By Bethany Cody

Topic: AI

Thursday, 6 August 2026, at 12:28 pm

Thursday, 6 August 2026, at 1:53 pm

Tattoo artist Courtnii Shore gets many requests that are made by AI.

In short:

Some tattoo artists say people use AI to create designs.

The tattoo industry says AI can be helpful, but customers may not know what is possible.

What's next?

Artists want people to trust them to create good tattoos.

Tattoo artists are worried about customers asking for AI-made designs, which can have mistakes.

Adelaide tattoo artist Courtnii Shore says one in four requests has AI images.

Sometimes, the requests look like they were written by AI.

People ask ChatGPT what they want, then copy it to us.

It's very common now. People trust AI, which sets unrealistic expectations. People seem to really trust what AI gives them.

AI-made tattoo designs can have too much detail or mistakes.

At Stu Pagdin's studio, three in four requests have AI-made tattoos.

The images look the same, have many details, and often have mistakes.

Some AI designs spell things wrong.

When we talk to clients, they don't know about the mistakes. We ask, 'What is this part?' and they don't know.

Stu Pagdin says some AI designs have spelling mistakes.

Brenton Eldridge says AI images pressure young artists.

A person comes to the studio with an AI image and wants a quote. They're not ready to hear it's not practical.

It creates conflict.

Tattoo artists see more AI-made images in requests.

AI is a good tool, but it has limits.

AI can help artists create designs, but it's hard for clients.

AI can help artists try things, but clients don't know what's possible.

AI doesn't know how designs will look on skin over time.

Paul Briske says AI doesn't consider where designs go on the body.

Tattoos must be a certain size for details to last.

Some details are too small to do on hands or legs.

Paul Briske wants people to be creative, not rely on AI.

Unfortunately, AI does the art for us.

Courtnii Shore says creating designs is the best part of her job.

Artists want people to slow down and work together.

It's nice to see your tattoo idea, but it's also the best part of our job.

See more ABC coverage

Promotion

Praticar Escuta