Non-fungible tokens are forever changing the way we transact, collect, and trade various types of assets. Early NFT art projects have already proven to be popular amongst collectors and investors alike and have forever changed the way artists create and sell their artwork.
This observation made me wonder, are NFTs transforming the tattoo industry as we know it? After speaking with Ethernaal—a decentralized and collective organization for the tattoo industry—I discovered just how NFTs are transforming tattoos.
NFTs are changing the tattoo industry for good. NFTs
allow personal tattoos to be collected, traded, and displayed on digital platforms for everyone to view. This means that artists have more opportunities to portray their work, attain new customers, collect royalties, and reach a larger audience than ever before.The ability to create and own a tattoo on a digital ledger via the blockchain brings new opportunities to both the artists and the people who are getting tattoos. Think about it. You are able to sell a tattoo that you currently have inked on your body.
Imagine owning the digital version of Tupac’s famous “Thug Life” tattoo. Well, now you can thank NFTs and blockchain technology.
How Are Tattoos Turned Into NFTs?
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. How do you turn a physical tattoo into a digitalized non-fungible token?
Turning a tattoo into an NFT is quite simple. First, the artist creates a draft of the design which is presented to the client before receiving the tattoo. After approval, the draft goes through a process of digitalization and then it is minted on the blockchain into an NFT. Various traits and notes may be written into the smart contract of any NFT tattoo.
Julien with Ethernaal Tattoos explains the process in simple terms. Basically, the artist drafts what is called a flash. A flash is a handmade piece of art that is scanned, framed, and then it is minted into a non-fungible token. The flash can be taken to any tattoo artist to have the art inked onto your skin.
Essentially, as long as you are able to get the tattoo into a digital format, then you are able to create an NFT tattoo.
Why Turn Your Tattoo Into An NFT?
Approximately 30% of all Americans have at least one tattoo, proving that tattoos are very popular as is. So, why would anyone want to turn their tattoo into an NFT?
Turning your tattoo into an NFT comes with multiple benefits. With an NFT tattoo, you are able to pass your tattoo down to your children and even sell your tattoo on a secondary marketplace. Also, people who don’t want to ink their body, can now acquire tattoos in digital form and collect more tattoos than ever before.
But wait, there’s more! Imagine a brand like Gucci creating its own tattoo. In order to get this tattoo, you would have to purchase the tattoo in digital form as a non-fungible token and then if you would like, you could have an artist tattoo it onto your skin.
This is just one example of how a non-fungible tattoo can be used for advertising and marketing for businesses.
Moreover, tattoos are amazing pieces of art that share the story of the people who wear them. Normally, when people pass on, so does the history and memories of every tattoo. With NFTs, this has changed.
Tattoos can now be displayed for years to come, even if the beloved person isn’t around anymore. Meaning you can share your tattoos and artwork with family and friends for generations and even leave a special note in the smart contract for everyone to see.
The Cost To NFT A Tattoo.
I know that going to a good tattoo artist generally means you will be paying a premium price. This made me genuinely curious to know how much it costs to get a tattoo NFT. After my talk with Ethernaal, here’s what I found out.
The cost to NFT your tattoo is up to the tattoo artist. Expect to pay at least $50-$350 for a good NFT tattoo. This fee will usually include the cost to mint, supplies, and the design itself. Expect to pay more if the artwork is from a renowned artist or brand.
Ultimately, the cost will vary.
Are You Able To Sell Your Non-Fungible Tattoo?
Selling NFTs is the new norm, but how about selling your tattoo? Selling your tattoo may be something you would have never thought about until now.
Thanks to the digitalization of tattoos and blockchain technology, you are now able to sell your tattoos on secondary marketplaces. Depending on the smart contract, you are able to add in a special note every time the NFT is traded as well.
Selling your tattoo can be as easy as selling the art and rights to that artwork in NFT form, or even using your tattoos as marketing.
How cool would it be if you could purchase one of your favorite artist’s tattoos? Whether it’s Tupac’s famous ‘Thug Life’ tattoo or Mike Tyson’s iconic facial tattoo, imagine being able to buy those tattoos and own a piece of their legacy.
Can You Mint An Existing Tattoo?
Understandably, some people may want to turn their current tattoo into an NFT, however, this may prove to be more difficult than minting the tattoo before it is on your body.
It is possible to mint an existing tattoo into a non-fungible token but, it will require additional work. The tattoo would have to be re-created either by hand or on a digital program. After the tattoo goes through the digitalization process, the piece can then be turned into an NFT.
Another way to do this would be to simply take a picture of the tattoo on your body, digitalize it, then mint it into a non-fungible token. This is probably the easiest way, but may not be the most preferred way due to decreased quality.
Overall, your best bet is to create the NFT tattoo first before getting the art inked onto your body.
How Tattoo Artists Are Benefitting From NFTs.
I think it’s important to understand that not only are clients benefiting from NFT tattoos but so are the tattoo artists. Before NFTs, tattoo artists mostly depended on word of mouth to share their work and build a respectable reputation. With NFTs, there are a lot more opportunities for artists.
Tattoo artists benefit from being able to turn their work into NFTs because they gain exposure from multiple marketplaces and platforms. Also, NFTs allow artists to supply their clients with digital tattoos before they ever get the work done on their bodies. You can buy a tattoo from an artist in another country, but get the actual ink done locally.
Another way tattoo artists can benefit from NFTs is the fact that they are able to earn royalties for all their work. When an artist first mints a tattoo, they can choose to put in a royalty percentage of choice and earn that percentage of the sale price on every secondary sale.
Who’s Getting Tattoos As NFTs?
Getting a tattoo in NFT form may not seem very popular now, but I believe in the future getting an NFT to accompany your physical tattoo will be the only way to do it.
You may want to consider getting your next tattoo as an NFT if you don’t want to ink your body or if you’re a client who has run out of space on your body. As well, if you would like to pass your tattoo down to your children or someone special to you, NFTs make that possible.
Many celebrities will get their tattoos as NFTs so they can keep their legacy going and even earn a profit from their tattoo if they were to put it up for sale.
In all reality, non-fungible tokens provide new opportunities for every tattoo artist, client, and anyone who may have been hesitant to get a tattoo due to fear or beliefs.
Now that you are able to digitally own your very own tattoo, I think we will see even more people buying tattoos and more artists gaining exposure.
