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About

About TattooBuild

TattooBuild is two things that belong together: a studio that turns your tattoo idea into a design you can take to an artist, and a blog of tattoo ideas, meanings and guides to help you work out what that idea is.

The story

Why it exists

TattooBuild was started by Daniel, who has been into both technology and tattoos for a long time. He wanted more ink but kept hitting the same wall: he couldn't find a way to show an artist what he was picturing. When AI image tools became good enough to draw what he was describing, he built TattooBuild so anyone could do the same.

We made these in the studio ourselves. Under each is exactly what we typed.

  • A panther's head tearing through the skin, mouth open, claws gripping the edges
    A panther's head tearing through the skin, mouth open, claws gripping the edgesUse this idea
  • A hannya mask wreathed in chrysanthemums, with wind bars sweeping behind it
    A hannya mask wreathed in chrysanthemums, with wind bars sweeping behind itUse this idea
  • A dandelion clock with its seeds blowing away and turning into small birds, in soft yellow and sky blue
    A dandelion clock with its seeds blowing away and turning into small birds, in soft yellow and sky blueUse this idea
  • An old pocket watch stopped at 4:17, its glass cracked, a single rose lying across the face
    An old pocket watch stopped at 4:17, its glass cracked, a single rose lying across the faceUse this idea

Principles

What we believe

  • The artist makes the tattoo.TattooBuild gives you a clear starting point. Your tattoo artist decides what will work on your skin, and their drawing time is worth paying for.
  • Honesty about what AI can do.It's quick and tireless at exploring ideas. It doesn't know how ink ages or how a body moves, so we say so on every page that matters.
  • Your ideas are yours.You decide which designs are public, and photos of your body stay private.
  • Respect for the craft.Describe styles, not living artists. Don't copy someone else's tattoo. For work rooted in a living cultural tradition, find an artist from that tradition.

The blog

Who writes the blog

673 tattoo ideas and guides on meanings, styles, placement, pain, cost and aftercare, written by Daniel and Mkpoikana Otu. The ideas in them can be opened in the studio as a starting point.

Questions, ideas or something not working? Email support@tattoobuild.com or use the contact form.

Daniel270 articlesMkpoikana Otu402 articles

Try the studio Daniel built

Describe your idea in a sentence and see it drawn.

Design it free

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