discovery to booking. Users can browse portfolios, explore styles, and connect with nearby professionals, saving time and ensuring a personalized fit.
For artists, this innovative platform expands visibility, linking them to the right clients in their area. By fostering trust and streamlining connections, InkUs transforms tattoo planning into an effortless, inspiring process where creativity and technology come together to enhance the entire community.
Visually Stunning Gallery Filters:
The app’s UX was designed with users at its heart—whether they’re exploring their first tattoo or connecting with their hundredth. Every feature is optimized to make the experience simple yet engaging:
Empowering Artist Profiles:
Artists are given professional-grade profiles to showcase their full portfolios. Each page is optimized to highlight key details such as style specializations, pricing, and location. Users can follow favorite artists or initiate direct conversations for bookings.
Real-World Reviews:
From user feedback like this to the app’s growing downloads, it’s clear InkUs is reshaping the tattoo experience for everyone involved.
(Closing Reflection)
Innovate, Inspire, Connect—The InkUs Journey Continues
InkUs started as a bold vision to transform how tattoo enthusiasts and artists connect. Through innovative strategies and a collaborative approach, we turned that vision into an exceptional mobile platform. Every aspect of InkUs—its intuitive design, immersive galleries, and advanced technology—was crafted to ensure seamless user experiences and foster meaningful connections within the tattoo community.
Facing challenges like building a scalable platform and delivering next-level functionality, we embraced creativity and problem-solving to push boundaries. The result? InkUs is more than just an app; it’s a thriving hub where inspiration flows, ideas come to life, and artists and clients can connect with ease and trust.
With a forward-thinking foundation and user-focused adaptability, InkUs is set to grow, expanding its reach while staying true to its mission of sparking creativity and transforming the tattoo industry. This is only the beginning—InkUs is poised to empower millions, inspire new ideas, and redefine the future of tattoo artistry for years to come.
