InkUs Mobile App

A 2021 study by Statista found that 26% of Americans have at least one tattoo – a number that is only growing. Between 2017 and 2022, the tattoo industry has grown an average of 8.4% a year, outpacing the US economy (Source). Millennials are the most tattooed generation, and with more Gen Z turning 18 every year, the demand for these services is exploding (Source).

Those interested in tattoos often struggle in two areas: the concept and finding an artist. People searching for tattoo ideas often scour the internet, from Pinterest to Instagram to Google Images, but no platform has tattoo-specific search functionality. With so many styles, from Japanese to New School to Micro and more, it can be hard for people new to the industry to find their perfect match. And even when they do, next comes the search for the perfect artist. Just like tattoo concepts, there is no central platform to find artists nearby or view their portfolios.

Joe Ankae, a tattoo artist himself, realized there must be a better way. Rather than relying on a multitude of disconnected platforms, he wanted to design a place where artists could share their work and customers could find inspiration and artists. That’s how he came up with InkUs – designed by tattoo artists, for the tattoo industry.