InkLink

Getting a tattoo is a pretty big commitment, so the research in choosing the right artist should reflect that. For me, that meant alternating between three different apps, browsing through thousands of artist profiles for hours at a time. The process? Frustrating.

If I found an artist I liked? Great! Except they were based in Korea. Found one nearby? Sorry, fully booked until 2025. After what felt like the hundredth “almost,” I started wondering: why isn’t there a better way to do this?

I figured I couldn’t be the only one, so I set out to validate the pain points with some user research.

User Interviews

To better understand the landscape, I interviewed 10 people with a range of tattoo experiences, from first-timers to seasoned collectors. Here’s what came up again and again:

  • People want search results tailored to their needs. They want filters that actually matter: Style, location, price range, availability.

  • They don’t want to waste time. It’s common to spend hours exploring an artist only to find out they're booked indefinitely or not taking new clients.

  • They expect reliable, up-to-date info. Too often, basic details like price estimates or booking status are missing.

  • Trust in the artist is everything. If someone’s going to put permanent art on your body, you want to know you’re on the same page.

  • Communication is key. Clear, easy contact with the artist helps reduce anxiety and build trust.

Current Pain Points

The common “link”? Everyone wanted a smoother way to discover, evaluate, and connect with tattoo artists. But the current platforms weren’t cutting it.

The key issues:

  • No organized way to search through a sea of artists.

  • Outdated or missing info makes planning difficult.

  • No sense of connection between client and artist.

Meet Cara, Jenn, and Chris

I created journey maps for three personas, each with different goals and frustrations.

  • Cara is getting her first tattoo and feels overwhelmed by options.

  • Jenn has a clear vision and wants an artist who matches her style.

  • Chris is traveling and needs someone local with availability soon.

These maps helped me empathize and highlight different emotional peaks and valleys in the process.