Has anyone used AI tools to explore tattoo cover-up ideas?

shawwang

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a small discussion about AI tools and personal style.

Some people use tattoos to cover old tattoos, marks, scars, or designs that no longer feel right for them. Before speaking with a tattoo artist, it can be hard to explain what kind of new design you want.

I recently came across the idea of using AI image tools to explore possible tattoo cover-up directions before a real consultation with a professional artist. The AI would not replace the artist, but it might help someone collect visual ideas and communicate their preferences more clearly.

I’m curious whether anyone here has tried using AI tools for something like this, or whether you think this kind of tool could be useful for people thinking about a tattoo cover-up or scar-related tattoo.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

SheffieldMan1976

I don't have tattoos in the first place, although I do use AI tools for other stuff such as music and 3D model creation.

WelshBlue

This is AI generated of something I'd like on my hand to disguise the missing thumb and index finger. Quietly saving for a 2 hourish sitting

Holly_Scope

I'd never thought to do this, but now you mention it it's a great way to try before you buy (so to speak).

@WelshBlue I absolutely love that tattoo idea - really cool!

66Mustang

I have lots of self harm scars; I know it shouldn't be a source of shame any more than any other injury, but I thought about having tattoos to cover them up. The issue is I'm not too much of a tattoo person!! It seems like tattoo designs are always quite gothic / dark / heavy metal / biker-type designs and I'm more of a person that likes Squishmallows and buzzy bees 😆 I definitely went through all the dark interests in my teens, funnily enough while I was self-harming, but now I've kind of gone the total opposite way. Are there any tattoos that are on the "soft" end of the scale as opposed to the "hard" end, if someone knows what I mean by that?

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1133459#Comment_1133459

The problem with a lot of tattoos is that they're just monochrome. If you get them colour-filled, that makes them a lot less goth/biker. But it does take more time and costs more money, of course. I don't see anything wrong with having a smiley bumble bee on your arm if that's what you'd like!

WelshBlue

@66Mustang … the world is your oyster in tattoo designs. My wife is very feminine and all her tats' reflect that. Nothing at all 'hardcore biker' about them. It's a case of sitting down with your artist and discussing what you'd like. They'll also have lots of books for you to choose from … also anything you fancy online.

I must admit covering some of her SH scars has given my daughter a lot more confidence with clothes. Not that she's ashamed, just in a different stage of life

@Holly_Scope … I've got the ball rolling, my wife sent the image to her artist and he's quoted 2 and a half hours but he'll give me a discount because we used to knock around together years ago. Result for £130. I'm booked in for August 😊

Rachel_Scope

That's so exciting @WelshBlue! Will you share a pic once it's done?

66Mustang

@WelshBlue

That's interesting about your daughter and I can understand it

I also wonder how visible self-harm scars are to people who've never experienced that kind of thing? I notice them on other people, but for the same reason I notice them, they don't cause me to think anything negative. I wonder if it's like that in general: like, people who notice tend to understand, people who wouldn't understand don't notice anyway?

Holly_Scope

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1133684#Comment_1133684

I love this! I cannot wait to see the finished article in a few months. 😁

WelshBlue

@66Mustang … I must admit before my daughter and her scars, I never noticed them on people, but since being aware … now I do. Sadly seems to be too high a number. As for people noticing … I like to think most understand. But I think to totally understand, you've had to have had that 'release' that cutting brings? I've only done it a few times when my PTSD first started manifesting into suicidal ideations … so, I 'get it'. Thankfully those scars pale into insignificance with some of the beauties I have … a not so pretty Frankenstein all the stitches I've had 😁

I'm just glad you're in that headspace to not be there 😊

@Holly_Scope @Rachel_Scope … deposit being paid tomorrow, so I can't chicken out … and doing a few lil' tweaks eg. plates with screw holes on the back of the hand. hopefully I get a cancellation to get it done sooner

I just want it to be interesting for those who stare at my hands 🤣(I'll see how much the left hurts before thinking about the right)

Rachel_Scope

Fingers crossed for the cancellation! Love your plan of seeing how much the first hand hurts before committing to the second 😂

66Mustang

Thanks @WelshBlue

Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you 👍