Blackdot's Automated Tattoo Device Makes Its Debut at Bang Bang Studio in New York City

Blackdot, a tech company based in Austin, Texas, has introduced what it calls the world’s first "automatic tattooing device." On a hot May afternoon, founder and CEO Joel Pennington gave me a tour of the small, clinical-looking studio where the device, roughly the size of a refrigerator, was on display. This innovation has sparked debate within the tattoo community, with some embracing it and others fearing its impact on the traditional art form. Pennington, a former head of global business development in industrial cybersecurity at Cisco, founded Blackdot in 2019 after noticing a common thread—tattoos—among the most memorable individuals in coffee shops around the world. The device uses proprietary software to convert images into a ".tattoo" file format, which directs the machine to create detailed designs using a method similar to pointillism. Tiny, precise dots are applied to the skin, creating high-resolution, vivid tattoos. Unlike human artists, the machine automatically dispenses a sanitizing liquid and uses a suction system to remove excess ink, potentially reducing discomfort and improving the longevity of the tattoo by avoiding ink blowouts. One of the first clients to test the device was Dominique Bird, a Texas-based content creator. Her session, lasting about six hours (with only 50 minutes of actual tattooing), resulted in a hyperrealistic rendition of the Mona Lisa on her inner bicep. Despite receiving backlash online, Bird’s tattoo remains unblemished 18 months later, demonstrating the machine’s precision. Bird notes that the pain level was relatively low, typically between zero and two out of ten, due to the device’s gentler approach. Bang Bang tattoo studio in New York City, known for tattooing celebrities like Rihanna and Selena Gomez, has become one of the first commercial adopters of the Blackdot device. The studio is currently using it to offer text-based tattoos, with clients choosing from a curated selection of fonts. Over 800 people have signed up for the waitlist, and Bang Bang's founder, who tested the machine on himself, is impressed with its precision and potential. The device, Pennington emphasizes, is not a robot; it lacks the ability to make high-level, autonomous decisions. Instead, it is operated by a human who can override or stop the process. Currently, the machine is best suited for specific types of tattoos, such as intricate and highly detailed designs, and works on relatively flat surfaces like arms and legs. Plans are in place to expand its capabilities to more complex areas, but hardware upgrades will be required. Blackdot’s business model involves leasing the machine to select tattoo studios, fashion houses, and med spas. They also aim to centralize tattoo art by creating a marketplace where artists can license their designs to Blackdot. Each time a design is used, the artist receives a royalty payment. This approach also includes the option for clients to receive an NFT (non-fungible token) certifying their tattoo as unique. Pennington believes this model can address the issue of artists having their work copied and posted online without credit. The technology has been met with mixed reactions. Some in the tattoo community view the device as impersonal and fear it could lead to job loss. Prominent tattoo artists like Austin-based Dillon Forte and Ink Master winner Bobby Johnson have expressed skepticism, questioning its ability to replicate the detailed, unique designs that human artists are known for. Forte notes that the machine might not appeal to those looking for more traditional, hand-drawn tattoos. Johnson adds that if artists feel threatened, they should focus on developing unique skills and standing out in a crowded market. Proponents, such as Bang Bang and Bird, see the device’s advantages. Bang Bang suggests that the machine’s consistency and precision might appeal to clients seeking perfect text or highly detailed designs. Bird counters some of the criticism by pointing out that the device caters to a different clientele, often those who might not otherwise get a traditional tattoo due to cost or other factors. The remote collaboration feature, where an artist can join the session via video call, is proposed as a way to preserve the personal connection between the artist and the client. While the Blackdot device represents a significant technological advancement, its adoption raises important questions about the future of an ancient art form. Critics and supporters alike acknowledge that the machine’s role in the tattoo industry will likely evolve over time, and the balance between technology and human creativity will continue to be a key discussion point. The initial reception at Bang Bang, however, suggests that this innovative tool might find its place in the world of tattoos, albeit slowly and with cautious optimism. Industry insiders note that while the machine's precision and potential for scalability are compelling, the emotional and personal aspects of tattooing are not easily replicated. The human touch, personalized consultations, and the shared experience between artist and client remain integral to the art of tattooing. As such, the Blackdot device is more likely to complement rather than replace traditional tattoo artists, offering a new avenue for those interested in highly precise and potentially ephemeral designs.