Brand
Project

Bold and Seamless Tattoo Artist & Studio Finder App

Summary
Revolutionize the tattoo industry by designing a seamless app experience for finding and booking tattoo studios.
Responsibiliteis
  • - UI/UX Design
  • - Art Direction

The Challenge

Navigating the Tattoo World, One Studio at a Time

When FindInk came to life, it aimed to simplify a common challenge for tattoo enthusiasts—finding the perfect tattoo studio. Whether users were seasoned tattoo collectors or first-timers nervous about where to go, the app needed to bridge the gap between artists and clients by providing reliable, localized studio information.

However, designing this app posed a unique challenge: we had to balance the edgy, rebellious culture of tattoos with an easy-to-use interface that catered to everyone, from the heavily inked to tattoo newbies. The app needed to foster trust in an industry where studio reputation and hygiene are paramount, while still embracing the creativity and artistry that tattoos represent.

The Solution

Creating a Bold Yet Intuitive Tattoo Studio Finder

To bring FindInk to life, the design approach had to blend form with function—giving users a visually compelling experience that was also practical, trustworthy, and easy to navigate. Here’s how we approached the project:

Understanding the Tattoo Community:
Our first step was diving deep into the tattoo culture. We interviewed tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and first-time clients to understand what mattered most when choosing a studio. Their feedback shaped the core features of the app:

  • Studio Credibility: Trust and cleanliness were non-negotiable.
  • Artist Portfolios: The ability to browse real portfolios to find an artist whose style resonated with the user.
  • Location Convenience: Users needed to find studios close to them, especially in cities with numerous options.

User Personas & Journey Mapping:

We identified two main user personas:

  • Tattoo Enthusiasts: These users knew what they wanted, whether it was an experienced artist in a particular style or a highly rated studio. They needed quick access to portfolios and reviews.
  • First-Time Clients: These users needed hand-holding—information on studio cleanliness, artist expertise, and the overall process to build trust. Their journey was more about discovery and reassurance.

 

By mapping their journeys, we designed flows that catered to both quick searches and more exploratory browsing.

Wireframes & Prototyping:
The wireframes focused on clarity, ensuring that users could easily browse tattoo studio profiles, filter by style or location, and read reviews. Key features included:

  • Studio Profiles: Each studio had a dedicated profile with ratings, artist portfolios, and service details.
  • Map Integration: Users could locate studios in their area using GPS, with filters for distance, ratings, and specialty.
  • Booking Feature: Users could book consultations directly through the app, making the process seamless.

UI Design: Bold, Edgy, and User-Friendly:

The design aesthetic had to reflect the bold, artistic world of tattoos. We opted for:

  • Dark Theme with Contrasting Colors: A sleek, dark background with pops of color for call-to-action buttons, giving it a modern, edgy feel that aligned with tattoo culture.
  • Bold Typography: Strong, clear fonts that communicated confidence and professionalism.
  • Large Visuals: Tattoo art is visual by nature, so we made sure to feature artist portfolios prominently, with high-quality images and easy scrolling for browsing.

 

Despite the edgy visuals, user-friendliness was key. The layout was clean, with intuitive navigation so users could easily filter results, browse profiles, and make bookings.

Mobile-First Design & Accessibility:

Given that most users would be on mobile devices, we designed with a mobile-first approach. The app was fully responsive, optimized for various screen sizes, and ensured smooth performance. We also made sure the design was inclusive, with readable fonts and clear buttons for users of all experience levels.

The Results

Empowering Tattoo Enthusiasts to Find Their Perfect Studio

After launching, FindInk quickly became a go-to app for tattoo lovers in major urban areas. The design effectively bridged the gap between artists and clients, providing an easy way to discover and book with trusted studios.

Key Results:

  • High User Engagement: Tattoo enthusiasts loved browsing artist portfolios, with the average session time exceeding 10 minutes.
  • Increase in Bookings: The built-in booking feature made it easier for studios to get appointments, leading to a steady rise in consultations.
  • Positive Feedback: Both users and tattoo artists praised the app for its clean, edgy design and seamless functionality.

Key Takeaways

Blending Art, Trust, and Functionality

The FindInk project taught us the importance of striking a balance between bold aesthetics and usability. Designing for a niche community like tattoo enthusiasts required us to embrace the culture, but never lose sight of functionality. By combining an artistic, edgy design with a seamless user experience, we created an app that empowered users to find their perfect tattoo studio confidently, whether they were seasoned collectors or first-timers.

This project demonstrated the value of understanding your audience deeply—whether they’re looking for a bold tattoo or a user-friendly way to navigate the tattoo world.

©2025 Ahmad Al Abid. All Rights Reserved.